MESSENGERMESSENGER

DIOCESE OF WEST KDN : PP11463/05/2013 (032185) APRIL 2021 Diocesan Theme for 2021

Behold, I Am Making All Things New Date: 23rd March 2021 Bishop’s Circular 2/2021

Season of Preparation Dear All,

DIOCESAN THEME 2021-2030

Lenten Greetings.

On the 2nd March 2021, on the day that I was installed as the Diocesan Bishop, we launched the Diocesan 10-Year Development Plan (2021-2030) with the Theme: “BEHOLD, I AM MAKING ALL THINGS NEW” (Revelation 21:5). This is in line with our Mission Statement: “We are a Church, moving towards making Christ known through Church planting, mission, social concerns, environmental care, intentional discipleship, and building up of family units with love, grace and fellowship of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.”

In the previous 10-year plan, a different theme was chosen for each year, while at the same time maintaining the progressive plans to advance the Kingdom of God. This time, the Diocesan 10-year Contents Coming Events Cover Design Development Plan shall be divided into three Seasons of 3 to 4 years each, with their respective Operational Objectives as shown below: Editorial...... 2 • Consecration of Bishop - March No Season Scriptural Reference Operational Objectives Diocesan Theme 2021-2030...... 3 • Installation of Bishop 1 Season of “Prepare your work outside, 1) Human capital development for God’s Thanksgiving for - March Preparation get everything ready for Kingdom advancement initiatives MESSENGER the Episcopal Ministry of KDN : PP11463/05/2013 (032185) APRIL 2021 (2021-2023) yourself in the fold, and 2) Explore, identify, target, encourage and after that build your house.” equip members through discipleship the Rt Revd Dato’ Charles Samuel ..... 4-6 • Webinar on Church Planting - March Proverbs 24:27 and church planting training A Tribute by Archdeacon 2 Season of “Those who sow in tears 1) Build a dynamic generation Ven Canon Eddie Ong • Synod Propagation shall reap with joyful 2) Beautify the inner being of men and Vicar General of DWM...... 7 - August (2024-2026) shouting” women Psalm 26:5 3) Bond a united family and church A Tribute by Archdeacon 3 Season of “I am the Alpha and the 1) Persevere in local and overseas mission Ven Dr Stephen Soe, Archdeacon Editorial Board Proclamation Omega, the First and the 2) Promote social and environmental care Upper North Archdeaconary...... 8 (2027-2030) Last, the Beginning and the 3) Plant new churches and congregations Adviser : End.” 4) Proclaim the Good News and Biblical A Tribute by William Vathamoney The Rt Revd Dr D Steven Abbarow Revelation 22:13 truths Members : People’s Warden, Esther Richards (Editor) St George’s Church ...... 8 James Chee For the Season of Preparation, the primary focus shall be to identify, target, encourage, equip and Prakash Mukherjee train members to be disciples of Jesus Christ and for church planting initiatives. The Key The Consecration and Installation of Benjamin Ong Performance Indicators (KPI) at the Parish or Missionary District (MD) level for the Season of Preparation are related to Discipleship Training (DT) and Church Planting Training (CPT). The 5th Diocesan Bishop The Editorial Board welcomes articles and The Synod of The Diocese of West The Rt Revd Dr D Steven Abbarow... 9 -11 photographs that focus on the theme. Please Malaysia (Anglican Church) submit articles in Word document and relevant 214, Jalan ,

photographs in JPEG format of about 1 MB 53000 , Malaysia. The Sermon Preached at each by 1 July 2021 to: Tel: 03-4024 3213 / 03-4025 3213 “Behold, I am making all things new” the Installation Service...... 12-13 Email: [email protected] The Editor, Revelation 21:5 Anglican Messenger, Diocesan English Youth Camp...... 14-15 KDN : PP11463/05/2013 (032185) 2 e-mail to [email protected]

Date: 23rd March 2021 Bishop’s Circular 2/2021

Diocesan Theme 2021-2030 Dear All,

n 2DIOCESAN March 2021, THEME on the 2021 day -that2030 I Church Planting Training (CPT). Ministry, Women’s Ministry, Men’s Ministry, Owas installed the Diocesan Bishop, Golden Circle Ministry, Lay Readers/ we launchedLenten Greetings.the Diocesan 10-Year For Discipleship Training at the Parish/MD Pastors and Lay Leaders. Development Plan (2021-2030) with the level, the KPI are: nd Theme: On‘BEHOLD, the 2 IMarch AM MAKING 2021, on ALL the day• thatIdentify I was at installedleast 5 members as the Diocesan for DT Bishop,(b) Appropriate we launched leadership the training to be THINGS DiocesanNEW’ (Revelation 10-Year 21:5).Development This is Planfor (2021 year -2021,2030) and with at theleast Theme: another “ 5BEHOLD, provided I AM under MAKING the direction ALL and supervision in line withTHINGS our Mission NEW” Statement: (Revelation ‘We are 21:5). Thismembers is in line for year with 2022. our Mission Statement:of the “WeDiocesan are Bishop.a Church, a Church,moving moving towards towards makingmaking Christ known• Train through and equip Church all the identified planting, members. mission, social concerns, known throughenvironmental Church planting, care, intentional mission, •discipleship Trained ,personnel and building to leadup of infamily all unitsResource with love,materials grace for and DT and CPT social fellowshipconcerns, ofenvironmental the Father, thecare, Son andministries the Holy in theSpirit.” local Parish/MD after 2 shall be based on the available materials intentional discipleship, and building up of years. from Intentional Discipleship (Anglican family unitsIn thewith previous love, grace 10 and-year fellowship plan, a different theme was chosen for each year,Communion), while at the Discipleship same time Training Books of the Father,maintaining the Son and the the progress Holy Spirit.’ive plansFor to Church advance Planting the KingdomTraining at ofthe God. Parish/ This(Sarang), time, the AIM Diocesan and Equip. 10 -Eachyear Parish/MD Development Plan shall be dividedMD into level, three the KPI S easonsare: of 3 to 4 years eachshall, with customize their respectivethe training programmes In the previousOperational 10-year Objectives plan, a different as shown • belowIdentify: at least 3 members for CPT and modules to suit their own local context. theme was chosen for each year, while at for year 2021, and at least another 3 The Diocesan Language Boards shall be the same Notime maintainingSeason the progressiveScriptural Referencemembers for year 2022 Operational Objectivesresponsible for making available materials plans to advance the Kingdom of God. This • Train and equip all the identified in Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, Iban and time, the 1Diocesan Season 10-year of Development“Prepare yourmembers work withoutside, practical exposure1) Human capitalTamil development (where applicable). for God’s Plan shall be dividedPreparation into three Seasonsget everything • Trained ready personnel for to eventuallyKingdom lead advancement initiatives of 3 to 4 years each,(2021 with-2023) their respectiveyourself in thein mission,fold, and evangelism 2) andExplore, social identify, The entire target Diocesan, encourage 10-Year and Development Operational Objectives as shown below:after that buildconcern your ministries house.” equip membersPlan shallthrough be managed discipleship by the Coordinative Proverbs 24:27 and church Bodyplanting and trainingKey Facilitators, comprising the No Season2 SeasonScriptural of Reference“Those whoOperational sow in tears Objectives 1) Build a dynamicDiocesan generation Bishop, the DSIC, Suffragan Propagation shall reap with joyful 2) Beautify theBishops, inner being Archdeacons, of men and Ministry Heads, 1 Season of “Prepare your work out- 1) Human capital development for God’s Parish and MD Priests. The implementation Preparation(2024side,-2026) get everything shouting” ready Kingdom advancement initiativeswomen (2021-2023) for yourself in the Psalmfold, and 26:52) Explore, identify, target, encourage3) Bond and a unitedof familythe Season and church of Preparation shall be after that build your house.” equip members through discipleship reviewed every 6 months by the DSIC. 3 SeasonProverbs of 24:27 “I am the Alpha and church and theplanting training1) Persevere inAppropriate local and overseasstructured reviewmission mechanisms 2 Season ofProclamation“Those who sow inOmega, tears the1) Build First a anddynamic the generation 2) Promote socialshall and be put environmental in place for feedback, care reinforce- Propagation(2027shall-2030) reap with joyfulLast, the 2)Beginning Beautify the and inner the being of3) men Plant and new churchesment and and effective congregations implementation to (2024-2026) shouting” End.” women 4) Proclaim theachieve Good theNews KPI andat the Biblical Parish and MD level. Psalm 26:5 3) Bond a united family and church Revelation 22:13 truths 3 Season of “I am the Alpha and the 1) Persevere in local and overseas mission We have prayerfully made these plans for the Proclamation Omega, the First and the 2) Promote social and environmental care next 10 years. I pray that the implementation (2027-2030)For the SeasonLast, theof BeginningPreparation, and the3) Plantprimary new churchesfocus shall and congregationsbe to identify, target, encourage, equip and the End.” 4) Proclaim the Good News and Biblical of these plans be undergirded with your train members to be disciples of Jesus Christ and for church planting initiatives. The Key Revelation 22:13 truths prayers, generous giving, cooperation and Performance Indicators (KPI) at the Parish or Missionary District (MD) level for the Season of humility to the glory of God. May the Lord’s Preparation are related to Discipleship Training (DT) and Church Planting Training (CPT). For the Season of Preparation, the primary The KPI at the Diocesan-Level leadership will be done in all things, may His name be focus shall be to identify, target, encourage, will be handled by the Diocesan Bishop, and lifted up and glorified always. equip and train members to be disciples shall include the following: of Jesus Christ and for church planting Veni Sancte Spiritus initiatives. The Key Performance Indicators “B(a) ehIdentifyold, I aDirectorsm mak inforg athell t hministries:ings new ” (KPI) at the Parish or Missionary District TheologicalR training,evela tLayion training,21:5 Mission The Rt Revd Dr D Steven Abbarow! AM (MD) level for the Season of Preparation & Evangelism, Anglican Care, Spiritual are related to Discipleship Training (DT) and Formation Platform, MICPE, Children’s 3 Thanksgiving for the Episcopal Ministry of the Rt Revd Dato’ Charles Samuel by Revd Timothy Nicholls

Bishop Charles giving his retirement sermon

t was a special and moving time as we ministry that spanned all corners of the Penang where he has served as Vicar for gathered for a Service of Thanksgiving Diocese over four decades. over a decade. Ifor the Episcopal Ministry of the Rt Revd Dato’ Charles Samuel on Sunday 20 Archdeacon Ven Dr Stephen Soe who The remarkable ministry of Bishop Charles December at St George’s Church Penang. officiated the service opened with this in each of these churches was honoured The service coincided with the retirement of summary of Bishop Charles’ ministry: in 2015 with his appointment as Suffragan Bishop Charles, who had faithfully served Bishop in the Area Diocese of Northern in the Diocese for over 41 years and was “Bishop Charles along with his dear wife Peninsular. In addition to his service in the now retiring as Vicar of St George’s Church Alice and daughter Miriam, have faithfully Diocese, he has served as Chairman of the Penang and Bishop of the Area Diocese served in the Diocese of West Malaysia Provincial Liturgical Committee, Secretary of Northern Peninsula. By God’s grace, for over 41 years. Having graduated to the National Council for the Blind, though Penang was still under RMCO, the from Seminari Theologi Malaysia with a Malaysia and Chairman of St Nicholas service went on with a reduced number Bachelor of Divinity, Bishop Charles was Home for the Blind. of participants. Hundreds more joined the ordained as a Deacon in 1979 and as a service online through livestream. Priest in 1981. His first posting was at the We give thanks to God for the enduring Church of the Holy Spirit, Ipoh. He was ministry of Bishop Charles and his family. The service, which included bible readings, then moved to St Mary’s Cathedral, Kuala He has impacted the lives of so many as singing, prayers, speeches, gifts and a Lumpur where he was later made a Canon. he has shepherded God’s church with love, farewell sermon by Bishop Charles was full Later he served in Good Shepherd Church, wisdom and joy. We praise God, who has of thanksgiving to God. The impact of the Subang, St Paul’s Church, Petaling Jaya, strengthened Bishop Charles throughout service was felt by all as the congregation St Andrew’s Church, Kuala his decades of ministry. On this day, we 4 reflected and celebrated a remarkable and most recently, St George’s Church, give thanks to God for His grace in the life of Bishop Charles and his family, and pray for them as they enter into a new phase of life and ministry.”

The hymns for the service were specially chosen by Bishop Charles himself. The first hymn, ‘I Bind Unto Myself Today’ expressed Bishop’s Charles persistent desire to commit his life to the Trinitarian God, looking to Him for strength to live a godly life to the glory of God.The second hymn, ‘Christ is All To Me’ (originally a Tamil Song, ‘Yellaam Yesuve’) expressed Bishop Charles’ love for his precious Saviour. The beautiful and powerful words of the chorus moved many to tears as they sang:

Christ is all to me, Jesus Christ is all to me. In this world of strife and sorrow, Christ is all to me

The final hymn, ‘To God Be The Glory’, reflected Bishop Charles desire that the service would not be about a hymn but a service of praise and thanksgiving to God. Indeed, it was.

The New Testament reading from 2 Timothy 4:5-8, written by the Apostle Paul at the end of his ministry was a fitting and stirring encouragement. L to R Alice Samuel, Bishop Samuel, Ven Stephen Soe and Mrs Soe with gifts presented by Area Diocese of Northern Peninsular Upper North and St Goerge’s Church Penang 5 ‘As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. 6 For I He began: “Forty one years in the witnessed people accepting Christ, offering am already being poured out as a drink priesthood is quite awesome. I don’t know themselves for ministry, committing their offering, and the time of my departure has how I did it. I experienced betrayal, denial, lives to each another in marriage, coping come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have crucifixion as well as miracles, joy and with the loss of a loved one and growing in finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 blessings. I had my own set of joys and Christian maturity. Henceforth there is laid up for me the challenges, and my fair share of suffering. crown of righteousness, which the Lord, It is certainly not easy to carry the cross.” Bishop Charles shared of his own the righteous judge, will award to me on calling to full time ministry, when Bishop that day, and not only to me but also to all Bishop Charles shared how he learnt and Savarimuthu, approached his parents who have loved his appearing.’ grew as a priest through the challenges, to offer their son for the ministry. Later a emotions, weakness he experienced. A personal conversion experience at a Bible But the highlight of the service was the total surrender and dependence on God meeting at the age of 17 set him further on retirement sermon by Bishop Charles became a necessity to fulfil his calling this path. He recounted how despite being which once again moved many of the that he felt so passionate about. The enticed by the world and resisting the call congregation to tears. Bishop Charles disciplines of prayer, reading the Bible, to full-time ministry for a time, God made reflected on the book ‘Faithful to the End: finding a spiritual director and mentorship him realise that his plans to run away were A Reflection on 2 Timothy’ and shared were crucial to perseverance and growth. not the plans of God. So began his journey candidly of his experience in the ministry. Learning also came in times of joy as he of 41 years in the ministry. 5 after me and my family all these years. Thank you to all of you for your partnership in the gospel. I have enjoyed every minute of it” and closed with the priestly blessing of Number 6:24-26

24 The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; 26 the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

Words of appreciation were spoken by Bishop-Elect Revd Dr Stephen Abbarow, Vicar-General Ven Canon Eddie Ong, Archdeacon Ven Dr Stephen Soe and Mr William Vathamoney, the People’s Warden at St George’s. These touching words of Farewell Group photo appreciation are reproduced in full in the following pages. Bishop Charles gave insight into what being him that He had a plan for his life, and a priest was like, offering a job description encouraged him through the joys of seeing Rev Dr Richard Loh, Ms Irene Chin, and and challenges as he has experienced it. people’s lives transformed by the gospel. Ms Eunice Ong led the congregation in A priest: praying for those called to full-time ministry, • Must keep his door open 24/7 Reflecting on last year’s bicentennial for Bishop Charles and his family, for • Must always answer the phone anniversary of St George’s Church Penang, St George’s Church and for the Diocese of immediately where Anglican Ministry in Malaysia West Malaysia. Gifts were given to Bishop • Has special access to every home. began, he paid tribute to the missionaries Charles and his wife Alice by the wardens • Is invited to the heart of someone’s and priests who preceded him in faithfully of St George’s Church on behalf of the story serving in the Diocese. He also honoured Area Diocese of Northern Peninsular • Must make the sacrament real and the clergy and laity of days past who loved Upper North and St George’s Church living and served God and had the conviction Penang. • Must be an accountant, a maintenance to preach the gospel in difficult times with man, an advocate, a psychologist, whatever little they had. The service closed with Bishop Charles counsellor, schoolman, and security giving the benediction, before laying down man. Reflecting on his experience of the length his crosier (pastoral staff) on the Altar • Must be a letter writer, reference writer, and breadth of God’s ministry, he echoed Table, as a symbol of his retirement. and a community advocate, the words of the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-49) • Is to be an outspoken public speaker as his own song of praise to God. The service was a fitting tribute to a man of against injustice God who faithfully and sacrificially served • Walks as a companion with the 46 My soul magnifies the Lord, God his whole life. The tears, emotions bereaved. 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my and heartfelt tributes all bore witness to • Is a guide, a writer, a reader. Savior, how deeply Bishop Charles touched the • Acts as a friendly presence with those 48 for he has looked on the humble estate lives of so many. We thank God for Bishop disconnected from the church of his servant. Charles and his wife Alice, who supported • Is a clown (Bishop Charles was known For behold, from now on all generations him through it all, for their model and for his fantastic sense of humour) will call me blessed; ministry, the fruit of which will echo for 49 for he who is mighty has done great many decades to come in the lives of those Reflecting on this imposing list, he shared things for me, he impacted and discipled. AM of the days when the demands of ministry and holy is his name. seemed too heavy and burdensome and he contemplated leaving the ministry. Yet, He ended: “Thank you to the Diocese for Revd Timothy Nicholls is the Curate of 6 God sustained him through it all, reminding accepting me as a priest, and for looking St George’s Church Penang. A Tribute by Archdeacon Ven Canon Eddie Ong Vicar General of DWM

f there is one word to describe my 3. Charles is known for his deep Ifriend Charles Samuel, it is the word: knowledge and practice of the Anglican “DEDICATION”. Dedicated by his parents to liturgy in the Diocese of West Malaysia the Lord when he was a small boy, he grew up, wholly dedicated to Christ and the work In our early days, before Google came, of God in and through the Anglican Church. Charles was like a walking liturgical The Lord allowed our paths to meet way dictionary. If I was not sure of anything back in 1977. The occasion was an enquiry liturgical, I would ask him, and he would visit I made to Kolej Theoloji Malaysia quietly whisper the answer without making in Klang, a seminary training for young you feel embarrassed. His background as Anglican ordinands. I still remember my a son of a priest, his years as a precentor first conversation with Charles. It was a chat at the Cathedral have shaped him and we on theological issues. From that time on, all addressed him fondly as Father Charles, the Lord allowed our paths to cross again, now Bishop Charles. Charles was the this time at the newly established Seminari Chairman of the Liturgical Commission of Theoloji Malaysia in 1979, 41 years ago. the Province of South East Asia. Together with his team, they produced a liturgical From then on, I came to know Charles. book on the Order of Services for liturgical From day one, I could see his dedication usage on various occasions. to the work of God. In the course of all my years knowing Charles, his dedication On behalf of the Diocese of West Malaysia, to the Lord’s work in the Diocese of West I thank God for Bishop Charles: Malaysia has been remarkable, authentic and deeply appreciated. many activities especially among young • for his contributions to the life and liturgy, people. He was very hard working. He was mission and ministry of the Diocese of Charles was made Deacon in 1979, a church planter, planting the Church of the West Malaysia; ordained priest in 1981, appointed Precentor Good Shepherd in USJ, when • for his contributions to the development at St Mary’s Cathedral in 1986, collated as he was Vicar of St Paul’s PJ. In 2006, he of Anglican parishes and churches Canon in 1991, installed as the Archdeacon enabled the Missionary District of Kuala where he served and ministered as of the East in 2001 and consecrated as a Terengganu to become a Parish. Charles is Vicar, Archdeacon and Suffragan Suffragan Bishop in 2015. a very dedicated servant of God. It is in his Bishop. DNA. • for his warm affection shown to both He served at six parishes: clergy and lay members, regardless of 2. Charles is a very loyal member and race and gender and to me personally. • St Mark’s Church, Butterworth in 1979 leader of the Anglican Diocese of West • Church of the Holy Spirit, Ipoh in 1981, Malaysia. I wish Bishop Charles, Alice and their • St Mary’s Cathedral in 1986, daughter Miriam God’s richest blessings, • St Paul’s Church, Petaling Jaya in1994 His father, the late Revd Victor Samuel, protection and good health. Charles, Alice • St Andrew’s Church, Kuala Terengganu himself was a priest. Charles was one of and Miriam: in 2001 the founders of the Young Adults Ministry • St George’s Church (current) (Persidangan Belia Anglikan), Chairman of ‘The Lord bless you and keep you, The the Diocesan Lay Training, member of the Lord make His face shine upon you and There are three things I wish to speak about Diocesan Standing Committee since 2000 be gracious to you, The Lord turn His face the Dedication of this man: and of the Provincial Standing Committee. toward you and give you peace’ in the name Wherever he was, he put his whole effort, of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! AM 1. Charles strived very hard to bless and not only to build parishes, but to build up to build the church the Lord had placed the whole Diocese of West Malaysia. This him in. In church after church he initiated is something I deeply appreciate.

7 A Tribute by Archdeacon Ven Dr Stephen Soe Archdeacon, Upper North Archdeaconary

thank God for the privilege to speak words Iof appreciation on behalf of my family, the Upper North Archdeaconry of the Diocese of West Malaysia, as well as St Nicholas Home for the Blind. To all these entities you have been a great blessing.

I remember you were the very first person to welcome me to join the big family of the Anglican Church in West Malaysia. Immediately after my ordination interview in the old diocese office 22 years ago, a few months later I reported for work at St Paul’s Church Petaling Jaya. You were my Sifu and Vicar, mentoring me as a young curate, teaching me to conduct services in an Anglican way, to care for the sick and to shepherd not only the church but the community. Many years later you became calling, your remaining years may be full become a channel of blessings to many. my Archdeacon, then my Bishop in the and fruitful. May the good Lord continue to You both are women behind a great man. northern region of Malaysia. I have learned bless and guide you in many years to come. much from you, and you are such a gracious May you enjoy the fruits of your labor. All the and caring leader to me. Datin Alice and Miriam, thank you for best to you, Bishop, Alice and Miriam, God sharing your dear one with us for the bless you. AM Bishop, I hope and pray that in this new ministry of God. Thank you for supporting season of life and new chapter in your Bishop Charles’ ministry so that he might

A Tribute by William Vathamoney People’s Warden, St George’s Church Penang

e thank Almighty God for blessing George’s Church. Even though Bishop Wus through Bishop Charles. Charles has retired from his ministry Bishop Charles has been good to us all in St George’s, we will never forget his the time. We thank God for using him teaching and example. We will continue to bless this church and the community to pray for his family as he continues to for the past ten years. We will not forget serve Almighty God and the community. the wonderful service and meaningful May God richly bless him. AM sacrifice that he and his wife Datin Alice and daughter Miriam have given to St George’s Church. Under Bishop Charles’ leadership and guidance, 8 God has brought many back to St The Consecration and Installation Of The 5th Diocesan Bishop The Rt Revd Dr D Steven Abbarow by D Raja Singam

Bishops in attendance L to R Rt Revd Dr Jason Selvaraj, The Rt Revd Dr D Steven Abbarow – Bishop of DWM Rt Revd Datuk , Rt Revd Steven Lawrence Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church

he Revd Canon Dr D Steven Abbarow that due to the restrictions imposed by the affirmative. Bishop Moon Hing examined was duly consecrated as a Bishop government arising from the COVID-19 the three responses of Jesus within the Tof the Diocese of West Malaysia pandemic, only five people could participate context of our Diocese which merits quick on 1 February 2021 in the Cathedral of in the Consecration service. He added that reflection. St. Mary the Virgin, Kuala Lumpur. His the Installation service of the 5th Diocesan Grace, the Most Revd Datuk Melter Jiki Bishop would be held at a later date when Feed my lambs Tais, the Archbishop for the Province of the more people could gather and participate. Jesus asked Simon to “Feed my lambs”. Anglican Church In South East Asia duly Bishop Moon Hing noted that ‘lambs’ in appointed the Rt Revd Datuk Ng Moon In his illuminating message and inspiring our Diocesan context refer to the younger Hing, the retired Diocesan Bishop of the appreciation of the gospel passage generation, that is, the children, youths and Diocese of West Malaysia to officiate the read from St. John 21 vs 15-17, Bishop the young adults. Specific attention and consecration service. Bishop Moon Hing Moon Hing highlighted three important focus must be given to this group to train was duly assisted by Suffragan Bishop, perspectives for the reflection of the then and equip them to be disciples of Jesus. the Rt Revd Jason Selvaraj and the Bishop Bishop Designate Dr D Steven Abbarow. There must be ‘intentional discipleship of the Evangelical Lutheran Church In In the said gospel passage, Jesus asked training’ for all our ‘lambs’ in our Diocese. Malaysia, the Rt Revd Steven Lawrence. Simon Peter whether he loved him, to They must be grounded in the word of At the outset, Bishop Moon Hing clarified which Simon Peter readily answered in the God and be disciples of Jesus. They are 9 our next generation leaders. We Secondly, the episcopal ring must invest in them. was given to the new Bishop as a symbol of faith, to be faithful Tend my sheep guardian of the church, the Bride Secondly, Jesus asked Simon of Christ. to ‘Tend my sheep’. The ‘sheep’ refers to those who are new in Thirdly, the mitre was given as leadership positions, new in a reminder that the Bishop’s Ministries and all the upcoming authority rests in God’s word leaders in our churches. given through his Holy Spirit. They need to be consciously moulded and shaped like Finally, the crosier (pastoral staff) Jesus, that is, ‘Jesus shaped was given to Bishop Steven life’ as it is often referred to Abbarow to watch over the flock in the . of Christ. Their outlook, perspectives, desires, directions, goals, plans Bishop Steven Abbarow was duly and actions must reflect ‘Jesus installed and enthroned as the shaped lifestyle.’ 5th Bishop of the Diocese of West Malaysia on 2 March 2021 Feed my sheep in a solemn Installation service Finally, Jesus asked Simon to at the Cathedral of St. Mary ‘Feed my sheep’. The ‘sheep’ in A copy of the Holy Bible was handed over to the Bishop designate the Virgin, Kuala Lumpur. As a this context would be a reference symbolic gesture, Bishop Steven to the senior members and seasoned “Send down the Holy Spirit upon your knocked three times on the South Door leaders in the church who have over the servant Steven for the office and work of the Cathedral with his pastoral staff in years served faithfully and contributed of a bishop in your church”. order to enter into the Cathedral. He was significantly in many areas of church life accompanied by the Diocesan Chancellor and the community for the growth and Four gifts were delivered to the Rt Revd Dr and the Diocesan Registrar. The door was advancement of God’s Kingdom. What D Steven Abbarow upon his consecration opened by the Cathedral Wardens. The is next for this group? The Diocesan as Bishop. Firstly, Bishop Moon Hing Dean of the Cathedral, the Very Revd Dr Bishop must give the senior members the delivered a copy of the Holy Bible to him Andrew Cheah Song Soo together with assurance that they too are important and saying, the Cathedral Wardens and Bishop Jason are vital part of the church. The Bishop “Receive this book; here are words of Selvaraj and the Diocesan Secretary Mr shall walk with them, encourage them and eternal life. Take them for your guidance David Joseph warmly received the Bishop build them further so that they can continue and declare to the world. Be diligent into the Cathedral. Bishop Steven Abbarow to serve God faithfully. in reading and exhortation, that your declared that he will faithfully observe the progress thereby may be evident to all. laws and customs of the Diocese and The consecration of the new Bishop Keep a close watch on yourself and shall govern the Diocese according to the proceeded in accordance with the Canons the teaching. Persist in this, for by so Constitution with truth, justice and mercy. and the rich traditions of the Anglican doing you will save both yourself and The Dean of the Cathedral the Very Revd Church. Premised on the fundamentals your hearers. Be a shepherd to the Dr Andrew Cheah Song Soo duly inducted that there must be at least three Bishops flock of Christ, not a wolf; feed them, do and installed Bishop Steven Abbarow as present together and join in the act of not devour them. Hold up the weak, the Bishop of the Diocese of West Malaysia consecration, the said three Bishops, that heal the sick, bind up the broken, bring with all the temporal and spiritual rights is, Bishop Ng Moon Hing, Bishop Jason back the outcasts, seek the lost. Be and responsibilities and installed him at Selvaraj and Bishop Steven Lawrence merciful, but not indifferent, minister his Episcopal seat in the said Cathedral. consecrated the Revd Canon Dr D Steven discipline, but do not forget mercy that The Dean delivered the Investiture to the Abbarow as a Bishop of our Diocese when the chief shepherd shall appear Bishop. The Cathedral bell was rung 39 by laying their hands on him (observing you may receive the never-fading crown times to signify adherence to the 39 Articles strict standard operating procedures) and of glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord. of Religion. Thereafter the Bishop was Amen”. 10 praying, presented to the people. The congregation at the Cathedral received and greeted the care, intentional discipleship and building faith in our Lord Jesus Christ that when two 5th Diocesan Bishop with applause. Thirty up of family units with love, grace and or three are gathered in His name, we are people attended this auspicious and joyous fellowship of the Father, the Son and the assured of His presence in our midst. Both ceremony, including the Bishop’s wife, Mrs Holy Spirit.” the said services were occasions of grand Anne Abbarow, his son and daughter-in- celebrations as our Lord Jesus Christ was law Ruel Abbarow and Ng Meng Leng and The ten-year Diocesan development plan present. his daughter, Naomi Abbarow. will reemphasize and focus on discipleship training, church planting and pastoral care. The presence via the online platform of We were also blessed by the presence of all As part of the official launch, a video on the Most Revd Datuk Melter Jiki Tais (the our Archdeacons. Many others both locally the Diocese of West Malaysia which was Archbishop for the Province of the Anglican and from abroad followed the Installation prepared by Mr Nandagoban and his Church in South East Asia and the Bishop service via the online platform. of the Diocese of ), the Rt Revd Datuk Danald Jute (Bishop In his first sermon after having of the Diocese of ) and the been installed as the 5th Rt Revd Dr Titus Chung (Bishop Diocesan Bishop of the Diocese of the Diocese of ) of West Malaysia, Bishop further enriched the celebrations. Steven Abbarow preached They conveyed their heartiest about orthodoxy and on having congratulations and best wishes a covenantal relationship with to Bishop Steven and his family. God. He emphasised the need They wished him God’s richest for commitment to mission blessings and providence as and justice. He noted that he leads the Diocese of West 2nd March was chosen as Malaysia during these very the Installation date because challenging and unprecedented firstly, it was the feast day of St times. Chad, an Anglo-Saxon Bishop who was committed to mission We pray for the anointing of the and secondly, it was the day Holy Spirit upon Bishop Steven commemorating mission to the Abbarow as he reverently, Dayaks in the states. faithfully, diligently, patiently In his message, Bishop Steven and humbly provides pastoral drew reference to Isaiah 1:17, leadership to “feed the lambs”, “Learn to do good, seek justice, “tend the sheep” and “feed the The Crosier was handed to the Bishop designate correct oppression; bring justice sheep” through the relentless to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.” technical team was screened. It reflected and unwavering proclamation of the gospel He further emphasized the need for humility on the faithfulness of God towards our of Jesus Christ. The words of the gospel in Christian service. “The greatest among Diocese and the challenges, commitments are very powerful and life-changing. The you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts and accomplishments of our Diocese in apostle Paul wrote, “I am not ashamed of himself, will be humbled and whoever advancing the gospel of our Lord and the gospel because it is the power of God humbled himself will be exalted” Matthew Saviour Jesus Christ over the past fifty for the salvation of everyone who believes” 23:11-12). years under the Episcopal leadership of (Romans1:16). We pray that under Bishop the previous Diocesan Bishops and the Steven’s episcopacy, all the clergy and the As a fitting commitment to mission, Bishop challenges which lie ahead for the new laity in the Diocese will work together as a Steven officially launched the Diocesan Diocesan Bishop. family to lead many people to experience theme, that is, “BEHOLD, I AM MAKING the love, grace and mercy of our Lord EVERYTHING NEW” (Revelation 21:5) for By the providence of God, the Proclamation Jesus Christ. the period 2021 - 2030 with the following of Emergency in the nation and the MCO/ mission statement: CMCO to arrest the COVID-19 pandemic CONGRATULATIONS BISHOP STEVEN. did not in any material way diminish the GOD BLESS YOU, YOUR FAMILY AND YOUR “We are a Church, moving towards making sanctity, solemnity and significance of the MINISTRY ALWAYS. AM Christ known through Church planting, Consecration service and the Installation D Raja Singam is the Diocesan Registrar for the 11 mission, social concern, environmental service. On the contrary, it reinforced our Diocese of West Malaysia. The Sermon Preached at the Installation Service by The Rt Revd Dr D Steven Abbarow

y thanks and appreciation to all So, we identify with the spirit of St Chad’s peace of God that they had experienced who have sent greetings and that mission is a priority, humility is an through God’s word and for us through Mcongratulations and at the same important feature and everything must Jesus Christ. These readings call for an time your commiserations. We would be undergirded by prayer and holiness. accountability. have liked to have celebrated under The first song we sang was ‘This is My normal circumstances but that was not Father’s World.’ Amidst the worldwide In Matthew the seven woes against the possible and so I receive and understand pandemic, people have lost their jobs Pharisees are mentioned. It is rather your commiserations. In a way it gives and some have had to leave the country alarming to see this passage read in us an opportunity to identify with those where they are working and amidst an Installation service of the bishop. who want to celebrate important events in this difficult scenario, people are being But the beauty in all this is that it is an their lives and yet cannot. We are once branded as migrant, immigrant, alien, invitation and an opportunity to come to again reminded that we have not been left pendatang. We are reminded that these this God who has called us to this kind of orphaned. God is with us. The Angels, the name callings are not important. We are relationship. In Matthew, Jesus says the Archangels and the Communion of Saints pilgrims on the earth. Our home is in greatest among you shall be servants. are always with us. We are thankful for heaven and this is our Father’s World. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled this. God is still the ruler yet and this gives and whoever humbles himself will be us the strength and calmness of mind to exalted. And so, the common theme is Our friends in the Diocese of Lichfield make difficult decisions during the period being accountable to the mission God reminded me that today is St Chad’s Day, of the pandemic. has called us to. A covenantal way of an auspicious day for them. While we life is most profoundly said in John 3:16 identify with our friends in Lichfield, this Let us now look at the Biblical text read “For God so loved the world that He day is also important to us in Malaysia today. Isaiah, Psalms and Matthew gave His only begotten Son that whoever as it commemorates the mission and the talk about a God who was reminding believes in Him shall not die but have ministry to the Dayaks and the Malays in His people that they were called to a everlasting life.” In Malaysia, we look at by William Henry Gomez. This covenantal relationship. They were ourselves and our situation. We look at day reminds us of mission and what God special people of God. They were to our leaders, spiritual and political. Jesus 12 is really doing so get on board with that. be the catalyst to bring the shalom, the looked at His leaders and pronounced seven woes against the Pharisees. Jesus about the key components of the theme will always be there, being pronounced graded their ministry. He gave them a and how it resonates with the call and because of our own failings and because good grade for their orthodoxy. He failed heart of God to be faithful to a covenantal of our own misgivings. Yet, we are called them for their orthopraxy. In Malaysia relationship with Him and to share that and encouraged to stand on faith alone we colloquially say ‘Cakap tak serupa life in Christ with others in the many ways in Christ Jesus. We are to discover this bikin.’ The hypocrisy that arises out of a that we can. wonderful freedom to live a covenantal community which stresses right beliefs and accountable life that glorifies God. but fails miserably in its faithfulness and The DSIC (The Diocese Strategic and right practice is not only incongruent in Implementation Committee) decided The second Season of Propagation is psychological and behavioural aspects of to implement the Diocesan ten-year from 2024 to 2026. Those who sow in a person but also pollutes and mars the development plan 2021-2030. Revelation tears shall reap with joyful shouting. image of God in us.There is a dissonance 21:5 says ‘Behold I am making all things The Diocesan Language Boards will be in our spirituality. new.’ We have a mission statement. We responsible for making available materials are a church moving towards making in Chinese, English, Tamil and Bahasa But we are not dismayed by all this Christ known through church planting, Malaysia. My dear friends, we also want because we have a gospel to proclaim. mission, social concerns, environmental to focus on the Season of Proclamation. We as Christians want to live our faith care, intentional discipleship and building I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and submit ourselves as a living sacrifice up of family units with love, grace and and the Last, the Beginning and the in the service to Jesus Christ. This is so fellowship of the Father, the Son and the End. We must proclaim and focus on beautifully put by St Paul in Romans 12 : Holy Spirit. to preserve and persevere in local and 1-2 ‘I appeal to you therefore, brothers, overseas mission. We do not want to by the mercies of God, to present your For the first three years we want to focus slow down. We want to promote social bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and on the Season of Preparation. This does and environmental care. We will strive to acceptable to God, which is your spiritual not mean we have not prepared all better than what we are doing now. We worship.2 Do not be conformed to this this while, or have not done this before. will network so as to enlarge relationships world, but be transformed by the renewal We want to bring to a focus that we will and connectedness. We will plant new of your mind, that by testing you may walk step by step and bring as many churches and congregations to proclaim discern what is the will of God, what is people as we can together; not to run the good news and Biblical truth, all these good and acceptable and perfect.’ In too quickly unless we are the only two or undergirded with the life of prayer. So my obedience to the call of this mission we three walking, and the rest have no clue. dear friends, three things we will focus must continue to daily nail to the cross Kosuke Koyama said that God is a Three on - discipleship training, church planting our selfishness, our self-centredness, Mile an Hour God, a normal walking pace training and leadership development at our sense of entitlement and daily follow of a human being. God is a Four Mile an every parish and missionary district. Him. In Matthew we are reminded that Hour God, He walks with us. The call for one sure guaranteed way to avoid these preparation is not an admission that we I encourage you to participate in our pitfalls is the path of servant-hood. It calls have not done any of these things but it is Diocesan webinar on church planting by for a Christ-centred life, a life consumed a humble admission that we are to walk as our Bishop, Ng Moon Hing, Revd John by God’s mission and love, humility, a God has walked with us. We say prepare Ganapathy and Revd Fred David. I draw spirit of servant-hood and undergirded by your work outside, getting everything your attention to that. Please participate a life of prayer. ready for yourself in the fold. After that in it. And so we want to say to each and we say ‘build your house.’ Then we want everyone of us to start from ourselves The clergy, the leaders and the laity to focus on human capital development first. Let us read the scriptures, draw gathered last year to discuss and think for God’s kingdom initiatives. We want to closer to Jesus and from that fountain through what the mission of the church explore, identify, target, encourage and of love let us love our neighbour and is. How should we express this mission equip members through discipleship and ourselves as how God has loved us. With of God in our lives. And so they came up church planting. Yes, even in the midst of that let us watch the short video of the with the theme for our diocese. Today this pandemic and collateral damage of launching of the Diocesan Theme and I we will launch this theme. I would like to Covid 19. This is God’s heart and we will therefore declare the Diocesan Theme spend another five to ten minutes to talk walk as how God walks with us. The woes launched with a prayer. AM

13 Diocesan English Youth Camp by Melissa Raj

he year 2020 took us to territories singing, Bible reading, a short talk by as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, unknown. Confined to our homes, Marianne and games. continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted Twe had to attend classes, run and built up in him, strengthened in the meetings and meet friends online. We With the Diocese’s 50th anniversary in faith as you were taught, and overflowing even conducted our annual Diocesan mind, our theme ‘Looking Back, Looking with thankfulness. English Youth Camp from home! The Forward’ was focused on the passage morning programme included a time of from Colossians 2:6-7, 6 So then, just Youths from St Mark’s Church, Seremban,

14 who joined us shared their experience of for the glory of God. We were reminded Jesus gifted us with forgiveness of sin the virtual camp: again that we have been saved by God’s and eternal life but it is only through grace for good works. – Jessica faith in Him that would lead us to these When I first heard that camp would be promised gifts. She explained to us that online this year I was very disappointed Marianne reminded us of the camp there was more to life than this. We as but when we went online it was very theme which was ‘Looking Back, Looking Christians have to be rooted in Christ and different from what I had expected. Forward’. She went on to say that the one the gospel. Then, she explained about Listening to the speaker, I was able to who has authority over us 24/7 is not us ‘Looking Forward’ based on the Bible’s understand that while we may not be but God. She also explained ‘Looking perspective (Colossians 2:7). Lastly, able to change the past, we should look Back’ based on the Bible’s perspective she ended the session by explaining to forward to the future. – Sarah (Colossians 2:6) and illustrated this us about the true meaning of living with with the Christmas Cracker and how it Jesus. – Alvin I learnt what it means to live our life with is related to a Christian’s life. She then Jesus as my God. First, I must be rooted spoke to us about the ugly reality of I’m so glad that I had a chance to attend in Jesus and I must grow as a Christian. today’s world where people are separated camp. I learnt a lot from here. Firstly, Jesus suffered for me and my suffering from God as we reject and rebel against we have to receive Christ as our Lord is nothing compared to what He has Him. She then spoke about the legend of and walk Him. It was so helpful and I gone through. Jesus is God’s gift to us. the candy cane. The candy cane was first am blessed that I have gained more – Belynna made in Indiana where its founder took knowledge about Christ.– Joshua a stick of hard white sugar, included the We were taught that once we considered red stripes and shaped it into a crook. In conjunction with the 50th anniversary ourselves Christians, it meant that we She explained that the white represented of our Diocese, we presented a special have accepted Christ as the Lord of our Jesus’ purity, the red, a reminder of His video to look back with thanksgiving for life. Last year’s camp theme on ‘Glory crucifixion and the crook-like shape God’s work in our ministry. Watch the to God Alone’ was taught again. This represented God our Shepherd. She video at this link:bit.ly/DYCvideo AM means that everything we do must be also shared with us the good news that

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