KDN:PP3233/01/2010(023235) Volume 34, No. 7 & 8 • July/August 2009 CONFERENCE OF CHRISTIAN MISSION SCHOOLS IN The Role Of Mission Schools In Nation Building

The Prime , YAB Dato’ Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak (centre), with YB Tan Sri Bernard Dompok, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department on his right, Ng Moon Hing, Chairman of the Christian Federation of Malaysia on his left, and YB Dr Wee Ka Siong, Deputy Education Minister next to Bishop Ng. rganized by the Malayan Christian Dompok who had taken a great interest in allowed to operate along the lines of the OSchools’ Council and the Mission Mission Schools in Malaysia. system practiced in Hong Kong where School Authorities of and the Government fully funds both the under the auspices of the Christian Opening Ceremony development and operational expenditure Federation of Malaysia, the Conference met This was graced by the Prime Minister, of the schools. The schools prepare the from 26 – 27 June 2009 in . YAB Dato’ Seri Mohd. Najib bin Tun students for a common examination Abdul Razak, at St John’s Institution, Kuala mandated by the Government under a Forty one representatives from Sabah, Sarawak Lumpur on 27 June 2009 at 11.00 a.m. In his common curriculum. and Peninsular Malaysia representing 425 speech, the Prime Minister acknowledged mission schools throughout the country the role and contribution of mission schools In other words, the policy is set by the were encouraged, affirmed and united by all these years. He said that the ethos and Government whereas its implementation their common concern in improving their traditions of the schools must be maintained is almost entirely left to the mission current high standards of education and and promised that the government will authorities which will hire (or fire) all the providing the best opportunities for the cooperate wherever possible. teachers and administrative staff. children attending these schools. Outcome: By the end of the conference, Interim Resolutions The Objectives were: a list of resolutions had been agreed upon While waiting for the Government to • To promote greater understanding, by the participants. These were refined study the above-mentioned proposal, the cooperation and cohesion among mission by a subcommittee who presented the Conference unanimously agreed that there school authorities in Peninsular Malaysia, Conference Resolutions to Tan Sri Bernard are other issues which could be addressed Sarawak and Sabah (including Labuan). Dompok on 7 July 2009, who will raise immediately by the Government and these • To obtain a wider perspective of them at the Cabinet meeting. have been summarized as follows: management, role and direction of 1. The principle of maximum consultation mission schools. If the resolutions materialize, exciting times between the Ministry of Education • To generate resolutions for the lie ahead and the Mission Authorities must and the Mission Authorities in the Government to act on for the welfare prepare themselves. By the Grace of God, appointment of Principals / Head and betterment of mission schools in the mission of the founding fathers will Teachers be strengthened the country. continue on and brought to a higher level. 2. Preservation of the character and ethos of • To establish the Federation of Christian To God Be the Glory! mission schools; that Boards of Governors Mission Schools Malaysia. continue to preserve this legacy. The Primary Resolution 3. Funding. Praise the Lord for this landmark meeting It was resolved that the best possible That the capital grants and full grant- of all Christian Mission School Authorities scenario ultimately for the involvement of in-aid which mission schools are in the whole of Malaysia. The conference mission schools in education in Malaysia was convened by YB Tan Sri Bernard would be for the mission schools to be >> continue on page 2 1 Tragedy Turned Into Blessing FOR KALMUNAI, SRI LANKA. n response to the tsunami tragedy in Sri Ebenezer Joseph, the President of the Sri ILanka in 2004, the Methodist Church Lanka Methodist Church. Several planning in Malaysia rallied around with the rest and consultation meetings followed, of the world to lend a helping hand. A interrupted and delayed by unstable political team comprising Leong Pook Seong, conditions that ensued throughout the next Bishop Hwa Yung, Shellatay Devadason and Mr Hemal Fernando, the Director of Methodist Relief Kala Devadasan and myself were quickly three years. & Development Service, outside the chapel of the sent (3-5 February 2005) on a relief and Evangelism Training College, Kalkudah. fact finding mission to identify the best The construction of the Methodist Livelihood way to assist them, within the resources Vocational Training Centre in Kalmunai was done so that a reserve fund may be built up made available to us through special finally completed and became operational for future sustenance. offerings that were taken in response to in March 2008. The staff load included an appeal by our Bishop Hwa Yung on 29 a Director, 4 instructors and 1 Caretaker 8 December 2008 was a special day for the December, 2004. cum Gardener/Cleaner. Three courses were above projects as it was the day both project offered in the area of Air Conditioning & centres were officially dedicated for the After extensive surveys of the devastated Refrigeration, Plumbing and Domestic Glory of the Lord, jointly by Bishop Hwa areas, interviews with victims and Electrician. The first batch of students Yung and Rev Ebenezer Joseph. It was an consultations with the Methodist Church numbered 31. The second batch included an apt occasion in which the care and concern of Sri Lanka, the team proposed that the additional course in Motor-Cycle Repair & of the Methodist Church in Malaysia in best and most long lasting option would Maintenance (from December 2008 - May responding to the tsunami was gratefully be to establish a vocational training 2009) and a total of 80 students graduated. acknowledged and celebrated with worship, centre for the tsunami victims who had The third batch is scheduled to commence dances, singing, garlands, speeches and lost their livelihood. Requests were also in July 2009. feasting! Though our journey was beset with made for the renovation of the Women’s so many uncertainties and unknown dangers, Hostel of the Kalkudah Evangelism Whilst the project has been a success it the Lord granted Bishop and me, a safe trip Training College which was badly is facing financial difficulties as it still and the joy of witnessing the mighty works damaged by the tsunami. has not become self sustaining due to the of God amidst a people redeemed from the poor economic and political situation of trauma of disasters and wars. Upon approval from both the Sri Lankan the country. Monthly, the Centre requires and Malaysian Methodist Churches, both RM10,000 as operation costs. It is planned Shellatay Devadason projects were launched with the signing to get outside work for the trainees for on Tamil Annual Conference of a MOU by Bishop Hwa Yung and Rev the job training and to charge clients for jobs

>> from page 1 6. Restoring the multi-ethnic character 10. That mission authorities / head teachers of Mission schools in terms of student be given the discretion of 20% of pupil entitled to, according to the Education enrolment and teaching staff. enrolments at Std 1 and Form 1; that Act 1996, be implemented Mission 7. Mission schools built on leasehold all Primary VI school children move schools have been unjustly denied land: that existing leases of mission automatically to the corresponding assistance due to them in the last 13 schools and leases which have lapsed secondary school. years since the Act came into force, and to be renewed at nominal premiums. 11. That upon written request Christian even before that. 8. Ministry approval and financial Clubs and Societies be given approval to Students in mission schools are citizens allocations for Meeting of Mission function in school and recognized as part of Malaysia and a majority of them are School Heads and administrators for of the school co-curricular activities. Bumiputra especially in Sabah and discussion of common challenges and 12. While we do not agree to students Sarawak. Every student in this country resolving of issues peculiar to Mission offering 17, 19 or 21 subjects, we has a right to receive quality education schools. propose the maximum number of guaranteed by a just and equitable 9. Every Mission School shall have a subjects a candidate can offer in the Sijil allocation of resources. fully functioning Board of Governors Pelajaran Malaysia be capped at 12. 4. A Special Unit in the Ministry of regulated by an Instrument of 13. That the subject, Bible Knowledge, be Education to deal with matters related Government as required by the taught to Christian students in mission to mission schools. Education Act 1996 Chapter 11, schools in place of Pendidikan Moral. 5. Designate selected mission schools Para 53 Management of Educational 14. That selected mission schools capable to meet the special needs of under- Institutions. of financing themselves be allowed achieving students who are unable to That the Board should be fully to operate as private educational fit into the normal schools’ academic, functional and open a Bank Account institutions. exam-orientated curriculum. for the management of funds accrued Mission schools envisage “a recovery of from Bookshop, Canteen and other Tay Choon Neo our historic mission to help the poor, the sources related to the use of grounds Deputy Executive Director helpless and the marginalized of society”. and buildings. Council of Education 2 Contents What is Happening in our Page 4-5 Bishop’s Page The Transforming Spirit – Annual Conferences? The Ultimate Power for Life Changes August Page 6 SCAC Methodist Convention World Federation of Chinese Methodist 07-09 Fri-Sun TRAC Spiritual Formation & Leadership Churches Missions Work Weekend 2 - Penang 13-15 Thu-Sat General Conference Executive Committee Page 7 TRAC Spiritual Formation & Leadership Weekend 22-24 Sat-Mon TAC Methodist Women Conference CAC Methodist Women Conference Page 8 - 11 Missions of the Methodist Church in Malaysia for the Coming Twenty Years. 22-26 Sat-Wed TRAC Methodist Women Conference Papers Presented at the 9th General 24-26 Mon-Wed CAC Senior Citizens Retreat Conference 2008 25-27 Tue-Thu SCAC Board of Family Wellness & Counseling - Page 12 Press Statements from the Christian Marriage Enrichment Retreat Federation of Malaysia 27-29 Thu-Sat SCAC Board of Evangelism - Bahasa Malaysia Page 14 50th Anniversary Evangelistic Musical Ministry Camp Rev Eugene McGraw (1909 – 2009) 29-31 Sat-Mon TRAC Young Adults Consultation SIAC District Lay & Pastors Convention, Advertise with Pelita 25-31 Tue-Mon TAC Week of Prayer and Self-Denial Organizations and individuals are welcome to advertise in Pelita Methodist. Businesses, Churches, Conferences, September events, personal greetings/messages can be considered. The rates per issue are: 04-06 Fri-Sun TRAC National Youth Counselors Retreat A4 Size Paper B/W Colour 07-09 Mon-Wed SPAC Executive Board Meeting Full page RM600 RM1,000 10-13 Thu-Sun TRAC Board of Ministry, President/DS, Half page RM300 RM600 Joint Boards/Executive Board Meetings Quarter page RM150 RM400 22-23 Tue-Wed SCAC Board of Christian Education – A discount of one issue is given for a year’s advertisement. Discipleship Teacher Training Please contact the Pelita office. Tel: 03-7954 1811 22-27 Tue-Sun , Chile E-mail: [email protected] 25-27 Fri-Sun TRAC BB/GB Consultation

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Contents 3 Bishop’s Page The Transforming Spirit — The Ultimate Power For Life Changes n the first of this series we looked at ‘The need not despair because ‘the Spirit of life authority He has made available to us. But IWaiting Father’, the one who meets our set me free from the law of sin and death ... the church often appears to have failed deepest longings for love and acceptance. in order that the righteous requirement of to take them seriously. Consequently we The second article dealt with ‘The Self- the law might be fully met in us’ (Rom 8: often live defeated lives and proclaim a Giving Son’ who through His death on 2,4). The sanctifying power of the Spirit is powerless and impotent Christ! the Cross addresses the most difficult the secret of victory over sin. existential problem faced by humans, the George Verwer, the OM leader for many problem of suffering. In this article we Again, Jesus told his disciples that anyone years, once wrote a parody of the great come to the third person of our Trinitarian ‘who has faith in me will do what I have hymn ‘Onward Christian Soldiers’ God, the Holy Spirit. been doing. He will do even greater things to describe the weakness of much of than these, because I am going to the today’s church. He titled it: ‘Backward Perhaps the most pressing practical Father’ (John 14:12). In other words, all Christian soldiers’ question that all of us face is, ‘Is change who believe in Jesus will be empowered possible?’ We see this most clearly in to do all that Jesus did in His earthly 1. Backward Christian soldiers, politics. Anwar campaigned in the last ministry, including his prophetic, healing Fleeing from the fight, election for change, and Najib sings the and deliverance ministries. Where would With the cross of Jesus, same tune today. Change was the keyword the power for this come from? Answer: Nearly out of sight. for Obama’s presidential campaign also. Because when Jesus returns to the Father, Christ our rightful master On the personal level, all of us struggle with he will send His Holy Spirit to empower Stands against the foe the same question. The wounded husband us (John 16: 7, 8). This same Spirit will Onward into battle, we or wife weeps in silence as he or she cries also convict the unbelieving world of seem afraid to go. for change in a broken marriage. A loving sin and guilt, and that salvation comes parent waits for her child to grow up and through Christ alone (16:8-11). This Chorus: change. A Christian struggling with inner promise was fulfilled at Pentecost (Acts 2) Backward Christian soldiers, sin longs for the power to know victory. when a frightened group of disciples was Fleeing from the fight, The list goes on. But, sadly, as is so often transformed into a force that With the cross of Jesus, the case in life, many of the promises to turned the world upside down for Jesus! Nearly out of sight. change ends with more of the same! As we say, ‘Cakap sahaja! Talk only lah ...’ In summary, the Bible tells us that the 2. Like a mighty tortoise Holy Spirit is given to all Christians and Moves the church of God. Where then do we find the power for genuine the church to advance the work that Christ Brothers we are treading, change? Is there any hope for change? It is begun on the cross, to bring salvation and Where we’ve often trod. at this point of seeming hopelessness that transformation to all humanity and the We are much divided, the Christian message of Easter comes loud world! It is a revolutionary message that Many bodies we, and clear: Jesus ‘was declared to be the tells us of the greatest power for CHANGE Having different doctrines, but Son of God in power according to the Holy in our broken world. Unfortunately, we Not much charity. Spirit by his resurrection from the dead’ Christians are too used to a powerless (Rom 1:4). The Holy Spirit which gave Christianity. We are often merely satisfied 3. Crowns and thrones may perish, life to the dead human body of Jesus is the with treating our faith as no different from Kingdoms rise and wane, ultimate answer to humanity’s longing for other religions which lacks the Spirit’s But the cross of Jesus the power to change. If He can raise the power to change! Hidden does remain. dead to life, what else can the Holy Spirit Gates of hell should never not do! We need to remind ourselves of Jesus’ ‘gainst the Church prevail, words: ‘You will receive power when the We have Christ’s own promise, but The Bible tells us repeatedly what the Holy Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will we think it might fail. Spirit can do. For example, King Saul be my witnesses’ (Acts 1:8); ‘All authority was told by the prophet Samuel before he in heaven and earth is given to me …Go 4. Sit here then ye people, became king that the ‘Spirit of the Lord and make disciples of all nations’ (Mat Join our sleeping throng. will come upon you in power … and you 28:18f); ‘Those who have faith in me will Blend with ours, your voices will be changed into a different person’ (1 do what I have been doing’ (John 14:12); in a feeble song. Sam 10:6). Or, often when we seek to live and ‘I will build my church and the gates Blessings, ease and comfort holy lives, we end up feeling like failures of hell will not prevail against it’ (Mat Ask from Christ the King, because the grip of sin is too powerful for 16:18). Jesus’ words here and elsewhere But with our modern thinking, us. But the apostle Paul tells us that we tell us of the tremendous power and We won’t do a thing.

4 Bishop’s Page Perhaps you think that George Verwer’s Much of this explosive growth has social revolution in the period 1763-1914 parody is rather unfair, and we can argue little to do with human methods and without widespread violence, England endlessly over this. But the only way to prove resources, but rather the result of powerful was admired by foreign observers for its him wrong is for us to live differently. manifestations of the Holy Spirit’s work. unique blending of personal freedom and For example, the stories of Prophet social stability.… As Halevy sees it, it was The leadership of the Methodist Church Harris and Simon Kimbangu are two of a matter of ’s acting in concert set as our theme for this quadrennium, the most amazing stories of revival and with other factors in the complex British ‘Spreading Scriptural Holiness, Trans- evangelism in Africa. You just have to scene which produced the England of the forming the Nation.’ This is a theme look them up on the net via Google. In nineteenth century. Wesley is assigned that goes back to and his the case of Harris, up to 200,000 people a constructive position in that overall colleagues. They believed that the reason were baptised in an amazing 18-month development. This interpretation may not for which God has called them forth to preaching ministry along the coast of sit well with Marxist philosophy, but it fits lead the Methodist revival in 18th century Liberia and Cote d’Ivoire in 1913-14. A very well with the historical data.’ In other England was ‘to reform the nation and, in few years later in Congo, Kimbangu, a words, Wesley and his colleagues may well particular, the Church; to spread scriptural man with little formal education, started have saved England from the sort of violent holiness over the land.’ to preach in 1921. He did it for 2 months, revolution that countries like France went was then arrested on the false charge of through in their quest for a better and more This theme and mission was formulated inciting rebellion, and thrown into prison just society. against a social background that is not thereafter for 30 years till his death. But too different from ours. In fact, in some the church he started today numbers some We come back to the question with which ways, it was even worse than our national 5 million members or more. In both cases, we began: Is change possible? The answer situation today. England at the beginning much of the advance of the gospel was of the Bible and of church history is a clear of the 18th century was marked by national due to the powerful work of the Spirit in and resounding ‘YES!’ Perhaps the real spiritual decline, gross immorality at all prophecy, healing and deliverance. When difficulty that many of us face is the question levels of society from the king downwards, we look at the way the church is growing of whether we are prepared for the long rampant corruption, and widespread rapidly today in China and other parts of haul. Living in an age of instant noodles poverty. Within this situation, the poor Asia, we find similar stories about the and instant coffee, modern creatures like were oppressed and neglected, and it is amazing power of the Spirit! us want changes fast, and preferably, by not surprising that many found their only yesterday! But it is instructive to remember solace in getting drunk! The work of the Holy Spirit is seen not that Wesley’s ministry spanned a total of only in ‘signs and wonders’ and church 53 years, from the beginning of the revival Wesley and his colleagues preached the growth, but also the transformation of in 1738 till his death in 1791. Clearly gospel of free salvation in Christ, and the individuals and societies. This brings us Wesley laboured long years to bring about poor especially heard them gladly! This led back to the Methodist revival of the 18th the spiritual and social impact he exerted to widespread evangelism, church growth, century under Wesley. Some historians upon England. Indeed the revival went on and spiritual revival in the nation, which (especially Marxists and secularists) altogether for about 100 years, with other contributed much to the moral regeneration generally seek to minimise the impact of Methodists carrying on where Wesley left and transformation of individuals and Wesley and the early Methodists on social off after his death. society. This explains their consciousness change. But others have argued that early of the call ‘to reform the nation and, in Methodist played a significant role in the In the generation after Wesley, the most particular, the Church; to spread scriptural transformation of England. significant group of Christians in socio- holiness over the land.’ The question is: Do political change in England was the we believe that God can do it again? Ronald Stone (John Wesley’s Life and Clapham Sect, whose leader, William Ethics, Abingdon, 2001, p. 226) has Wilberforce, led the fight against slavery in The 20th century has seen an unprecedented suggested that Methodism did much the British Empire. (You can see his story in growth of the church throughout the to reduce poverty in English society. the recent film, ‘Amazing Grace.’) Though non-western world. In Latin America, He sums up the evidence as follows: Anglicans, they were clearly influenced by Pentecostal forms of Christianity have ‘In fact, the Wesleyan-organized cell Wesley and the Methodist revival. They grown phenomenally in the past 100 movements provided the discipline, hope, fought a long battle in Parliament and in years. Their impact has been so significant organization, learning, and networks the wider public for the abolition of slavery that David Martin, Emeritus professor that lifted many of the early Methodists and for moral reformation in society. From of sociology at the London School of out of poverty. Religiously inspired the day Wilberforce took up these issues in Economics, has asserted that they are communities of economic, ethical Parliament till the day the final abolition bill changing the social landscape of Latin orientation, and education may still be was passed, just a couple of days before his America. Africa, south of the Sahara, has one of the greatest antidotes to poverty death, it was a total of 46 years! Wesley’s essentially been turned into a Christian for many societies.’ and Wilberforce’s stories remind us that, continent with the percentage of believers whilst the Holy Spirit gives us the power in some countries as high as 90%. Even in Luke Keefer (‘John Wesley, The Methodist to change the world for good, nevertheless Asia, where Christians are proportionally and Social Reform in England,’ [http:// He expects us to be longsuffering and less, the church has grown like wildfire wesley.nnu.edu/wesleyan_theology/ persistent too! at different times in China, India, Korea, theojrnl/21-25/25-01.htm] 2000, p.8) goes Nepal, Philippines, Indonesia, as well as further. He asserts: ‘As the only nation in Come Holy Spirit to empower us and give other places. Europe which successfully carried out a us grace for the long haul!

Bishop’s Page 5 9th Session of SCAC Methodist Convention Bishop: Only Deep-Seated Repentance Leads to Revival he 9th Session of the Methodist would bring revival. The Bishop suggested TConvention, Sarawak Chinese Annual that our nation is also undergoing a lot of Conference (SCAC) was held from 3 - 5 political changes. Will our Church remain June 2009 in the newly renovated Masland as a vibrant mission oriented church and From left, Bishop Hwa Yung, Bishop Emeritus Methodist Church, Sibu. This once-in-three an instrument of transformation or will our Peter Chio, President Su Chii Ann, SCAC Lay year event reached a record breaking 1,500 Church be irrelevant to the nation? “Only Leader Mr Hii Ching Chiong and Dato Tiong Thai participants from all over Sarawak and when our hearts are changed and our church King, Chairman of Sibu Municipal Council. Sabah this year. made holy, can we be empowered and used by God to change our nation and the world.” members to have a better understanding of The main theme of the Convention is the church theme, to connect with the other “Spreading Scriptural Holiness, Trans- Other special topics included were “The churches and pastors, and to encourage forming the Nation” which is also the Future of Sarawak from a Christian active participation in the Convention and theme of the General Conference for this Perspective with Special Reference to in the church. quadrennium. Bishop Hwa Yung said in Blue Ocean Strategy,” “How Christians the Opening Message that such a theme can Influence Society Through Politics,” There were 30 minutes of praying time each actually came from John Wesley, the founder “Understanding Depression,” “God Opens day for three days during the Methodist of the Methodist movement. Wesley was the Door in China” and others. Convention. It was a very touching moment concerned about the need for spiritual and when 1,500 people raised their hands or moral reform in the nation and he understood Organising Chairman of the Convention, Mr knelt down in front of God to pray. God very well that only deep-seated repentance Hii Ching Chiong said in his welcoming speech works in ways that we cannot see and prayer that this was our Convention. It was a time is the beginning of action taken to spread for thanksgiving, a time for fellowship, a time scriptural holiness and transform the nation. for renewal and a time for action. The SCAC I was personally moved to tears when I Methodist Convention was first held in 1992 began to call upon the Lord to have mercy and since then once in two years or three years. on our land.

Rev Dr Su Chii Ann, President of SCAC in Winnie his opening speech said that the goals of the Connection Calling on the Lord Convention were 3-fold: to enable the church 15 June 2009 WFCMC Missions Work Vietnam and England as the New Mission Fields uring the recent Executive Committee The social work of the Cambodian Dmeeting of the World Federation of Methodist Church is encouraging. The Chinese Methodist Churches (WFCMC) Methodist School provides an opportunity in June in Hong Kong, the Chairman Rev which we can only dream of in other places. Dr Su Chii Ann reiterated that the main After a few years of concerted effort, it thrust for WFCMC is in Mission work. has developed into a well known school the Bible School, assume duties as District Therefore, this should be the emphasis of all in Phnom Penh. It provides quality and Superintendents and pastors, be involved in its committee. WFCMC has the following total education which is much needed in a administrative duty, running the Children committees: Worship, Communication, developing country like Cambodia. Homes, Methodist School and Student Religious Education, Theology, Missions Hostel ministry. Fund, Social Concern, and Mission & The Cosi Children Homes is another good Evangelism. example where the needs of children are WFCMC has decided to spread our wings provided for. We are now moving into beyond Cambodia now. We are looking Each member church (Australia, Hong Student Hostel ministry, providing affordable into Vietnam and England. It is fairly easy Kong, East & West Malaysia, Singapore and accommodation for students coming from to understand why we include Vietnam. But Taiwan), has one representative in all the other towns and villages into Phnom Penh you may ask why England? The situation committees. The committee on Mission and for their education. in England is there are now 12 Chinese Evangelism has Mr Richard Wong (CAC Methodist Churches but only four pastors. West Malaysia) and Mr John Ling (SCAC The Cambodian Methodist Church has its Besides, there are 100,000 Mainland Chinese ). own Bible School to train up future pastors studying in England each year in different to serve in the Church. universities. These students have to go back For the past few years, the main ministry to China after completion of their study. So of the committee has been in Cambodia. The Church now has 142 Churches, there are tremendous opportunities to reach Together with the 5,250 members, 11 elders, 19 deacons out to these students. of USA and Europe, the Korean Methodist and 108 preachers. In August 2008 it was Church, the Methodist Missions Society established as a Mission Conference, and John Ling, Chairman of Singapore, the WFCMC is pulling all hopefully within four years, it can become Committee for Mission and Evangelism the resources together to help establish the a Provisional Annual Conference. We shall World Federation of Chinese Methodist Cambodian Methodist Church. continue to provide personnel to help out in Churches

6 News from around the Conferences Spiritual Formation and Leadership (SFL)

he Institute for Christian Ministry bustle of their daily responsibilities and T(ICM), a newly set up agency of Trinity told to basically be alone and avoid outside Annual Conference has planned a number stimulus (except the Bible), each would of programmes for 2009. One of these is be compelled to pause, rest and reflect on the SFL Weekend retreats which is a four his/her life. If during this same period, a part module for the training of leaders in sprinkling of teaching sessions were added, spiritual formation. wherein each participant was invited to go to God with his/her wounds, many souls Two retreats running part one of the module would instinctively seek out Jesus for were held in February and April. Each healing and rest. retreat took up to 25 participants with four A teaching session spiritual companions and facilitators. Their I could not help but compare this to my focus was on building the inner-life of the own medical practice of ‘insisting’ that When life suddenly grinds to a snail pace, leader and disciplines like silence, solitude very vertiginous (giddy) patients be we tend to slow down and start looking at and scriptural meditations were integrated admitted in the hospital for complete rest life around us. The surrounding becomes into a weekend of teaching, reflections and in bed. I know from experience that if I suddenly more interesting and we tend interaction. were to allow these patients to go home, to appreciate God’s creation better. The they would not be resting in bed but rather humble shrub too can become an object Below is a reflection by Dr KT Lee, one of be pandering to the needs of their family of fascination with its unique branches, the participants of the SFL Weekend. or sneaking in some home/work chores! canopy of leaves and its glorious flowers The more they force their bodies beyond each in its God-appointed place. Harvest Haven, Gopeng their limit, the sicker they become and the (20-22 February 2009) longer they will need to recuperate. So On Sunday during breakfast, we were It was a quiet Friday morning at my clinic also, a period of silence and solitude is very allowed to break the Great Silence! Oh when I closed for the day at 1.00pm. My often NECESSARY to rest one’s soul and what joy it is to be able to talk, yak, laugh clothes had been packed the day before. allow it to rejuvenate and bask in God’s and have sweet fellowship. The group The map to the camp site was surprisingly presence. Quite often too, like the patient sharing was refreshingly candid and detailed and so I did not lose my way and with vertigo, Christians will not admit they encouraging. Many were refreshed and actually arrived early. However the road actually need soul rest. spiritually drawn closer to God. A few was a bit run down deeper in and unless confessed that they had been granted much you do not mind scrapping cow dung from Among the interesting things I learned needed rest for both their body and soul. your car tires, you need to slowly weave during the weekend was to read the All felt the closeness of God; personally on the road and negotiate your car like a Bible using Lectio Divina – read the real and collectively invigorating. commando to avoid the ‘dungmines’. scripture slowly, prayerfully, meditatively, repetitively and invite the Holy Spirit to We were challenged to serve God and put Located on a fenced area of 6.8 acres, the guide me and bring God’s words to life Him first in our lives. I came away from the campsite appeared like an oasis popping for me. We were taught that to focus on retreat strengthened and realizing that today out of a monotonous listless plantation God, we need to let our cluttered thoughts the need is for faithfulness and obedience landscape. It boasted of a swimming fly over us. The facilitators encouraged to build up the one body of the bride of pool, football field, basketball/volleyball/ us to still our wandering hearts in a quiet Christ – His Church. God is patiently futsal court and table tennis table. Alas, place. There we were to read and reflect on waiting for His people today, ordinary men none of these facilities were enjoyed as scripture while listening with our hearts. and women, like you and me, to stand up the participants were not supposed to talk, Only then do we respond to that which stirs and be counted. gesture or even have eye contact with each our souls. other when they practiced the disciplines Dr KT Lee of Solitude and Silence (though one was In another session, the participants were Wesley Methodist Church allowed to scream, “Fire! Fire!” etc. if the invited to reflect on the whole of their life Taiping need arose). Here, I must confess that I story and to identify their strengths and ‘cheated’ a little, sometimes nodding and weaknesses. St. Augustine wrote, “Man SFL 2 will be held from 6-8 August smiling upon receiving a simple courtesy possesses wisdom through dual knowledge at Stella Maris, Penang and 2-4 Oct at from other participants, most of whom – the knowledge of God and the knowledge Methodist Centre, Fraser’s Hill. Part were equally amateurish in playing the role of self.” We were also introduced to the 2 of this SFL Weekend will focus on of monastic monks. need to schedule our lives in a realistic and building Personal Leadership Skills practical manner, by integrating spiritual for Leaders. The focus is on looking The retreat officially started during dinner disciplines in our lives suitable to our life at leadership skills from a spiritual time and we were given the above mentioned stage, personality and interests. In other formation perspective. For more ground rules. We were also expected to eat words, as good stewards, we need to know information, please visit www.trac. our meals together at the same table in our body and take care of it holistically org.my and go to the Institute for silence and solitude. Now when a group – what author Ruth Haley Barton called Christian Ministry link. of adults is plucked from the hustle and “Sacred Rhythms”. News from around the Conferences 7 At the 9th Session General Conference in September 2008, four papers were presented on the topics Discipleship, Evangelism & Church Planting, Missions and Church & Society. These provided the basis for group discussions with the view of drawing up a roadmap for the Methodist Church in Malaysia. Three papers, in abridged form, have been published in the previous issues of Pelita Methodist. This is the final paper. Editor.

Rev Dr Tie King Tai from the Sarawak Chinese Annual Conference is the Principal of the Methodist Theological School, Sibu. Mr Wong Woay Ern is a member of the Chinese Annual Conference working with the Overseas Missionary Fellowship (OMF) Malaysia.

Missions of the Methodist Church in Malaysia For the Coming Twenty Years • Paper Writer: Rev Dr Tie King Tai • Research Assistant: Mr Wong Woay Ern

INTRODUCTION missions fields overseas, while supporting to advance the missions works. Among some short-term and sending the Palay people in Hatyai, Southern The following chapters of this paper are an short-term missions teams to support their Thailand, the language centre has 350-400 attempt to answer the questions raised by missionaries. Their vision and goal is to students, with missionaries and volunteers our Bishop and the GCEC in regard to the send 50 long-term missionaries in 2010 and based there. In Komering, TAC has been missions endeavor of the Methodist Church. 100 long-term missionaries in 2020. working there for more than 10 years The questions are summarized as below: with cell churches. In Myanmar, TAC has SPAC has been involved in local urban adopted 500 children for school education First, in the present Malaysian Methodist missions focusing on school youth ministry and helped the Methodist churches and Church missions endeavor, is there a and Chinese university students ministry. Methodist Theological Institute in Yangon problem of commitment and sacrifice in In overseas missions, SPAC has been while supporting the Tamil, Telugu and sending out long-term missionaries, not nurturing 53 needy kids in Khang Tong, Hindustani churches financially. In Sabah, only short-term ones? Myanmar with food, shelter and education. TAC has supported the Bonggi people, SPAC has also been supporting financially adopting one child for education and Second, when the western missionaries came six Wa District local pastors, and doing helping rebuild the parsonage. In Nepal, in the 19th and 20th centuries, they did many discipleship training for the minority people TAC has adopted five missionaries to work good things but also made many mistakes. groups in Kunming. in five unreached people groups. In India, Are we also repeating many of the mistakes TAC has adopted a church which is run of the past? TRAC has four adopted overseas countries by lepers and sponsored missionaries who with two in the ASEAN region and two in work among the lepers. TAC also works Third, every church and conference the Indian Sub-continent. Churches are among the migrants in Malaysia involving sometimes appears to be doing their own encouraged to adopt at least one of the four 16 TAC churches. thing. Is there a need for some sort of countries and be involved in missions work coordination? Can we begin to seek God for initiated by TRAC in collaboration with An Answer His leading to think through together how local missions partners. To answer the first question posted above: we should do missions, what should be our "in the present Malaysian Methodist Church priorities, and how we can become a truly CAC is a member of World Federation of missions endeavor, is there a problem of effective missionary church? Chinese Methodist Churches (WFCMC). commitment and sacrifice in sending out Along with SPAC, SCAC and other Chinese long-term missionaries, not only short-term Present Missions Endeavor Methodist Churches in Australia, Hong ones?" Yes, there is a certain commitment According to reports given by Boards of Kong, Singapore and Taiwan, they have joint and sacrifice by some Annual Conferences Missions of all six annual conferences and missions works in Cambodia and China. CAC in sending out long-term missionaries. presented to GCEC in August, 2007, each also has missions works in Myanmar and However, generally speaking, the majority annual conference has been involved in Thailand. In Myanmar, CAC has five primary are not doing so. More are involved in certain missions works in one form or another. Chinese schools and five churches, totaling adopting and supporting local people in The following paragraphs are a very brief 1,250 students, 49 teachers/pastors and more doing missions among their own peoples. summary of what they have been doing. than 3,000 church members. Besides, CAC More are involved in sending short-term also has work among the Akkha people, missionaries. Let us take a look at the growth A Summary having trained seven local pastors and rate of worldwide long-term missionaries SIAC has been working on reaching out training seven more youths as future pastors. over the years: to as many Iban longhouses as possible. In Thailand, CAC also works among the Meanwhile, SIAC is also doing missions Akkha people, having 23 churches, totaling In the 1970s, the number of non-Western work in . In years to come, they more than 2,000 members, and one Chinese missionaries was less than 1,000 hope to reach out to Shah Alam, Serdang, primary school, having 150 students. Seven and the Western missionaries were Melaka and Alor Setar. new graduates have become pastors. nearly 60,000. But by the end of 20th century, the number of missionaries SCAC has sent out and supported at least TAC has established MMM (Malaysian from the non-Western world had far 26 long-term missionaries serving in six Missionary Movement) about 15 years ago exceeded the number of missionaries 8 Missions from Western world. The growth rate For our purpose, we will look at only three No. 7. The Mistake of Sending Short- of Western missionaries had doubled of the above mistakes, namely, 3, 6, and 7. Termers, Not Long-Termers which meant up to 120 thousand from 60 thousand. But the growth rate of No. 3. The Mistake of Congregations Dr Winter again explains: the non-Western missionaries was 180 Sending Missionaries, Not Using Mission There are now almost two million short- times, which meant 180 thousand from Agencies. termers leaving the United States each 1 thousand.1 year compared to 35,000 long-term Dr Winter explains: missionaries. Note that the overall cost Are Malaysian churches, or more Today many congregations are large of short-termers is at least five times as specifically the Methodist Church, ahead enough and strong enough to feel that much as the overall cost of long-term or behind in sending out long-term they don't need a mission agency through missionaries. This means that instead missionaries?2 Just by looking at the AC's which to send their missionaries. This of doubling or tripling the number of Board of Missions reports above, we are is a new and widespread phenomenon long-term missionaries we're investing actually very behind in this aspect. We which ignores the great value of the at least five times as much money in need to do something about it. veteran mission agencies which can short-termers. Short-term trips are draw upon the insights of missiology wonderful education, but a very small Repeating Past Mistakes and the vast field experience which are accomplishment in missions. Worse still, We have looked at how majority of our lacking in the average congregation. It a short term is often scary enough or churches are only sending short-term may be true that some mission agencies useless enough to turn a young person missionaries instead of the long-termers. are more experienced and wiser than away from being a missionary at all8 Now let us take a look at some of the others, but to my knowledge there is mistakes made by the western missionaries no example of a local congregation It might be true that short term experiences that we might be repeating. When they came bypassing mission agencies with any would be too wasteful, too scary and too in the 19th and 20th centuries, they did many great success.5 useless in certain sense. Or some might use good things but also made many mistakes. short term experiences as an opportunity Are we also repeating many of the mistakes There is a tendency today for churches to travel or to ease one's conscience or to of the past? to bypass missions agencies in order to boast about one's experiences and have no avoid bigger expenses. It is true that some intention to go long term at all. In his penetrating and thought-provoking missions agencies need to review and revise paper3, Dr Ralph Winter4 listed and their budgets for the third world churches. However, short term experiences could explained twelve mistakes that the However, the third world churches have not be turned into long term commitments western missionaries have made over the taken into account the vast amount of money and fruitful experiences if handled and past century. Therefore they are not only needed to build up the missions fields in the supervised well by both the sending mistakes in the past but also in the present. long term process. churches and the receiving missions fields. It is only wise for us to take heed and to In SCAC, many long term missionaries had avoid the same mistakes: No. 6. The Mistake of Sending Only Money, been short term missionaries. 1. The Mistake of Starting Bible Schools, Not Missionaries Not Universities. The question remains for us to answer: 2. The Mistake of Only "Salvation in It seems that most churches in Malaysia are we repeating the past mistakes? If not, Heaven," not "Kingdom on Earth." which are keen to conduct annual let us move on; if so, let us make changes. 3. The Mistake of Congregations Sending missions conferences year after year are But how can we make changes if we are Missionaries, Not Using Mission content with setting faith-pledge goals not aware of the mistakes and coordinated Agencies. in reaching a certain amount of money. enough to learn from one another and move 4. The Mistake of Whole Congregations They are usually not targeting to have on together? Let us now turn to the subject in Direct Involvement, Not Professional certain number of missionaries to be sent of coordination in missions. Missions. out from their midst. It also seems that 5. The Mistake of Insisting That Devout churches have replaced missionaries with Coordination in Missions Followers of Jesus Call Themselves money to ease their conscience to obey We have looked briefly at the present "Christians" And Identify With the the Great Commission. missions endeavor in our Methodist Western Church. churches. We have also looked at some 6. The Mistake of Sending Only Money, Dr Winter clarifies that money can be possible mistakes that our churches might Not Missionaries. very helpful but there is no example be repeating in missions. Now, let us look 7. The Mistake of Sending Short-Termers, of harm to the cause of missions that is at the third area of concerns on the matter Not Long-Termers. more extensive than the careless use of of coordination in missions. It was pointed 8. The Mistake of Not Understanding money. Money is more easily corrupted out that every church and conference under Business in Mission and Mission in than missionaries.6 GC sometimes appears to be doing their own Business. thing. The question now is "Is there a need 9. The Mistake of Healing the Sick, Not This action of sending money only actually for some sort of coordination?" Eradicating Disease Germs. kindles a new kind of imperialism - spiritual 10. The Mistake of Thinking "Peace" Not imperialism whereby the giving church In the Missions Consultation organized "War." takes control of the receiving church, and by the Council of Missions on April 7-9, 11. The Mistake of Assuming Science Is a imposes its own culture and church model 2006, in Sibu, Sarawak, the same issue Foe Not a Friend. upon the latter. As a result, it stifles the of coordination was raised for the 34 12. The Mistake of An Evangelism That development of an indigenous church and participants, including Bishop and all six Is Not Validated And Empowered by produces a church that is dependent on the presidents to ponder upon. Bishop Hwa Social Transformation. giving church.7 Yung stated that the purpose of this meeting

Missions 9 was to share with each other our respective accomplish the Great Commission. Are we that at least twenty percent of their local work, to think, discuss and pray over the to do it by our local churches or individual church missions personnel and giving will question of coordination, and to see where annual conferences? Or are we to coordinate be channelled through MMS to fulfill the God will lead us in the future.9 all local churches and conferences and move MMS 2020 Vision. forward together? The consultation then spent time in MMS Singapore faces problems which pondering over the pros and cons of setting Please listen to Borthwick in giving us include "How do you help Singapore up an equivalent 'Methodist Missions precautions about working by ourselves in churches catch the excitement of the mission Society' for Malaysia. In view of our global missions: field? What is the role of MMS as a General situation, it was felt that it might not be the Conference agency? (There are many right time to do so. However, it was agreed ... While I zealously endorse a central different views about how to do missions that the Council of Missions should extend role of the local church in God's mission among our forty-three churches) How do its role by coordinating more effectively in the world - what one British pastor you care for missionaries? (Currently there with all Boards of Missions, meeting more calls "The Antioch Factor,” — I wonder are twelve full-time MMS missionaries and frequently, and looking into the questions of what the world will look like when rather five potential personnel)"14 missionary training process and curriculum. than 10 or 20 or 30 agencies sometimes The council would also take responsibility working in competition to evangelize a MMS Ireland15 for future Missions Consultations.10 country or a city, we have hundreds of The Methodist Missionary Society (Ireland) Western sending churches all creating is not a missions agency. It is the church Now, more than two years have lapsed since their own strategies for one locale? itself sharing in world missions. Every the consultation. It is time to ponder upon member of the Methodist Church in Ireland the issue of coordination again. The question In this regard, Todd Johnson observes, is a member of the Methodist Missionary for us to answer is "do we want the present "perhaps the most significant development Society (Ireland). It engages in partnership missions endeavor to continue as it is or do is the rise of specifically non-global plans. with overseas churches and inter-church we want more coordination?" Before we Without centralized planning, agencies bodies as they undertake the work of answer this question, let us look at some and churches are focusing more on missions both within and beyond their own possible mind-sets of local churches. specific peoples, countries, and regions. borders. It supports work with communities Except for the largest agencies [and in Ireland which originate in other countries. In Urbana Pastors Program message on churches], most work in thirty or fewer It engages in education, recruitment, fund- December 30, 2003, Paul Borthwick spoke, countries. As churches begin to work raising and prayer support. It sends and in his exposure to the church in North directly on the field, their emphasis is not receives cross-cultural mission partners and America, about the role of the local church global but local. The advantage of this needs more missions partners to meet an in the sending process: type of strategy is the availability of far increasing opportunity in world missions. more resources for reaching unreached I observe an "all or nothing" phenomena peoples. The disadvantage, which has GBGM-UMC USA in response to global missions. already been observed in places like The General Board of Global Ministries Some churches, overwhelmed and the former Soviet Union, is massive (GBGM) is the global mission agency of "globophobic," choose to do little or duplication of resources. What happens The United Methodist Church (UMC), its nothing (Stackhouse, p. 207). Small when thousands of individuals, churches, annual conferences, missionary conferences, budgets, survival mentalities, and local and agencies all have their eye on the and local congregations. It is organized challenges predominate and as a result, same new opportunity?" (Bonk, p. 46)12 into eight program areas, the Women's they do nothing beyond their immediate Division, and General Administration. sphere of influence. Therefore some kind of coordination is Making disciples, building up the church, definitely needed in order for our churches alleviating suffering, and promoting justice, At the other extreme are those who increase or conferences to work effectively in the freedom and peace are GBGM's missions their involvement in missions, implying or missions fields. Let us then take a look at goals. GBGM missionaries witness and directly stating that they want to return to some Methodist churches around the globe to serve in dramatically different locales and the Antioch model where they do it all. They see how they go about doing missions works cultures and engage in a range of professions want to take back [i.e., from agencies or in coordination. Then hopefully we can be and activities.16 denominations] the local church's priority enlightened to see what kind of coordination position in the Great Commission.11 in missions we can have in Malaysia. As we know, because of good coordination in the UMC utilizing GBGM, GBGM-UMC has Borthwick's observation of the church in North MMS Singapore blessed The Methodist Church in Malaysia America might also be true for the church in In an effort to coordinate and connect the for many years with its missionaries until Malaysia in the "all or nothing" phenomena in missions works done by congregations late 1960s. It has also blessed many nations response to global missions. Or in our context, under the Methodist Church of Singapore, around the world. We have much to learn it is not only true of local churches but might the Methodist Missions Society (MMS) was from this model to bless the world today, also be true of annual conferences. established in Singapore in 1991. However, including its streamlining plan announced in many Methodist congregations continue 1993. It is interesting to note and learn the Any biblically-minded and Christ-centred to be active in independent missions work reasons behind its streamlining plan17 churches or church leaders should not debate while in partnership with MMS13. The MMS anymore about the role of all churches and has developed a "2020 Vision" that involves Trying to explain a plan to downsize the conferences in global missions. All churches multiplying 800 Indigenous Churches United Methodist Church's missions unit, and conferences should be obeying the Great throughout the region in Cambodia, the denomination's largest agency, a director Commission to make disciples of all nations. China, Nepal, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos of the unit said the agency hoped to shed a But the question now is how we are going to and Timor-Leste in the future. The hope is "supertanker image" and become more like a

Missions "ballerina doing a pirouette.” The metaphors, still at the initial stage of learning how to End Notes mixed though they were, seemed appropriate bless the world. We are still at the stage 1 David J. Cho, ASIAN MISSION: at the recent annual meeting of the General of understanding and talking about what Historical Perspective, Asian Missiology, Board of Global Ministries as directors kind of coordination we need for our Vol. 2/No.l (2008), p. 36 / The Report of grappled with a complex task—reorganizing missions endeavors. However, right at Global Mapping International (Norway, a structure that supports 1,000 missionaries the beginning we can already learn how 2000) and field workers around the globe. to avoid mistakes made and how to work 2 Wong Woay Ern observes that with together more wisely. globalization, the definition of long term Hard financial facts lie behind the missionaries changes too. The term is not streamlining of the New York-based missions Preliminary Recommendation limited to those who live and minister agency. The agency faces a projected $1 The questions remain for us to answer: Is long term among foreign culture overseas. million budgetary shortfall next year, and there a need for some sort of coordination? It also refers to non-residential long term the emergence of strong churches overseas Can we begin to seek God for His leading missionaries whom for strategic reasons, makes it increasingly apparent that the as we think through together how we should choose not to live among the people that old donor-recipient style of carrying out do missions, what should be our priorities, they serve, but make frequent ministry missions is no longer appropriate. and how we can become a truly effective trips to the people. It also includes those missionary church? who are committed to minister among the Introducing a 12-page paper titled "Mission foreigners at their doorsteps. for a New Millennium" to the 180 directors, To answer the questions, we have at least three 3 Ralph D. Winter, To The New ASM: Messer said the group hoped to get "some options to do missions through our churches: Greetings from the West, Asian Society of sense of how you feel about these concepts 1. Continue with what we are doing Missiology, Bangkok Conference 2007. and principles. There is no sense in moving now. That is, individual churches or 4 Ralph D. Winter, Ph.D. is a senior mission ahead if we do not have some sense of conferences doing own missions works thinker who has been actively involved momentum and direction." The essence of the 2. Do some networking among annual from the beginning of the massive mission proposal is to combine two of the agency's conferences in terms of planning and transition from simply thinking in terms largest units, the domestic and overseas partnership. That is, more coordination of countries or individuals to thinking in mission units, into one, and to adopt a mission would be established; terms of peoples. He is founder of the U.S. philosophy emphasizing partnerships in 3. Set up a MMS type of agency, like the Center for World Mission, and is currently the mission field in place of the donor- ones in Singapore, Ireland, and USA, to chancellor of William Carey International recipient approach. The reorganized agency coordinate and move forward together. University. is expected to be leaner, more responsive, 5 Ralph D. Winter, To The New ASM: more efficient — and smaller. Respect for For the coming twenty years, we could Greetings from the West, Asian missions based on equal partnership would start to have more coordination for the Missiology, Vol. 2/No.l (2008), p. 200. mean, said Messer, "no longer will we ask first quadrennium. Then for the second 6 Ibid., p.202 the question, 'Does New York approve?’ but quadrennium, we should begin some kind 7 This thought of imperialism comes from 'How can New York help?’” of preparation work for the establishment Wong Woay Ern. of MMS. By the third quadrennium, MMS 8 Ibid, p. 202 Mainstream denominations around the could be in tentative operation. MMS 9 John Ling, Missions Consultation, 7-9 country have been emphasizing that should be in full operation by the fourth April 2006, Sibu. approach increasingly in recent years as and fifth quadrennial. 10 Ibid. churches planted in Third World nations 11 Paul Borthwick, URBANA PASTORS come of age and seek more control of their Conclusion PROGRAM MESSAGE December 30, own destinies — without giving up their ties In this paper, attempts have been made to 2003. Prepared for Peter Kuzmic as an to mother churches. In some cases mission answer three areas of questions raised by our integrative reflection paper for MS 1024, work has come full circle, with overseas Bishop and GCEC in order for our church “Missions in the World of Violence and churches sending their own missionaries to move forward in missions for the coming Clashing Civilizations” GCTS, Doctor of to the U.S. But the bottom-line philosophy, twenty years. Ministry in Missions and Cross Cultural Messer noted, would remain rooted in the Studies, Residency 2 LEARNERS, gospel mandate to seek out "the least, the First, we saw that in the present Malaysian PARTNERS, SERVANTS The North last and the lost.” Methodist Church missions endeavor, there American Church in Global Missions, is a problem of commitment and sacrifice in p. 13. We observe from the above report on sending out long-term missionaries. 12 Ibid., p. 15. GBGM-UMC's streamlining plan at least 13 George Martzen, THE METHODIST four reasons behind the streamlining Second, we also saw that we might be CHURCH OF SINGAPORE MISSIONS plan: 1. to tackle financial problem of repeating some, if not many, of the mistakes OVERVIEW, CSCA Occasional budgetary shortfall, 2. to have some sense of the past in missions works. Paper No. 2. FORMS OF MISSION of momentum and direction, 3. to replace ENGAGEMENT, A CSCA Forum, © donor-recipient approach with equal Third, we realize that there is a need for some The Centre for the Study of Christianity partnership at the emergence of strong sort of coordination. We should begin to seek in Asia, Trinity Theological College, churches overseas, 4. to be more efficient God for His leading as we think through Singapore, October 2006, p. 25. in responding to missions needs. together how we should do missions by 14 Ibid, pp. 28-29. having some kind of networking initially and 15 www.irishmethodist.org We need to understand that GBGM-UMC then having more centralized coordination 16 http://new.gbgm-umc.org has existed for many years in blessing gradually for the coming twenty years in 17 Christian Century, December 1, 1993, many nations with its missions endeavors. order that we can become a truly effective p. 1200 The Methodist Church in Malaysia is missionary church.

Missions 11 CHRISTIAN FEDERATION OF MALAYSIA (PERSEKUTUAN KRISTIAN MALAYSIA) Address: 10, Jalan 11/9, Section 11, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia Telephone: (03) 7957 1278, (03) 7957 146, Fax: (03) 7957 1457 Email: [email protected] CFM STATEMENT OF CONCERN ON THE SUDDEN DEATH OF MR. TEOH BENG HOCK Dear and Christian Church leaders, and our prayers go out to them for God’s grace circumstances while in the custody of our law and comfort to face this difficult period. We enforcement agencies so that any element of armest Christian greetings in Christ encourage church leaders to express their foul play may be ruled out. WJesus from the CFM. prayers and condolences to the family. We call upon our fellow Christians in In recent days the Christian community in As Christian citizens of Malaysia we pray that government and in the political parties to also Malaysia has been truly appalled and saddened Almighty God will guide the inquest and the seek to leave no stone unturned in seeking by the sudden death of Mr. Teoh Beng Hock Royal Commission of Inquiry to unearth the the truth of the death not only of Mr. Teoh in strange and unclear circumstances on the truth, to uphold justice and to bring closure but the many others who have died whilst in morning of 16 July. to the very unfortunate death of a young man the custody of our law enforcement agencies. with a bright future ahead of him. Every human life is precious in the sight of The Prime Minister himself has personally Almighty God. Every family of each deceased promised Mr. Teoh’s parents that every effort We also pray that the Lord God will help us person has the right to know the truth behind would be made to find out the cause of the to seek an end to the many deaths in custody the death of their loved one. political aide’s death (NST, 29 July 2009). that occur all too frequently in our prisons, To this end the Government of Malaysia detention centres and lock-ups. [According May we together in love and patience grapple has convened an inquest to look into the to SUARA RAKYAT MALAYSIA’s 2008 with the issues of the day in seeking to act circumstances of Mr. Teoh’s death and to Human Rights Report, citing government justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly inquire if anyone was criminally liable. At the statistics, in 2008 itself there were 13 cases before God (Micah 6 : 8). This is the very least same time, a Royal Commission of Inquiry of deaths in police custody while 255 deaths that God demands of us. will be set up to inquire into the investigatory were recorded in prisons.] procedures of the MACC. The very least that must be demanded of Bishop Ng Moon Hing, Collectively as a community we want the relevant authorities and which they in Chairman and the Executive Committee, to express our deepest condolences and any event should at least do is to thoroughly Christian Federation of Malaysia sympathies to the family of the late Mr. Teoh investigate every loss of life in ambiguous 31th July 2009

PRESS STATEMENT of a truly multi-racial, multi-cultural and common decency. All God-fearing and peace- GOING ABOUT THINGS multi-religious society where everyone is loving Malaysians, regardless of their faith THE WRONG WAY able to profess and practice their own faith traditions, should rightly distance themselves free from the interference of the authorities, from such conduct. he Christian Federation of Malaysia whether civil or religious. Tdeeply regrets the surreptitious manner Thirdly, Christianity has nothing to hide. If in which information was gathered for, and Secondly, no right-thinking publication and people indeed seek the truth, if they are the publication by the magazine Al Islam editor should have stooped so low so as to curious about what Christianity is all about, of, the article entitled “Tinjauan Al Islam condone, let alone permit, this so-called what Christians do, what Christians believe, Dalam Gereja: Mencari Kesahihan Remaja investigative piece of journalism (if the article they need only ask. If they sincerely wish to Murtad” in its May 2009 edition where the can even be called that) to be published. The learn, we welcome them with open and loving “investigators” took it upon themselves to be authors of this article clearly failed in their arms, as we do people of all faiths, or of none, “undercover spies and policemen”. stated aim as described in their chosen title into our churches and seminaries to learn more – to seek the truth about Muslim youths who about Christianity. There is no need to snoop Firstly it is not proper or acceptable for had converted to Christianity. It should have or to spy. Doing so is merely going about adherents of one religion to spy on worshippers ended there. That it went further, and led to things the wrong way. of another. Matters of faith and belief are the actual publication of the article and the personal, and it should not be the case that proud disclosure of acts which can only be Finally, we trust that the authorities will do citizens of Malaysia should be made to live in described as religious desecration (by the the right thing and take the necessary action to fear of professing and practising the religion illicit and wrongful participation in the rite correct the wrong that has been done. of their own free choice in public. Regrettably of Holy Communion of Christians without the interpretation/existence of certain laws, understanding its meaning and consequences), customs, practices and teachings in Malaysia only goes to reveal the moral, ethical and The Rt. Revd. Ng Moon Hing has bred a type of religious imperialism, journalistic bankruptcy of the editors of this Chairman, Executive Committee intolerance, intemperance and illegality which publication. The sacrilegious behaviour of Christian Federation of Malaysia is unhealthy and unhelpful in the development the authors simply breached all standards of 17th July 2009

12 CFM Press Statements GRACE METHODIST CHURCH, Sentul is seeking candidates for the position of TADIKA PRINCIPAL Please write in with full resume, copies of relevant certificates Requirements: and a non-returnable photograph to:

• Matured Christian lady The Principal • Minimum qualifications SPM Tadika Senyum Manis • Preferably with teaching experience especially in Kindergarten 22, Jalan Sentul • Possess pleasant personality 52000 Kuala Lumpur

WESLEY METHODIST CHURCH, KAMPAR 4. Between 25 – 40 years old. is looking for a 5. Must be able to relate to and engage secondary school youths and campus students. 6. Must be able to work independently and also with a team. YOUTH WORKER 7. Be prepared to work late to facilitate the campus and youth ministries. The Responsibilities: 8. Ability to speak and/or write Chinese will be an added advantage. 1. To direct and co-ordinate all work relating to ministry with campus students. Please send all applications to: 2. To assist in the youth ministry of the church. The PPRC Chairman The Person: Wesley Methodist Church 13, Jalan Kuala Dipang 1. A matured Christian Taman Mutiara 2. Possesses a college diploma or university degree. Related 31900 Kampar, Perak D.R. ministry experience will be considered. 3. Possesses at least a Local Preachers’ Licence or is working The closing date for submissions is 31st October 2009. towards its completion Only short-listed candidates will be invited for an interview.

RECRUITMENT NOTICE

Council of Education, Methodist Church in Malaysia Senior Administrator In Methodist Private School

FUNCTION OF WORK: • possess a Degree in Education or officials, church officials, and other To assist the School Principal in equivalent stake-holders managing a private secondary school • Be a committed Christian in consonance with the fundamental • Have an extensive knowledge and Interested, please: philosophy of Methodist Education and understanding of pedagogy Email to [email protected] or the provisions of the Education Act 1996. • Well-informed on assessment and Post or fax your resume to : monitoring The Executive Director LEVEL OF WORK: • Able to contribute to the Methodist Education Centre Management, Administration and professional development of 67, Jalan 5/31, Supervision colleagues through coaching and 46000 Petaling Jaya, Selangor mentoring, demonstrating effective Fax: 03-79583346 CRITERIA practice, and providing advice Tel: 03-79565310 • Should have experience in teaching, and feedback. preferably also in educational • Provide leadership in the school administration • Able to relate to parents, government

Notices and Announcements 13 Experiencing God – The Musical: A presentation to move the masses Block off Nov 29 and Dec 5 in your diaries if you want to experience life-altering change.

ne of the highlights in Trinity As an offering of worship to God created to OMethodist Church Petaling Jaya’s bring the audience face to face with the cross events calendar as she celebrates her 50th in all its intensity and passion, “Experiencing year of God’s faithfulness is an evangelistic God – the Musical” will open eyes to see how musical to be presented towards the end of deeply God loves us and bring all to a point the year. where the only response to Him would be to say, “Lord, You have captured my heart with Certainly, both performances of “Experiencing Your love. God – The Musical” are not to be missed. A powerful call to the people in the pew to rise “I say yes, Lord, I will follow You! up out of the ordinariness of their Christian life and join the living God in the exciting “Use me, send me!” work of reconciling the world to Himself, it was originally created by Claire Cloninger Indeed, after witnessing this musical of Word Music and Gary Rhodes some 10 spectacular which is the first of its kind in years ago, based on the Christian believer Trinity Methodist Church’s history, it is programme of the same name developed by going to be difficult for anyone to ever be the Dr Henry Blackaby. same again!

Since the musical version first took to the So, make a date with God on Nov 29 and Trinity Methodist Church’s production of stages of many churches around the world, it Dec 5, and bring your relatives and friends. the hour-long presentation will be delivered has touched and changed many lives. Take this as a personal invitation to a worship by an adult and children’s choir, soloists, experience to know and do His will! “In this generation, music can be a huge ensembles, narrators and monologists. With over 100 cast and crew, including the conveyor of Truth, and when the Truth Andrew Wong Boy’s and Girl’s Brigades, its “Broadway- unchanged is communicated, God honours Trinity Methodist Church style” presentation is bound to leave an that and will transform lives in the process,” Petaling jaya said Blackaby, who is founder of Blackaby indelible impression on the lives of all who Ministries International. experience it.

Rev Eugene McGraw 1909 - 2009

ev Eugene McGraw died on 6 July During his time in Sitiawan he was also R2009 at the age of 100. He was a retired pastor at Wesley Methodist Church, Elder of the Trinity Annual Conference, Taiping where he met and married his the last surviving member of missionary wife Louise Leonard, also a missionary pastors from America who served with the teacher from the United States. When war Methodist Church in Malaysia. came to Malaya in1941 they fled Sitiawan and eventually arrived back in America He was from the state of Indiana and studied via Indonesia and Australia. While back in Rev Eugene McGraw and family, Sitiawan Physics and Bible Studies at Earlham America Rev McGraw studied social work 1953. College, and then theology at Oberlin at the University of Southern California and School of Theology. After a year in his first became a certified social worker in 1945. principal in Malacca and Penang before pastorate in Indiana he set sail in a cargo ship retiring in 1971. for the Philippines, Indonesia and Singapore After the war they returned to Malaya and in 1936. Then a train up to Kuala Lumpur were sent to Sibu, Sarawak in 1947, where he Rev Eugene McGraw is survived by his where Rev McGraw took up teaching at the served as principal of the Methodist school son, Paul and daughter, Bonnie, three Methodist Boys School, before becoming and also a term as District Superintendent. grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. the Principal of the Methodist school in Rev Eugene McGraw also served as Sitiawan in 1937. 14 Notices and Announcements

The prayers below are taken from the liturgy prepared for churches to use on CCM Sunday. As it is also in August the prayer for the nation is appropriate as we commemorate Hari Merdeka. Editor. CCM Sunday August 2009 Responsible Stewardship of God's Creation

CONFESSION separate us from the love of We pray for the prosperity of our beloved God. Forgive us for each time land. Let there be growing spaces of L: O God, we thank You for your we avoid caring for this world understanding, tolerance and harmony creating power. That You have made and the people who live in it. among the peoples of different ethnic all things and made them well; that We are appalled by what human communities. Inspire our people to strive You have given us all things richly activity has done to bring about for peace and concord in all they do. And to enjoy; for the beauty of this earth, an ecological crisis and climate being blessed with your goodness, inspire and for Your creating power which change. Millions are suffering us to sustain a caring society, where can make all things new. because of poverty, illness, the plight of those in need will not be disasters and wars. Forgive us overlooked. C: We thank You, O Father God. for our inaction. Let Forgive us if in pride and your Spirit inspire us selfishness we have misused Your to work for a clean gifts, and made the world You world and work for created unbearable for those who just policies to aid the are poor, who are powerless, and poor and suffering. those voices of suffering and pain that are not heard by an affluent ALL: Lord, You have work society. planned for each one of us. Help us to know and L: O Lord Jesus Christ, we thank You do your will. Teach us to for Your redeeming power, that You serve you in all we do. taught us to share and care and to In Christ's name. use the resources of the earth to AMEN ensure the fullness of life for all. SPECIAL PRAYERS FOR C: We thank You, Jesus Christ our THE NATION Lord and Saviour in Life. O Lord, our heavenly Father, Forgive us for the times when we whose glory is in all the world are preoccupied with our own and whose blessings are upon interests and turn a blind eye all nations, we pray to you to those who suffer around us. with fervent hearts for the Forgive us for our silence when continued well-being of our we see how people exploit your nation and its people. earth for profit and plunder its resources for selfish pleasure. We pray for our King and Queen and the Grant, O Lord, that your church in Malaysia royal family, the various Sultans and their will deepen its influence and extend her L: O Holy Spirit, we thank You for your families that they may be blessed with power for good in our nation. We pray that sustaining power. That You created good health and through your grace be all Christians may be led into the way of the world and it was good, that Your granted wisdom and strength for exercising truth and hold the faith in unity of spirit, breath of life sustains all living righteous rule over all our people. We in the bond of peace, and in righteousness things; and that all of creation is pray for our Prime Minister and his wife, of life. being renewed by Your creative Ministers in government, chief ministers power to transform all things from and others who have responsibilities in So rule our hearts and prosper our death to life. governing public life. Make them pure endeavours of good, may love and peace in motive, wise in counsel, and strong in prevail everywhere, to the honor of thy C: O Holy Spirit, we thank you that action, upholding justice and peace for all holy name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. nothing in this creation can our people. AMEN. 16