VOLUME 39, NO. 1 VOLUME 40, NO. 8 AUGUST 2014

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2 Contents

Pg. The Methodist Prayer Convention III The way of the cross is the life of a faithful discipleship. Is is HERE!!! Jesus telling us to embrace suffering? That’s not the point. We 04 by Dr. Ong Hwai Teik are called upon to identify with Jesus in his suffering even if we are not necessarily suffering or persecuted on account of Pg. our witness for him. Jesus Himself has unreservedly committed GCMW News to the purpose of God, a purpose that is resisted by the world Empowering Women to be the Salt and Light of with hostility. Can we, who claim ourselves to be his disciples, 05 Society expect less? Are we committed unreservedly to the cause of Christ? That’s the point. Pg. Lord, make us disciples who are wholeheartedly devoted to Book Review You and Your cause. 07 by Joshua Woo • Read Luke 9:23-27 Pg. I lift my eyes to You, O God, enthroned in heaven. Asia Gateway News We keep looking to the LORD our God for mercy, 08 Gateway to Asian Mission just as servants keep their eyes on their masters, as a slave girl watches her mistress Pg. for the slightest signal. Wesleyan Tradition Have mercy on us, LORD, have mercy, Discipleship in the Wesleyan Tradition for we have had our fill of contempt. 10 We have had more than our fill of the scoffing of the proud Pg. and the contempt of the arrogant. WCC News (Ps 123, NLT) 12 10th Assembly of the World Council of Churches Pg. Some grave concerns: Essay • Malaysia: 14 First Methodist Church in ◦ Spirit of integrity to rule the nation ◦ The future of Selangor state ◦ Malaysians found involved with Islamic State terror group (formerly known as ISIS), which is active in Iraq and Syria • Gaza’s tiny Christian community undersiege

• Iraq-Syria crisis ◦ Minority Christians being chased away by the threats of Commit wholeheartedly! violence ◦ The UN declared its highest level of emergency in Iraq as In Luke 9:23, Jesus tells us what a person must do in order to be his a humanitarian crisis follows the rapid advance by Islamic disciple. We are asked to be willing to say “No” to ourselves and State millitants in the north (http://www.bbc.com/news/ our own ambitions and follow Him, even to the point of being daily world-middle-east-28785725) ready to give up our lives, that is, our relationships, possessions, socio-economical status, our perception of the world, the practices • Ukraine crisis. that we are used to, and the system which we are engaging in. ◦ At least 2,086 people have been killed in the east since mid-April, including civilians, the military and members Saying “no” calls us to give up everything that makes up our identity, of the armed groups, the UN said on 13 August. Nearly and to take on a new identity that is no longer based on family of 5,000 people have been confirmed wounded. Ukraine said origins, ethnic origins, or relationships of mutual obligation. The on 11 August that 468 of its soldiers had been killed. The identity of a disciple is now in the new community that is centered rebels have reported losing at least 800 fighters. (http:// on God and resolute faithfulness to Jesus’ message. www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-28770179)

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3 Cover Story The Methodist Prayer Convention III is HERE!!!

he 3rd Methodist Prayer Convention (MPC3) will be held the Church and in this nation. on 29th and 30th August 2014 at Sunway Convention Cen- This is made more imperative and urgent at a time when our tre, Selangor. This quadrennial event occurring this year T blessed and beautiful nation – Malaysia – is experiencing in- carries the theme “A Church after God’s Own Heart.” creasing and unprecedented turmoil such as religious and ra- The highlight of the event will be a combined Holy Communion cial tensions, political uncertainties, natural catastrophes such Sunday Prayer and Worship Celebration Service at Putra Sta- as the haze and drought, unparalleled shocks such as the loss dium, Bukit Jalil starting at 9.45 am, on 31st August 2014, which of MH370 and MH17, security and health issues, increasing is essentially also the day Malaysia celebrates her 57th Merdeka. crime and violence etc at our doorstep – so that it is ever more important that we seek God’s intervening mercy, counsel and The Methodist Prayer Convention is an event that brings toge- direction as we strive to move forward in Malaysia. ther the whole Methodist Family in Malaysia which is made up of different ethnic groups. A total of about 2,700 partici- This MPC3 prayer gathering will culminate in a thanks- pants from the 6 and 1 Mission Confe- giving Prayer and Worship Celebration unto Almighty God – the rence – namely the Chinese Annual Conference, Tamil Annual Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit by an expected com- Conference, Trinity Annual Conference, Chinese An- bined congregation of approximately 15,000 members of the nual Conference, Sarawak Iban Annual Conference, Pro- Malaysian Methodist Family in Putra Stadium, Bukit Jalil, visional Annual Conference and the Persidangan Missi Sengoi Kuala Lumpur. It will be a time of great joy where the commu- Methodist – will gather together, humbling themselves in peni- nity of faith will sing, worship, pray and proclaim the name of tent seeking of God. the Lord as the sovereign God of His people called Methodists and of this land. This Methodist Family time of earnest praying is in humble res- ponse to God’s injunction in 2 Chronicles 7:14 - “if my people, Thereafter, the Methodist Church in Malaysia prays to continue who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray with even greater fervor as “A Church after God’s Own Heart.” and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I that is - “Growing deep and strong inside, Standing with Christ’s hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their Body nationwide, Giving God glory from every side”. land”. Rev Dr Ong Hwai Teik We especially chose to do this on the Merdeka weekend to seek The Bishop God’s forgiveness and renewed favour on His Church and on Methodist Church in Malaysia our beloved country. Our participants will “stand in the gap” and ask forgiveness for the things that are wrong in God’s sight – in 19 August 2014

4 Features General Conference of Methodist Women (GCMW) Empowering Women to be the Salt and Light of Society

The second Speaker was Associate Profes- sor Dr. Madeline Berma of Universiti Ke- bangsaan Malaysia. She spoke on ‘Women As Agents Of Change In The Home And Society.’ She spoke on the various roles of women not only in nurturing and caring in the home but also in society and in the la- bour force. She highlighted the various new features in modern families that have added to women’s responsibilities, that compel women to be agents of change in their own lives and in the lives of their families and society. Group picture of the seminar participants, GCMW Exco, and the Speakers Prof. Dr. Jayum Ak Jawan and Assc. Prof. Dr. Madeline Berma The third Speaker was Rev. Dr. Sirirat, a Pastor and Founder of an orphanage in he General Conference Methodist life of our families, to the society around Chaingrai, Thailand. She spoke of her role Women (GCMW) organized a Chris- us. The thrust of the seminar was to enable as a nurturer to young girls and women tian Education Seminar on 12th July women to be peacemakers, to be agents of T forced into prostitution. Her message was 2014 at the Wesley Heritage Centre in Kuala change, and to be spiritual nurturers, who that women need to look like light and taste Lumpur. The seminar was planned because would sustain and strengthen Christian like salt in a changing society. of the concerns that had arisen in the Chris- families to be a distinct people. tian community, that affects our faith, beliefs, About a hundred women from the 6 Con- Some time was given for Group Discussion, values, stands, and lifestyle. The objective of for the participants to discuss the 3 topics, the seminar was to ‘Empower Women To Be ferences gathered for the day’s seminar that began at 9.00am with Praise and Worship. to bring the message and formulate plans in The Salt and Light of Society’, as women are their respective women’s fellowships. The the key people who mould hearts and minds, The Speaker for the first session was Pro- fessor Dr. Jayum Anak Jawan, Professor of Organizing Committee of this seminar is instil norms, values and stands, build faith grateful to God that the participants were and create a Christian lifestyle. Politics and Government of Universiti Putra Malaysia. He spoke on ‘Women As Peace- blessed by the seminar and said an over- whelming ‘Yes’ to more of such seminars. The seminar was a call to women to come makers In A Multi-Racial Society.’ He led All glory to God. together to be preservers, as salt preserves, us through a brief history of our nation and our Christian faith, values and stands in a what constitutes the present Malaysia, cur- By Lila Chelliah changing society. It was also a call to be rent developments in our country, and the Chairperson, Organizing Committee beacons of light, to illuminate the truth of need to know our rights and make right de- GCMW Christian Education Coordinator God and His Word in our life and in the cisions for the common good.

Christian Education Coordinator, Sister Lila Chelliah, and GCMW President, Sister Alice Jawan, handing love gift to Assc. Prof. Dr. Made- GCMW Officers with Dr. Serirat of Thailand. line Berma.

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Devotion

One Year at the Cross Devotional by Chris Tiegreen

often try to work things out on our own. We forget the Hope against Hope principle of hope against hope. Faith is to believe what you do not yet see; the reward for this faith is to see what you believe. The death and resurrection of Jesus should be the final nail in the coffin of our doubts, but we often let the re- (Augustine) surrection of our doubts loom larger than the resurrection IN WORD: of our Savior. The promises of God seem so far off that Hope against hope. That’s how Paul described the faith we despair, wondering if we’ve somehow misinterpreted of Abraham, and by that faith, Abraham received God’s them. We forget the truth of Hebrews 11:1, that faith is promises. But he didn’t see them with total clarity. Abra- the of things hoped for but not yet seen. We ham had been promised a multitude of decendants, think if we haven’t seen the promises fulfilled, they might even while he was childless. As each year passed, the not be true. Faith says otherwise. promise seemed more unlikely. Abraham questioned it at times, and he even tried to work it out in his own way IN DEED: (Genesis 16). But God had not promised Abraham des- The life of faith—the pattern of relating to God from the cendants based on Abraham’s own efforts. God pro- beginning of time, but especially in the new creation— mised according to His plan and His work. That’s a huge depends on seeing things that aren’t seen. Faith is sub- difference. stance, our hope made real, the future promises made present. Our faith wages epic battles against our sight, That’s the way it is with God’s promises in our lives too. and we must always let faith win. The principle that God We are given many in His Word: eternal life, an in- honors is hope against hope, as long as it’s based on His heritance with Jesus, answers to our prayers, fulfillment Word. Abraham was blessed by that principle; we will be of our deepest desires, a godly character, fruitful work, too. and more. When years elapse between the promise and Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed. the fulfillment, we have questions. And like Abraham, we Romans 4:18 DEVOTION

6 Book Review

The Plate Spinner: A Little Book of the plates are about to fall and break. When we make Jesus our center, we will for Busy Young Adults’ by Dev learn the re-look at our priorities. We will We can be physically present a church Menon learn to focus on what is most important service or family gathering but we are at given juncture in our life. And so we Book review by Joshua Woo mentally still working in our office. We also learn when and what to say ‘No’ to. may be sitting in a meeting with our cli- A friend in started his new job ents, yet our mind is going through Bible However, Dev reminds us that centering recently. He started doing over-time work Study questions for tonight’s fellowship our lives around Jesus is itself no easy on the third day onwards. This charac- in church. He calls this ‘Frenetic Plate feat. It takes a lot of time, space, and terizes much of adult working life now- spinner Syndrome’ (p.20). money. And if we are not careful, center- adays. Work changes us more than we ing becomes another plate that we spin. As Dev points out, our attempt to live a realize. And more importantly, how we Dev’s point is that when Jesus becomes balanced life is impossible: engage our work changes who we are. the center of which our lives revolves The whole concept of simply portioning around, then we don’t need to spin any out time and energy to the various seg- This is a theme explored in Dev Menon’s plate. We become the plate that Jesus ments of life and trying to do all of them new book The Plate Spinner: A Little spins---he is the source of our discern- well is completely ridiculous. It almost Book for Busy Young Adults (Singapore: ment and motivation in all that we do at always leads to stress, pain and unrea- Graceworks, 2014). The book serves as a any given point in life. guide for many of us who are swamped listic expectations which are never met, not only by our work but also other com- causing a deep sense of inadequacy and This is a helpful advice for young adults, mitments such as friends, church, and guilt for those who try to follow, even- especially those who just started work. family. We are frantically keeping many tually leading to frustration and anger. For those who are already spinning plates spinning at the same time---not a (pp.31-32.) plates, Dev has included a checklist as healthy way to live. epilogue to help us move forward. Plate Instead of trying to balance our various spinner might want to consider spinning commitments, Dev recommends center- Dev reminds us that many plate spinners this book. It might be the only plate you ing. We have to make Jesus Christ the like to believe they are handling all the need at this moment. plates well, that they are keeping all of center of our life. “Balance is rubbish. them spinning fine. Yet, the fact is that Balance will kill you. What we need to do when we are so stretched, few if not all is to centre our lives on... Jesus.” (p.57)

7 Features Asia Gateway Gateway to Asian Mission

n 2007, a group of church leaders in Ma- she was lecturing in mission studies at Red- Engaging with People of Other Faiths laysia asked AsiaCMS Executive Direc- cliffe College in the UK. such as Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam; tor, Dr Tan Kang San – who was then Communication and Contextualisation; I “Asia Gateway’s goal is to ensure that Head of Mission in Redcliffe College, UK through to Reading the Bible Missiologi- - a question: “Why don’t you come back people working in mission – from those cally and Intercultural Leadership. and initiate a missions training programme just starting out to experienced mission per- rather than the Malaysian churches and sonnel, pastors and executive leaders - are Loun Ling explains that all the programmes agencies sending candidates to better equipped to interact and engage with seek to prepare mission workers for minis- the UK for training?” the non-Christian world in Asia,” says Loun try among Asian cultures - with a particu- Ling. lar focus on engaging with Asian religions. That small but weighty question set the ball The high quality theory in the classroom – rolling for Asia Gateway, based in Kuala Christianity is growing rapidly in Asia, with taught by experienced mission workers and Lumpur, Malaysia, and offers cross-cultur- about 352 million Christians. However, lecturers – is combined with practical field al mission training with globally respected Christianity is still a minority in a sea of trips and ministry – set alongside personal teachers and missiologists for other religions - with 3.8 billion non-Chris- reflection and mentoring. Students get the from and to Asia, inclusive of Pakistan, In- tians (or 81% of world’s non-Christians), chance to visit the many faceted ministries dia, Nepal, Myanmar, Japan, Korea and of Asia remains by far the world’s largest mis- in Malaysia and meet the leaders of diffe- course Malaysia. sion field. Despite the growth in mission rent faiths. vision and engagement, mission training in After a period of time mulling over plans Asia is lagging behind. There are as few as and getting the right infrastructure and peo- 15 specialist cross-cultural mission train- ple in place, Asia Gateway was launched ing centres or programmes in Asia. So the in 2013. AsiaCMS (itself a recently creat- idea with Asia Gateway is to help plug the ed Asian-led mission organisation based in training gap in Asia and provide meaningful KL) led the way in setting up Asia Gateway cross-cultural training for mission – from – working alongside the Anglican Diocese inside Asia. of West Malaysia, the Methodist Church of Malaysia and mission agencies: OMF, OM, Asia Gateway offers a range of training InterServe and SIM East Asia. Its first dean, programmes – all with the same aim of lay- Dr Lee Chul Woo, was appointed in 2014. ing down a firm foundation in cross-cultural training for mission. There is a strong em- Former director of Koinonia Theological phasis on spiritual formation, which com- Seminary in the Philippines, Dr Lee holds bines practical experience with theological Asia Gateway’s first ‘graduates’ have re- a ThD in New Testament Studies from Stel- reflection. cently completed a Training of Trainers lenbosch University, South Africa. He and course – a three-week residential enabling his wife Moon Gyung were OMF mission- Currently these are the different pro- experienced missionaries to go out and aries in the Philippines for 19 years. grammes: train others in the field. The group com- prised nine mission workers from Nepal, Dr Tan Kang San and his wife Lee Loun • An eight-week residential programme – Mongolia, South Korea, India, Pakistan, Ling, Training Director of AsiaCMS, teach aimed at new workers (both long-term and Hong Kong. One of the students, from along other eminent missiologists, on the and short-term), pastors and leaders who South Korea, said this was first time he had Asia Gateway programme. Besides being wish to develop their skills, knowledge participated in a training among such a mul- the Executive Director of AsiaCMS, Dr and understanding to face challenges ticultural community, with a team of multi- Tan is the International Consultant on In- of spiritual maturity and integrity when cultural experts. ter-Faith Issues for World Evangelical Al- working in difficult mission settings. liance and Lausanne Movement. He is also • A three-week residential Training of One of the modules, Living and Working on the Adjunct Faculty of Seminari Theoloji Trainers programme – for experienced Cross-Culturally - is taught by Berdine Malaysia and Biblical Graduate School of mission workers - equipping trainers van den Toren, a mission partner for mis- Theology in Singapore. Loun Ling has been to return to their field/churches to train sion education and consultancy at Church a trustee of Faith2Share, an international others Mission Society and former learning and network which exists to strengthen indi- development advisor at CMS. The course genous twenty-first century mission move- • A modular weekend non-residential pro- is an eye-opener for many in knowing and ments, since it first became a registered gramme where students can choose from understanding the different cultures, tra- charity in 2009 in the UK, at which point topics like Biblical Theology of Mission; ditions, social and worldviews of diverse

8 people groups. The aim is: Be a learner first Loun Ling summed up: “We called it Asia based on an interview with Lee Loun Ling, before attempting to even evangelise them. Gateway because we wanted it to depict a Training Director of AsiaCMS. (First pub- ‘gateway’ or channel through which people lished on Faith2Share website: www.faith- can come into something that’s very pro- 2share.net June 2014. Used with permis- mising, a bigger vision and our hope is sion) people who come through will be better equipped to demonstrate the love of God CONTACT and share His word in Asia – so it’s a gate- Asia Gateway Training way to Asia. If I may stress, this training is essential, not just for career missionaries Dr Lee Chul Woo or church workers, but for all who claim to Email: [email protected] be disciples of Jesus in 21st century Asia.” Tel: +603-7931 9849 / 017-475-2739 Adapted from an article by Sarah Holmes, Communications Officer of Faith2Share, More details click on Asia Gateway Website

Features The Social Affirmation

We believe in God, creator of the world and of all people; and in Jesus Christ, incarnate among us, who died and rose again; and in the Holy Spirit, present with us to guide, strengthen, and comfort. We believe; God, help our unbelief. We rejoice in every sign of God’s kingdom: in the upholding of human dignity and community; in every expression of love, justice, and reconciliation; in each act of self-giving on behalf of others; in the abundance of God’s gifts entrusted to us that all may have enough; in all responsible use of the earth’s resources. Glory be to God on high; and on earth, peace. We confess our sin, individual and collective, by silence or action: through the violation of human dignity based on race, class, age, sex, nation, or faith; through the exploitation of people because of greed and indifference; through the misuse of power in personal, communal, national, and international life; through the search for security by those military and economic forces that threaten human existence; through the abuse of technology which endangers the earth and all life upon it. Lord, have mercy; Christ, have mercy; Lord, have mercy. We commit ourselves individually and as a community to the way of Christ; to take up the cross; to seek abundant life for all humanity; to struggle for peace with justice and freedom; to risk ourselves in faith, hope, and love, praying that God’s kingdom may come. Thy kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.

Adopted by the World Methodist Council Nairobi, Kenya, 1986

9 Features Wesleyan Tradition Discipleship in the Wesleyan Tradition Foundations of Wesleyan Discipleship

A. and The small group structure was thus formed so The Band ­- Whereas the classes were the dis- For , faith was all about respond- that Methodists could “watch over one another ciplinary unit of the society, the bands were ing to God’s grace and love. At the heart of his in love.” It evolved into a system that provided the confessional unit. They were same-gender spirituality and Christian discipleship was his structures, relationships and practices within a groups of five or six persons committed to response to the immensity of the grace of God. community to address the goal of ongoing dis- each other and to live a holy life. Only about He saw conversion as simply the beginning of cipleship, of deepening relationship with God a third of the society members joined or were the journey of discipleship, a process in which and others, and of service to the community. invited to join. Here they could pour out their “God’s love shed abroad in our hearts” effec- hearts and share their spiritual journeys “with- tively transforms both our consciousness and a. Structures out reserve and without disguise.” our actions. Justification is the start of the jour- Wesley first formed societies2 (equivalent to ney in response to God’s grace; sanctification, our congregations today) which had only one The ­- This “backslider’s band” pursuing a life of personal and social holiness condition for admission - “a desire to flee from was designed specially for sincere people who towards Christian perfection or holiness of the wrath to come, to be saved from their sins.” kept sliding back into some habitual sin. heart and life, is the continuing journey. But because he was concerned that the socie- The Select Society ­- This was a small group ties were too big to watch over the spiritual for the leaders. Only the most faithful and When asked to define Christian perfection, growth of the members, he divided them into dedicated were invited. It had no rules, no set John Wesley often quoted Matthew 22:37: the different small groups. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all procedure and no official leader. The purpose was to help one another advance in perfection, thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all (i) Small Groups (Face-to-Face Groups) improve leadership skills and to have a select thy mind . . . Thou shalt love thy neighbor as The were different types of small groups group where each can freely share. thyself” (KJV). formed to serve different purposes and to meet different needs. The journey of discipleship in the Wesleyan (ii) Family Religion This is often forgotten as one important ‘group’ tradition is thus a continual process of being The Class Meeting ­- The society was sub- within Wesley’s discipleship struture. Fami- made perfect in our love of God, for each other, divided into classes of about twelve persons lies were encouraged to have family worship and the world, and of removing our desire to each. Every member of the society was re- and study twice daily, morning and evening. sin. In other words, becoming like Christ. quired to join a class. Wesley viewed the Thursday night was to be given to one-on-one Methodist class meetings as a very effective parent-to-child instruction. On Saturday, the B. Discipleship in Community means of instituting his principles of disci- family was to review what had been learned John Wesley’s understanding of faith is that pleship. Their primary purpose was actually during the week. To help with family religion, it is not an individual affair. It is to be lived discipline, to keep the members from straying Wesley wrote many books and even a service in community with fellow Christians and in out of the narrow path of discipleship. In the order for family worship. society. The church is “the covenanted and class meeting, Methodist doctrines, sermons disciplined community of those walking in the and practices were explained. The members (iii) Other Structures for Instruction way of Jesus Christ . . . the joyful community would share their spiritual state, struggles and Structures for instruction in the early Metho- of those who have traded everything else for sins committed. And they would encourage dist movement included Sunday worship, the privilege of banding together around the one another to grow in personal and social ho- small groups, correspondence and one-to-one person and the example of Christ and the cause liness through acts of charity. religious conversations, what we might call of his kingdom.”1 “directed studies” today. Wesley suggested Because Wesley understood that the journey readings, discussed theological issues, asked of discipleship was not meant to be carried out questions, and pushed his students to critically alone, he worked out a system for his converts reflect on their faith. to be nurtured in community. b. Relationships Besides the general relationships within the Wesleyan ‘Model’ of Discipleship small groups, John Wesley emphasized va- Within a few months of beginning field rious types of relationships for the ‘care of preaching in 1739, Wesley had already set up souls.’ the basic system that would later lead to the amazing growth of the Methodist movement. (i) Teaching Relationships Concerned that the old structures would not be Ministers, leaders and teachers were an impor- able to provide the oversight, encouragement tant part of the faith and spiritual formation of and accountability for his new converts to the lives of the members. They were chosen grow, Wesley adapted and created new struc- for their dedication to God and to the care of tures. souls, their knowledge of doctrine, discipline

10 and practice, and their example of a holy life. younger one. Sometimes a “babe” in Christ expectations and guidance for living in per- The teaching role was a combination of pro- would be assigned to a “spiritual father” or sonal and social holiness. As a result, the early clamation, pastoral care, religious instruction, “nursing mother” as Wesley would call them. Methodists, through the empowering work of and modeling a faithful way of being. These He would also assign new or discouraged con- the Holy Spirit, became a powerful movement relationships were significant in forming and verts to ‘seasoned saints.’ for spiritual renewal and social change in the nurturing Christian identity and vocation in English society of that period. the early Methodist movement. c. Practices For Wesley, learning and practical divinity (ii) One-to-One Relationships are interdependent and inform and shape each NOTES Spiritual guidance was an essential element other in the whole discipleship process. He 1. Howard A. Snyder, The Radical Wesley & Patterns in the success of the Methodist movement thus laid down three general rules to govern for Church Renewal (Downers Grove: Inter Varsity although it is seldom highlighted. Wesley how to live a life in love of God and neighbour: Press, 1980), p. 113. found the role of spiritual guide thrust upon “do no harm,” “do good,” and “attend upon all 2. Religious Societies were already in existence in Eng- him as people sought him out for direction the ordinances of God.” Examples of specific land during that time. When the Methodists spoke in both secular and spiritual matters. He was practices were given to illustrate each rule. of a society, they meant a new association that they convinced that spiritual guidance was essen- formed to spread their doctrine or one of the other tial for all Christians and that it was the re- For example, in order to do no harm, beha- Religious Societies that was now open to their new viors such as profanity, drunkenness, etc., preaching. The main difference between the Metho- sponsibility of Christians to hold one another dist societies and the other religious societies was accountable spiritually. This took place in his were to be avoided. To do good would involve that the former were directly under the supervision small groups, families and especially in his actions like giving food to the hungry, and vis- of Wesley. Snyder, p.35. 3 iting the sick, those in prison, etc. These were “twin soul” and faith-mentoring relationships 3. This term ‘faith mentoring’ is coined by Wesley D. as described below. what Wesley called , outward Tracy in his article ‘Spiritual Direction in the Wes- expressions of our love for God shown in acts leyan-Holiness Tradition’ in Spiritual Direction and Twin Souls ­- Twin souls (what some today of loving our neighbour. Attending to the ordi- the Care of Souls. Ed. Gary W. Moon and David G. might call spiritual friendships/peer men- nances of God meant participating in spiritual Benner (Downers Grove: Inter Varsity Press, 2004) toring) was a one-to-one relationship which practices such as corporate worship, private p. 123. Wesley frequently introduced to believers to and public prayer, studying Scripture, etc. 4. Wesley D. Tracy, John Wesley, Spiritul Director: provide mutual guidance and support. He re- These were termed , ways of Spiritual Guidance in Wesley’s Letters. Wesleyan peatedly warned his people, both newcomers loving God shown in practices that served to Theological Journal 23:148-62, 1988. and veterans, that they could not keep ‘warm deepen one’s reltionship with God. alone.’4 Excerpt from Workshop Paper “Discipleship” Thus the early Methodists had structures that by Rev. Wong Kah Nguon and Madam Goh Faith Mentoring ­- In early Methodist prac- instructed and fostered discipline and account- Kim Guat which was presented at the 9th Ses- tice, spiritual guidance would also take the ability, relationships that gave support and sion General Conference, September 15-20, form of a mature Christian watching over a spiritual guidance, and practices with clear 2008 at Kota Kinabalu.

Notice

11 World Council of Churches 10th Assembly Features 30 October - 8 November 2013 at Busan, Republic of Korea

10th Assembly of the World Council of Churches

Introduction Therefore, the programme was rooted in God commends concrete actions and invokes The 10th Assembly of the World Council of life, Lead Us to Justice and Peace and commitment to share “God’s love for the of Churches took place in Busan, Republic engaged participants in a response to this world by seeking peace and protecting life”. of Korea, from 30 October to 8 November call. It covered five dimensions of being the 2013. There were about 920 delegates from church together in the world today – koinonia Another statement entitled Politicization of all over the globe attended the Assembly. (one faith and fellowship in Christ), marty- Religion and Rights of Religious Minorities Whereas, there were about 3500 participants ria (witness in the world), diakonia (serving called on the global ecumenical community who participated in the Assembly where justice and peace), ecumenical formation (for to mediate with their respective governments more than two-thirds were from Korea. leadership) and inter-religious cooperation (a “to develop policies of providing effective common context). protection of persons and communities be- The assembly is the highest governing body longing to minority religions against threats of the World Council of Churches (WCC), On the other hand, there were five plenary or acts of violence from non-state actors.” and meets every seven or eight years. It is talks beside the theme plenary, namely, Asia a moment when the fellowship of member Plenary, Mission Plenary, Unity Plenary, Jus- Human Rights of Stateless People was ano- churches comes together as a whole in prayer tice Plenary and Peace Plenary. Thematic ther significant statement, urged the “church- and celebration. plenaries were large scale events presenting es to engage in dialogue with states to adopt global challenges the churches must face to- policies which confer nationality to stateless The assembly has the mandate to review gether. They highlighted how churches and people and provide proper documentation”. programmes, to issue public statements and ecumenical partners should work together to The text also encouraged churches, civil so- determine the overall policies of the WCC, address these challenges. ciety, human rights entities, United Nations as well as to elect presidents and a Central agencies and regional organizations to col- Committee that oversees the council’s work On top of that, The Assembly also prepared laborate effectively to reduce and eradicate until the next assembly. 21 Ecumenical Conversations for all parti- statelessness. cipants. Ecumenical conversations were The WCC was established at its 1st As- designed to promote in depth discussion on The Newly Elected Presidents and Central sembly in Amsterdam, Netherlands (1948). issues of common concern. Each conversa- Committee Members Since then assemblies have been in held in tion focuses on a unique topic and provides The delegates of the Assembly elected 8 Evanston, United States (1954); New Del- four 90-minute sessions for sustained dia- Presidents from 8 regions of the WCC and hi, India (1961); Uppsala, Sweden (1968); logue. I attended the conversation called 150 Central Committee Members. (The list Nairobi, Kenya (1975); Vancouver, Canada “Middle East: whose justice, what peace?” of 150 Central Committee Members is at- (1983); Canberra, Australia (1991); Hara- tached) re, Zimbabwe (1998), Porto Alegre, Brazil Public Issues Adopted by the Assembly (2006), and Busan, Korea (2013). Some public statements that were adopted In one of the first decisions as the- Cen by the Assembly include: Statement on the tral Committee for the WCC, the newly The Theme and Programme of the Busan Way of Just Peace, Statement on the Politi- elected and installed 150-member commit- Assembly cization of Religion and Rights of Religious tee made history moment by electing Dr. The Theme of the Busan or 10th Assembly Minorities, Statement on the Human Rights Agnes Abuom of Nairobi, from the Anglican was God of Life, Lead Us to Justice and of Stateless People, etc. Church of Kenya, as the moderator of the Peace. However, the core message was the highest WCC governing body. call to “Join the Pilgrimage of Justice and The statement entitled On the Way of Just Peace”. The Assembly hopes that or rather Peace affirmed that “Peace constitutes a pat- Rev Dr Wong Kee Sing the WCC hopes that the 345 member church- tern of life that reflects human participation es will commit for this ecumenical move- in God’s love and care for the world and all ment towards Justice and Peace of the world. God’s creation”. With this affirmation, it re-

12 Reflection (10th Assembly of the WCC and the Central Committee Meeting)

he 10th Assembly of the WCC in the thoughtfulness of the WCC in prepara- from different places of the globe, speak- Busan and the 2014 Central Com- tion. As I participated in the worship servi- ing different languages, enjoying different Tmittee Meeting of the WCC in ces, I saw the richness and abundance of kinds of food, one would have expected that Geneva were well planned and organised. God manifested. Indeed the Christian com- as a Christian community we could partake The programmes and topics covered by munity is a global one, even though there in that one we share in common, and that both the Assembly and Meeting were in are “strange cultures” that one has to adapt is the sacrament of the Holy Communion. line with the Theme – “God of Life, Lead to. Apparently, there were outstanding diver- Us to Justice and Peace”. I was so amazed gences that prevented this celebration from and blessed by the Assembly and Meeting, On top of that, out of 920 delegates of the taking place. especially the plenary sections. Assembly were by the Korean cuisine and language, to which many were not used to. Nonetheless, it was a good experience to The WCC also prepared various worship However, I noticed the delegates tried their be part of a worldwide communion of be- liturgies to cater to the various traditions of best to communicate and to enjoy the local lievers. I thank God for being able to attend Christianity present: traditional, contempo- food – using all means possible! the 10th Assembly of the World Council rary, orthodoxy, denominational, etc. In ad- of Churches. Also, I thank The Methodist dition, the songs that were sung in the ser- By having said these, I found one thing Church of Malaysia to send me as a dele- vices were brought from all over the world missing or rather lacking during the Assem- gate of the Assembly. Indeed, it is a fruitful and from all over the cultures that revealed bly and meeting sessions. As we had come and eye opening experience.

1 Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. 2 Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. 3 How long will you assault me? Would all of you throw me down— A Psalm of David this leaning wall, this tottering fence? 4 Surely they intend to topple me 9 Surely the lowborn are but a breath, from my lofty place; the highborn are but a lie. they take delight in lies. If weighed on a balance, they are nothing; With their mouths they bless, together they are only a breath. but in their hearts they curse. 10 Do not trust in extortion 5 Yes, my soul, find rest in God; or put vain hope in stolen goods; my hope comes from him. though your riches increase, 6 Truly he is my rock and my salvation; do not set your heart on them. he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. 11 One thing God has spoken, 7 My salvation and my honor depend on God; two things I have heard: he is my mighty rock, my refuge. “Power belongs to you, God, 8 Trust in him at all times, you people; 12 and with you, Lord, is unfailing love”; pour out your hearts to him, and, “You reward everyone for God is our refuge. according to what they have done.”

13 Hari Ini Dalam Sejarah Methodist Essay Pelita is beginning a new series of rediscovering some of our Methodist roots and history. First Methodist Church In Kuala Lumpur

of a Tamil Church was necessary, and they approached the Malaya Annual Conference. On Friday 18th June, 1897, the Kuala Lum- pur Episcopal Tamil Church was founded, and the Anglo-Tamil School was opened in July, 1897. Subsequently, land was obtained from the Government for a church building at Ma- lacca Street, Kuala Lumpur. On 11th March, 1900, the Church was dedicated and served all Methodists — European, American, Chinese and Tamil congregations, until 1917 when the English speaking group moved to their own building and the Chinese congregation moved out in 1928.

However, as the Government land on which the church was situated was required for de- velopment, it was exchanged for a suitable land in Jalan Sultan Abdul Samad, Brickfields. The parsonage land being private land was sold for $250,000 thus enabling the new build- ing to be built. The foundation stone for the new church was laid on 22nd January 1961 by the Rev. S. S. Pakianathan, and the new build- ing was dedicated by Bishop H. B. Amstutz he Tamil Methodist Church, Brick- Rooms and other facilities. According to Mr. on the 6th May, 1961, assisted by Dr. Ho Seng fields, Kuala Lumpur celebrated their E. V. Nesaratnam, Vice President of TAC, the Ong, the most senior Asian pastor, the Rev. J. 85th Anniversary on 6th September Multi-Purpose Hall will be used mainly for T V. Ayaduray and the Rev. W. D. Stone. 1981 with a Thanksgiving Service at 9.00 a.m. specific training and as a Resource Develop- at which an evangelist from India, Bagavathar ment Centre for rural work. The centre will Since then the church has also established Vedanayagam Sastriar was the guest speaker. provide training facilities for women from ru- preaching points in Sungei Way Subang, Ulu The Malaysian Methodist Bishop, the Rev. C. ral areas in health, nutrition, family planning Klang, Bukit Rotan, Batang Berjuntai, Kajang, N. Fang brought greetings from the General and child care. Also for youth and children in Rawang and is involved in the prison ministry. Conference and took part in the Holy Com- kindergartens, pre-school and tuition for slow munion Service. This was followed by a fel- learners and drop-outs and for men to acquire As the pastor so aptly puts it “our rejoicing on lowship tea and entertainment programme at appropriate skills in technical and vocational this 85th Anniversary is not only concerned which the Sunday School children and WSCS jobs to enable them to be self reliant. Another with our history, but also with the present and ladies gave song items and the MYF members feature of the training planned is to develop the future, it is a continuing vision of service put on an impromptu hilarious programme. leadership, so that those so trained, could go to our Lord and society.” He reminded the The pastor of the church and president of TAC, back to the rural areas and help in the deve- members of the challenges ahead. “There is a the Rev. V. John Kovilpillai interviewed a few loping of agricultural and animal husbandry consuming and important work for each of us, old members of the church, after which lunch projects, thus alleviating the poor economic if Christ’s Kingdom is to grow on earth. Our was served, followed by a film show and tea. and despondent social status that prevails now. witnessing and living must become effective; we are called to relieve some of the pain, mi- In conjunction with the celebrations a fund The Tamil Methodist Church has come a long sery and oppression in our midst, creating a raising subscription dinner was held at Hotel way from its humble beginnings in 1896. society where the values of the Kingdom of Merlin, Kuala Lumpur on Sunday 13th Sep- According to Rev. V. John Kovilpillai, the God is cherished, established and lived.” tember, proceeds of which went to the ‘TAC church began with the dream of eight young Multi-Purpose Building’ project. This three- men who met for Prayer and Bible Study in Pelita Methodist storey building will house the TAC and church homes. These gatherings formed the founda- November/December 1981 offices, Conference Room, Library, Hostel tion and the belief that a formal establishment

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