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EDITOR Ms Ong Juat Heng

ADVISORS Pastor Dr Chew Weng Chee • Rev. Loh Soon Choy Pastor Dato' Dr Daniel Ho • Dr Chong Kwong Tek here’s a Japanese proverb that says, “In time, even the LEGAL ADVISOR Mr Steven Fung strongest wind tires itself out, but the bamboo remains standing tall and still.” Bamboos have the remarkable FINANCE AND ADMIN MANAGER quality of resilience that can withstand the storm. They Ms Cheng Suet Lai T EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN below. That’sare strong why we’veand yet chosen �lexible, them bending to grace and our swaying cover. to the Mr Tan Yoke Tee mightyWe dedicateforces, with this their issue trunks to the �irmlymany resilientrooted in people the ground who HON SECRETARY have and are still encountering storms in their lives and have Mr Patrick Leong remained standing, people like Susanna Koh and her children HON TREASURER whose husband/father Pastor Raymond Koh was abducted a Ms Loke Che Ching year ago and is still missing. Some, like Dr Timothy William, COMMITTEE MEMBERS Mr Danny Cheah • Mr Andrew Tan Yih Full • Mr Goh Chee Beng Like them, we need to develop resilience if we are to face adversitieshave even �lourished without snapping, from their for failures. disappointments, distress PUBLISHER Persaudaraan Asian Beacon Malaysia - An inter-denominational Christian magazine, Asian Beacon is published age us to get rooted in God, His Word and His family, so that four times a year by Persaudaraan Asian Beacon, a non-profit and dif�iculties are inevitable in life. May their stories encour Christian society. when the storm strikes, we will stand. http://www.facebook.com/AsianBeacon • Website: While on the subject of resilience, let’s talk about depres- www.asianbeacon.org sion, a “D” (dirty) word for some Christians. How can Chris- PERSAUDARAAN ASIAN BEACON MALAYSIA tians get depressed?!! No, we should be living victorious 19-C, Jalan SS22/19, Damansara Jaya, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia Tel: (603) 7725 4109 • Fax: (603) 7726 1740 • Hp: 012-3931 453 those without hope, people like Robin Williams, Linkin Park’s Email: [email protected] ChesterChristian and lives, SHINee’s �illed with Jonghyun, the joy all of whothe Lord. committed Depression suicide. is for PERTH REPRESENTATIVE Why would people who have everything take their lives? Tek and Goldie Chong - Email: [email protected] I had a glimpse of depression when some years ago, I would DESIGN & LAYOUT Jaqueline Yong ghastly gloom. I was on the verge of seeing a psychiatrist when 016-2030380 awake every night from my �itful sleep feeling dark dread and PRINTER after the worship service, I pulled her aside and unloaded my Thumbprints UTD SDN BHD mindmy husband on her. suggestedAfter hearing talking the longto Hera and �irst. short So, of one it, she Sunday said, Lot 24 Jalan RP 3, Rawang Perdana, Industrial Estate, 48000 Rawang, Selangor. Tel: (603) 6092 9809 www.thumbprints.com.my saw one and the birds have been chirping since. You see, my problem“Juat, you was need a hormonalto see a gynaecologist.” one and was more Boom! easily The nextresolved. day, I CONTRIBUTIONS The opinions and views expressed by writers and advertisers are not What about the others? Be sure to read Hera’s take on this necessarily those of the publisher. Contributors are welcomed to monstrous issue. contact us for editorial guidelines. However, we assume no responsibility to return unsolicited materials. Kindly include your email, postal At the start of this new year, and to borrow the phrase from address and telephone number when you send articles, photographs or letters to us.

LORD be with you. We at Asian Beacon also wish you Happy PERMISSION FOR REPRINT Valentine’sStar Wars, which Day, Happy must haveChinese copied New the Year phrase and with from the us, generalMay the Copyright Reserved © 2017. Please contact the editor for permission election around the corner, Happy Voting. to reprint articles, photographs and illustrations. Cover design by Patrick Leong

4 ASIANBEACON.ORG 50#1 January-March 2018 CONTENTS January – 2018 Vol. 50#1 6 March

16 10 34 14 20

4 Editor’s Note ISSUES COVER STORY 26 Drowning In Depression 6 Missing Pastor Raymond Koh 28 Your Vote Is Useless 10 Kampung Boy Makes Global Impact MISSIONS 13 Thank God For Failures 30 Fishing For Stars 14 Epic Woman 16 Broken Dreams REGULAR FEATURE 32 Dear Goldie – Priest At Work 34 Malaysia’s Got Talent 18 Is God On The Streets? 37 Rooftop Principle 20 Beauty, Brains & Obedience 38 Let Go And Let God 22 Safe To Speak 40 Bolster Your Strength, Boost Your Courage 24 Once Upon A Time 25 Romancing The Cynics

ASIANBEACON.ORG 50#1 January-March 2018 5 Cover Story

videos,” said Esther. Their persistence paid tered to me. Worshipping God in songs “spiritually prepared” as he had been helped me focus on Him and not the doing prayer walks and memorising Raymond was abducted, when they problem.” chunks of Scripture passages. “We have obtainedoff on Feb. from 18, a 2017,house �iveowner days a CCTV after For the perky Elizabeth, 21, the initial come to accept the situation. At our coun- video that captured the abduction. months were the lowest point of her life as selling sessions, we were advised to do Susanna was stunned when she saw she was also dealing with some personal normal things, like go back to cooking and the video2. “I couldn’t breathe. It had never issues. “There was so much happening in hobbies, and live as normally as possible.” occurred to me that he could be abducted. my life then and I tried to remember what For Esther, the quieter one, she has Arrested yes, but not abducted,” she said. Dad had told me before,” she said. learned to surrender everything to God (Harapan Komuniti had received at least “I remembered one sermon that he after the initial months of pain when she one death threat in the past.) preached two years ago, about Jesus sleep- kept crying out to God to save her father. The video immediately went viral, ing in the boat when the storm hit and His Her breakthrough came one day as she disciples were crying out to Him. Oh wait… was driving home. “I was listening to a Esther, who couldn’t bring herself to watch I think it was the sermon on the Great song about oceans and crying out to God. I itviewed until several by many months all over later. the world except Commission,” she said, to much laughter asked Him, ‘Is there hope?’,” she said, and from us. “He preached a lot of sermons, so stopped to compose herself. “Then, some- Divine strength thing hit me. I felt God telling me, ‘All this Susanna maintained they are just ordinary “Whatever it is, they all boil down to while you’ve seen the way your dad lives folks but this is no ordinary event. At the theI can promises get them of mixed God andup,” sheour continued.trust in Him when he helped the poor and needy. Did time of their interview with Asian Beacon, no matter what happens. Putting the boat you see hope for them?’ I said, ‘Yes.’ God Loving couple… Susanna and Raymond doing a dance Raymond had been missing for 296 days. incident and the Great Commission replied, ‘Then, there’s hope in this situa- How have they coped? together, it’s knowing that Jesus will be tion.’ At that moment, I felt His deep assur- at Esther’s wedding in September 2016. “Only by the Lord’s grace can we stand there for us to the very end of age. When I ance.” strong,” she replied and quoted 2 Cor.

The Koh family: (from left) Jonathan, Elizabeth, Raymond, Susanna and power is made perfect in weakness”. She Esther. By Ong Juat Heng 12:9: “My grace is suf�icient for you, for my and she felt lost and confused with the manyadmitted different the �irst advices few coming weeks to were her from hard ome Valentine’s Day, as lovers lavish each other with gifts scene that looked as if it came right out of a movie. Susanna was all sides. “I didn’t know which way to go.” and romantic meals, Susanna Liew will be feeling the oblivious to the ordeal until 7.30 p.m. that night when her son, In her confusion, she decided to go for palpable absence of her husband, Pastor Raymond Koh, Jonathan, came home with her handphone, which she had left at a silent retreat in Thailand that she and who was abducted last year on the eve of Valentine’s Day. Raymond had planned to go. The retreat, C 1 “Yes, Raymond is a romantic person,” Susanna replied to the (Harapan Komuniti was founded by Raymond in 2004 to help sponsored by a friend, was scheduled the question. “Every year, on our wedding anniversary, he will buy thetheir poor Harapan and marginalised, Komuniti of�ice especially in Kelana HIV/AIDs Jaya, Petalingpatients Jaya.and year before. Instead, she went with their me a bunch of fresh roses. Once, on our 30th anniversary, he gave single mothers.) youngest daughter, Elizabeth, three weeks after the abduction. There in the serene The nightmare begins silence and comforting solitude over the me 30 roses,” she exclaimed. There were many missed calls on Susanna’s phone. She replied - think about my dad, that’s what he toldShe me isthat still several learning years about ago thewhen extent Raymond Raymond was wouldattending go one and was told that Raymond had not turned up for a 4.00 p.m. through she desperately needed. believes, that no matter what happens, What they specifically miss about somethrough meetings to express with his the love EFC for missionher. “Recently, leaders a Christianin Thailand, leader he meeting in Klang. Sensing something amiss, she called her next“The seven retreat days, helped she me found to focus the on break God God’s going to take care of him.” Raymond friends, who advised her to make a police report. instead of my circumstance. Though it was For Susanna, it is his spiritual guidance insisted on going home by bus all the way (to Petaling Jaya) so Two hours later, she and Jonathan, 33, were at the Kelana overwhelming, I found strength in His felt “Jesus was sleeping” and there was no and direction. “He’s the one who leads the thatsuddenly he could remembered spend the it evening was Valentine’s with me, Daywhich the he next did. day I didn't and Jaya police station where they were questioned about word. Psalm 46:9-10 reminded me to be answerDuring from the Him. �irst “But few He months, was there Elizabeth in the family in spiritual matters, prayer, Bible know that he had made such an effort and he didn't tell me either. Raymond’s activities and work in Harapan Komuniti. This lasted still and know that He is God. The story of boat all along and He eventually woke up. I reading, devotion. I miss his sharing about I was so proud of him and so touched that I teared up when the until 3.00 a.m. and they were back there again several hours later Ruth and Naomi also ministered to me. was reassured that His promises will hold his prayer walks and the Bible passages leader told me.” for more questioning. Frustrated, she told the police they should They did not have a future but Boaz, their true.” he’d been memorising. I also miss seeing In fact, “I love you” were Raymond’s last words to Susanna be looking for her husband and not interrogate her about his kinsman redeemer, gave them a future. As the months passed, it became easier his enthusiasm for God and passion for just before his abduction. In an interview with Asian Beacon, work. Likewise, Jesus is my kinsman redeemer to cope with Raymond’s absence as people, especially the poor and the Susanna recalled, with tears rolling down her cheek, that fateful Two days after the abduction, and still without a clue about and I have hope, I have a future,” she Susanna continually laid her burden discriminated that no other organisation morning when he uttered those words. “I was at my friend’s Raymond’s whereabouts, Susanna’s daughter, Esther, and shared. before God and surrendered the uncer- would want to take. Whenever the hospital apartment, helping to babysit her children. I called Raymond at Jonathan decided to take things into their own hands. They had tainties to Him. Still, there were many days called our centre (Harapan Komuniti) to around 9 a.m. to come and get some sambal belacan to pass to a read from that morning’s newspaper that the abduction had during the retreat was when she walked when she wondered how he’s doing. ask if we could accept some HIV patients, friend he was going to meet later. He dropped in at around 9.30 taken place on Jalan Bahagia. They drove there and found throughOne the speci�ic labyrinth incident at the that centre. lifted In herthe “Thank God he’s very healthy as he’s very he would take them in. He was always a.m., took the sambal belacan and said, ‘Bye. I love you’. That was shattered glasses on the road. middle of the labyrinth was a rock and particular about food. No salt, no oil, and helping people, raising funds for them.” the last time I saw him,” Susanna said as she wiped the tears from An idea struck Jonathan to look for houses with CCTVs in the there, Susanna knelt and laid her burdens. he’s not on any medication. He’s 63 years Elizabeth chipped in, “One big thing I her eyes. “When I got up, I had this assurance that old but he could play football with the miss – his guitar playing every day. He got Little did she know then that an hour later, Raymond would the house owners what they were looking for. “We kept going He’s with me, He holds my tomorrow. The teens.” me a small classical guitar when I was 7 backarea. Brotherto the area and sisterand going then walkedhouse todoor house to door, to ask explaining for CCTV to song, “Be still”, came to me and truly minis- Susanna added that Raymond was and it’s always lying in the living room.

be swiftly abducted by at least �ive men wearing ski masks in a 6 ASIANBEACON.ORG 50#1 January-March 2018

After lunch or dinner, he would pick it up is good as it means I have to depend on (More information about Pastor Raymond Koh, and play some random songs. He’d tell us, God for help.” updates and Harapan Komuniti is available at ‘I’ve got this song’, and he’d show us.” Esther, 33, and Jonathan, 34, are also https://�indraymondkoh.com and Facebook On a more serious note, she said, “I stepping up to take on more work at Hara- page, everybodylovesraymondkoh. The family think about all the time when he gave me pan Komuniti, while Elizabeth, 21, is has also set up the Raymond Koh Trust Fund the best advice – how to treat people, how going back to the US to continue her where the money raised will go to the Harapan college education after taking a year’s Komuniti work, their family welfare and say to the teachers. He just knew how to leave. As they wait patiently for advocacy for the other three people who are connectto deal with with dif�icult people. boyfriends Because of or his what very to Raymond’s return, they will continue missing – social activist Amri Che Mat, Pastor poor background, he could emphathise doing his work as he would have done. Joshua Hilmi and his wife, Ruth Sitepu.) with people as he understood what it’s He’ll be proud of them when he’s back and like to feel pain, to have nothing.” sees that everything is in order.

Have they ever been angry with God for Raymond’s abduction? “No, never. But I was angry with the police,” Susanna said and quickly added she had to learn to forgive and also ask for

During the Suhakam inquiry last Novem- berforgiveness into the from disappearance the Investigating of Raymond Of�icer.

later, she went up to him and apologised. “I’mWhen glad she I sawsorted the that Investigating one out. It’s Of�icer also important for them to see how Christians behave, that we are able to ask for forgiveness,” Susanna said. Stepping out Since Raymond’s disappearance, Susanna has had to step out of the shadow and take charge of Harapan Komuniti. “In our family, Raymond was the public speaker and I was just a housewife in the background. Suddenly, I found myself speaking in front of large crowds and making decisions for Harapan Komuniti. It’s a steep learning curve but in a way, it videos,” said Esther. Their persistence paid tered to me. Worshipping God in songs “spiritually prepared” as he had been helped me focus on Him and not the doing prayer walks and memorising Raymond was abducted, when they problem.” chunks of Scripture passages. “We have obtainedoff on Feb. from 18, a 2017,house �iveowner days a CCTV after For the perky Elizabeth, 21, the initial come to accept the situation. At our coun- video that captured the abduction. months were the lowest point of her life as selling sessions, we were advised to do Susanna was stunned when she saw she was also dealing with some personal normal things, like go back to cooking and the video2. “I couldn’t breathe. It had never issues. “There was so much happening in hobbies, and live as normally as possible.” occurred to me that he could be abducted. my life then and I tried to remember what For Esther, the quieter one, she has Arrested yes, but not abducted,” she said. Dad had told me before,” she said. learned to surrender everything to God (Harapan Komuniti had received at least “I remembered one sermon that he after the initial months of pain when she one death threat in the past.) preached two years ago, about Jesus sleep- kept crying out to God to save her father. The video immediately went viral, ing in the boat when the storm hit and His Her breakthrough came one day as she disciples were crying out to Him. Oh wait… was driving home. “I was listening to a Esther, who couldn’t bring herself to watch I think it was the sermon on the Great song about oceans and crying out to God. I itviewed until several by many months all over later. the world except Commission,” she said, to much laughter asked Him, ‘Is there hope?’,” she said, and from us. “He preached a lot of sermons, so stopped to compose herself. “Then, some- Divine strength thing hit me. I felt God telling me, ‘All this Susanna maintained they are just ordinary “Whatever it is, they all boil down to while you’ve seen the way your dad lives folks but this is no ordinary event. At the theI can promises get them of mixed God andup,” sheour continued.trust in Him when he helped the poor and needy. Did time of their interview with Asian Beacon, no matter what happens. Putting the boat you see hope for them?’ I said, ‘Yes.’ God Raymond had been missing for 296 days. incident and the Great Commission replied, ‘Then, there’s hope in this situa- How have they coped? together, it’s knowing that Jesus will be tion.’ At that moment, I felt His deep assur- “Only by the Lord’s grace can we stand there for us to the very end of age. When I ance.” strong,” she replied and quoted 2 Cor.

power is made perfect in weakness”. She 12:9: “My grace is suf�icient for you, for my and she felt lost and confused with the manyadmitted different the �irst advices few coming weeks to were her from hard ome Valentine’s Day, as lovers lavish each other with gifts scene that looked as if it came right out of a movie. Susanna was all sides. “I didn’t know which way to go.” and romantic meals, Susanna Liew will be feeling the oblivious to the ordeal until 7.30 p.m. that night when her son, In her confusion, she decided to go for palpable absence of her husband, Pastor Raymond Koh, Jonathan, came home with her handphone, which she had left at a silent retreat in Thailand that she and who was abducted last year on the eve of Valentine’s Day. Raymond had planned to go. The retreat, “Yes, Raymond is1 a romantic person,” Susanna replied to the (Harapan Komuniti was founded by Raymond in 2004 to help sponsored by a friend, was scheduled the question. “Every year, on our wedding anniversary, he will buy thetheir poor Harapan and marginalised, Komuniti of�ice especially in Kelana HIV/AIDs Jaya, Petalingpatients Jaya.and year before. Instead, she went with their me a bunch of fresh roses. Once, on our 30th anniversary, he gave single mothers.) youngest daughter, Elizabeth, three weeks after the abduction. There in the serene The nightmare begins silence and comforting solitude over the Emotional moment for Susanna at the interview. me 30 roses,” she exclaimed. There were many missed calls on Susanna’s phone. She replied - think about my dad, that’s what he toldShe me isthat still several learning years about ago thewhen extent Raymond Raymond was wouldattending go one and was told that Raymond had not turned up for a 4.00 p.m. through she desperately needed. believes, that no matter what happens, What they specifically miss about somethrough meetings to express with his the love EFC for missionher. “Recently, leaders a Christianin Thailand, leader he meeting in Klang. Sensing something amiss, she called her next“The seven retreat days, helped she me found to focus the on break God God’s going to take care of him.” Raymond friends, who advised her to make a police report. instead of my circumstance. Though it was For Susanna, it is his spiritual guidance insisted on going home by bus all the way (to Petaling Jaya) so Two hours later, she and Jonathan, 33, were at the Kelana overwhelming, I found strength in His felt “Jesus was sleeping” and there was no and direction. “He’s the one who leads the thatsuddenly he could remembered spend the it evening was Valentine’s with me, Daywhich the he next did. day I didn't and Jaya police station where they were questioned about word. Psalm 46:9-10 reminded me to be answerDuring from the Him. �irst “But few He months, was there Elizabeth in the family in spiritual matters, prayer, Bible know that he had made such an effort and he didn't tell me either. Raymond’s activities and work in Harapan Komuniti. This lasted still and know that He is God. The story of boat all along and He eventually woke up. I reading, devotion. I miss his sharing about I was so proud of him and so touched that I teared up when the until 3.00 a.m. and they were back there again several hours later Ruth and Naomi also ministered to me. was reassured that His promises will hold his prayer walks and the Bible passages leader told me.” for more questioning. Frustrated, she told the police they should They did not have a future but Boaz, their true.” he’d been memorising. I also miss seeing In fact, “I love you” were Raymond’s last words to Susanna be looking for her husband and not interrogate her about his kinsman redeemer, gave them a future. As the months passed, it became easier his enthusiasm for God and passion for just before his abduction. In an interview with Asian Beacon, work. Likewise, Jesus is my kinsman redeemer to cope with Raymond’s absence as people, especially the poor and the Susanna recalled, with tears rolling down her cheek, that fateful Two days after the abduction, and still without a clue about and I have hope, I have a future,” she Susanna continually laid her burden discriminated that no other organisation morning when he uttered those words. “I was at my friend’s Raymond’s whereabouts, Susanna’s daughter, Esther, and shared. before God and surrendered the uncer- would want to take. Whenever the hospital apartment, helping to babysit her children. I called Raymond at Jonathan decided to take things into their own hands. They had tainties to Him. Still, there were many days called our centre (Harapan Komuniti) to around 9 a.m. to come and get some sambal belacan to pass to a read from that morning’s newspaper that the abduction had during the retreat was when she walked when she wondered how he’s doing. ask if we could accept some HIV patients, friend he was going to meet later. He dropped in at around 9.30 taken place on Jalan Bahagia. They drove there and found throughOne the speci�ic labyrinth incident at the that centre. lifted In herthe “Thank God he’s very healthy as he’s very he would take them in. He was always a.m., took the sambal belacan and said, ‘Bye. I love you’. That was shattered glasses on the road. middle of the labyrinth was a rock and particular about food. No salt, no oil, and helping people, raising funds for them.” the last time I saw him,” Susanna said as she wiped the tears from An idea struck Jonathan to look for houses with CCTVs in the there, Susanna knelt and laid her burdens. he’s not on any medication. He’s 63 years Elizabeth chipped in, “One big thing I her eyes. “When I got up, I had this assurance that old but he could play football with the miss – his guitar playing every day. He got Little did she know then that an hour later, Raymond would the house owners what they were looking for. “We kept going He’s with me, He holds my tomorrow. The teens.” me a small classical guitar when I was 7 backarea. Brotherto the area and sisterand going then walkedhouse todoor house to door, to ask explaining for CCTV to song, “Be still”, came to me and truly minis- Susanna added that Raymond was and it’s always lying in the living room. be swiftly abducted by at least �ive men wearing ski masks in a 1. The Koh family believes that Raymond is still alive. 2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-jcxSZGS-8&t=10s ASIANBEACON.ORG 50#1 January-March 2018 7

Have they ever been angry with God for Raymond’s abduction? “No, never. But I was angry with the police,” Susanna said and quickly added she had to learn to forgive and also ask for

During the Suhakam inquiry last Novem- berforgiveness into the from disappearance the Investigating of Raymond Of�icer.

- tive.and threeShe couldn’t others, thesleep Investigating that night and Of�icer the testi�ied that the family was not coopera “Be angry but sin not. Do not let the sun go downnext day, with God your led anger”. her to a Scripture verse, On the way to the inquiry that morning, her friend told her not to be angry with the police as they were just doing their job. “Another arrow on me,” she said. later, she went up to him and apologised. “I’mWhen glad she I sawsorted the that Investigating one out. It’s Of�icer also important for them to see how Christians behave, that we are able to ask for forgiveness,” Susanna said. Stepping out Since Raymond’s disappearance, Susanna has had to step out of the shadow and take charge of Harapan Komuniti. “In our family, Raymond was the public speaker and I was just a housewife in the background. Suddenly, I found myself speaking in front of large crowds and making decisions for Harapan Komuniti. It’s a steep learning curve but in a way, it videos,” said Esther. Their persistence paid tered to me. Worshipping God in songs “spiritually prepared” as he had been helped me focus on Him and not the doing prayer walks and memorising Raymond was abducted, when they problem.” chunks of Scripture passages. “We have obtainedoff on Feb. from 18, a 2017,house �iveowner days a CCTV after For the perky Elizabeth, 21, the initial come to accept the situation. At our coun- video that captured the abduction. months were the lowest point of her life as selling sessions, we were advised to do Susanna was stunned when she saw she was also dealing with some personal normal things, like go back to cooking and the video2. “I couldn’t breathe. It had never issues. “There was so much happening in hobbies, and live as normally as possible.” occurred to me that he could be abducted. my life then and I tried to remember what For Esther, the quieter one, she has Arrested yes, but not abducted,” she said. Dad had told me before,” she said. learned to surrender everything to God (Harapan Komuniti had received at least “I remembered one sermon that he after the initial months of pain when she one death threat in the past.) preached two years ago, about Jesus sleep- kept crying out to God to save her father. The video immediately went viral, ing in the boat when the storm hit and His Her breakthrough came one day as she disciples were crying out to Him. Oh wait… was driving home. “I was listening to a Esther, who couldn’t bring herself to watch I think it was the sermon on the Great song about oceans and crying out to God. I itviewed until several by many months all over later. the world except Commission,” she said, to much laughter asked Him, ‘Is there hope?’,” she said, and from us. “He preached a lot of sermons, so stopped to compose herself. “Then, some- Divine strength thing hit me. I felt God telling me, ‘All this Susanna maintained they are just ordinary “Whatever it is, they all boil down to while you’ve seen the way your dad lives folks but this is no ordinary event. At the theI can promises get them of mixed God andup,” sheour continued.trust in Him when he helped the poor and needy. Did time of their interview with Asian Beacon, no matter what happens. Putting the boat you see hope for them?’ I said, ‘Yes.’ God Raymond had been missing for 296 days. incident and the Great Commission replied, ‘Then, there’s hope in this situa- How have they coped? together, it’s knowing that Jesus will be tion.’ At that moment, I felt His deep assur- “Only by the Lord’s grace can we stand there for us to the very end of age. When I ance.” strong,” she replied and quoted 2 Cor.

power is made perfect in weakness”. She 12:9: “My grace is suf�icient for you, for my and she felt lost and confused with the manyadmitted different the �irst advices few coming weeks to were her from hard ome Valentine’s Day, as lovers lavish each other with gifts scene that looked as if it came right out of a movie. Susanna was all sides. “I didn’t know which way to go.” and romantic meals, Susanna Liew will be feeling the oblivious to the ordeal until 7.30 p.m. that night when her son, In her confusion, she decided to go for palpable absence of her husband, Pastor Raymond Koh, Jonathan, came home with her handphone, which she had left at a silent retreat in Thailand that she and who was abducted last year on the eve of Valentine’s Day. Raymond had planned to go. The retreat, “Yes, Raymond is1 a romantic person,” Susanna replied to the (Harapan Komuniti was founded by Raymond in 2004 to help sponsored by a friend, was scheduled the question. “Every year, on our wedding anniversary, he will buy thetheir poor Harapan and marginalised, Komuniti of�ice especially in Kelana HIV/AIDs Jaya, Petalingpatients Jaya.and year before. Instead, she went with their me a bunch of fresh roses. Once, on our 30th anniversary, he gave single mothers.) youngest daughter, Elizabeth, three weeks after the abduction. There in the serene The nightmare begins silence and comforting solitude over the me 30 roses,” she exclaimed. There were many missed calls on Susanna’s phone. She replied - think about my dad, that’s what he toldShe me isthat still several learning years about ago thewhen extent Raymond Raymond was wouldattending go one and was told that Raymond had not turned up for a 4.00 p.m. through she desperately needed. believes, that no matter what happens, What they specifically miss about somethrough meetings to express with his the love EFC for missionher. “Recently, leaders a Christianin Thailand, leader he meeting in Klang. Sensing something amiss, she called her next“The seven retreat days, helped she me found to focus the on break God God’s going to take care of him.” Raymond friends, who advised her to make a police report. instead of my circumstance. Though it was For Susanna, it is his spiritual guidance insisted on going home by bus all the way (to Petaling Jaya) so Two hours later, she and Jonathan, 33, were at the Kelana overwhelming, I found strength in His felt “Jesus was sleeping” and there was no and direction. “He’s the one who leads the thatsuddenly he could remembered spend the it evening was Valentine’s with me, Daywhich the he next did. day I didn't and Jaya police station where they were questioned about word. Psalm 46:9-10 reminded me to be answerDuring from the Him. �irst “But few He months, was there Elizabeth in the family in spiritual matters, prayer, Bible know that he had made such an effort and he didn't tell me either. Raymond’s activities and work in Harapan Komuniti. This lasted still and know that He is God. The story of boat all along and He eventually woke up. I reading, devotion. I miss his sharing about I was so proud of him and so touched that I teared up when the until 3.00 a.m. and they were back there again several hours later Ruth and Naomi also ministered to me. was reassured that His promises will hold his prayer walks and the Bible passages leader told me.” for more questioning. Frustrated, she told the police they should They did not have a future but Boaz, their true.” he’d been memorising. I also miss seeing In fact, “I love you” were Raymond’s last words to Susanna be looking for her husband and not interrogate her about his kinsman redeemer, gave them a future. As the months passed, it became easier his enthusiasm for God and passion for just before his abduction. In an interview with Asian Beacon, work. Likewise, Jesus is my kinsman redeemer to cope with Raymond’s absence as people, especially the poor and the Susanna recalled, with tears rolling down her cheek, that fateful Two days after the abduction, and still without a clue about and I have hope, I have a future,” she Susanna continually laid her burden discriminated that no other organisation morning when he uttered those words. “I was at my friend’s Raymond’s whereabouts, Susanna’s daughter, Esther, and shared. before God and surrendered the uncer- would want to take. Whenever the hospital apartment, helping to babysit her children. I called Raymond at Jonathan decided to take things into their own hands. They had tainties to Him. Still, there were many days called our centre (Harapan Komuniti) to around 9 a.m. to come and get some sambal belacan to pass to a read from that morning’s newspaper that the abduction had during the retreat was when she walked when she wondered how he’s doing. ask if we could accept some HIV patients, friend he was going to meet later. He dropped in at around 9.30 taken place on Jalan Bahagia. They drove there and found throughOne the speci�ic labyrinth incident at the that centre. lifted In herthe “Thank God he’s very healthy as he’s very he would take them in. He was always a.m., took the sambal belacan and said, ‘Bye. I love you’. That was shattered glasses on the road. middle of the labyrinth was a rock and particular about food. No salt, no oil, and helping people, raising funds for them.” the last time I saw him,” Susanna said as she wiped the tears from An idea struck Jonathan to look for houses with CCTVs in the there, Susanna knelt and laid her burdens. he’s not on any medication. He’s 63 years Elizabeth chipped in, “One big thing I her eyes. “When I got up, I had this assurance that old but he could play football with the miss – his guitar playing every day. He got Little did she know then that an hour later, Raymond would the house owners what they were looking for. “We kept going He’s with me, He holds my tomorrow. The teens.” me a small classical guitar when I was 7 backarea. Brotherto the area and sisterand going then walkedhouse todoor house to door, to ask explaining for CCTV to song, “Be still”, came to me and truly minis- Susanna added that Raymond was and it’s always lying in the living room.

be swiftly abducted by at least �ive men wearing ski masks in a

Cover Story

Elizabeth (in black top) and Esther in a sombre mood as their mother Have they ever been angry with God relates the events at the Asian Beacon ofﬁce. for Raymond’s abduction? “No, never. But I was angry with the police,” Susanna said and quickly added By their side she had to learn to forgive and also ask for Through it all, the Koh family has been well supported by the family of God. During

During the Suhakam inquiry last Novem- with a friend who took care of them. berforgiveness into the from disappearance the Investigating of Raymond Of�icer. the “We �irst were month busy after running the abduction, in and out they and (except my friend Esther, would who’s make married) sure we stayed had nutritious food and always boiled nutritious soup for us. Another friend would - bring breakfast and dinner and helped us write the chronology of the events. This tive.and threeShe couldn’t others, thesleep Investigating that night and Of�icer the came in helpful for the Suhakam inquiry and the submission to the United Nations testi�ied that the family was not coopera Working Group For Enforced And Involuntary Disappearance,” Susanna said. “Be angry but sin not. Do not let the sun go downnext day, with God your led anger”. her to a Scripture verse, On the way to the inquiry that morn- what’sMany in theirchurches heart. and Susanna Christians is also showed grateful support to their and church Susanna leaders, singled Pastor out Pastor Chan ing, her friend told her not to be angry AhDaniel Kee Ho and of his DUMC, wife, who Ah Poh, met andwith their them advisors, several times who includeand made lawyers sure they Philip shared Koh with the police as they were just doing and Datuk Kenny Ng, Datuk Lee Hwa Beng and Sheryl Stothard, their communica- their job. “Another arrow on me,” she said. tions strategist. Beyond the faith community, God has brought many prominent individuals and later, she went up to him and apologised. organisations to support the Koh family in their case – the family lawyers who “I’mWhen glad she I sawsorted the that Investigating one out. It’s Of�icer also volunteered many hours representing them at the Suhakam Public Inquiry, such as important for them to see how Christians Datuk Gerald Gomez, Prof. Guardia Singh, Steven Thiru and Ambiga Sreenavasan. behave, that we are able to ask for forgive- “We are also thankful to observers like CAGED, Bar Council and EIAC, who gave ness,” Susanna said. their support with their presence and participation,” Susanna said. “The family of God is so important. We really must stay connected to God’s Stepping out people,” she stressed. Since Raymond’s disappearance, Susanna Indeed, as Raymond had counted the cost of serving Christ, he and his family has had to step out of the shadow and take can count on the family of God to walk with them. charge of Harapan Komuniti. “In our family, Raymond was the public speaker and I was just a housewife in the background. Suddenly, I found myself speaking in front of large crowds and making decisions for Harapan Komuniti. It’s a steep learning curve but in a way, it

8 ASIANBEACON.ORG 50#1 January-March 2018 videos,” said Esther. Their persistence paid tered to me. Worshipping God in songs “spiritually prepared” as he had been helped me focus on Him and not the doing prayer walks and memorising Raymond was abducted, when they problem.” chunks of Scripture passages. “We have obtainedoff on Feb. from 18, a 2017,house �iveowner days a CCTV after For the perky Elizabeth, 21, the initial come to accept the situation. At our coun- video that captured the abduction. months were the lowest point of her life as selling sessions, we were advised to do Susanna was stunned when she saw she was also dealing with some personal normal things, like go back to cooking and the video2. “I couldn’t breathe. It had never issues. “There was so much happening in hobbies, and live as normally as possible.” occurred to me that he could be abducted. my life then and I tried to remember what For Esther, the quieter one, she has Arrested yes, but not abducted,” she said. Dad had told me before,” she said. learned to surrender everything to God (Harapan Komuniti had received at least “I remembered one sermon that he after the initial months of pain when she one death threat in the past.) preached two years ago, about Jesus sleep- kept crying out to God to save her father. The video immediately went viral, ing in the boat when the storm hit and His Her breakthrough came one day as she disciples were crying out to Him. Oh wait… was driving home. “I was listening to a Esther, who couldn’t bring herself to watch I think it was the sermon on the Great song about oceans and crying out to God. I itviewed until several by many months all over later. the world except Commission,” she said, to much laughter asked Him, ‘Is there hope?’,” she said, and from us. “He preached a lot of sermons, so stopped to compose herself. “Then, some- Divine strength thing hit me. I felt God telling me, ‘All this Susanna maintained they are just ordinary “Whatever it is, they all boil down to while you’ve seen the way your dad lives folks but this is no ordinary event. At the theI can promises get them of mixed God andup,” sheour continued.trust in Him when he helped the poor and needy. Did time of their interview with Asian Beacon, no matter what happens. Putting the boat you see hope for them?’ I said, ‘Yes.’ God Raymond had been missing for 296 days. incident and the Great Commission replied, ‘Then, there’s hope in this situa- How have they coped? together, it’s knowing that Jesus will be tion.’ At that moment, I felt His deep assur- “Only by the Lord’s grace can we stand there for us to the very end of age. When I ance.” strong,” she replied and quoted 2 Cor.

power is made perfect in weakness”. She 12:9: “My grace is suf�icient for you, for my and she felt lost and confused with the manyadmitted different the �irst advices few coming weeks to were her from hard ome Valentine’s Day, as lovers lavish each other with gifts scene that looked as if it came right out of a movie. Susanna was all sides. “I didn’t know which way to go.” and romantic meals, Susanna Liew will be feeling the oblivious to the ordeal until 7.30 p.m. that night when her son, In her confusion, she decided to go for palpable absence of her husband, Pastor Raymond Koh, Jonathan, came home with her handphone, which she had left at a silent retreat in Thailand that she and who was abducted last year on the eve of Valentine’s Day. Raymond had planned to go. The retreat, “Yes, Raymond is1 a romantic person,” Susanna replied to the (Harapan Komuniti was founded by Raymond in 2004 to help sponsored by a friend, was scheduled the question. “Every year, on our wedding anniversary, he will buy thetheir poor Harapan and marginalised, Komuniti of�ice especially in Kelana HIV/AIDs Jaya, Petalingpatients Jaya.and year before. Instead, she went with their me a bunch of fresh roses. Once, on our 30th anniversary, he gave single mothers.) youngest daughter, Elizabeth, three weeks after the abduction. There in the serene The nightmare begins silence and comforting solitude over the me 30 roses,” she exclaimed. There were many missed calls on Susanna’s phone. She replied - think about my dad, that’s what he toldShe me isthat still several learning years about ago thewhen extent Raymond Raymond was wouldattending go one and was told that Raymond had not turned up for a 4.00 p.m. through she desperately needed. believes, that no matter what happens, What they specifically miss about somethrough meetings to express with his the love EFC for missionher. “Recently, leaders a Christianin Thailand, leader he meeting in Klang. Sensing something amiss, she called her next“The seven retreat days, helped she me found to focus the on break God God’s going to take care of him.” Raymond friends, who advised her to make a police report. instead of my circumstance. Though it was For Susanna, it is his spiritual guidance insisted on going home by bus all the way (to Petaling Jaya) so Two hours later, she and Jonathan, 33, were at the Kelana overwhelming, I found strength in His felt “Jesus was sleeping” and there was no and direction. “He’s the one who leads the thatsuddenly he could remembered spend the it evening was Valentine’s with me, Daywhich the he next did. day I didn't and Jaya police station where they were questioned about word. Psalm 46:9-10 reminded me to be answerDuring from the Him. �irst “But few He months, was there Elizabeth in the family in spiritual matters, prayer, Bible know that he had made such an effort and he didn't tell me either. Raymond’s activities and work in Harapan Komuniti. This lasted still and know that He is God. The story of boat all along and He eventually woke up. I reading, devotion. I miss his sharing about I was so proud of him and so touched that I teared up when the until 3.00 a.m. and they were back there again several hours later Ruth and Naomi also ministered to me. was reassured that His promises will hold his prayer walks and the Bible passages leader told me.” for more questioning. Frustrated, she told the police they should They did not have a future but Boaz, their true.” he’d been memorising. I also miss seeing In fact, “I love you” were Raymond’s last words to Susanna be looking for her husband and not interrogate her about his kinsman redeemer, gave them a future. As the months passed, it became easier his enthusiasm for God and passion for just before his abduction. In an interview with Asian Beacon, work. Likewise, Jesus is my kinsman redeemer to cope with Raymond’s absence as people, especially the poor and the Susanna recalled, with tears rolling down her cheek, that fateful Two days after the abduction, and still without a clue about and I have hope, I have a future,” she Susanna continually laid her burden discriminated that no other organisation morning when he uttered those words. “I was at my friend’s Raymond’s whereabouts, Susanna’s daughter, Esther, and shared. before God and surrendered the uncer- would want to take. Whenever the hospital apartment, helping to babysit her children. I called Raymond at Jonathan decided to take things into their own hands. They had tainties to Him. Still, there were many days called our centre (Harapan Komuniti) to around 9 a.m. to come and get some sambal belacan to pass to a read from that morning’s newspaper that the abduction had during the retreat was when she walked when she wondered how he’s doing. ask if we could accept some HIV patients, friend he was going to meet later. He dropped in at around 9.30 taken place on Jalan Bahagia. They drove there and found throughOne the speci�ic labyrinth incident at the that centre. lifted In herthe “Thank God he’s very healthy as he’s very he would take them in. He was always a.m., took the sambal belacan and said, ‘Bye. I love you’. That was shattered glasses on the road. middle of the labyrinth was a rock and particular about food. No salt, no oil, and helping people, raising funds for them.” the last time I saw him,” Susanna said as she wiped the tears from An idea struck Jonathan to look for houses with CCTVs in the there, Susanna knelt and laid her burdens. he’s not on any medication. He’s 63 years Elizabeth chipped in, “One big thing I her eyes. “When I got up, I had this assurance that old but he could play football with the miss – his guitar playing every day. He got Little did she know then that an hour later, Raymond would the house owners what they were looking for. “We kept going He’s with me, He holds my tomorrow. The teens.” me a small classical guitar when I was 7 backarea. Brotherto the area and sisterand going then walkedhouse todoor house to door, to ask explaining for CCTV to song, “Be still”, came to me and truly minis- Susanna added that Raymond was and it’s always lying in the living room. be swiftly abducted by at least �ive men wearing ski masks in a

After lunch or dinner, he would pick it up is good as it means I have to depend on (More information about Pastor Raymond Koh, and play some random songs. He’d tell us, God for help.” updates and Harapan Komuniti is available at ‘I’ve got this song’, and he’d show us.” Esther, 33, and Jonathan, 34, are also https://�indraymondkoh.com and Facebook On a more serious note, she said, “I stepping up to take on more work at Hara- page, everybodylovesraymondkoh. The family think about all the time when he gave me pan Komuniti, while Elizabeth, 21, is has also set up the Raymond Koh Trust Fund the best advice – how to treat people, how going back to the US to continue her where the money raised will go to the Harapan college education after taking a year’s Komuniti work, their family welfare and Matthew 6:26 say to the teachers. He just knew how to leave. As they wait patiently for advocacy for the other three people who are Look at the birds of the air; they do connectto deal with with dif�icult people. boyfriends Because of or his what very to Raymond’s return, they will continue missing – social activist Amri Che Mat, Pastor not sow or reap or store away in poor background, he could emphathise doing his work as he would have done. Joshua Hilmi and his wife, Ruth Sitepu.) with people as he understood what it’s He’ll be proud of them when he’s back and barns, and yet your heavenly like to feel pain, to have nothing.” sees that everything is in order. Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

Matthew 10:29-31 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Have they ever been angry with God So don’t be afraid; you are worth more for Raymond’s abduction? than many sparrows. “No, never. But I was angry with the police,” Susanna said and quickly added she had to learn to forgive and also ask for Reflections Prayer During the Suhakam inquiry last Novem- The hymn of faith, “His eye is on the O loving Father, berforgiveness into the from disappearance the Investigating of Raymond Of�icer. sparrow”, was inspired by the life of an You who feed the birds of the air, care for the little sparrows, - wheelchair-bound crippled husband! and even count the number of hairs on my head, af�licted couple – a bedridden wife with a tive.and threeShe couldn’t others, thesleep Investigating that night and Of�icer the Despite their medical conditions, they lived Forgive me for the times I worry too much and testi�ied that the family was not coopera happy Christian lives because they knew that doubt your love for me. God, whose eye was on the sparrow, was “Be angry but sin not. Do not let the sun go Help me to place my trust in you; downnext day, with God your led anger”. her to a Scripture verse, watching over them. If God takes care of the Help me not to be afraid and On the way to the inquiry that morn- Set me free from all bondage, worries and cares, ing, her friend told her not to be angry He would take care of His children who are of with the police as they were just doing greaterbirds in value!the air What and lilieshave weof the to worry�ield, surelywhen That I may sing praises to you, their job. “Another arrow on me,” she said. we have God who cares about every detail of Father, Son and Holy Spirit! our life, even counts the hairs on our head! In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen. later, she went up to him and apologised. “I’mWhen glad she I sawsorted the that Investigating one out. It’s Of�icer also declares: “He that spared not his own Son, important for them to see how Christians but(Matthew delivered 6:26) him Indeed,up for us as all, Romans how shall 8:32 he behave, that we are able to ask for forgive- not with him also freely give us all things?” ness,” Susanna said. The above re�lection and prayer Stepping out are extracted from the book, Since Raymond’s disappearance, Susanna Singing Through the Storms of Life. has had to step out of the shadow and take Re-print permission granted to charge of Harapan Komuniti. “In our Asian Beacon by the author, Mary family, Raymond was the public speaker Y.T. Gan, who can be contacted at and I was just a housewife in the [email protected] background. Suddenly, I found myself speaking in front of large crowds and making decisions for Harapan Komuniti. It’s a steep learning curve but in a way, it This page is sponsored by Winterose Corporation Sdn Bhd.

ASIANBEACON.ORG 49#3 October – December 2017 9 Cover Story

“We had all things in common, good stewards of God’s gifts and to.” The Great Commission has to go helping one another, sharing our lives resources. hand in hand with the Great Command- Another choice he has purposed long ment to love our neighbour. We even helped newly-married couples ago is never to take short cuts or pay “There is an element of surprise in and our resources. We made sacri�ices. bribes. “No business ever happens - Those eight years were vital forma- quickly. Real business takes time. As tion of love to the undeserving. When we tiveput downyears. deposits It helped for the their young �irst home.”Tan dig Christian businessmen, we have to say showthe gospel practical – the love unexpected to people demonstra who are deep and become rooted in Scripture. It out loud and often that we do not believe total strangers or who do not deserve it, was also then that he learned to deal in backhanders.” they will often ask, ‘Why are you doing By Goh Bee Lee and Ong Juat Heng with materialism and choose a more this?’ That is when we have earned our frugal lifestyle. Christian mandate “I was privileged to sit at the feet of So what compels this champion of the “The dilemma of the church today is He calls himself a failed scientist, a failed philan- great teachers like David Pawson, Alan poor? thatright mostto speak,” of the he time, explains. its good news is thropist and a failed-again Christian. But to the Kreider and Roger Forster who taught Tan pulls out Isaiah’s prophecy that world, Malaysian-born Dato’ Dr Kim Tan is a huge me much. Addiction to materialism is Newbiggin said, we have to remember success. This inventor of the sheep monoclonal very real. It is the idol of this age. Why, “Nazareth mandate”). thatcon�ined what within Jesus itsleft four behind walls. wasAs Bishop not a people throw away perfectly ok phones Jesus“The came Spirit to of ful�il the (he Lord terms is on it me, the book, nor a creed, nor a rule of life but a antibodies* may be short in stature but there is just to own the latest model!” he because he has anointed me to proclaim ‘visible community’. After Pentecost, the nothing short about his achievements – his good news to the poor. He has sent me to church grew so fast because when Failed-again biodata runs into many pages and includes the proclaim freedom for the prisoners and people saw this community and their Christian scientist UK’s Beacon Award, which he received in May Hardexclaims. choices of the entrepreneur recovery of sight for the blind, to set the practical love, they said, ‘Wow! I want to extraordinaire oppressed free, to proclaim the year of be part of this!’ It was a place where no Dato’ Dr Kim Tan. 2017 for his outstanding work on Impact Invest- After completing his undergraduate, the Lord’s favour.” one had any need.” ment. Yes, he’s a wizard scientist and social impact postgraduate and post-doctoral studies To Tan, the “good news” is simply the entrepreneur, but he’s best described as a scholar in biochemistry at the University of outworking of the gospel. Catalyst of social transformation and a failed-again follower of Jesus. He’s a reluc- Surrey, he decided he wasn’t going to For the past two hundred years, the And so it has been for many years now pursue a serious career as a scientist. It church has emphasised the Galilee that Tan’s life has been consumed by an tant interviewee but Asian Beacon caught up with was then that he was starting to build a mandate of the Great Commission – to go over-arching passion: impact investment him at a forum where he was the speaker. community in Guildford UK. into all the world to preach the good for social transformation. This means He learnt business the hard way with news and make disciples. However, we that the champion against poverty orn to poor Hokkien Eng Choon immigrant parents in no real capital as he built his spends lots of time travel- a rural part of Seremban, he remembers with grati- ling around the world as a tude all the opportunities he had that made him what name one role model in catalyst for projects to he is today. Everything that runs up to his present business,�irst start-up. he mentionedWhen asked the to help the poor. status – the education in the UK and various scholarships late Sir John Templeton of the “I spend one third of from the British government, even his parents’ dogged John Templeton Foundation, my time in Africa, a third determination to give their nine children the best education who was a brilliant investor in Asia and a third in the – he puts down plainly to the hand of God in his life. but his outstanding qualities UK. There are of course Tan is well acquainted with hard, humble work; in his were humility and frugality. university years, he worked during summer holidays to But Tan learnt about of health – those health business from his late father jabssacri�ices and todiarrhoea make, of time,– to on the side. I used to clean stairs, wash toilets and also and saw the hard work and reach the needy.” workedearn extra as aincome. hospital “As porter.” students, we were allowed to work Tan co-founded the a successful business. Transformational sacri�ice“Frugality that went is necessary in to build as Business Network (TBN) – enterpriseIt is this advocate experience and of passionate poverty and social his impactlater encounter investor. a quality for others to trust a UK-based network of “Iwith came Jesus to thefaith Messiah reluctantly. that haveI was driven an atheist, this scientist, totally sold social on you. We are stewards of the business people and Darwinism, which I still hold to. But I couldn’t help being investors. The money is not organisations that uses attracted to Jesus by how radical and anti-establishment He used to fund my lifestyle,” he enterprise to tackle global was. I was struck by the message of His gospel – to care for muses. poverty. He is a partner the poor.” and advisor of several drives an 18-year-old Polo social impact funds in Life in Community car Tanand �liesproudly economy declares class, that the batik have neglected the Nazareth mandate. Africa and Asia, in the US, the UK and Tan’s life was transformed when as a young man, he and his shirt he is wearing was picked up from He also subscribes to what is usually even in Singapore. wife, together with about 40 others, spent eight years living Parkson’s in Seremban. He lives out what attributed to St Francis of Assisi: “Preach Some of their projects include the as a community in the spirit of the Acts church. Christ always. Use words when you have very successful Kuzuko Game Reserve in

he �irmly believes – that we should be

10 ASIANBEACON.ORG 50#1 January-March 2018

Christianity is a religion for beggars,” he says,needs borrowing have dif�iculty the words entering. of Bertrand Indeed, Russell.

hopefully his last) entitling it (not surprisingly)Tan is writing Failed-again his sixth Christian book (and. “I believe Christianity is only for failures, not for the proud. None of the ‘trium- phalistic’ Christianity for me. If Jesus, my

- ence,Master, being went His follower? through We suffering fail but andwe havesacri�ice, a God how who should keeps I onexpect forgiving.” any differ So captivated is he with this thought that he plans to engrave on his tomb- stone, “A failed-again Christian”. “We had all things in common, good stewards of God’s gifts and to.” The Great Commission has to go helping one another, sharing our lives resources. hand in hand with the Great Command- Another choice he has purposed long ment to love our neighbour. We even helped newly-married couples ago is never to take short cuts or pay “There is an element of surprise in and our resources. We made sacri�ices. bribes. “No business ever happens - Those eight years were vital forma- quickly. Real business takes time. As tion of love to the undeserving. When we tiveput downyears. deposits It helped for the their young �irst home.”Tan dig Christian businessmen, we have to say showthe gospel practical – the love unexpected to people demonstra who are deep and become rooted in Scripture. It out loud and often that we do not believe total strangers or who do not deserve it, was also then that he learned to deal in backhanders.” they will often ask, ‘Why are you doing with materialism and choose a more this?’ That is when we have earned our frugal lifestyle. Christian mandate “I was privileged to sit at the feet of So what compels this champion of the “The dilemma of the church today is He calls himself a failed scientist, a failed philan- great teachers like David Pawson, Alan poor? thatright mostto speak,” of the he time, explains. its good news is thropist and a failed-again Christian. But to the Kreider and Roger Forster who taught Tan pulls out Isaiah’s prophecy that world, Malaysian-born Dato’ Dr Kim Tan is a huge me much. Addiction to materialism is Newbiggin said, we have to remember success. This inventor of the sheep monoclonal very real. It is the idol of this age. Why, “Nazareth mandate”). thatcon�ined what within Jesus itsleft four behind walls. wasAs Bishop not a people throw away perfectly ok phones Jesus“The came Spirit to of ful�il the (he Lord terms is on it me, the book, nor a creed, nor a rule of life but a antibodies* may be short in stature but there is just to own the latest model!” he because he has anointed me to proclaim ‘visible community’. After Pentecost, the nothing short about his achievements – his good news to the poor. He has sent me to church grew so fast because when biodata runs into many pages and includes the proclaim freedom for the prisoners and people saw this community and their UK’s Beacon Award, which he received in May Hardexclaims. choices of the entrepreneur recovery of sight for the blind, to set the practical love, they said, ‘Wow! I want to extraordinaire oppressed free, to proclaim the year of be part of this!’ It was a place where no 2017 for his outstanding work on Impact Invest- After completing his undergraduate, the Lord’s favour.” one had any need.” ment. Yes, he’s a wizard scientist and social impact postgraduate and post-doctoral studies To Tan, the “good news” is simply the entrepreneur, but he’s best described as a scholar in biochemistry at the University of outworking of the gospel. Catalyst of social transformation and a failed-again follower of Jesus. He’s a reluc- Surrey, he decided he wasn’t going to For the past two hundred years, the And so it has been for many years now pursue a serious career as a scientist. It church has emphasised the Galilee that Tan’s life has been consumed by an tant interviewee but Asian Beacon caught up with was then that he was starting to build a mandate of the Great Commission – to go over-arching passion: impact investment him at a forum where he was the speaker. community in Guildford UK. into all the world to preach the good for social transformation. This means He learnt business the hard way with news and make disciples. However, we that the champion against poverty orn to poor Hokkien Eng Choon immigrant parents in no real capital as he built his spends lots of time travel- a rural part of Seremban, he remembers with grati- ling around the world as a tude all the opportunities he had that made him what name one role model in catalyst for projects to he is today. Everything that runs up to his present business,�irst start-up. he mentionedWhen asked the to help the poor. status – the education in the UK and various scholarships late Sir John Templeton of the “I spend one third of from the British government, even his parents’ dogged John Templeton Foundation, my time in Africa, a third determination to give their nine children the best education who was a brilliant investor in Asia and a third in the – he puts down plainly to the hand of God in his life. but his outstanding qualities UK. There are of course Tan is well acquainted with hard, humble work; in his were humility and frugality. university years, he worked during summer holidays to But Tan learnt about of health – those health business from his late father jabssacri�ices and todiarrhoea make, of time,– to on the side. I used to clean stairs, wash toilets and also and saw the hard work and reach the needy.” workedearn extra as aincome. hospital “As porter.” students, we were allowed to work Tan co-founded the a successful business. Transformational sacri�ice“Frugality that went is necessary in to build as Business Network (TBN) – enterpriseIt is this advocate experience and of passionate poverty and social his impactlater encounter investor. a quality for others to trust a UK-based network of “Iwith came Jesus to thefaith Messiah reluctantly. that haveI was driven an atheist, this scientist, totally sold social on you. We are stewards of the business people and Darwinism, which I still hold to. But I couldn’t help being investors. The money is not The Kuzuko Game Reserve in South Africa is a 40,000-acre game reserve that organisations that uses attracted to Jesus by how radical and anti-establishment He used to fund my lifestyle,” he has created 250 jobs for the local community. Prior to opening in 2007, this enterprise to tackle global was. I was struck by the message of His gospel – to care for muses. rural area experienced high unemployment, its wildlife was under threat and poverty. He is a partner the poor.” the environment had been degraded. and advisor of several drives an 18-year-old Polo social impact funds in Life in Community car Tanand �liesproudly economy declares class, that the batik have neglected the Nazareth mandate. Africa and Asia, in the US, the UK and Tan’s life was transformed when as a young man, he and his shirt he is wearing was picked up from He also subscribes to what is usually even in Singapore. wife, together with about 40 others, spent eight years living Parkson’s in Seremban. He lives out what attributed to St Francis of Assisi: “Preach Some of their projects include the as a community in the spirit of the Acts church. Christ always. Use words when you have very successful Kuzuko Game Reserve in

he �irmly believes – that we should be

ASIANBEACON.ORG 50#1 January-March 2018 11

Christianity is a religion for beggars,” he says,needs borrowing have dif�iculty the words entering. of Bertrand Indeed, Russell. hopefully his last) entitling it (not surprisingly)Tan is writing Failed-again his sixth Christian book (and. “I believe Christianity is only for failures, not for the proud. None of the ‘trium- phalistic’ Christianity for me. If Jesus, my

- ence,Master, being went His follower? through We suffering fail but andwe havesacri�ice, a God how who should keeps I onexpect forgiving.” any differ So captivated is he with this thought that he plans to engrave on his tomb- stone, “A failed-again Christian”. “We had all things in common, good stewards of God’s gifts and to.” The Great Commission has to go helping one another, sharing our lives resources. hand in hand with the Great Command- Another choice he has purposed long ment to love our neighbour. We even helped newly-married couples ago is never to take short cuts or pay “There is an element of surprise in and our resources. We made sacri�ices. bribes. “No business ever happens - Those eight years were vital forma- quickly. Real business takes time. As tion of love to the undeserving. When we tiveput downyears. deposits It helped for the their young �irst home.”Tan dig Christian businessmen, we have to say showthe gospel practical – the love unexpected to people demonstra who are deep and become rooted in Scripture. It out loud and often that we do not believe total strangers or who do not deserve it, was also then that he learned to deal in backhanders.” they will often ask, ‘Why are you doing with materialism and choose a more this?’ That is when we have earned our frugal lifestyle. Christian mandate “I was privileged to sit at the feet of So what compels this champion of the “The dilemma of the church today is He calls himself a failed scientist, a failed philan- great teachers like David Pawson, Alan poor? thatright mostto speak,” of the he time, explains. its good news is thropist and a failed-again Christian. But to the Kreider and Roger Forster who taught Tan pulls out Isaiah’s prophecy that world, Malaysian-born Dato’ Dr Kim Tan is a huge me much. Addiction to materialism is Newbiggin said, we have to remember success. This inventor of the sheep monoclonal very real. It is the idol of this age. Why, “Nazareth mandate”). thatcon�ined what within Jesus itsleft four behind walls. wasAs Bishop not a people throw away perfectly ok phones Jesus“The came Spirit to of ful�il the (he Lord terms is on it me, the book, nor a creed, nor a rule of life but a antibodies* may be short in stature but there is just to own the latest model!” he because he has anointed me to proclaim ‘visible community’. After Pentecost, the nothing short about his achievements – his good news to the poor. He has sent me to church grew so fast because when biodata runs into many pages and includes the proclaim freedom for the prisoners and people saw this community and their UK’s Beacon Award, which he received in May Hardexclaims. choices of the entrepreneur recovery of sight for the blind, to set the practical love, they said, ‘Wow! I want to extraordinaire oppressed free, to proclaim the year of be part of this!’ It was a place where no 2017 for his outstanding work on Impact Invest- After completing his undergraduate, the Lord’s favour.” one had any need.” ment. Yes, he’s a wizard scientist and social impact postgraduate and post-doctoral studies To Tan, the “good news” is simply the entrepreneur, but he’s best described as a scholar in biochemistry at the University of outworking of the gospel. Catalyst of social transformation and a failed-again follower of Jesus. He’s a reluc- Surrey, he decided he wasn’t going to For the past two hundred years, the And so it has been for many years now pursue a serious career as a scientist. It church has emphasised the Galilee that Tan’s life has been consumed by an tant interviewee but Asian Beacon caught up with was then that he was starting to build a mandate of the Great Commission – to go over-arching passion: impact investment him at a forum where he was the speaker. community in Guildford UK. into all the world to preach the good for social transformation. This means He learnt business the hard way with news and make disciples. However, we that the champion against poverty orn to poor Hokkien Eng Choon immigrant parents in no real capital as he built his spends lots of time travel- a rural part of Seremban, he remembers with grati- ling around the world as a tude all the opportunities he had that made him what name one role model in catalyst for projects to he is today. Everything that runs up to his present business,�irst start-up. he mentionedWhen asked the to help the poor. status – the education in the UK and various scholarships late Sir John Templeton of the “I spend one third of from the British government, even his parents’ dogged John Templeton Foundation, my time in Africa, a third determination to give their nine children the best education who was a brilliant investor in Asia and a third in the – he puts down plainly to the hand of God in his life. but his outstanding qualities UK. There are of course Tan is well acquainted with hard, humble work; in his were humility and frugality. university years, he worked during summer holidays to But Tan learnt about of health – those health business from his late father jabssacri�ices and todiarrhoea make, of time,– to on the side. I used to clean stairs, wash toilets and also and saw the hard work and reach the needy.” workedearn extra as aincome. hospital “As porter.” students, we were allowed to work Tan co-founded the a successful business. Transformational sacri�ice“Frugality that went is necessary in to build as Business Network (TBN) – enterpriseIt is this advocate experience and of passionate poverty and social his impactlater encounter investor. a quality for others to trust a UK-based network of “Iwith came Jesus to thefaith Messiah reluctantly. that haveI was driven an atheist, this scientist, totally sold social on you. We are stewards of the business people and Darwinism, which I still hold to. But I couldn’t help being investors. The money is not organisations that uses attracted to Jesus by how radical and anti-establishment He used to fund my lifestyle,” he enterprise to tackle global was. I was struck by the message of His gospel – to care for muses. poverty. He is a partner the poor.” and advisor of several drives an 18-year-old Polo social impact funds in Life in Community car Tanand �liesproudly economy declares class, that the batik have neglected the Nazareth mandate. Africa and Asia, in the US, the UK and Tan’s life was transformed when as a young man, he and his shirt he is wearing was picked up from He also subscribes to what is usually even in Singapore. wife, together with about 40 others, spent eight years living Parkson’s in Seremban. He lives out what attributed to St Francis of Assisi: “Preach Some of their projects include the as a community in the spirit of the Acts church. Christ always. Use words when you have very successful Kuzuko Game Reserve in

he �irmly believes – that we should be

Cover Story

South Africa and the Agape Call Centre in The final question Changi Prison, Singapore**. Wherever they have projects, they provide employ- already knew the question, wouldn’t you ment, creation care and help set up beIf you working were hardsitting to preparefor an exam to answer and you it? schools for children who would other- Tan knows the question and he works wise never have the opportunity of an hard daily to face it. education. A popular writer, Dato’ Tan is the ask one question: ‘And what have you co-author of Fighting Poverty Through done“When with allI meet the giftsmy Maker, I gave you?’He will I want only Enterprise and Social Impact Investing: to be sure I can give a good answer to New Agenda In Fighting Poverty, with that. I would like to hear Him say, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant’,” he of Goldman Sachs. He also wrote Jubilee concludes. GospelLord Brian, which Grif�iths, starts with the Vice-Chairmanthe Old Testa- ment institution of Jubilee and traces *The sheep monoclonal antibodies are related themes through the rest of the now widely used in blood tests for Bible. diseases. Tan also developed the �irst Tan’s latest book reﬂects his stance So, how does he wear so many hats rapid tests for detecting salmonella used that “the poor need jobs, not aid”. and keep everything in balance? by the poultry industry. “I have an amazingly supportive wife. **Check out the inspiring story at Since our community days, she has been https://youtu.be/lQxfC2z7Jjk committed to our life goals. She knows my weaknesses best. We have a quiet home on a farm where I can come home to recharge my battery, and have space and time to think.” On the go Tan also credits his fantastic partners Dato’ Dr Kim Tan vehemently believes that the poor is best helped in Africa and Asia who are people of the when they are provided with opportunities and trained to make a same vision. “They do the real work”, he says. social impact investing in Africa and Asia. As co-founder of the Trans- Does he think it is easier to reach the formationalliving, instead Business of just being Network given (TBN), “�ish”. aHis UK passion charity therefore with 85 liessocial in poor? transformational projects that have created over 20,000 jobs in “The Kingdom of God is for those who developing countries, he drives change by supporting projects that know their needs. Those who have no create jobs, empower the poor and transform communities. One of Tan’s pet ventures through TBN is the Kuzuko Game Christianity is a religion for beggars,” he Reserve in South Africa, a 40,000-acre conservation and social trans- says,needs borrowing have dif�iculty the words entering. of Bertrand Indeed, formation project that he founded to stimulate economic activities in Russell. - ted the economic, social and environmental sectors in the country hopefully his last) entitling it (not andthat ishigh a model unemployment for how business area. The can project be a powerful has tremendously force for transfor bene�it- surprisingly)Tan is writing Failed-again his sixth Christian book (and. “I mation in deprived areas. believe Christianity is only for failures, As if he’s not occupied enough, he is also the Chairman of Spring- not for the proud. None of the ‘trium- phalistic’ Christianity for me. If Jesus, my in biotech and social venture capital investments; a partner of several socialHill Management, impact funds a includingprivate fund Inqo management Investments company(South Africa), specialising Sprin- - ghill Equity Partners (US), Novastar Ventures (Kenya) and Garden ence,Master, being went His follower? through We suffering fail but andwe Impact Investment (Singapore); and sits on the havesacri�ice, a God how who should keeps I onexpect forgiving.” any differ advisory board of several organisations including So captivated is he with this thought the John templeton Foundation, the Johnson & that he plans to engrave on his tomb- Johnson Citizenship Trust and PovertyCure. He is stone, “A failed-again Christian”. a pro-Chancellor of Surrey University (UK). A simple, modest man, he has one indulgence – rugby. He is a former director of Saracens Rugby Club, the Double European Champions.

12 ASIANBEACON.ORG 50#1 January-March 2018

Cover Story

into the concept of a green, economical and comprehensive solution to waste management. His mother says, “The going is still tough and it would be easier for him to

the hotel industry. But I love it because justhave as continued with EPIC, in when a high-�lying things get career rough in and money runs out, the boys have to cry out to God and learn to trust Him. I encourage them to always look to our God who owns the cattle on a thousand By Dr Tan Gaik Cheng hills and who can supply all that we need.” Piek See is herself the Executive Director of Centenary Million The Oei brothers – John-Ian, John-Son and John-Hans – are fast becoming Singapore/Malaysia and a Director of household names in Malaysia with their recent successes as social entrepre- EPIC DNA. She also has a Million Lead- neurs. John-Son is CEO of EPIC, an award-winning social enterprise building homes for underprivileged communities, while John-Ian and John-Hans head wealth of life experience, is well Microbs, an environmentally friendly waste management solution-provider. positioneders Mandate to certi�icationteach on leadership. and, with In a Their widowed mother, Ooi Piek See, shares with Asian Beacon her journey of 2001, together with like-minded believ- faith in bringing up three teen boys into the �ine young men they are today. ers, she started “Marketplace Leader- ship Centre”, a marketplace fellowship that eventually grew into Grace Life iek See’s husband, Boon Hock, Counting what counts they could agree upon. She told them children’. I had to apologise and ask him internally I did feel like killing him! I Church. In recent years, she has passed away in 2000 when the that through this values and belief to pray for me and start again. shared with him my maxim – failures subscribed to Neil Cole’s organic church boys were 16, 13 and 11. Over- passing to her children what system, “when the right girl “They learn grace and mercy when are not fatal and successes are not 3.0, believing in the importance of being P night, she was catapulted from her reallyPiek Seecounts is a �irmfrom believerthe in comes along with the same they see me fail in my role and responsi- forever. church in the world and fully integrating role as housewife to breadwinner, role perspective of eternity. values, then you will know bility as a mum,” she says. She quotes “Children often learn far more both her faith and work. Her vision is to model and ‘father’. She recalls, “I asked She asserts, “Many that is the right girl for Vincent Peale, “The trouble with most of through failures; they learn to listen to grow leaders for nation transformation God to give me the leadership to lead Christian parents you”. All three boys us is that we would rather be raised by the Holy Spirit and walk in obedience as she aspires to be a courageous and these three boys and whatever I needed emphasise are happily praise than saved by criticism,” decisive trailblazer for the Kingdom of academic achieve- married today. emphasising that the biggest moments. I believe my boys now God. teach them. Secondly, don’t let me waste ments, forgetting hurdle to leading our children throughenjoy these a personal painful walk de�ining with As if that is not enough, she is the myto learn,sorrows to teachbut mehelp �irst me soto I couldwork that what matter to God Leading by doing God rather than lean on primary caregiver to her 95-year-old through the pain and anger positively. are character, attitude and “We do not teach our their parents’ faith.” mother, rising daily at 6 a.m. to attend to a genuine faith in Him. Not children with mere words but Celebratingis to change ourselves failure �irst. This story takes in death than in life.” everything you count counts and by demonstrating the truth in Piek See speaks meetings or training at weekends. It is AndOn �inally, the morningto bring morebefore people Boon to Hock God not everything that counts can be our lives. My father-in-law was passionately about when we hear of noher wonder needs before that she heading has tobeen of�ice called for passed away, God spoke reassuringly to counted. We get hung up on the mate- terminally ill in 2004 and I undertook celebrating failure, John-Son’son signi�icancerecent “Superwoman” and that her sons speak Piek See through Jeremiah 29:11. She rial inheritance we want to leave our to care for him although my husband something most of us who glowingly of her. then told her husband not to be anxious children and forget what kind of legacy had already passed away, rather than prefer not to see our children numerous awards for his Indeed “her children arise and call about the future for she believed that we want to pass on. putting him in a nursing home. This suffer setbacks and negative work successesin EPIC – re�lectedthe Dedication in the her blessed… for this is a woman who God would honour His promises for His “I have three gifts to pass to my boys involved having to care for his physical experiences will squirm over. She Award at the Annual Muhammad fears the Lord and is to be praised.” namesake to be the father to the father- – the gifts of faith, hospitality and needs, sometimes having to clean him has been teaching her boys to Ali Humanitarian Awards 2017, The (Proverbs 31:28a, 30b) less and husband to the widows. leadership.” She then asks, “Are our God up in the wee hours of the morning. I celebrate failure and speaks about it at Edge Inspiring Young Leaders Awards “Looking back, God has amazingly and faith attractive and real enough for believe the boys would have learnt various seminars and leadership confer- 2017 and Forbes 30 under 30 Asia 2017 provided far beyond all we needed in our children to see and want to follow?” compassion through this experience far ences as she feels that many young for Social Entrepreneurs Award. these 17 years! I am humbled by how In the words of one of her boys, “She more effectively than through mere people lack inner strength and charac- our families, both biological and was always more interested in the kind words,” she shares. ter, resulting in the inability to handle Taking the harder road spiritual, had extended much love, of men we would become then what “They don’t need a thousand failure and learn from it. Learning to trust God is an ongoing life jobs we were doing.” sermons but an example to follow. Once She recalls, “When John-Son tried experience for the Oeis. Four years ago, we needed. The church family provided When the boys were of marriageable when I got home late, John-Son wanted unsuccessfully to enter college with his at the young age of 22 years, John-Hans usprayers, with andstrong physical Christian and �inancialmentors helpand age, Piek See brought them on what she to talk (all teens chat after midnight) but forecast SPM results, I told him, ‘Let’s was already the general manager of an role models, proving that every child is called “a value holiday”, where they I did not entertain him. He said, ‘Mum, international hotel. He gave up several indeed raised by a ‘village of believers’,” worked through the values and belief you go out and motivate others but that most mums would have killed their other high-paying international offers to system that their family stood for and come back home and demotivate your childcelebrate’. in the He same was situation! baf�led and Of toldcourse, me come home to co-start Microbs, buying

she testi�ies. 14 ASIANBEACON.ORG 50#1 January-March 2018 into the concept of a green, economical and comprehensive solution to waste management. His mother says, “The going is still tough and it would be easier for him to

the hotel industry. But I love it because justhave as continued with EPIC, in when a high-�lying things get career rough in and money runs out, the boys have to cry out to God and learn to trust Him. I encourage them to always look to our God who owns the cattle on a thousand hills and who can supply all that we need.” Piek See is herself the Executive Director of Centenary Million Singapore/Malaysia and a Director of EPIC DNA. She also has a Million Lead- The epic family (from left): Charmaine Kon, John-Hans Oei, Piek See, John-Son Oei, Jayne Kennedy, John-Ian Oei, Yam Hui Min. wealth of life experience, is well positioneders Mandate to certi�icationteach on leadership. and, with In a 2001, together with like-minded believers, she started “Marketplace Leader- ship Centre”, a marketplace fellowship that eventually grew into Grace Life iek See’s husband, Boon Hock, Counting what counts they could agree upon. She told them children’. I had to apologise and ask him internally I did feel like killing him! I Church. In recent years, she has passed away in 2000 when the that through this values and belief to pray for me and start again. shared with him my maxim – failures subscribed to Neil Cole’s organic church boys were 16, 13 and 11. Over- passing to her children what system, “when the right girl “They learn grace and mercy when are not fatal and successes are not 3.0, believing in the importance of being night, she was catapulted from her reallyPiek Seecounts is a �irmfrom believerthe in comes along with the same they see me fail in my role and responsi- forever. church in the world and fully integrating role as housewife to breadwinner, role perspective of eternity. values, then you will know bility as a mum,” she says. She quotes “Children often learn far more both her faith and work. Her vision is to model and ‘father’. She recalls, “I asked She asserts, “Many that is the right girl for Vincent Peale, “The trouble with most of through failures; they learn to listen to grow leaders for nation transformation God to give me the leadership to lead Christian parents you”. All three boys us is that we would rather be raised by the Holy Spirit and walk in obedience as she aspires to be a courageous and these three boys and whatever I needed emphasise are happily praise than saved by criticism,” decisive trailblazer for the Kingdom of academic achieve- married today. emphasising that the biggest moments. I believe my boys now God. teach them. Secondly, don’t let me waste ments, forgetting hurdle to leading our children throughenjoy these a personal painful walk de�ining with As if that is not enough, she is the myto learn,sorrows to teachbut mehelp �irst me soto I couldwork that what matter to God Leading by doing God rather than lean on primary caregiver to her 95-year-old through the pain and anger positively. are character, attitude and “We do not teach our their parents’ faith.” mother, rising daily at 6 a.m. to attend to a genuine faith in Him. Not children with mere words but Celebratingis to change ourselves failure �irst. This story takes in death than in life.” everything you count counts and by demonstrating the truth in Piek See speaks meetings or training at weekends. It is AndOn �inally, the morningto bring morebefore people Boon to Hock God not everything that counts can be our lives. My father-in-law was passionately about when we hear of noher wonder needs before that she heading has tobeen of�ice called for passed away, God spoke reassuringly to counted. We get hung up on the mate- terminally ill in 2004 and I undertook celebrating failure, John-Son’son signi�icancerecent “Superwoman” and that her sons speak Piek See through Jeremiah 29:11. She rial inheritance we want to leave our to care for him although my husband something most of us who glowingly of her. then told her husband not to be anxious children and forget what kind of legacy had already passed away, rather than prefer not to see our children numerous awards for his Indeed “her children arise and call about the future for she believed that we want to pass on. putting him in a nursing home. This suffer setbacks and negative work successesin EPIC – re�lectedthe Dedication in the her blessed… for this is a woman who God would honour His promises for His “I have three gifts to pass to my boys involved having to care for his physical experiences will squirm over. She Award at the Annual Muhammad fears the Lord and is to be praised.” namesake to be the father to the father- – the gifts of faith, hospitality and needs, sometimes having to clean him has been teaching her boys to Ali Humanitarian Awards 2017, The (Proverbs 31:28a, 30b) less and husband to the widows. leadership.” She then asks, “Are our God up in the wee hours of the morning. I celebrate failure and speaks about it at Edge Inspiring Young Leaders Awards “Looking back, God has amazingly and faith attractive and real enough for believe the boys would have learnt various seminars and leadership confer- 2017 and Forbes 30 under 30 Asia 2017 provided far beyond all we needed in our children to see and want to follow?” compassion through this experience far ences as she feels that many young for Social Entrepreneurs Award. these 17 years! I am humbled by how In the words of one of her boys, “She more effectively than through mere people lack inner strength and charac- our families, both biological and was always more interested in the kind words,” she shares. ter, resulting in the inability to handle Taking the harder road spiritual, had extended much love, of men we would become then what “They don’t need a thousand failure and learn from it. Learning to trust God is an ongoing life jobs we were doing.” sermons but an example to follow. Once She recalls, “When John-Son tried experience for the Oeis. Four years ago, we needed. The church family provided When the boys were of marriageable when I got home late, John-Son wanted unsuccessfully to enter college with his at the young age of 22 years, John-Hans usprayers, with andstrong physical Christian and �inancialmentors helpand age, Piek See brought them on what she to talk (all teens chat after midnight) but forecast SPM results, I told him, ‘Let’s was already the general manager of an role models, proving that every child is called “a value holiday”, where they I did not entertain him. He said, ‘Mum, international hotel. He gave up several indeed raised by a ‘village of believers’,” worked through the values and belief you go out and motivate others but that most mums would have killed their other high-paying international offers to system that their family stood for and come back home and demotivate your childcelebrate’. in the He same was situation! baf�led and Of toldcourse, me come home to co-start Microbs, buying she testi�ies. ASIANBEACON.ORG 50#1 January-March 2018 15 Cover Story

“We parents are stewards of our kids. If God shows us that our child is good at something, it is our job to help to bring out that talent.” By Chew Sue Lee To young people who have a creative spark and dream within them, Lydia urges, “Pray and ask God to be your partner. Make whatever you do a partnership with God and ask Him to help you be better. I believe God wants us to enjoy what we are doing, but we need to be consistent and persevere. We can’t work hard for two weeks and then decide to take a one-year break. There are many talented people out there but character and attitude make a difference. Have good attitude and don’t give up.”

and had no formal training, just God’s given talent,” she shares humbly. Different seasons With the birth of her only son in 1997, Lydia stopped working to care for him. It was also when China’s manufacturing market started to boom. Hence, again in God’s perfect timing, it was time for her to move on to a different season in life. “There is a season for everything: If it is the season to care for our kids, then we give it our best,” she says. Not one to just stay at home as a full-time mother, she kept busy outside the home with various at a Discover Hong Kong contest by the volunteer work. Stay-home mothers HongPress KongMalaysia, Tourism and Board.even won Big companies�irst prize So what’s next for Lydia? should care for themselves by pursuing such as Ricoh, Pentax and Leica have also Never one to make plans, Lydia lives for their passions because when they are sponsored her travels to various cities to the moment and is open to where God test and promote their cameras. leads her in life. Ultimately, she seeks to Lydia highlights that she is blessed to In May 2017, she held a solo exhibi- give her best in whatever task He has set Lydia Ho is an accomplished street photographer, whose work has won many awards and is recognised by photogra- havecontented, a husband the family who supports bene�its, and she encour- says. tion called Urban Rhapsody, Japan Series before her. “God has encouraged me down phy magazines and countless websites. And to think that she started her hobby in photography only four years ago. ages her to pursue her various passions. at Isetan KL, in collaboration with Leica this path and given me the chance to meet Camera – no small feat for one relatively new people,” she says. rom designing jewellery and costume jewellery with copper and Winning spree new to the scene. She is open to mentoring budding bags to drawing, sewing her class. stainless steel wires, painstakingly Lydia’s life is a testament that one should Despite all her achievements, Lydia photographers and with that, the possibil- own dresses as a child and �inishedShe had secondary hoped schoolto study top graphic of her crafting hundreds by hand and often never stop trying new things no matter remains humble and is reluctant to spell ity of discipleship. “I want to make a design at the Malaysian Institute of Art, working late into the night only to return the age. In 2013 when she was 47, she was out all her accolades. Instead she gives positive impact on the people around me.” could say that Lydia Ho, 52, has but ditched the idea as she did not have to school a few hours later. introduced to street photography by a praise to her Father, saying, “God sped up One of Lydia’s favourite photos is �inally teaching music, one She was a pioneer in the jewellery friend, and thus began a new chapter in my talent. He has given me many ‘God- titled Dream On. In it, she captures a tired has given me this gift of creativity and it mother dissuaded her. Instead, she making business, and her novel idea took her life as a street photographer. As one moments’ that help me capture many of foreign worker in Hong Kong, resting hascreativity made a �lowingdifference in herin my blood. life,” “God she acceptedthe necessary a place �inances. at the teacher’sFurthermore, training her off, allowing her to sell her creations at who loved going on holidays, Lydia found my photos.” against a colourful wall with rubbish and says. college because it was free and assured various department stores. “The income that unknowingly, she had been taking empty boxes beside him. “No matter the As a 12-year-old growing up in Ipoh, her of a job upon completion. She gradu- was enough to support my husband to photos that were categorised as street Creative people also have ‘God’s she dreamed of becoming a fashion ated with distinction as a school music begin his business that he is still doing photography all along. She curated her favour’ himself in, he has a dream,” she explains. designer. She browsed through fashion teacher. today, and to make the down payment for past photographs and submitted them to As one who was discouraged by her personGrowing and what up poor, kind Lydia of situation didn’t have he �inds the books and started designing and sewing - online photography sites to test the water. parents to pursue the creative line, Lydia luxury to realise her dream. “But God her own dresses, using fabric from old married John, her husband for the past ing, she quit as she felt creative work was When her photos were selected for is saddened to hear parents lament that never forgot,” she says, “He made my pillowcases. Her mother, a teacher, told 27 years.Before As her with �irst most teaching married job,couples she betterour �irst suited home.” for After her. �ive years of teach awards, she pursued photography and their child is “lacking in God’s favour” broken dreams come alive.” her if she wanted to become a fashion that marry young, money was tight. “My When her jewellery business began soon, she was gaining recognition because he or she is artistically inclined designer, she might as well quit school artistic talent was my asset and I wanted to decline due to copycats, Lydia through Facebook too. and not academically so. She urges and become a tailor. Even then, Lydia to do something that required little switched to designing and manufactur- parents to see their children’s potential Check out Lydia’s photos on her website at knew the importance of education and capital.” So she began offering music ing bags. As with her previous business, prize for a work she submitted to Photo- beyond academics, and embrace and www.lydiahophotography.com or follow her on the difference between a tailor and a lessons to earn extra income. Later on, God blessed the work of her hands. “He vogueIn Vogue February Italia. 2014, Since she then, won she the has �irsthad nurture their God-given talents and FB or Twitter. designer. So she continued school and she started designing and creating opened doors. I ran a one-woman show her work featured in magazines, China passions.

16 ASIANBEACON.ORG 50#1 January-March 2018 “We parents are stewards of our kids. If God shows us that our child is good at something, it is our job to help to bring out that talent.” To young people who have a creative spark and dream within them, Lydia urges, “Pray and ask God to be your partner. Make whatever you do a partnership with God and ask Him to help you be better. I believe God wants us to enjoy what we are doing, but we need to be consistent and persevere. We can’t work hard for two weeks and then decide to take a one-year break. There are many talented people out there but character and attitude make a Dream on… one of Lydia’s favourite photos difference. Have good attitude and don’t give up.”

and had no formal training, just God’s given talent,” she shares humbly. "The greatest thing that has ever Different seasons happened in my life is that He called With the birth of her only son in 1997, me out of darkness into His marvel- Lydia stopped working to care for him. It lous light. He remembers my every was also when China’s manufacturing dream even when I forgot to dream market started to boom. Hence, again in on during those dif�icult times in my God’s perfect timing, it was time for her to life… surely His goodness and mercy move on to a different season in life. will follow me all the days of my life." “There is a season for everything: If it is the season to care for our kids, then we give it our best,” she says. Not one to just stay at home as a full-time mother, she kept busy outside the home with various at a Discover Hong Kong contest by the volunteer work. Stay-home mothers HongPress KongMalaysia, Tourism and Board.even won Big companies�irst prize So what’s next for Lydia? should care for themselves by pursuing such as Ricoh, Pentax and Leica have also Never one to make plans, Lydia lives for their passions because when they are sponsored her travels to various cities to the moment and is open to where God test and promote their cameras. leads her in life. Ultimately, she seeks to Lydia highlights that she is blessed to In May 2017, she held a solo exhibi- give her best in whatever task He has set havecontented, a husband the family who supports bene�its, and she encour- says. tion called Urban Rhapsody, Japan Series before her. “God has encouraged me down ages her to pursue her various passions. at Isetan KL, in collaboration with Leica this path and given me the chance to meet Camera – no small feat for one relatively new people,” she says. rom designing jewellery and costume jewellery with copper and Winning spree new to the scene. She is open to mentoring budding bags to drawing, sewing her class. stainless steel wires, painstakingly Lydia’s life is a testament that one should Despite all her achievements, Lydia photographers and with that, the possibil- own dresses as a child and �inishedShe had secondary hoped schoolto study top graphic of her crafting hundreds by hand and often never stop trying new things no matter remains humble and is reluctant to spell ity of discipleship. “I want to make a design at the Malaysian Institute of Art, working late into the night only to return the age. In 2013 when she was 47, she was out all her accolades. Instead she gives positive impact on the people around me.” could say that Lydia Ho, 52, has but ditched the idea as she did not have to school a few hours later. introduced to street photography by a praise to her Father, saying, “God sped up One of Lydia’s favourite photos is �inally teaching music, one She was a pioneer in the jewellery friend, and thus began a new chapter in my talent. He has given me many ‘God- titled Dream On. In it, she captures a tired has given me this gift of creativity and it mother dissuaded her. Instead, she making business, and her novel idea took her life as a street photographer. As one moments’ that help me capture many of foreign worker in Hong Kong, resting hascreativity made a �lowingdifference in herin my blood. life,” “God she acceptedthe necessary a place �inances. at the teacher’sFurthermore, training her off, allowing her to sell her creations at who loved going on holidays, Lydia found my photos.” against a colourful wall with rubbish and says. college because it was free and assured various department stores. “The income that unknowingly, she had been taking empty boxes beside him. “No matter the As a 12-year-old growing up in Ipoh, her of a job upon completion. She gradu- was enough to support my husband to photos that were categorised as street Creative people also have ‘God’s she dreamed of becoming a fashion ated with distinction as a school music begin his business that he is still doing photography all along. She curated her favour’ himself in, he has a dream,” she explains. designer. She browsed through fashion teacher. today, and to make the down payment for past photographs and submitted them to As one who was discouraged by her personGrowing and what up poor, kind Lydia of situation didn’t have he �inds the books and started designing and sewing - online photography sites to test the water. parents to pursue the creative line, Lydia luxury to realise her dream. “But God her own dresses, using fabric from old married John, her husband for the past ing, she quit as she felt creative work was When her photos were selected for is saddened to hear parents lament that never forgot,” she says, “He made my pillowcases. Her mother, a teacher, told 27 years.Before As her with �irst most teaching married job,couples she betterour �irst suited home.” for After her. �ive years of teach awards, she pursued photography and their child is “lacking in God’s favour” broken dreams come alive.” her if she wanted to become a fashion that marry young, money was tight. “My When her jewellery business began soon, she was gaining recognition because he or she is artistically inclined designer, she might as well quit school artistic talent was my asset and I wanted to decline due to copycats, Lydia through Facebook too. and not academically so. She urges and become a tailor. Even then, Lydia to do something that required little switched to designing and manufactur- parents to see their children’s potential Check out Lydia’s photos on her website at knew the importance of education and capital.” So she began offering music ing bags. As with her previous business, prize for a work she submitted to Photo- beyond academics, and embrace and www.lydiahophotography.com or follow her on the difference between a tailor and a lessons to earn extra income. Later on, God blessed the work of her hands. “He vogueIn Vogue February Italia. 2014, Since she then, won she the has �irsthad nurture their God-given talents and FB or Twitter. designer. So she continued school and she started designing and creating opened doors. I ran a one-woman show her work featured in magazines, China passions.

ASIANBEACON.ORG 50#1 January-March 2018 17 FEATURE

By Ong Kay Ti

uring his schooling and under- Work for God malaria, and changed the way this infec- graduate years, Timothy, 48, often “Work not for the money but for God’s tion is managed globally. came out tops. However, special- glory,” Timothy told Asian Beacon. “Our No home but plenty of stories to tell. work must therefore be at the highest Godly heritage lady, so shy and gentle. I gave her water and him and he encountered repeated level of professionalism and integrity.” As a dedicated doctor, Timothy’s core (SFKL) is you must befriend the in exchange, she talked to me and told me a failures,ist causing quali�ication him to be exams dodged principle at work has always streethe �irst friends. rule at “If Street you dunno Feeders what of KLto bit of her story. She worked at a mamak discouraged and demoti- say, come to me, I help you initiate the shop just down the street and a few other vated. what”. As a committed Chris- conversation. I don’t want to see any of you jobs in Cheras. For every four hours of These failures became tian,been he “patient is convinced �irst, no that matter his guys NOT talking to street friends!” said dishwashing, she was only paid RM10. Christian values and principles Aunty Rubian, a leader at SFKL, at one of Despite all she’d faced, she always had that led him to make major at work, though not always kind smile on her face every time I saw her. decision�inancial constraintschanges to thathis accepted and popular, will A usual Wednesday at SFKL usually At another route on another day, my place of work and he eventually gain the respect of ourstarts brie�ings. like this: volunteers meet at a desig- friend and I went up to a man in his 30s and ended up working in colleagues and superiors and nated spot in Kuala Lumpur, introductory gave him a container of warm chap fan Darwin Hospital in eventually make a difference. speech by someone from SFKL, take group (mixed rice). We asked him how the food Australia. Little did he Timothy’s values were photo and then, we split up to go to differ- was and that set him off. He started ranting know that this was the shaped by the Bible and his When night falls, the doorways are their beds. ent parts of KL for the food distribution. in rapid Cantonese that I barely under- very place that he would father, whom he proudly called stood. He went on about a soup kitchen in meet the people who his role model. “He was a 15-20 street friends gathered at the KL that would regularly distribute rotten my friend once told me that when you build would lead him to his school headmaster that was sidewalk.At our We �irst start stop, distributing there are food usually and food. “Even monkeys won’t eat the food the kingdom of God, God is building you. So research in not only passionate about they serve!” he bellowed. I will continue going on Wednesday nights tropical/infectious disease teaching but also impacting the just aren’t in the mood to talk. But there are and his eventual achieve- lives of students under him,” thosewater. who Some smile are sleeping at us warmly on the and �loor; greet some us. Where is God? my own way of seeking God in this mess. I ment. said the father of four, who Once we are done, we sit down with these All these faces have stories. Life hasn’t been canand only�ind hopemore that ways slowly, to help. through I think listening that’s Was it luck? Or the hails from Banting, Selangor. people and begin to talk to them for the rest easy on them, to say the least. And I to His people and their stories, through hand of God painting a During his growing up of the time. wonder, where is God in all of these? Where these experiences, God will reveal Himself beautiful canvas of years, Timothy saw his father In our initial months, my friends and I is He in all the suffering and chaos? I see the to me. Timothy’s life? “In retro- actively serving in various covered the route from Masjid Jamek to world falling apart. Everything is a mess spect, it is God’s timing that is far supe- It is this attitude of excellence, prem- church ministries, despite his hectic and I feel so helpless, just a useless (Ong Kay Ti is 17 and worships at PJEFC. Photos rior to all our planning and strategising ised on his desire for God’s glory to be headmaster schedule. This serving feeding sessions, I shadowed my friends bystander. by Gary Ng.) for our future,” he said. Had he passed manifested, that helped earn him the attitude spilled over to Timothy, who is andMasjid tried India. to participate During my in the �irst conversation few street In Sunday School, I was told of stories his specialist exams in one attempt, he Merdeka Award. Timothy’s win was all now a regular speaker and actively but my Malay is so hilariously weak that I of our great and mighty might not have received the Merdeka the more outstanding considering that involved in the youth ministry in Grace ended up just listening to their stories. I God, how He moved Award and there would not have been he was the youngest of the six recipients Chapel in Luyang, Sabah. learned that there are many street friends mountains and parted press articles written about him, where of the award, launched in 2007 in But Christians should not just “stay who came to KL in hopes of getting better seas. So where is He he unashamedly proclaimed his Chris- conjunction with the 50th anniversary in church”, he said. “Christians should go jobs only to end up on the streets because now? I don’t know. But I tian faith and even quoted Bible verses. of the country’s independence. The out and be involved in the marketplace. they were cheated by their employers. know He put you and In his interviews with the local award recognises individuals or organi- Excel in science, in the arts. Be a good I once saw an old man sleeping on a me here for a reason. I newspapers after receiving the award, sations that have left a lasting imprint dirty mattress. He’s a retired prison know that He created us he quoted (and it was published in the on the lives of Malaysians. warden, a street friend told us. But he’d to do good things. newspapers) Philippians 4:13 as his Timothy won the award in the in�luenceThis Infectious and expand Diseases your Physician Christian is gone a bit crazy since his lover left him. Maybe I’m not changing favourite verse since childhood. He said Health, Science and Technology certainlyin�luence farcasting and wide his ingodly society.” Christian No one knew where he’d come from, or the world, but I’ll try my the verse reminded him that it was category for his work and research in - if he had any family left and they hardest to make my God’s strength that had enabled him to the effective treatment of a new strain of tious Diseases Society of Kota Kinabalu couldn’t �ind out because his IC was community a better do so much more than he’s able to, and malaria, called Plasmodium Knowlesi. andin�luence at his as workplace the President at the of theJesselton Infec missing. He had become a ghost in our place with what little I according to His will, not his. Medical Centre, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. system. can offer. In his case, God’s will had encom- by him and his team contributed greatly How does a Selangor son end up on Over the next few months, I met many It’s a little discour- Kay Ti (2nd from left) with her church friends on passed failures, and he promptly toThe the �indings World of theHealth extensive Organisation’s research Sabah soil? After graduating from the other friends. There was a middle-aged aging sometimes, but their street feeding mission. pronounced, “You must fail to succeed.” guidelines for Plasmodium Knowlesi University of Malaya in 1995 as a young

18 ASIANBEACON.ORG 50#1 January-March 2018

national honour that celebrates the spirit of independence,Re�lecting on Timothy his Merdeka said, Award“I hope achievement, and pray that a Malaysia will always have her freedom of worship and religion, and that leaders of integrity and wisdom will rise up to lead her.” If Dr Timothy William had not failed, he might not have won the highly coveted 2017 Merdeka Award, one of the most, if not the most, prestigious awards in the country. By Dr Timothy Cheng and Ong Juat Heng

ASIANBEACON.ORG 50#1 January-March 2018 19

doctor, Timothy was posted to Tambunan, in the interior of Sabah, where he met the love of his life and future wife, Aida. He then went on to work in Hospital Queen Elizabeth, Sabah, and trained as an internal medicine specialist there. His interest in tropical medicine and infectious disease led him to a sub specialty training in Infectious Diseases and he spent three years in Hospital Kuala Lumpur and one year in Darwin Hospital before returning to Sabah to serve his country. national honour that celebrates the spirit of independence,Re�lecting on Timothy his Merdeka said, Award“I hope achievement, and pray that a Malaysia will always have her freedom of worship and religion, and that leaders of integrity and wisdom will rise up to lead her.” uring his schooling and under- Work for God malaria, and changed the way this infec- graduate years, Timothy, 48, often “Work not for the money but for God’s tion is managed globally. came out tops. However, special- glory,” Timothy told Asian Beacon. “Our work must therefore be at the highest Godly heritage him and he encountered repeated level of professionalism and integrity.” As a dedicated doctor, Timothy’s core failures,ist causing quali�ication him to be exams dodged principle at work has always discouraged and demoti- vated. what”. As a committed Chris- These failures became tian,been he “patient is convinced �irst, no that matter his Christian values and principles led him to make major at work, though not always decision�inancial constraintschanges to thathis accepted and popular, will place of work and he eventually gain the respect of ended up working in colleagues and superiors and Darwin Hospital in eventually make a difference. Australia. Little did he Timothy’s values were know that this was the shaped by the Bible and his very place that he would father, whom he proudly called meet the people who his role model. “He was a would lead him to his school headmaster that was research in not only passionate about tropical/infectious disease teaching but also impacting the and his eventual achieve- lives of students under him,” ment. said the father of four, who Was it luck? Or the hails from Banting, Selangor. hand of God painting a During his growing up beautiful canvas of years, Timothy saw his father Timothy’s life? “In retro- actively serving in various spect, it is God’s timing that is far supe- It is this attitude of excellence, prem- church ministries, despite his hectic rior to all our planning and strategising ised on his desire for God’s glory to be headmaster schedule. This serving for our future,” he said. Had he passed manifested, that helped earn him the attitude spilled over to Timothy, who is his specialist exams in one attempt, he Merdeka Award. Timothy’s win was all now a regular speaker and actively might not have received the Merdeka the more outstanding considering that involved in the youth ministry in Grace Award and there would not have been he was the youngest of the six recipients Chapel in Luyang, Sabah. press articles written about him, where of the award, launched in 2007 in But Christians should not just “stay he unashamedly proclaimed his Chris- conjunction with the 50th anniversary in church”, he said. “Christians should go tian faith and even quoted Bible verses. of the country’s independence. The out and be involved in the marketplace. In his interviews with the local award recognises individuals or organi- Excel in science, in the arts. Be a good newspapers after receiving the award, sations that have left a lasting imprint he quoted (and it was published in the on the lives of Malaysians. newspapers) Philippians 4:13 as his Timothy won the award in the in�luenceThis Infectious and expand Diseases your Physician Christian is favourite verse since childhood. He said Health, Science and Technology certainlyin�luence farcasting and wide his ingodly society.” Christian the verse reminded him that it was category for his work and research in - God’s strength that had enabled him to the effective treatment of a new strain of tious Diseases Society of Kota Kinabalu do so much more than he’s able to, and malaria, called Plasmodium Knowlesi. andin�luence at his as workplace the President at the of theJesselton Infec according to His will, not his. Medical Centre, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. In his case, God’s will had encom- by him and his team contributed greatly How does a Selangor son end up on passed failures, and he promptly toThe the �indings World of theHealth extensive Organisation’s research Sabah soil? After graduating from the pronounced, “You must fail to succeed.” guidelines for Plasmodium Knowlesi University of Malaya in 1995 as a young

feature

By Joanna Lee

ven before you were formed in your life. “At that moment, I told myself that partners, getting mother’s womb, the Lord has created you God is in control.” to know their for beauty.” This was a prophetic word Cheryl attended church but when she personal strug- spoken over Cheryl Lee, the managing started work, she backslid. “Everything gles and even sharing the gospel with director of Sothys Malaysia. was about my career. God was in my life, experience taught Cheryl that character and praying for them. Cheryl’s steady climb up the corporate ladder, but He was shoved aside for 17 years,” these to stop me,” she re�lected. The Although she struggled with the beginning as a marketer for the distributor of a Cheryl sighed. the four directives by God, which led her slow progress of the promised six-time cosmetics brand to becoming a shareholder of Sothys tois foundationalimplementing – thethe �irst Character instruction First in growth, Cheryl realised that “in God’s Malaysia, was therefore no sheer coincidence. God-centred business Education programme in the company as perspective, it’s actually all about Since young, she has been attracted to the beauty Twelve years ago, the wandering sheep part of the staff’s development. “The people. It’s not just the business, the business – fashion to jewelry, interior design and returned to the Father’s side. And things programme has 49 characteristics, all numbers. Firstly, it’s about the lives of anything related to the aesthetics. When she was began to ‘move’ at her workplace. From based on biblical principles but there’s a His people.” working part time in college, she heard about Sothys 2006 to 2010, Sothys’ bottomline grew marketplace version which Sothys has at a home party and her heart was set to work for 10 times. adopted,” Cheryl said. Develop and release them. “I wanted to be attached to a brand that not When she returned to God in 2006, Next, she was led to a book called “One day, God spoke to me. He said, Business by the Book by her current ‘Develop My people and let them go’,” she really delivers results,” the charismatic Cheryl said. the School of Acts, a training and equip- mentors, her cell leaders at DUMC (her shared. just promises beauty and is super�icial but one that pingthe �irst school thing for God working did was adults. send There, her to church), who are also the national direc- She struggled hard with God’s Called in her teens the Lord told her, ‘You shall ‘super tors of Fellowship of Companies for instruction as it didn’t make sense for As the eldest daughter, Cheryl had to prepare the altar delegate’,” she recalled. Cheryl obeyed Christ International (FCCI). The book businesses to develop talents and release for the family’s worship but she had doubts about the and relinquished much of her work to explored key topics on ownership and them. God then told her, “They are not religion as she had been told that if she misbehaved, colleagues and managers, although she your people. They are MY people.” the goddess will cut off her ears. I asked myself, ‘If was accustomed to long hours, even resource, organisation and marketing Soon after, she attended an FCCI charting 120,000km on her car every andpurpose, planning. leadership, �inance, human conference and to her amazement, the two years for her business. During that Her company also conducted the speaker uttered the exact same words. time, as she obeyed God to 'super MoneyLife programme to teach the staff delegate', her business grew 10 times. God’s stewards,” she said. “And it’s really business as a platform, much like a about“Again, God’s it was will a forcon�irmation the person, that not mine.we’re Painful lesson ‘pulpit’,about �inancial Cheryl also stewardship. started a Seeingworkp lace her God’s will supersedes my will. It’s the “One day in 2012, the Lord spoke to me Alpha programme in her company. same with church planting. You don’t and gave four directives. One was to build disciple and keep them within; you send character within my organisation and Office harvest them out.” develop relationships within my sphere In two years, about six of Cheryl’s God’s will supersedes my will… Cheryl Lee colleagues became Christians. “Some politics, Cheryl admitted that she is “not managing the business according to became believers in the process, some goodWhen at it” it comesdue to to her dealing upfront, with directof�ice of in�luence. He also spoke clearly about were lukewarm believers who had approaches. “So I said to God, ‘All these ...from page 19. ‘Develop My people’.” stopped attending church. Today, all are doctor, Timothy was posted to Tambunan, in the God is God, why would He do this to me? I’m just a biblicalJust when principles she thought and �inally, she could He said,rest, attending church and have also joined charge.’ I’m sure there are (darts) but interior of Sabah, where he met the love of his life child’,” she said. God told her that her business would cell groups. Also, most of their kids are we’ve�iery dartsbeen thatwell-shielded,” come my way,she laughed. You take and future wife, Aida. He then went on to work in “One day, I looked up into the sky and said, ‘If increase six times. Cheryl didn’t think it attending the Children’s Church How does Cheryl balance all her Hospital Queen Elizabeth, Sabah, and trained as an there’s really a God and you’re really true, I really was possible, especially after the 10-fold programme,” Cheryl enthused. priorities? She takes a leaf from Jesus’ internal medicine specialist there. His interest in want to know who You are’.” Does her major shareholder, Sothys example in only doing what His Father tropical medicine and infectious disease led him to a Soon after that, her aunt shared the gospel with when her company faced turmoil France, have any issue with how she tells Him. sub specialty training in Infectious Diseases and he her family. “It was one ear in, one ear out,” Cheryl instead.growth, and this seemed to be con�irmed runs the company? “No. I guess it’s “What God tells us, we do. It’s not spent three years in Hospital Kuala Lumpur and one laughed. “But she planted the seed.” “I almost lost my entire team to a key because we’ve been running the about doing everything. Even in channel- year in Darwin Hospital before returning to Sabah to One day, she went to church. “I can’t remember competitor. Three managers from the business pretty well and we’ve been ling resources, there’s so much need in serve his country. what happened, but I felt the nudge to go up when showing results,” she replied. this world, but it is really hearing from they gave the altar call. I went up and there, I felt head walked out. They were headhunted As she obeyed God’s directive for her God and channelling it accordingly national honour that celebrates the spirit of God’s presence. It was so real to me… I knew He is byfour my or number �ive outlets one andkey onecompetitor,” department she to build relationships, she realised that because unless God builds the house, we independence,Re�lecting on Timothy his Merdeka said, Award“I hope achievement, and pray that a God and I accepted Jesus as my Saviour,” she shared. said. God has shown her a new business build in vain. That’s how we balance time Malaysia will always have her freedom of worship As she was leaving the church, she heard God So, instead of growth, her company model of turning their dealers into and also manage and steward His and religion, and that leaders of integrity and saying to her, “I will never leave you, I will never was shaken by the ‘betrayal’. “But I guess business licensee partners. Through resources.” wisdom will rise up to lead her.” forsake you.” She didn’t even know it was a verse from through that journey, God taught me a lot this, Cheryl has been able to form the Bible, but it resolved all her deep worries about about forgiveness, about not allowing all deeper relationships with her dealer-

20 ASIANBEACON.ORG 50#1 January-March 2018 uring his schooling and under- Work for God malaria, and changed the way this infec- graduate years, Timothy, 48, often “Work not for the money but for God’s tion is managed globally. came out tops. However, special- glory,” Timothy told Asian Beacon. “Our work must therefore be at the highest Godly heritage him and he encountered repeated level of professionalism and integrity.” As a dedicated doctor, Timothy’s core failures,ist causing quali�ication him to be exams dodged principle at work has always discouraged and demoti- vated. what”. As a committed Chris- These failures became beentian, he “patient is convinced �irst, no that matter his Christian values and principles led him to make major at work, though not always decision�inancial constraintschanges to thathis accepted and popular, will place of work and he eventually gain the respect of ended up working in colleagues and superiors and Darwin Hospital in eventually make a difference. Australia. Little did he Timothy’s values were know that this was the shaped by the Bible and his very place that he would father, whom he proudly called meet the people who his role model. “He was a would lead him to his school headmaster that was research in not only passionate about tropical/infectious disease teaching but also impacting the and his eventual achieve- lives of students under him,” ment. said the father of four, who Was it luck? Or the hails from Banting, Selangor. hand of God painting a During his growing up beautiful canvas of years, Timothy saw his father Timothy’s life? “In retro- actively serving in various spect, it is God’s timing that is far supe- It is this attitude of excellence, prem- church ministries, despite his hectic rior to all our planning and strategising ised on his desire for God’s glory to be headmaster schedule. This serving for our future,” he said. Had he passed manifested, that helped earn him the attitude spilled over to Timothy, who is his specialist exams in one attempt, he Merdeka Award. Timothy’s win was all now a regular speaker and actively might not have received the Merdeka the more outstanding considering that involved in the youth ministry in Grace Award and there would not have been he was the youngest of the six recipients Chapel in Luyang, Sabah. press articles written about him, where of the award, launched in 2007 in But Christians should not just “stay he unashamedly proclaimed his Chris- conjunction with the 50th anniversary in church”, he said. “Christians should go tian faith and even quoted Bible verses. of the country’s independence. The out and be involved in the marketplace. In his interviews with the local award recognises individuals or organi- Excel in science, in the arts. Be a good newspapers after receiving the award, sations that have left a lasting imprint he quoted (and it was published in the on the lives of Malaysians. newspapers) Philippians 4:13 as his Timothy won the award in the in�luenceThis Infectious and expand Diseases your Physician Christian is favourite verse since childhood. He said Health, Science and Technology certainlyin�luence farcasting and wide his ingodly society.” Christian the verse reminded him that it was category for his work and research in - God’s strength that had enabled him to the effective treatment of a new strain of tious Diseases Society of Kota Kinabalu do so much more than he’s able to, and malaria, called Plasmodium Knowlesi. andin�luence at his as workplace the President at the of theJesselton Infec according to His will, not his. Medical Centre, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. In his case, God’s will had encom- by him and his team contributed greatly How does a Selangor son end up on passed failures, and he promptly toThe the �indings World of theHealth extensive Organisation’s research Sabah soil? After graduating from the pronounced, “You must fail to succeed.” guidelines for Plasmodium Knowlesi University of Malaya in 1995 as a young

ven before you were formed in your life. “At that moment, I told myself that partners, getting mother’s womb, the Lord has created you God is in control.” to know their for beauty.” This was a prophetic word Cheryl attended church but when she personal strug- spoken over Cheryl Lee, the managing started work, she backslid. “Everything gles and even sharing the gospel with director of Sothys Malaysia. was about my career. God was in my life, experience taught Cheryl that character and praying for them. Cheryl’s steady climb up the corporate ladder, but He was shoved aside for 17 years,” these to stop me,” she re�lected. The Although she struggled with the beginning as a marketer for the distributor of a Cheryl sighed. the four directives by God, which led her slow progress of the promised six-time cosmetics brand to becoming a shareholder of Sothys tois foundationalimplementing – thethe �irst Character instruction First in growth, Cheryl realised that “in God’s Malaysia, was therefore no sheer coincidence. God-centred business Education programme in the company as perspective, it’s actually all about Since young, she has been attracted to the beauty Twelve years ago, the wandering sheep part of the staff’s development. “The people. It’s not just the business, the business – fashion to jewelry, interior design and returned to the Father’s side. And things programme has 49 characteristics, all numbers. Firstly, it’s about the lives of anything related to the aesthetics. When she was began to ‘move’ at her workplace. From based on biblical principles but there’s a His people.” working part time in college, she heard about Sothys 2006 to 2010, Sothys’ bottomline grew marketplace version which Sothys has at a home party and her heart was set to work for 10 times. adopted,” Cheryl said. Develop and release them. “I wanted to be attached to a brand that not When she returned to God in 2006, Next, she was led to a book called “One day, God spoke to me. He said, Business by the Book by her current ‘Develop My people and let them go’,” she really delivers results,” the charismatic Cheryl said. the School of Acts, a training and equip- mentors, her cell leaders at DUMC (her shared. just promises beauty and is super�icial but one that pingthe �irst school thing for God working did was adults. send There, her to church), who are also the national direc- She struggled hard with God’s Called in her teens the Lord told her, ‘You shall ‘super tors of Fellowship of Companies for instruction as it didn’t make sense for As the eldest daughter, Cheryl had to prepare the altar delegate’,” she recalled. Cheryl obeyed Christ International (FCCI). The book businesses to develop talents and release for the family’s worship but she had doubts about the and relinquished much of her work to explored key topics on ownership and them. God then told her, “They are not religion as she had been told that if she misbehaved, colleagues and managers, although she your people. They are MY people.” the goddess will cut off her ears. I asked myself, ‘If was accustomed to long hours, even resource, organisation and marketing Soon after, she attended an FCCI charting 120,000km on her car every andpurpose, planning. leadership, �inance, human conference and to her amazement, the two years for her business. During that Her company also conducted the speaker uttered the exact same words. time, as she obeyed God to 'super MoneyLife programme to teach the staff delegate', her business grew 10 times. God’s stewards,” she said. “And it’s really business as a platform, much like a about“Again, God’s it was will a forcon�irmation the person, that not mine.we’re Painful lesson ‘pulpit’,about �inancial Cheryl also stewardship. started a Seeingworkp lace her God’s will supersedes my will. It’s the “One day in 2012, the Lord spoke to me Alpha programme in her company. same with church planting. You don’t and gave four directives. One was to build disciple and keep them within; you send character within my organisation and Office harvest them out.” develop relationships within my sphere In two years, about six of Cheryl’s colleagues became Christians. “Some politics, Cheryl admitted that she is “not managing the business according to became believers in the process, some goodWhen at it” it comesdue to to her dealing upfront, with directof�ice of in�luence. He also spoke clearly about were lukewarm believers who had approaches. “So I said to God, ‘All these ‘Develop My people’.” stopped attending church. Today, all are doctor, Timothy was posted to Tambunan, in the God is God, why would He do this to me? I’m just a biblicalJust when principles she thought and �inally, she could He said,rest, attending church and have also joined charge.’ I’m sure there are (darts) but interior of Sabah, where he met the love of his life child’,” she said. God told her that her business would cell groups. Also, most of their kids are we’ve�iery dartsbeen thatwell-shielded,” come my way,she laughed. You take and future wife, Aida. He then went on to work in “One day, I looked up into the sky and said, ‘If increase six times. Cheryl didn’t think it attending the Children’s Church How does Cheryl balance all her Hospital Queen Elizabeth, Sabah, and trained as an there’s really a God and you’re really true, I really was possible, especially after the 10-fold programme,” Cheryl enthused. priorities? She takes a leaf from Jesus’ internal medicine specialist there. His interest in want to know who You are’.” Does her major shareholder, Sothys example in only doing what His Father tropical medicine and infectious disease led him to a Soon after that, her aunt shared the gospel with when her company faced turmoil France, have any issue with how she tells Him. sub specialty training in Infectious Diseases and he her family. “It was one ear in, one ear out,” Cheryl instead.growth, and this seemed to be con�irmed runs the company? “No. I guess it’s “What God tells us, we do. It’s not spent three years in Hospital Kuala Lumpur and one laughed. “But she planted the seed.” “I almost lost my entire team to a key because we’ve been running the about doing everything. Even in channel- year in Darwin Hospital before returning to Sabah to One day, she went to church. “I can’t remember competitor. Three managers from the business pretty well and we’ve been ling resources, there’s so much need in serve his country. what happened, but I felt the nudge to go up when showing results,” she replied. this world, but it is really hearing from they gave the altar call. I went up and there, I felt head walked out. They were headhunted As she obeyed God’s directive for her God and channelling it accordingly national honour that celebrates the spirit of God’s presence. It was so real to me… I knew He is byfour my or number �ive outlets one andkey onecompetitor,” department she to build relationships, she realised that because unless God builds the house, we independence,Re�lecting on Timothy his Merdeka said, Award“I hope achievement, and pray that a God and I accepted Jesus as my Saviour,” she shared. said. God has shown her a new business build in vain. That’s how we balance time Malaysia will always have her freedom of worship As she was leaving the church, she heard God So, instead of growth, her company model of turning their dealers into and also manage and steward His and religion, and that leaders of integrity and saying to her, “I will never leave you, I will never was shaken by the ‘betrayal’. “But I guess business licensee partners. Through resources.” wisdom will rise up to lead her.” forsake you.” She didn’t even know it was a verse from through that journey, God taught me a lot this, Cheryl has been able to form the Bible, but it resolved all her deep worries about about forgiveness, about not allowing all deeper relationships with her dealer-

ASIANBEACON.ORG 50#1 January-March 2018 21 Feature

jobs. That’s why we can only do an episode a month. Debbie religion, politics, socio-economy and even the environment. drives us in meeting our deadlines, and the rest of us help in We have brothers and sisters in Sarawak whose lands are various areas – IT, creative design, production, video editing, being taken away, we have huge language and cultural barri- etc. Behind us is our advisor, Rev. Dr Sivin Kit. ers to cross, we have deep-seated prejudices felt by pockets of communities, and we are simply disconnected from our Do you think the Malaysian Church has done a suf�icient neighbours. job in addressing these life questions with their mem- How do we answer these questions if our expression of bers? Christianity is primarily in English that plays to By Chew Sue Lee Debbie: I think our Church has done a great job at addressing Enlightenment-modern thinking, and we have not carefully certain "life questions", such as relationship concerns, considered the repercussions of Western consumerism on marketplace, personal disciplines, etc. But I believe that’s not our poorer neighbours and the environment? If we are all that life is about. Unfortunately, we have adopted the West- serious about loving God and loving our neighbour, we need Sometimes, we Christians can be so opinionated about our views that we can’t discuss issues calmly. Enter Safespace, a lively ern dichotomy between what’s “private” and what’s “public”, to know and be connected with our neighbours. This requires video talk show that have Christians with opposing views peacefully debating hot issues confronting our Malaysian society. that is, we think our private matters are what life is all about. This is truly a SAFE SPACE to discuss burning issues. Nancy Pearcey in her book, Total Truth, expresses that way of Malaysia has a strong and solid pool of local scholars and The monthly talk show is hosted by Safespace co-founder Pastor Alexa Ho of Petaling Jaya Evangelical Free Church and is thinking so well. When this dichotomy happens, then our theologians.theological re�lection. There is certainly an opportunity to give voice to the brainchild of the founder, Debbie Loh, a training programme administrator at a local church. Ultimately, Safespace aims to response to public matters, such as our own people through give a Malaysian Christian perspective and response to the burning issues. Debbie and Alexa share with us the story behind our political, social, economic and content-rich media. Our Safespace. environmental spheres, becomes challenge at Safespace would How did the idea for Safespace come about? severely muted or underdeveloped. In Debbie: Safespace started as a podcast idea focusing on reality, what we believe privately has in Malaysia's leaders vis-a-vis theology for our local and regional context. I was seeking implications publicly, and vice versa. ourbe to buildmore publicdominant con�idence and Christian answers for issues in Malaysia when I realised media savvy Western coun- that we were facing a drought in local theological discus- Your website describes Safespace terparts. sions, which was evidenced by our lack of ownership over as “where life questions are talked local issues. Back in 2015 or 2016, the only such content- about from Christian perspectives”. In the long run, what do you rich media platforms were from the United States, which So far, your �irst two episodes seem hope to achieve through obviously would respond to their issues in their own way. to be theological debates rather Safespace? This resulted in a void of responses to our own issues back than discussions on life questions, Alexa: Our desire is to home and worse, trying to answer local issues by "copying or “questions that confront us living provide a space to safely in Malaysia today”. discuss life questions without This came to a head during the last U.S. elections when Debbie: ar of fear, judgment or prejudice – a space where all well thought- and pasting" outside sources without proper re�lection. the Reformation, but instead of producing yet another out opinions matter. Through Safespace, we hope to promote the debate on Donald Trump. It was divisive and showed content featuring Our �irst aepisode dispute was or celebratinga tribute to howthe 500th right Protesye - a sense of humility, inclusivity and openness to others. thealmost ugly the side entire of the world, American myself Church. included, I realisedbecame that�ixed the on tants were, we wanted to shed light and celebrate the fact that divide had always been there; it just took the Trump issue Catholics and Lutherans are making amends today. We felt Debbie: I pray that we will be able to bring out key issues of to make the polarisation publicly evident. concern felt by Christians and the world around us for our And so the podcast idea evolved from being just a place Reformation together and highlight the challenges moving theologians and scholars to comment and discuss. At the where local concerns were discussed to where mutual forwardthe need together. for a respectful Episode conversation 2 was based onwhere similar both polemics de�ine the on same time, I hope that Safespace can bring about mutual respect and gracious hospitality between Christians of the ground between Christians who supported Calvinist and respect and reconciliation in areas where Christians might opposing views could be found. I felt that with our diverse Arminian theology. differ. For example, it is one thing to believe that speaking in Helping to grow more gracious Christians… Malaysian culture, the Malaysian Church has the ability to tongues is unbiblical, and it is another thing to lambast (from left) Alexa, Leon, Celine, Eugene and Debbie hold multiple views hospitably. Earlier, you said that most Christian resources available people harshly behind their backs. I hope Safespace can When I met Alexa in October 2016, my dream turned to us are from a Western perspective. Why do you think provide an alternative to Christians backbiting one another into reality. I pitched the idea for her to host. Because she the Christian Malaysian perspective on issues is equally, from our theological corners, calling other denominations has a strong stage presence, it became viable for Safespace if not more, important? "heretical”. We want to promote a culture that listens and to be in video format, and that is how the podcast idea Debbie: Western Christianity speaks in a post-Christian seeks to understand the other’s contexts; and provide food transformed into a video talk show. setting, so there's a lot of talk about returning to the tradi- for thought to guide conviction and enrich contemplation. tions laid by their founding fathers. Even so, Western Christi- Who is your target audience? anity is a majority religion in the West, and many cathedrals What kind of support do you need from the local Alexa: Our vodcast is suitable for Christians who want to and Christian symbols pepper the landscape. In fact, Christi- churches to make Safespace a success? keep in step with current issues and hear how they can be anity has become intertwined with the Western culture, espe- Debbie: Alexa and I would love to visit local churches or theologically thought through in a safe environment. It is cially in key life events such as death, marriage and burials. para-churches to share our work and ministry. It would be especially suitable for pastors and Christian leaders who Western Christianity also operates from a certain level of great to have more people join the conversation by subscrib- are looking for a resource to tackle issues from a Malay- political power. ing and responding to our shows. In terms of overheads, we sian Christian perspective. With development and globalisation, Malaysian Chris- tians do face similar trends in certain pockets of urban areas. running. Who are the people behind Safespace? However, our world is different in terms of our culture, do need as much �inancial help as possible to keep the show Alexa: For now, we’re all volunteers as we have full-time

22 ASIANBEACON.ORG 50#1 January-March 2018 jobs. That’s why we can only do an episode a month. Debbie religion, politics, socio-economy and even the environment. drives us in meeting our deadlines, and the rest of us help in We have brothers and sisters in Sarawak whose lands are various areas – IT, creative design, production, video editing, being taken away, we have huge language and cultural barri- etc. Behind us is our advisor, Rev. Dr Sivin Kit. ers to cross, we have deep-seated prejudices felt by pockets of communities, and we are simply disconnected from our Do you think the Malaysian Church has done a suf�icient neighbours. job in addressing these life questions with their mem- How do we answer these questions if our expression of bers? Christianity is primarily in English that plays to Debbie: I think our Church has done a great job at addressing Enlightenment-modern thinking, and we have not carefully certain "life questions", such as relationship concerns, considered the repercussions of Western consumerism on marketplace, personal disciplines, etc. But I believe that’s not our poorer neighbours and the environment? If we are all that life is about. Unfortunately, we have adopted the West- serious about loving God and loving our neighbour, we need ern dichotomy between what’s “private” and what’s “public”, to know and be connected with our neighbours. This requires that is, we think our private matters are what life is all about. Nancy Pearcey in her book, Total Truth, expresses that way of Malaysia has a strong and solid pool of local scholars and thinking so well. When this dichotomy happens, then our theologians.theological re�lection. There is certainly an opportunity to give voice to response to public matters, such as our own people through our political, social, economic and content-rich media. Our environmental spheres, becomes challenge at Safespace would How did the idea for Safespace come about? severely muted or underdeveloped. In Debbie: Safespace started as a podcast idea focusing on reality, what we believe privately has in Malaysia's leaders vis-a-vis theology for our local and regional context. I was seeking implications publicly, and vice versa. ourbe to buildmore publicdominant con�idence and Christian answers for issues in Malaysia when I realised media savvy Western coun- that we were facing a drought in local theological discus- Your website describes Safespace terparts. sions, which was evidenced by our lack of ownership over as “where life questions are talked local issues. Back in 2015 or 2016, the only such content- about from Christian perspectives”. In the long run, what do you rich media platforms were from the United States, which So far, your �irst two episodes seem hope to achieve through obviously would respond to their issues in their own way. to be theological debates rather Safespace? This resulted in a void of responses to our own issues back than discussions on life questions, Alexa: Our desire is to home and worse, trying to answer local issues by "copying or “questions that confront us living provide a space to safely in Malaysia today”. discuss life questions without This came to a head during the last U.S. elections when Debbie: ar of fear, judgment or prejudice – a space where all well thought- and pasting" outside sources without proper re�lection. the Reformation, but instead of producing yet another out opinions matter. Through Safespace, we hope to promote the debate on Donald Trump. It was divisive and showed content featuring Our �irst aepisode dispute was or celebratinga tribute to howthe 500th right Protesye - a sense of humility, inclusivity and openness to others. thealmost ugly the side entire of the world, American myself Church. included, I realisedbecame that�ixed the on tants were, we wanted to shed light and celebrate the fact that divide had always been there; it just took the Trump issue Catholics and Lutherans are making amends today. We felt Debbie: I pray that we will be able to bring out key issues of to make the polarisation publicly evident. concern felt by Christians and the world around us for our And so the podcast idea evolved from being just a place Reformation together and highlight the challenges moving theologians and scholars to comment and discuss. At the where local concerns were discussed to where mutual forwardthe need together. for a respectful Episode conversation 2 was based onwhere similar both polemics de�ine the on same time, I hope that Safespace can bring about mutual respect and gracious hospitality between Christians of the ground between Christians who supported Calvinist and respect and reconciliation in areas where Christians might opposing views could be found. I felt that with our diverse Arminian theology. differ. For example, it is one thing to believe that speaking in Malaysian culture, the Malaysian Church has the ability to tongues is unbiblical, and it is another thing to lambast hold multiple views hospitably. Earlier, you said that most Christian resources available people harshly behind their backs. I hope Safespace can When I met Alexa in October 2016, my dream turned to us are from a Western perspective. Why do you think provide an alternative to Christians backbiting one another into reality. I pitched the idea for her to host. Because she the Christian Malaysian perspective on issues is equally, from our theological corners, calling other denominations has a strong stage presence, it became viable for Safespace if not more, important? "heretical”. We want to promote a culture that listens and to be in video format, and that is how the podcast idea Debbie: Western Christianity speaks in a post-Christian seeks to understand the other’s contexts; and provide food transformed into a video talk show. setting, so there's a lot of talk about returning to the tradi- for thought to guide conviction and enrich contemplation. tions laid by their founding fathers. Even so, Western Christi- Who is your target audience? anity is a majority religion in the West, and many cathedrals What kind of support do you need from the local Alexa: Our vodcast is suitable for Christians who want to and Christian symbols pepper the landscape. In fact, Christi- churches to make Safespace a success? keep in step with current issues and hear how they can be anity has become intertwined with the Western culture, espe- Debbie: Alexa and I would love to visit local churches or theologically thought through in a safe environment. It is cially in key life events such as death, marriage and burials. para-churches to share our work and ministry. It would be especially suitable for pastors and Christian leaders who Western Christianity also operates from a certain level of great to have more people join the conversation by subscrib- are looking for a resource to tackle issues from a Malay- political power. ing and responding to our shows. In terms of overheads, we sian Christian perspective. With development and globalisation, Malaysian Chris- tians do face similar trends in certain pockets of urban areas. running. Who are the people behind Safespace? However, our world is different in terms of our culture, do need as much �inancial help as possible to keep the show Alexa: For now, we’re all volunteers as we have full-time

ASIANBEACON.ORG 50#1 January-March 2018 23 Feature

hy do you go around It’s also interesting to note how telling stories?” is one of By Gina Yap Lai Yoong Jesus used metaphors involving salt, " the most asked ques- Begin with a story and you would have light, trees and lamp in His parables. tionsW in this season of my life. My reply: drawn them in to linger a while longer. These are everyday objects that every- “Because Jesus went about telling Stories have the power to engage one can relate to. By using familiar stories when He was with us on earth.” because they are relatable, which carve elements, He draws us into an unknown God has been opening doors for me access to one’s heart and keep them yet comfortable territory, and to walk into local communities in small interested. challenges us to explore new ideas and towns all over the country to do story- develop new mindsets. telling. I stand in front of curious crowds Stories stir emotions. When we feel for Louie Giglio once said, “The world something, we pay more attention. We doesn’t need a lecture. The world needs refreshing idea in today’s era. And I tell want to understand why we feel the way a picture.” We all know that every themwho stories. �ind storytelling a foreign, yet we feel about things. It invites us to picture paints a story and stories are There is nothing new about story- explore our heart and mind, and encour- powerful ways to engage people. As we telling as it has been in our blood for ages self-discovery as we delve deeper are called to be His salt and light on generations. Back when television, radio into our spirit in search of answers. earth, let us engage others through and the Internet didn’t exist, storytelling stories to inspire them to discover the was a major way of entertaining and Stories transform. More than inform- great God we serve. sharing information. Storytellers would ing, stories inspire thinking. Drawn into Each of us is a storyteller, made in sit under a tree or at the porch of their a situation that we are both familiar and homes and people would come to them stranger to, we can comfortably explore master storyteller. in the evenings before the sun went possibilities of how to react to the the image of God who is the �irst and down to listen to stories. Then, storytell- stories, which create a platform for new ing was one of the most effective ways to mindsets and beliefs to be formed. reach out to people. “Jesus spoke all these things to the Stories help us remember. We may crowd in parables; he did not say forget facts and messages, but we will anything to them without using a never forget how we feel about things. parable.” (Matt. 13:34). The Bible shows Whether it is a sad or happy story, a tale that storytelling was Jesus’ preferred that angers us or a parable that approach to speaking to crowds. I provokes thoughts, stories leave an resonate with this for I have seen and emotional footprint in our heart. That’s experienced how people respond better how stories help us remember. Gina Yap Lai Yoong is a published writer to stories compared with speeches. Often, we remember sermons not for with six books available in major local Here are some reasons why I believe the lessons but the stories that illustrate bookstores. When she is not writing, she storytelling is powerful. the message. For example, Jesus could travels to do storytelling. She is also a have simply told us, “Be kind to every- creative writing coach and mentor, a speaker at literary festivals as well as Stories attract people. Start your one.” Instead, He told us the parable of festival organiser. Gina is currently speech with greetings and information, the Good Samaritan because he knows President of the Malaysian Writers’ Society. and you might lose the attention of your we will be able to relate and remember a More info about her at story better than a one-liner command. www.ginayaplaiyoong.com

listeners within the �irst few minutes.

24 ASIANBEACON.ORG 50#1 January-March 2018 ne of my earliest childhood By Ong Kay Jen memories is of my mum stum- bling upon an old card while Romantics vs cynics she and I were sorting through O go all out on Feb. 14 to shower their thought the heart shape on the cover of The �irst are the hopeless romantics who thesome card old was documents. printed At because �irst glance, of its I intricate, uniform detail. I’m not sure disturbingsigni�icant public others displays with expensive of affection gifts which came as the bigger surprise: (henceforthand/or �lowers, known and as the PDA). rest of us with - The second group are the cynics who drawn and -coloured, or being told that it think like my father. “Silly commercial- was�inding a Valentine’s out that it Day was card actually from hand Dad ism” and “cheesy” are their common when he was dating Mum. remarks about VDay. “It’s not just a romantic celebration for couples,” one knew that Dad was not conventionally says grimly, “but an irritating day for romantic.You see, He even is funny, at the sharp age of and �ive practithen, -I singles. It’s Valentine’s Day, and it’s cal. Very practical. He provides good Singles Awareness things for the family, makes us laugh, is Day.” sincere and straightforward, and appre- From ciates family time. Yet, he’d readily admit where I that romance is not his cup of tea. stand at In my early teens (at the height of my this point interest in such subjects), I once asked in life, I him for his thoughts on Valentine’s Day. can relate “Valentine’s Day is a meaningless, over- to both commercialised celebration for mindless groups. I consumers, not for cynical old men like like special me,” he promptly declared. And yet that occasions, cynical old man had so many years ago and I like romance. When you put the two celebrated Valentine’s Day by giving together and give me a day in the year to Mum a painstakingly hand-drawn card celebrate this, I won’t complain! On the (though years later, he claimed that other hand, some might ask why we need making the card had robbed him of his to limit celebrating our relationship to good vision). one day in a year. Shouldn’t it be an ongo- So what was different back then? Was ing thing, throughout the year? Valentine’s Day not so commercialised And yet, who has the energy for that? and therefore more meaningful in the And yet, don’t all relationships take ‘80s? Was it because my parents were energy? Back and forth the arguments caught up in the excitement of a budding bounce. Frankly, I’m bored of the bicker- romance? Or because they were just... ing over this abused day. To me, the real err, young? Now, being young myself, I problem lies much deeper than that. It is have witnessed (and participated in) two a problem of romance. extreme groups among my peers in Yes, I say the problem is romance regards to VDay. because, if you think about it, romance is Continue on page 26...

ASIANBEACON.ORG 50#1 January-March 2018 25 ISSUES

By Dr Hera Lukman

epression is common in the Church but why are many reluctant to seek help? Depression is a common mental ill-health. The debilitating effects of depression on health and functionality have robbed many from living life to the full and indeed, of life itself. In 2015, World Health Organisation (WHO) estimated that 322 million people in the world (an equivalent of 4.4 % of the world population) have depression. In Malaysia, 3.8% of the population (more than one million) suffer from depression. Given that many with depressive symptoms may not have disclosed their condi-

with depression. ...from page 25. tion, the �igures are conservative estimates of the actual number of people struggling but I don’t know any girl who would Depression affects more people than we know complain if her boyfriend made her a The Christian community is not immune to depression and depressive symptoms. simple, home-cooked dinner. Expensive Depression consumes even the lives of faithful servants of God such as Matthew roses are sweet, but I wouldn’t pick Warren (Rick Warren’s son), Pastor Phil Lineberger and more recently Pastor Bill them over a handmade card like the one Lenz whose journeys with depression have become public knowledge. The 2016 Dad gave Mum so many years ago. Schaeffer Institute study on the welfare of 8,150 evangelical and Reformed ministers Investing your energy into the other in the US found that about one third of them battle depressive symptoms. person’s life tells him/her that he/she is In Malaysia, the National Evangelical Christian Fellowship Malaysia reported in worth that trouble to you. Effort is like their 2006 Spiritual Formation Survey that depression is one of the main crises facing the oil that keeps the cogs of any human Christians from various evangelical churches. Clearly, depression is a prevalent condi- relationship turning – if you stop apply- ing it, the wheels are going to get Although depression is a condition that is treatable and manageable, WHO noted jammed eventually. How much more thattion approximatelyand it does not 50%discriminate. of sufferers It af�licts do not anyoneseek or regardlessget the necessary of faith help. status. This unfor- this is with lovers. When one or both tunate situation is due to lack of access to care and more importantly, the fear of being parties stop trying, the relationship gets stigmatised. Consequently, a substantial number is suffering in silence and isolation. stuck. Based on various anecdotal observations and empirical studies relating to church Maybe people my age could take a health, the reluctance to seek help is also evident within Christian leaf out of my dad’s book. Being roman- communities. The body tic doesn’t necessarily mean lavishing of Christ must Urgent need for a safe community in Church proactively make day out of the entire year. It doesn’t have As depression is closely related to suicide, the reluctance to Church a place where your signi�icant other with gifts on one seek help needs to be urgently addressed. In October 2016, those affected by or carefully constructed sweet nothings. WHO started a global campaign entitled “Depression: Let’s mental ill-health can to beRomance exorbitant can gifts, mean expensive humble, �lowers, yet Talk”. This initiative aims to reduce mental health-related ﬁnd a safe heartfelt, tokens of appreciation. It can stigma and to encourage affected individuals to seek help. community. be found in simple, meaningful gestures The gist of the campaign is to create a safe space in as many throughout the course of the relation- communities as possible to talk about depression. If sufferers can ship. Maybe a cynical old man had it share their struggles with another without fear of being judged, despised and right after all. rejected, the journey with depression will not be so isolating and hopeless. In dialogues, many unhelpful myths leading to prejudice and exacerbation of suffering (This article was �irst published in the can also be addressed. Talking about depression is a crucial step towards recovery. February-March 2012 Asian Beacon issue I believe this is a long-overdue initiative that the Church should proactively when the writer was a college student. She support, not only within Christian communities but also in any community the now works as a copywriter in a major Church is represented. If social justice, compassion and ministering to the marginal- advertising agency.) ised are essential criteria of a missional Church, we must do more than preaching against stigma and prejudice of mental ill-health over the pulpit. The body of Christ must proactively make Church a place where those affected by mental ill-health can

three starters. �ind a safe community. How might that look like in practical terms? May I suggest

26 ASIANBEACON.ORG 50#1 January-March 2018 We need to recognise that suffering is an inevitable mark of Reevaluate the robustness of our theology of suffering being a Christian and that First, let’s examine why Christians are reluctant to talk about suffering. God can be gloriﬁed in our In my opinion, this may be due to the common assumption that “a good suffering because “His testimony for God” or “a life blessed by God” should not include failures, defeats and strength is made perfect ill health. Such theological perspective not only lacks validity, it can create a severe in our weakness”.

lives falling short of being “exemplary” or “blessed”. senseIn offact, shame, suffering rejection, among disillusionment God’s people is and evident alienation throughout among theChristians Biblical who text. �ind For theirexample, depressive symptoms are common experiences of faith giants such as David, Job, Jeremiah, Elijah and Paul. Even our Lord Jesus wrestled with despair and anguish prior to the cross. Should we therefore conclude that their lives had been dishonoring to God because they expressed weakness? As far as I understand, there is no Biblical support for such a perspective. God did not disapprove of their sufferings nor did He miraculously remove despair from His people. Rather, God consistently provided for their needs and enabled them to accomplish the purpose He had for them despite their

in our suffering because “His strength is made perfect in our weakness”. A robust theology of suffering is necessary struggles.if “communal We need lamentation” to recognise is to that be sufferingendorsed is within an inevitable the body mark of Christ.of being a Christian and that God can be glori�ied Advocate evidence-based advice and support It is widely known that the cause of depression is multifactorial. Depression develops and is maintained by a complex interaction of physical, psychological, social and spiritual problems. As such, the successful management of depression requires a multidisciplinary approach. While spiritual issues can contribute to depressive symptoms, spiritual discipline such as prayer, fasting and reading the Bible are not the panacea for every case of depression. The Church must avoid making simplistic conclusions regarding what causes and what can eliminate a person’s depressive symptoms. An erroneous assumption can have devastating implications for the welfare of the sufferer. For example, other than psychological disorders, depressive symptoms can result from physical conditions such as diabetes, thyroid diseases, cancer or even hormonal imbalance after pregnancy and during menopause. In many cases, depressive symptoms are successfully alleviated with medication coupled with psychotherapy, but not all individuals experiencing symptoms need to be medicated.

treatment. An advice to avoid conventional medical attention in favour of exclusive spiritual intervention is not only presumptuous,A thorough it assessment is an irresponsible by quali�ied counsel. health As professionals a Church, we is need paramount to collaborate in making with an health informed professionals decision forto provide evidence-based advice and support for individuals with depression. Engage in perspective taking

through dark tinted lenses while we see the world in all its colours. This explains why things are often perceived in shadesThe world of grey of a in depressed the world individualof those with is dif�icult depression. to comprehend. It is important Those to understand with depression that they often do notperceive choose the to liveworld in a constantly gloomy existence as some may erroneously assume! If we were to see the world through the same dark tinted lenses, our world will also carry the same shades of grey. Perspective taking is crucial if we want to support individuals with depression. Dismissing, denying or debating their perceived reality serves little to comfort the depressed. We must recognise, acknowledge and legitimise feelings because they are real. Only when we have done that can we offer an alternative perspective they can adopt, e.g. while feelings are real they are not necessarily reliable assessment of reality.

Church, we must talk more about depression in our An advice to community. The three suggestions noted above are avoid conventional practical steps the Church can do to provide a safe and medical attention in informed community for those who are in despair. favour of exclusive spiritual intervention is responsibility. Anyone can take the �irst step. Indeed, it is everyone’s not only presumptuous, May the LORD work in and through His Church as it is an irresponsible we mourn with those who mourn and as we commu- nicate His hope to the hopeless. counsel. Dr Hera Lukman is the Head of Psychology and Learning Centre at Methodist College Kuala Lumpur.

ASIANBEACON.ORG 50#1 January-March 2018 27 ISSUES

By Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria

here have been loud hints that General Election (GE) 14 will be held after Will my vote make a difference? Chinese New Year. Since 1957, we’ve You might think your one vote won’t make a difference. In the 2008 had 13 general elections. GE 12 in and 2013 general elections, many of the seats were closely fought 2008 is noted as the most critical one where among the candidates and therefore, every vote was precious. Your the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) party lost one vote at the elections could have an impact on the popular vote its two-third majority. At GE 13 in 2013, BN too. Therefore, exercising your citizen’s right to vote is very impor- lost the popular vote. However, BN contin- tant. ues to rule at the national level. actively engage our leaders to carry out their election promises to makeHowever, Malaysia the a betterelection place is only for allthe Malaysians. �irst step; we must continue to “Dear Lord, please give us a good Is voting consistent with the Christian faith? government who cares for everyone, The Bible clearly teaches us that that we must pray for those in especially the poor, who is fair to authority (1 Tim. 2:2). We are called to pray for those leading the all and does not steal our money nation and are responsible for governance. To do this, we must know and is wise too. And I pray everyone some key matters pertaining to the affairs of the government and will not lose hope but will go and society. v o t e .” Like Paul, we can claim our citizenship rights and exercise them (Acts 16:37 & 22:25). Paul was an apostle, church planter and evan- gelist but when he was arrested, he made his claim as a Roman citizen, and called for proper conduct of the soldiers and for fair trial under the Roman judicial system. Likewise, we must know our rights and exercise them responsi-

and if it is to do good unto others (Gal. 6:10), then we must also do so.bly. TheIf this government means paying likewise our taxes is called (Rom. as 13:6), God’s then servant we mustto do do good so; (Rom. 13:4) and therefore, must conduct itself for the good of society and not abuse its powers. We must therefore not shrink from carrying out our responsibility in service to humanity and the nation through our good works. Next, who do I vote for? Do I look at the candidate or the party?

28 ASIANBEACON.ORG 50#1 January-March 2018 What do we look for in a candidate? What do we look for in the political party? From nomination date, you will have the list of the candidates contesting in the Parliamentary and State seats in the In Malaysia, political parties are very important constituency you are registered in. Find out as much as you because they try to get their elected members to can about the candidates – their character, background and toe the party line, which might not be the wishes what they have done (their professional work and contribu- of their constituency. Therefore, it’s necessary to tion to society). study the election manifesto of the political parties. the homes or postal address. You can also check them out on Take time to read and understand the party’s socialCandidates media to will see issue what their has pro�ilebeen written and often about distribute them, itand to position on key issues such as religious freedom, trace their Facebook postings to note the kind of things they education, equal opportunities, minority rights, have been championing. gender and separation of powers based on the Explore all candidates irrespective of their race, religion Federal Constitution. Check out their business, and gender. What matter are their character and track record. investment and employment strategies to Have they championed any cause? Are they ideologically right address income and rising inequalities and wing or extreme in their public views (this might contradict thereby, improving the quality of life of all the your views on public and national matters)? people. Make your decision based on informed choice. Will the Another key consideration is the party’s candidate take up your concern or the concerns of the poor position on democratic freedom and tolerance for and marginalised communities in parliament and speak up for diversity of views and opinions. Good governance all communities or would he/she be very self-focused? What – such as declaration of assets and the willingness about the candidate’s position on human rights and corrup- to be held publicly accountable – must be the tion (most critical). Is he/she willing to declare his/her assets? hallmark of the party. In this context, most of the Many join politics for the wrong reasons and therefore, we major political parties have been around for some must not compromise on the higher ethical and moral require- time and therefore, you can determine their track ments that we place on all candidates and potential public record and assess their consistency. In summary, review the political parties, their You might not know for sure what kind of person the election manifesto, what they have done for the candidateof�icials. is but if you’ve done your background search, you’ll at least have an idea. party leaders are and how the parties have been managedpeople over since the their past founding.�ive to 10 Chooseyears, whothe partytheir based on your political conviction and social The least WE can do for views. Most of us are not members of any political our country party but we still need to note which party could represent our concerns in the public areas, in the Making a stand via the ballot box government and in parliament. indicates our political awareness So, be informed and you’ll make an intelligent and commitment to ensure that the decision. leaders who are entrusted with the responsibility to govern are men and women of good character and Registered to vote? uphold high moral values. In order to exercise this constitu- Likewise, their political parties tional right to vote, Malaysian must be pro human rights, pro citizens must be registered to vote good governance and pro account- when they turn 21 years old. ability. The Election Commission Let us exercise our right to vote encourages everyone that has yet and continue to serve our land so to register as a voter to register that Malaysia will be a better place immediately instead of waiting for all. And above all, let’s pray for until the last minute. If you have not God’s sovereign rule over GE 14 registered to vote, you can do so at and commit the outcome to Him. Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria is the Principal Research Fellow at the Institute of Youthe nearestcan check post your of�ice. voting Just status present by Ethnic Studies, UKM. He and his wife, Rose accessingyour IC and the �ill Suruhanjayain the relevant Pilihan form. Cheng Jayasooria, worship at DUMC in Petaling Jaya where he serves as the Raya's website at coordinator of the Citizens’ Network For A http://www.spr.gov.my/ Better Malaysia.

ASIANBEACON.ORG 50#1 January-March 2018 29 MISSIONS

Live to last Heeding the Lord’s call to be uprooted from their comfortable career-climbing lives in the Klang Valley to Cambodia and then to Sabah, Terence and Deb’s journey with the Lord has been and still is an exciting one. In my short stay with them, my heart was stirred to live more intentionally and to be mindful of the stories I collect, the people I serve and the legacy I will leave behind. I’ve been blessed by their faith, their love for each other and for the children in the hostels, their values of investing in the Kingdom of God and how this has

children. Which is why I am pleased that Deborahin�luenced has the written way a theybook raisechronicling their her journey of faith. Teaching children to fish before falling asleep. The next morning, I walked them to Live to Last challenged me to re-examine On the �light home, reading Deb’s level of the marginalised communities school. We had to cross a bridge and my own life. At the core of her bite-sized inStar�ish’s Sabah missionby providing is to raiseaccommodation the literacy unfortunately, I wore a dress! I was stories is a timeless message for people to and looking after the indigenous of all ages: Life is more than just me, I children so that they can continue going river and it didn’t help that the children to school. Terence and Deb oversee keptterri�ied jumping of falling on the into bridge the very and shakingshallow and myself; you are called for a greater This is the way we go to school. several hostels while equipping and In her book, she says: “Life is a purpose; the world needs you. training the wardens (a.k.a. house The next hostel I visited was Mari- journey and we will never know how parents) to run and operate the hostels goldit just Solimpodon to see my horri�ied for secondary look. school By Victoria Wong (as told to Anna Teoh) well as well as plan and organise holistic students. Terence and Deborah showed line. Some are given the privilege of long it will take until we reach the �inish programmes to develop the children. me a man-made lake, which they had living a hundred years while others only eborah Chan saw the World Trade Centre crumble before The children are given nutritious and have a few short years, some only a few her eyes like a deck of cards. It was Sept. 11, 2001, and balanced meals and they receive extra minutes. However, regardless of the fresh out of college, she had just arrived in New York to tuition sessions to boost their academic span of time we are granted, our life is D work as a volunteer for a Sunday school ministry in the score. With an environment conducive marked by what we make of it.” for them to thrive in their studies, the Truly, Deb and Terence are marking moment for the rest of her life. Recalling that horror, she said: children will have a chance of a brighter their lives distinctly by giving their best ghettos there. The 9/11 event would later become a de�ining “It etched a memory deep in the recesses of my soul and left an future. years to the Master. indelible mark in my young life, changing the way I perceived During my stay there, I had the life, purpose and passion.” opportunity to visit two hostels, which Now in her late 30s, Deborah, or Deb as she’s fondly called, were located some three hours away is a missionary in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Together with her from Kota Kinabalu by car. As we family – husband Terence and children Seth and Enya – they traveled along the winding road that turned into dirt pathways, I was struck run in partnership with the Protestant Church of Sabah. by the reality of life there – the limited serve with Star�ish Malaysia Foundation (Star�ish), which is Giving their best years to the Lord… the writer (in red top) I got to know Deb and Terence when I lived with them access to provisions and amenities that with Deb and Terence and their children. we take for granted. The lovely family shared their home and hearts, speaking - during my short mission adventure as a teacher with Star�ish. openly about their dreams and challenges in their ministry. tang, a hostel housing primary school it for consumption. There was also a Before moving to Sabah from the Klang Valley, Terence and Deb students.My �irst As visit the was children to Jasmine trickled Talan in smallhelped farm dig. inThey the hopedcompound. to rear �ishes in had served as missionaries in the countryside of Battambang, The students here were also well (To purchase a copy of the book or to Cambodia, for two years where they helped build schools, me. They were well-behaved and knew disciplined and took turns to serve one know more about the short-term trained local pastors and teachers, and set up a volunteers’ theirafter school,duties theyfor the�lashed day shy– mealtime,smiles at another. I noticed that many were not missions with Star�ish, go to missions programme. prayer and cleaning up. At night, I taught yet reading or writing at their level, but http://www.livetolastbook.com/. Live to During my short stay with them, I was inspired by their them phonics using a reading as I taught them, I saw their hunger to Last is also available at MPH, Times many stories – the simple life and lessons gleaned on the programme developed by my friends in learn. With the right assistance, they Bookstore, Canaanland Bookstore and Teach for Malaysia. When night fell, the could go far in life. In the late evening, other Christian bookstores, and proceeds with the small decisions. What struck me most was their girls came to my room. We played games the girls and I played “lompat tali” (jump will help support the family’s mission mission �ield, and learning to say ‘Yes’ to God daily, starting unconventional attitude towards serving God. Unlike most of and then they cuddled up in one single rope), while the boys played football work in Sabah.) us, they simply “want to give the best years of our lives to God”. bed, giggling and asking me questions behind the hostel.

30 ASIANBEACON.ORG 50#1 January-March 2018 Live to last Heeding the Lord’s call to be uprooted from their comfortable career-climbing lives in the Klang Valley to Cambodia and then to Sabah, Terence and Deb’s journey with the Lord has been and still is an exciting one. In my short stay with them, my heart was stirred to live more intentionally and to be mindful of the stories I collect, the people I serve and the legacy I will leave behind. I’ve been blessed by their faith, their love for each other and for the children in the hostels, their values of investing in the Kingdom of God and how this has

Marigold Solimpodon hostel for the secondary school students. children. Which is why I am pleased that Deborahin�luenced has the written way a theybook raisechronicling their her journey of faith. Teaching children to fish before falling asleep. The next morning, I walked them to Live to Last challenged me to re-examine On the �light home, reading Deb’s level of the marginalised communities school. We had to cross a bridge and my own life. At the core of her bite-sized inStar�ish’s Sabah missionby providing is to raiseaccommodation the literacy unfortunately, I wore a dress! I was stories is a timeless message for people to and looking after the indigenous of all ages: Life is more than just me, I children so that they can continue going river and it didn’t help that the children to school. Terence and Deb oversee keptterri�ied jumping of falling on the into bridge the very and shakingshallow and myself; you are called for a greater several hostels while equipping and In her book, she says: “Life is a purpose; the world needs you. training the wardens (a.k.a. house The next hostel I visited was Mari- journey and we will never know how parents) to run and operate the hostels goldit just Solimpodon to see my horri�ied for secondary look. school well as well as plan and organise holistic students. Terence and Deborah showed line. Some are given the privilege of long it will take until we reach the �inish programmes to develop the children. me a man-made lake, which they had living a hundred years while others only eborah Chan saw the World Trade Centre crumble before The children are given nutritious and have a few short years, some only a few her eyes like a deck of cards. It was Sept. 11, 2001, and balanced meals and they receive extra minutes. However, regardless of the fresh out of college, she had just arrived in New York to tuition sessions to boost their academic span of time we are granted, our life is work as a volunteer for a Sunday school ministry in the score. With an environment conducive marked by what we make of it.” for them to thrive in their studies, the Truly, Deb and Terence are marking moment for the rest of her life. Recalling that horror, she said: children will have a chance of a brighter their lives distinctly by giving their best ghettos there. The 9/11 event would later become a de�ining “It etched a memory deep in the recesses of my soul and left an future. years to the Master. indelible mark in my young life, changing the way I perceived During my stay there, I had the life, purpose and passion.” opportunity to visit two hostels, which Now in her late 30s, Deborah, or Deb as she’s fondly called, were located some three hours away is a missionary in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Together with her from Kota Kinabalu by car. As we family – husband Terence and children Seth and Enya – they traveled along the winding road that turned into dirt pathways, I was struck run in partnership with the Protestant Church of Sabah. by the reality of life there – the limited Never too young to learn… at the Jasmine serve with Star�ish Malaysia Foundation (Star�ish), which is Talantan hostel. I got to know Deb and Terence when I lived with them access to provisions and amenities that we take for granted. The lovely family shared their home and hearts, speaking - during my short mission adventure as a teacher with Star�ish. openly about their dreams and challenges in their ministry. tang, a hostel housing primary school it for consumption. There was also a Before moving to Sabah from the Klang Valley, Terence and Deb students.My �irst As visit the was children to Jasmine trickled Talan in smallhelped farm dig. inThey the hopedcompound. to rear �ishes in had served as missionaries in the countryside of Battambang, The students here were also well (To purchase a copy of the book or to Cambodia, for two years where they helped build schools, me. They were well-behaved and knew disciplined and took turns to serve one know more about the short-term trained local pastors and teachers, and set up a volunteers’ theirafter school,duties theyfor the�lashed day shy– mealtime,smiles at another. I noticed that many were not missions with Star�ish, go to missions programme. prayer and cleaning up. At night, I taught yet reading or writing at their level, but http://www.livetolastbook.com/. Live to During my short stay with them, I was inspired by their them phonics using a reading as I taught them, I saw their hunger to Last is also available at MPH, Times many stories – the simple life and lessons gleaned on the programme developed by my friends in learn. With the right assistance, they Bookstore, Canaanland Bookstore and Teach for Malaysia. When night fell, the could go far in life. In the late evening, other Christian bookstores, and proceeds with the small decisions. What struck me most was their girls came to my room. We played games the girls and I played “lompat tali” (jump will help support the family’s mission mission �ield, and learning to say ‘Yes’ to God daily, starting unconventional attitude towards serving God. Unlike most of and then they cuddled up in one single rope), while the boys played football work in Sabah.) us, they simply “want to give the best years of our lives to God”. bed, giggling and asking me questions behind the hostel.

ASIANBEACON.ORG 50#1 January-March 2018 31 REGULAR

Dear M.K, When Martin Luther started the Protes- ever you are, whatever job you do, pray but she goes for check-ups regularly at a tant Reformation, he advocated three hospital near me, so we always make it a major issues: Sola Scriptura – sole build a relationship with them and point to meet there to pray and fellow- - whenfor those you insee your the opportunity, circle of in�luence; do the ship. So, whether near or far, we can - work of a priest – connect them to God. connect each other to God and connect hoodauthority of all of believers”.Scripture; SolaIn the Fide Old – justi�iTesta- God to each other. ment,cation designated by faith alone; special and people the “priest were Opportunities priests (to bring the people to God and Have you thought about your foreign Intentional to bring God to the people) but in the domestic helper, who misses home, have You can be a priest, whoever and wher- New Testament, every believer is to be a no friends and have to adjust to a differ- ever you are. But it must be intentional, priest: “… you are royal priests… show planned, prayed over and practised. If others the goodness of God, for he called needs? Recently, we employed a Filipina you out of the darkness into his wonder- helper.ent culture? I happened Can you to ful�il meet her a spiritual mature want to tell your friends to try? Simi- ful light.” 1 Peter 2:9 Christian who lived in the same housing larly,you �ind recommend a good restaurant, your God wouldn’t to them, you We are priests to bring God to the area, who was willing to visit her weekly telling them how good He has been to people and bring the people to God. We to study the Bible and pray. What a you and ask them to try Him. Make the need not go to Bible school nor do we connection for them to “taste and see need to stand behind a pulpit. We can house, to have this regular, faithful visit. that the Lord is good”. Psalm 34:8 easily do it wherever we are. Of course it So,bonus be a for priest her, and who pray is con�inedabout connect to the- would be good if we have some training ing someone to God in your neighbour- to be more effective. hood or right in your own home. Walk and talk Reputation Years ago when I was operating a beauty When I was a teenager, I suddenly felt I shop in Melaka, a client saw a book I was was missing something in life. I had reading, called God’s Smuggler. “What an everything – good family, good grades, interesting title,” she remarked. “Would money, friends, etc. But I still felt empty. you like to read it?” I offered. She did I didn’t know what I was looking for but and from then on, she came to church, somehow I thought maybe I should go to eventually becoming a Christian. She church. Knowing my classmate Sophie brought her husband and her children to was a Christian, I asked her to take me to the Lord too. Today, about 40 years later, church and there, I gave my life to Jesus. her family is still faithfully worshipping Just by being known as a Christian, you Goldie has her own blog www.deargoldie.com God. Connecting people to God can be as may be approached to connect someone simple as recommending a book to stir to God. Do you have an issue you their interest. need advice on? Another regular client also became a Widen your circle of Write to Asian Beacon’s Goldie Chong at Christian and from the support of our in�luence rg for her godly church, her family, including her elderly A reader of Asian Beacon introduced me counsel. abof�[email protected] mother-in-law, husband and children to his aunt who lives in Perth. Although I Selected questions may be featured in this column. became Christians (see her story in If you leave an email address, you will have your didn’t know him or his aunt, we got question answered, whether it’s published or not. www.deargoldie.com Nov.#35). Wher- connected. She lives very far from me

32 ASIANBEACON.ORG 50#1 January-March 2018 Ad - Further Advance REGULAR

e must uncover and By Patrick Leong Liew from leaving behind a young child. Min Ser at R.O.W.I 2017, it was as if they, the Bahasa worship team led by worship George- had written a song, Our God, which was rightful owner of the land (being the leader Walter Samat. Asian worship.” I made this worshippers into deep intercession. t o w n Joe Loy from HTBB presented by the Full Gospel Tabernacle statementunleash thenine �lavouryears ago of Along the way, God releases melodies, calling All The Nations worship team. The heartrending piece spiritual portal above and cleared the 2017 with Tiada Nama (No Other when I released my third album. I had rhythms and lyrics as our cries for in from to worship Him. moved many in the audience to tears. passage�irst people for us here), to offer had our opened worship the to Name),And �inallywritten it was by a wrapthe forAnglican R.O.W. I sensed that Christians in Asia, and Malaysia and the condition of our land. PenangBaptist �lewand God. Diocesan Youth Council (ADYC) of Kuch- particularly Malaysia, needed to These new songs embody the worship rendered HanyaMu (Only You), a lively Ethereal sounds from the Orang Asli I believe that the worship of all the ing, Sarawak together with singer song- discover our very own rhythms and identity of our intercession. song with a lovely melody and in the Towards the end of R.O.W.I, there was a Orang Asli who have come to faith in writer Alejandro Tingzon Jr Jun from sounds in our worship. This unwavering This worship intercession was language of our land. Asked why she shift in spiritual momentum when Rev. Jesus Christ carries the identity of the Sabah and me. The song proudly conviction led to my organising R.O.W.I wrote the song in Malay, she replied, “I Eduan Bah Chimpok and his team from sounds and songs of our land, and will proclaims His name and no other in a 2017 (Restoring Our Worship Identity) by the 13 churches who came and write what the Holy Spirit tells me to the Semai tribe from Gereja EPAC penetrate the spiritual realm in Malay- corporate worship pronouncement. under the auspices of Malaysian Gospel presenteddisplayed magni�icently14 original atcompositions. R.O.W.I 2017 write.” Kampar sang their original composition sia. The Malaysian worship platform Music (MGM), which champions local Many others from different churches Worthy compositions of intimate in Semai, titled Haknuk Jen Tuhan (Your needs to integrate local compositions Christian music. also came in their personal capacity to worship were delivered by several Love, God). This was followed by Rousing Finale with the indigenous sounds and songs, God’s plans for Malaysia include engage in the passionate worship to God teams. Breakthrough Worship Commu- another Orang Asli group from the At the closing, Neil Batiancila and Kelvin interwoven with modern and current raising many Malaysian Christian song- and intercession for our nation. nity Church (BWCC) moved the partici- Temiar tribe from Immanuel Church Lim of One Accord from Every Nation tunes. Beyond the integration, we must pants with their song, MilikMu Tapah, who sang their composition, also be open to heed the calling to align in accordance to Acts 17:26. He is pour- Splendid Showcase Of Malaysian Talents (Duniaku) Kanik Bersyukur, with hair-raising composition, Ku Cinta Pada Mu. our worship through our distinct sound ingwriters, out Hisborn spirit at a speci�icin these time last anddays place and Pastor Nicholas Wu of MGM gave the title album song, All The Nations purity. The song was birthed during a MalaysiaKelvin Ooi �lawlessly and Karen rendered Cheah theirfrom and culture that is uniquely Malaysian. we – worshippers, worship leaders and welcome address and sermonette, Benedict ; JoeWeerasena Loy from HTBBfrom sangSIBKL, his worship and songwriting workshop I Grace Assembly PJ sang a majestic piece, Worship must never lead to songwriters – need to discern, under- followed by Esther and KW Mui, Ivan Sia groomed by Lucy Loo of S.A.N.D (Saved; conducted in the middle of last year for titled The Journey, which was written commercialism but inspires community stand and align with what the Holy and Daniel Liew who led the worship for A New Destiny), sang his master- the Orang Asli Christians in a northern during their Worship Ministry retreat worship. As Malaysians, let us bring our Spirit is saying concerning Malaysia. session with original songs, Psalm 91 piece, King Of Ages inspired by Revela- peninsular state. earlier in 2017. This was a song that unique songs of worship to God who Then, songs from and for our nation will and Psalm 63, written by Esther Mui and - I had been told by some Orang Asli renowned worship leader Bob Fitts was makes all the nations and peoples. be birthed through the outpouring of based on the same Scripture passages. ately belted out Destiny. groups, both in East and Peninsular pleased to have been part of and the Holy Spirit to help us in our interces- Reuben Gen and his worship team tionsA 15:3;group and of Lourdesgraduates Dass from passion the Malaysia, that their challenge was their appears in Grace Assembly’s third A big shout out to all who came to R.O.W.I sion for our nation. This is what R.O.W.I from Harvest Christian Assembly School Of Ministry 2015, Tung Ling own native language with its limited album, Victory Cometh. 2017, Asian Beacon, 24-7 Prayer and Dream is all about. opened the R.O.W.I 2017 showcase with Seminary – Nicky Yeoh, Suraj Sundaraj, vocabulary. Hence, when they wrote Cray Maxwell (DUMC Bahasa Malay- Centre for hosting the event. his original composition, Won’t You Adeline Hong and Roger Teo – wrote the sia) from Kota Belud introduced his Worship Intercession Come? – an appropriate introduction as song, Higher, which was rendered by the and then translate them into their native song, Terlalu Besar Kasih Mu (Your Love There is a distinct difference between it invited people to come worship Him. FGT Sri Damansara worship team. languagesongs, they or a had combination to �irst write of both. in Malay Is Too Great). The song came about worship and worship intercession. The Calvary Church was represented by Pastor Ng Wah Lok from Tung Ling At the workshop, I challenged them when he was facing hard times and he common understanding of worship songwriter Nicole Ong, who sang Sing Seminary took the stage and gave a to wait on the Holy Spirit as I truly directs praise to God and God alone. Hallelujah with her singing partner, visual presentation about Tan Min Ser, a believed He would grant them words in telling him to “just keep on worshipping Meanwhile, worship intercession is an Darren. handsome young man who succumbed their native language. And that He did! Me”.testi�ied The that anointed he kept masterpiece hearing the Lordwas enhancement of worship that leads Veteran singer songwriter Jenny to leukemia at the age of 32 years, When they sang their own compositions presented by the awesome DUMC

34 ASIANBEACON.ORG 50#1 January-March 2018 Full Gospel Tabernacle worship team pays tribute to the late Tan Min Ser.

Veteran singer songwriter Jenny Liew rendering Hanya Mu.

Rev. Eduan Bah Chimpok and team from the Semai tribe basking in God’s love with their original Semai composition, Haknuk Jen Tuhan Presenting Malaysian sounds… a splendid (Your Love, God). showcase of Malaysian songwriting talent. e must uncover and Liew from leaving behind a young child. Min Ser at R.O.W.I 2017, it was as if they, the Bahasa worship team led by worship George- had written a song, Our God, which was rightful owner of the land (being the leader Walter Samat. Asian worship.” I made this worshippers into deep intercession. t o w n presented by the Full Gospel Tabernacle statementunleash thenine �lavouryears ago of Along the way, God releases melodies, worship team. The heartrending piece spiritual portal above and cleared the 2017 with Tiada Nama (No Other when I released my third album. I had rhythms and lyrics as our cries for in from moved many in the audience to tears. passage�irst people for us here), to offer had our opened worship the to Name),And �inallywritten it was by a wrapthe forAnglican R.O.W. I sensed that Christians in Asia, and Malaysia and the condition of our land. PenangBaptist �lewand God. Diocesan Youth Council (ADYC) of Kuch- particularly Malaysia, needed to These new songs embody the worship rendered HanyaMu (Only You), a lively Ethereal sounds from the Orang Asli I believe that the worship of all the ing, Sarawak together with singer song- discover our very own rhythms and identity of our intercession. song with a lovely melody and in the Towards the end of R.O.W.I, there was a Orang Asli who have come to faith in writer Alejandro Tingzon Jr Jun from sounds in our worship. This unwavering This worship intercession was language of our land. Asked why she shift in spiritual momentum when Rev. Jesus Christ carries the identity of the Sabah and me. The song proudly conviction led to my organising R.O.W.I wrote the song in Malay, she replied, “I Eduan Bah Chimpok and his team from sounds and songs of our land, and will proclaims His name and no other in a 2017 (Restoring Our Worship Identity) by the 13 churches who came and write what the Holy Spirit tells me to the Semai tribe from Gereja EPAC penetrate the spiritual realm in Malay- corporate worship pronouncement. under the auspices of Malaysian Gospel presenteddisplayed magni�icently14 original atcompositions. R.O.W.I 2017 write.” Kampar sang their original composition sia. The Malaysian worship platform Music (MGM), which champions local Many others from different churches Worthy compositions of intimate in Semai, titled Haknuk Jen Tuhan (Your needs to integrate local compositions Christian music. also came in their personal capacity to worship were delivered by several Love, God). This was followed by Rousing Finale with the indigenous sounds and songs, God’s plans for Malaysia include engage in the passionate worship to God teams. Breakthrough Worship Commu- another Orang Asli group from the At the closing, Neil Batiancila and Kelvin interwoven with modern and current raising many Malaysian Christian song- and intercession for our nation. nity Church (BWCC) moved the partici- Temiar tribe from Immanuel Church Lim of One Accord from Every Nation tunes. Beyond the integration, we must pants with their song, MilikMu Tapah, who sang their composition, also be open to heed the calling to align in accordance to Acts 17:26. He is pour- Splendid Showcase Of Malaysian Talents (Duniaku) Kanik Bersyukur, with hair-raising composition, Ku Cinta Pada Mu. our worship through our distinct sound ingwriters, out Hisborn spirit at a speci�icin these time last anddays place and Pastor Nicholas Wu of MGM gave the title album song, All The Nations purity. The song was birthed during a MalaysiaKelvin Ooi �lawlessly and Karen rendered Cheah theirfrom and culture that is uniquely Malaysian. we – worshippers, worship leaders and welcome address and sermonette, Benedict ; JoeWeerasena Loy from HTBBfrom sangSIBKL, his worship and songwriting workshop I Grace Assembly PJ sang a majestic piece, Worship must never lead to songwriters – need to discern, under- followed by Esther and KW Mui, Ivan Sia groomed by Lucy Loo of S.A.N.D (Saved; conducted in the middle of last year for titled The Journey, which was written commercialism but inspires community stand and align with what the Holy and Daniel Liew who led the worship for A New Destiny), sang his master- the Orang Asli Christians in a northern during their Worship Ministry retreat worship. As Malaysians, let us bring our Spirit is saying concerning Malaysia. session with original songs, Psalm 91 piece, King Of Ages inspired by Revela- peninsular state. earlier in 2017. This was a song that unique songs of worship to God who Then, songs from and for our nation will and Psalm 63, written by Esther Mui and - I had been told by some Orang Asli renowned worship leader Bob Fitts was makes all the nations and peoples. be birthed through the outpouring of based on the same Scripture passages. ately belted out Destiny. groups, both in East and Peninsular pleased to have been part of and the Holy Spirit to help us in our interces- Reuben Gen and his worship team tionsA 15:3;group and of Lourdesgraduates Dass from passion the Malaysia, that their challenge was their appears in Grace Assembly’s third A big shout out to all who came to R.O.W.I sion for our nation. This is what R.O.W.I from Harvest Christian Assembly School Of Ministry 2015, Tung Ling own native language with its limited album, Victory Cometh. 2017, Asian Beacon, 24-7 Prayer and Dream is all about. opened the R.O.W.I 2017 showcase with Seminary – Nicky Yeoh, Suraj Sundaraj, vocabulary. Hence, when they wrote Cray Maxwell (DUMC Bahasa Malay- Centre for hosting the event. his original composition, Won’t You Adeline Hong and Roger Teo – wrote the sia) from Kota Belud introduced his Worship Intercession Come? – an appropriate introduction as song, Higher, which was rendered by the and then translate them into their native song, Terlalu Besar Kasih Mu (Your Love There is a distinct difference between it invited people to come worship Him. FGT Sri Damansara worship team. languagesongs, they or a had combination to �irst write of both. in Malay Is Too Great). The song came about worship and worship intercession. The Calvary Church was represented by Pastor Ng Wah Lok from Tung Ling At the workshop, I challenged them when he was facing hard times and he common understanding of worship songwriter Nicole Ong, who sang Sing Seminary took the stage and gave a to wait on the Holy Spirit as I truly directs praise to God and God alone. Hallelujah with her singing partner, visual presentation about Tan Min Ser, a believed He would grant them words in telling him to “just keep on worshipping Meanwhile, worship intercession is an Darren. handsome young man who succumbed their native language. And that He did! Me”.testi�ied The that anointed he kept masterpiece hearing the Lordwas enhancement of worship that leads Veteran singer songwriter Jenny to leukemia at the age of 32 years, When they sang their own compositions presented by the awesome DUMC

ASIANBEACON.ORG 50#1 January-March 2018 35 Size: 297H x 210W (mm)

feature

was going. He then sent him back home hoping that he would sleep with his wife, thus covering up the source of the pregnancy. Uriah, being a man of ur Chris- honour, refused to go back and instead tian life is slept at the servants’ quarters. David’s constantly second attempt by making him drunk challenged. Taking yielded the same result. What a man personal responsibility for our own who held his honour even when he is lives is a call to remain steadfast, disci- drunk! plined and resilient in our faith. There With that failure, David set in motion are too many careless Christians who allow themselves to be tempted to a to send Uriah to the frontline where the disastrous outcome. plan B by writing a letter to General Joab I coined the Rooftop Principle while his own death sentence in his hand and studying and teaching from the life of �ightingafter the was mourning the �iercest. period, Uriah carriedDavid King David in 2 Samuel 11. Up to that point, David had reached the height of his glory as a king. He ruled over a vast marriedOn guardBathsheba. empire and accumulated much spoils of war in his capital. In the midst of story, I can’t help but go all these successes, he fell into backAs to I re�lectedthe palace upon rooftop. this the sin of adultery, which set What if David had not gone to the off a chain of events that rooftop? Often, we can place caused him to break ourselves unwittingly on the rooftops almost all the Ten of our lives, where we are most Commandments. unguarded spiritually because every- Here’s a man thing seems to be going well. purported to be a This reminded me of my early career PRINT WITH US man after God’s heart (1 Sam. 13:14, Acts 13:22) very root, it came about the top performers, we were regularly FOR PEACE OF MIND and yet, in a simple careless from 2 Sam. 11:1-2. When sentyears on as incentive a sales engineer.trips to places Being catering one of act, he compromised his entire kings were supposed to go to war to a man’s sexual fancies. At interna- future. He forfeited his own during spring, David decided to take tional conferences, men would disperse • ISO 9001 • ISO 14001 personal right to build the Temple of a holiday. An innocent thought no to ‘tourist spots’ after dinner and I knew God (2 Sam. 7:12-13, 1 Chron. 22:7-8). doubt, but it was disastrous to the very I had to proactively do something to • FSC® • Solar Energy The privilege went instead to his son, core in its outcome. After siesta one prevent myself from even going near Solomon. From 2 Sam. 12:7-12, we evening, he walked on the rooftop of his these places. notice that to David, there was the palace, enjoying the cooling effects of a Christians would often naively say • Kaizen • Product Safety day coming to an end. We may not be that they can go to some of these places the doors were opened to a spirit of to identify with their non-Christian • Community Enterprise • Employee Safety & Health violencewithholding (v.10), of �inancialit brought blessings about a curse(v.8), us at our unguarded moments. friends but they need not indulge in looking for temptation but often it �inds • Ethical Manufacturing • Corporate Integrity System (v.11), he was exposed to public shame David saw a beautiful woman sinful activities. How one draws that death came upon the family (v.14-15). about her. Curiosity and lust got the best wicked my heart can be and I don’t trust On(v.11-12) top of that, and he a spiritexperienced of in�irmity the heart and- bathing and sent someone to �ind out- moral line de�ies my logic. I know how break of rape and murder within his sheba is Uriah’s wife. An unwanted above all things and beyond cure. Who own family. He even lost his throne to pregnancyof him in spite followed of �inding this out adulterousthat Bath canit. Jeremiah understand 17:9 it?” “The heart is deceitful his own son, Absalom, for a brief affair. Hoping to cover his track, he moment as well. invited Uriah back from the frontline in friend to fellowship with and God gave If you trace these tragedies to their me Soa fellow I �led. engineer I prayed from for aSingapore, Christian

the pretense of �inding out how the war 26 ASIANBEACON.ORG 49#3 October – December 2017

whom I caught up with each time after dinner during these conferences. I suppose you can say we saved each other from our rooftops!

wellBeing too. A carefulsingle careless with our and lives foolish is notact canonly cost about us startingeverything. well, No but committed �inishing Christian seeks to sin deliberately but through an unguarded moment, we can compromise ourselves. There are relationships we should not be careless about, business deals and career promotions we should not

yourselves. It’s not worth the pain and heartachetake. Be very to youharsh and and your disciplined loved ones. with What or where are these potential rooftops of your life? Don’t go there or near them! That’s wisdom in life! Size: 297H x 210W (mm)

Regular

By Pastor Chris Kam

was going. He then sent him back home hoping that he would sleep with his wife, thus covering up the source of the pregnancy. Uriah, being a man of ur Chris- honour, refused to go back and instead tian life is slept at the servants’ quarters. David’s constantly second attempt by making him drunk challenged. Taking yielded the same result. What a man personal responsibility for our own who held his honour even when he is lives is a call to remain steadfast, disci- drunk! plined and resilient in our faith. There With that failure, David set in motion are too many careless Christians who allow themselves to be tempted to a to send Uriah to the frontline where the disastrous outcome. plan B by writing a letter to General Joab I coined the Rooftop Principle while his own death sentence in his hand and studying and teaching from the life of �ightingafter the was mourning the �iercest. period, Uriah carriedDavid King David in 2 Samuel 11. Up to that point, David had reached the height of his glory as a king. He ruled over a vast marriedOn guardBathsheba. empire and accumulated much spoils of war in his capital. In the midst of story, I can’t help but go all these successes, he fell into backAs to I re�lectedthe palace upon rooftop. this the sin of adultery, which set What if David had not gone to the off a chain of events that rooftop? Often, we can place caused him to break ourselves unwittingly on the rooftops almost all the Ten of our lives, where we are most Commandments. unguarded spiritually because every- Here’s a man thing seems to be going well. purported to be a This reminded me of my early career PRINT WITH US man after God’s heart (1 Sam. 13:14, Acts 13:22) very root, it came about the top performers, we were regularly FOR PEACE OF MIND and yet, in a simple careless from 2 Sam. 11:1-2. When sentyears on as incentive a sales engineer.trips to places Being catering one of act, he compromised his entire kings were supposed to go to war to a man’s sexual fancies. At interna- future. He forfeited his own during spring, David decided to take tional conferences, men would disperse • ISO 9001 • ISO 14001 personal right to build the Temple of a holiday. An innocent thought no to ‘tourist spots’ after dinner and I knew God (2 Sam. 7:12-13, 1 Chron. 22:7-8). doubt, but it was disastrous to the very I had to proactively do something to • FSC® • Solar Energy The privilege went instead to his son, core in its outcome. After siesta one prevent myself from even going near Solomon. From 2 Sam. 12:7-12, we evening, he walked on the rooftop of his these places. notice that to David, there was the palace, enjoying the cooling effects of a Christians would often naively say • Kaizen • Product Safety day coming to an end. We may not be that they can go to some of these places the doors were opened to a spirit of to identify with their non-Christian • Community Enterprise • Employee Safety & Health violencewithholding (v.10), of �inancialit brought blessings about a curse(v.8), us at our unguarded moments. friends but they need not indulge in looking for temptation but often it �inds • Ethical Manufacturing • Corporate Integrity System (v.11), he was exposed to public shame David saw a beautiful woman sinful activities. How one draws that death came upon the family (v.14-15). about her. Curiosity and lust got the best wicked my heart can be and I don’t trust On(v.11-12) top of that, and he a spiritexperienced of in�irmity the heart and- bathing and sent someone to �ind out- moral line de�ies my logic. I know how break of rape and murder within his sheba is Uriah’s wife. An unwanted above all things and beyond cure. Who own family. He even lost his throne to ofpregnancy him in spite followed of �inding this out adulterousthat Bath canit. Jeremiah understand 17:9 it?” “The heart is deceitful his own son, Absalom, for a brief affair. Hoping to cover his track, he moment as well. invited Uriah back from the frontline in friend to fellowship with and God gave If you trace these tragedies to their me Soa fellow I �led. engineer I prayed from for aSingapore, Christian

the pretense of �inding out how the war ASIANBEACON.ORG 50#1 January-March 2018 37

whom I caught up with each time after dinner during these conferences. I suppose you can say we saved each other from our rooftops! wellBeing too. A carefulsingle careless with our and lives foolish is notact canonly cost about us startingeverything. well, No but committed �inishing Christian seeks to sin deliberately but through an unguarded moment, we can compromise ourselves. There are relationships we should not be careless about, business deals and career promotions we should not yourselves. It’s not worth the pain and heartachetake. Be very to youharsh and and your disciplined loved ones. with What or where are these potential rooftops of your life? Don’t go there or near them! That’s wisdom in life! was going. He then sent him back home hoping that he would sleep with his wife, thus covering up the source of the pregnancy. Uriah, being a man of ur Chris- honour, refused to go back and instead tian life is slept at the servants’ quarters. David’s constantly second attempt by making him drunk challenged. Taking yielded the same result. What a man personal responsibility for our own who held his honour even when he is lives is a call to remain steadfast, disci- drunk! plined and resilient in our faith. There With that failure, David set in motion are too many careless Christians who allow themselves to be tempted to a to send Uriah to the frontline where the disastrous outcome. plan B by writing a letter to General Joab I coined the Rooftop Principle while his own death sentence in his hand and studying and teaching from the life of �ightingafter the was mourning the �iercest. period, Uriah carriedDavid King David in 2 Samuel 11. Up to that point, David had reached the height of his glory as a king. He ruled over a vast marriedOn guardBathsheba. empire and accumulated much spoils of war in his capital. In the midst of story, I can’t help but go all these successes, he fell into backAs to I re�lectedthe palace upon rooftop. this the sin of adultery, which set What if David had not gone to the off a chain of events that rooftop? Often, we can place caused him to break ourselves unwittingly on the rooftops almost all the Ten of our lives, where we are most Commandments. unguarded spiritually because every- Here’s a man thing seems to be going well. purported to be a This reminded me of my early career man after God’s heart (1 Sam. 13:14, Acts 13:22) very root, it came about the top performers, we were regularly and yet, in a simple careless from 2 Sam. 11:1-2. When sentyears on as incentive a sales engineer.trips to places Being catering one of act, he compromised his entire kings were supposed to go to war to a man’s sexual fancies. At interna- future. He forfeited his own during spring, David decided to take tional conferences, men would disperse personal right to build the Temple of a holiday. An innocent thought no to ‘tourist spots’ after dinner and I knew God (2 Sam. 7:12-13, 1 Chron. 22:7-8). doubt, but it was disastrous to the very I had to proactively do something to The privilege went instead to his son, core in its outcome. After siesta one prevent myself from even going near Solomon. From 2 Sam. 12:7-12, we evening, he walked on the rooftop of his these places. notice that to David, there was the palace, enjoying the cooling effects of a Christians would often naively say day coming to an end. We may not be that they can go to some of these places the doors were opened to a spirit of to identify with their non-Christian violencewithholding (v.10), of �inancialit brought blessings about a curse(v.8), us at our unguarded moments. friends but they need not indulge in (v.11), he was exposed to public shame lookingDavid for temptationsaw a beautiful but often womanit �inds sinful activities. How one draws that

death came upon the family (v.14-15). about her. Curiosity and lust got the best wicked my heart can be and I don’t trust On(v.11-12) top of that, and he a spiritexperienced of in�irmity the heart and- bathing and sent someone to �ind out- moral line de�ies my logic. I know how break of rape and murder within his sheba is Uriah’s wife. An unwanted above all things and beyond cure. Who own family. He even lost his throne to pregnancyof him in spite followed of �inding this out adulterousthat Bath canit. Jeremiah understand 17:9 it?” “The heart is deceitful his own son, Absalom, for a brief affair. Hoping to cover his track, he moment as well. invited Uriah back from the frontline in friend to fellowship with and God gave If you trace these tragedies to their me Soa fellow I �led. engineer I prayed from for aSingapore, Christian

the pretense of �inding out how the war

inning a battle does not necessarily rest on a nation’s they were locked in a tight situation. The Promised Land, Ai, because of one sophisticated war machine, which in ancient times Red Sea lay ahead of them, rendering meant many well-armed men, horses and chariots. If days,God they had were already to march told aroundJoshua theexactly city It is natural for us to fear, like Elisha’s God holds the keys of victory, the side which enjoys army of Pharaoh – with their horses and once.how to On capture the seventh Jericho. day, Every however, day for they six servantman’s disobedience who was dismayed (Joshua when 7:1). a great His favour is the victor. chariotsescape impossible.– was closing Behind in them,on them, the were to march around it seven times. Syrian army came to capture his master. Here are three Old Testament accounts that reveal how God relentless in hot pursuit. Then, seven priests will blow their caused His people to triumph over their enemies against trumpets made from rams’ horns, servant’s eyes to be opened, the young tremendous odds. For the battle belongs to the Lord. everyone would shout and the walls manBut oncewas comforted Elisha prayed by the to Godsight for of hisan Hopefully, whenever we face life’s challenges – whether it is EgyptTerri�ied, that you they brought cried us out to the to Moses:desert overwhelmingly superior army of cancer, retrenchment, marital discord or a delinquent child – to“Was die?” it because(Exodus there14:11). were no graves in When God’s people obeyed these horses and chariots sent by God to these precious truths can be applied in our lives. It was true that Pharaoh’s army was instructions,would crumble a (Joshuamiracle 6:2-5).happened. The behind them and the Red Sea was before Aren’t we inspired by the above Foreign Invasion Repelled them but they had forgotten one thing: charged straight into the city. passagesprotect them – that (2 Kingswhatever 6:15-17). challenge we God was above them. walls of Jericho collapsed and they might be facing is not too big for God to great military alliance was preparing to invade his nation, Moses, demonstrating great faith, the fact that the believer’s weapons of handle? God is bigger than any of our When King Jehoshaphat faced a huge army, he was dismayed. A warfareThe conquestare not carnal of Jericho but illustratesspiritual. problems. If we lay aside our fears and adoration. He extolled the greatness and might of God. Then, he Repeated marching, shouting and blow- worries, and commit them to God, He placedJudah. Inhis despair, fears and he worries cried out before to God. God, Firstly, reminding he began Him withhow Lordcalmed will them, bring “Doyou nottoday. be The afraid. Egyptians Stand ing trumpets by priests may seem silly He had once driven out their enemies. you�irm seeand today you will you see will the never deliverance see again. the in the eyes of any military strategist, but He may even bless us abundantly the foolishness of God is better any day beyondwill help what us we overcome ask or think our (Ephesians dif�iculties. only to be still” (Exodus 14: 13-14). than the strength and wisdom of man. 3:20). whom I caught up with each time after The king called upon the whole nation of Judah to pray for TheAnd, Lord as will they �ight say, forthe you;rest is you history. need Victory without strife does not mean dinner during these conferences. I beGod’s afraid mercy nor dismayed to be upon because them. of Then, this great Jahaziel, multitude, the prophet, for the As Moses lifted his rod over the sea as if doing nothing and letting God do every- suppose you can say we saved each battleproclaimed is not God’s yours, comforting but God’s” word (2 Chronicles to the whole 20:15). nation: “Do not thing for us. On the contrary, we need to other from our rooftops! command, a miracle happened. Moses’ pray, seek Him, humble ourselves, listen arranged a worship team to go before his army. As they went symbolicto “divide act it”, was in obedienceinstrumental to in God’s the to His instructions and obey, make the intoActing battle, uponthey praised the prophetic God, as word,if the Almighty the king had con�idently already unfolding of God’s deliverance of His move at the opportune time and leave wellBeing too. A carefulsingle careless with our and lives foolish is notact people. He was God’s co-worker. The sea the results to Him. canonly cost about us startingeverything. well, No but committed �inishing endures forever” (2 Chronicles 20:21). parted and the people of Israel were When we face various challenges in Christian seeks to sin deliberately but defeated their enemies. “Praise the Lord, For His mercy able to pass through it as if it were dry life, we often forget that God is in control through an unguarded moment, we can ground. When the soldiers tried to cross and that the keys of victory are in His compromise ourselves. The battle was truly a walkover in favour of Judah. God the sea, the walls of water on either side hand. So let’s cease striving and start There are relationships we should causedThe theirspoils enemies of war were to �ight so abundant against one that another; it took threeJudah days did collapsed on them and they were How to Triumph trusting Him. For the battle belongs to not be careless about, business deals tonot collect even have them. to On�ight the against fourth them. day, the victors gathered at the drowned. For victorious living, what must we do? the Lord. and career promotions we should not What does God require from us? He them. Truly the battle was not theirs, but the Lord’s. When City Walls Tumbled Down wants us to listen to His instructions, yourselves. It’s not worth the pain and Valley of Beracah (blessing) to bless God for His favour upon trust and obey. heartachetake. Be very to youharsh and and your disciplined loved ones. with Parting Of The Red Sea prepared the people to invade Canaan, Some trust in chariots and some in What or where are these potential In the exodus account, the Israel- theAfter Promised crossing Land. the riverThe males Jordan, had Joshua to be horses, but we trust in the name of the rooftops of your life? Don’t go there or ites were fearful because LORD our God (Psalm 20:7). near them! That’s wisdom in life! before the conquest. The horses are prepared for battle, circumcised as a mark of sancti�ication but the victory belongs to the LORD in the way of their conquest of Canaan, (Proverbs 21:31). seemedNow likeJericho, an impregnable the �irst city fortress. that stood In His delight is not in the strength of some places, its walls were heavily the horse, nor his pleasure in the legs of a man, but the LORD takes pleasure in high and 20 feet those who fear him, in those who hope forti�ied, even up thick.to 25 feet in his steadfast love (Psalm 147:10-11). And what is the other requirement? Holiness. Notice that the Israelites failed to conquer the next city in their push Pastor Chris Kam into the Chris Kam is the Senior Pastor of Damansara Utama Methodist Church and was instrumental in the transitioning and development of the church as a cell church. Married to Stella, they have three sons: Ian, Shaun and Ashton. An electrical engineer by profession, Pastor Chris is passionate about training people to achieve their potential in life.

38 ASIANBEACON.ORG 50#1 January-March 2018 was going. He then sent him back home hoping that he would sleep with his wife, thus covering up the source of the pregnancy. Uriah, being a man of ur Chris- honour, refused to go back and instead tian life is slept at the servants’ quarters. David’s constantly second attempt by making him drunk challenged. Taking yielded the same result. What a man personal responsibility for our own who held his honour even when he is lives is a call to remain steadfast, disci- drunk! plined and resilient in our faith. There With that failure, David set in motion are too many careless Christians who allow themselves to be tempted to a to send Uriah to the frontline where the disastrous outcome. plan B by writing a letter to General Joab I coined the Rooftop Principle while his own death sentence in his hand and studying and teaching from the life of �ightingafter the was mourning the �iercest. period, Uriah carriedDavid King David in 2 Samuel 11. Up to that point, David had reached the height of his glory as a king. He ruled over a vast marriedOn guardBathsheba. empire and accumulated much spoils of war in his capital. In the midst of story, I can’t help but go all these successes, he fell into backAs to I re�lectedthe palace upon rooftop. this the sin of adultery, which set What if David had not gone to the off a chain of events that rooftop? Often, we can place caused him to break ourselves unwittingly on the rooftops almost all the Ten of our lives, where we are most Commandments. unguarded spiritually because every- Here’s a man thing seems to be going well. purported to be a This reminded me of my early career man after God’s heart (1 Sam. 13:14, Acts 13:22) very root, it came about the top performers, we were regularly and yet, in a simple careless from 2 Sam. 11:1-2. When sentyears on as incentive a sales engineer.trips to places Being catering one of act, he compromised his entire kings were supposed to go to war to a man’s sexual fancies. At interna- future. He forfeited his own during spring, David decided to take tional conferences, men would disperse personal right to build the Temple of a holiday. An innocent thought no to ‘tourist spots’ after dinner and I knew God (2 Sam. 7:12-13, 1 Chron. 22:7-8). doubt, but it was disastrous to the very I had to proactively do something to The privilege went instead to his son, core in its outcome. After siesta one prevent myself from even going near Solomon. From 2 Sam. 12:7-12, we evening, he walked on the rooftop of his these places. notice that to David, there was the palace, enjoying the cooling effects of a Christians would often naively say day coming to an end. We may not be that they can go to some of these places the doors were opened to a spirit of to identify with their non-Christian violencewithholding (v.10), of �inancialit brought blessings about a curse(v.8), us at our unguarded moments. friends but they need not indulge in (v.11), he was exposed to public shame lookingDavid for temptationsaw a beautiful but often womanit �inds sinful activities. How one draws that

death came upon the family (v.14-15). about her. Curiosity and lust got the best wicked my heart can be and I don’t trust On(v.11-12) top of that, and he a spiritexperienced of in�irmity the heart and- bathing and sent someone to �ind out- moral line de�ies my logic. I know how break of rape and murder within his sheba is Uriah’s wife. An unwanted above all things and beyond cure. Who own family. He even lost his throne to ofpregnancy him in spite followed of �inding this out adulterousthat Bath canit. Jeremiah understand 17:9 it?” “The heart is deceitful his own son, Absalom, for a brief affair. Hoping to cover his track, he moment as well. invited Uriah back from the frontline in friend to fellowship with and God gave If you trace these tragedies to their me Soa fellow I �led. engineer I prayed from for aSingapore, Christian

the pretense of �inding out how the war

inning a battle does not necessarily rest on a nation’s they were locked in a tight situation. The Promised Land, Ai, because of one sophisticated war machine, which in ancient times Red Sea lay ahead of them, rendering meant many well-armed men, horses and chariots. If days,God they had were already to march told aroundJoshua theexactly city It is natural for us to fear, like Elisha’s God holds the keys of victory, the side which enjoys army of Pharaoh – with their horses and once.how to On capture the seventh Jericho. day, Every however, day for they six servantman’s disobedience who was dismayed (Joshua when 7:1). a great His favour is the victor. chariotsescape impossible.– was closing Behind in them,on them, the were to march around it seven times. Syrian army came to capture his master. Here are three Old Testament accounts that reveal how God relentless in hot pursuit. Then, seven priests will blow their caused His people to triumph over their enemies against trumpets made from rams’ horns, servant’s eyes to be opened, the young tremendous odds. For the battle belongs to the Lord. everyone would shout and the walls manBut oncewas comforted Elisha prayed by the to Godsight for of hisan Hopefully, whenever we face life’s challenges – whether it is EgyptTerri�ied, that you they brought cried us out to the to Moses:desert overwhelmingly superior army of cancer, retrenchment, marital discord or a delinquent child – to“Was die?” it because(Exodus there14:11). were no graves in When God’s people obeyed these horses and chariots sent by God to these precious truths can be applied in our lives. It was true that Pharaoh’s army was instructions,would crumble a (Joshuamiracle 6:2-5).happened. The behind them and the Red Sea was before Aren’t we inspired by the above Foreign Invasion Repelled them but they had forgotten one thing: charged straight into the city. passagesprotect them – that (2 Kingswhatever 6:15-17). challenge we God was above them. walls of Jericho collapsed and they might be facing is not too big for God to great military alliance was preparing to invade his nation, Moses, demonstrating great faith, the fact that the believer’s weapons of handle? God is bigger than any of our When King Jehoshaphat faced a huge army, he was dismayed. A warfareThe conquestare not carnal of Jericho but illustratesspiritual. problems. If we lay aside our fears and adoration. He extolled the greatness and might of God. Then, he Repeated marching, shouting and blow- worries, and commit them to God, He placedJudah. Inhis despair, fears and he worries cried out before to God. God, Firstly, reminding he began Him withhow Lordcalmed will them, bring “Doyou nottoday. be The afraid. Egyptians Stand ing trumpets by priests may seem silly He had once driven out their enemies. you�irm seeand today you will you see will the never deliverance see again. the in the eyes of any military strategist, but He may even bless us abundantly the foolishness of God is better any day beyondwill help what us we overcome ask or think our (Ephesians dif�iculties. only to be still” (Exodus 14: 13-14). than the strength and wisdom of man. 3:20). whom I caught up with each time after The king called upon the whole nation of Judah to pray for TheAnd, Lord as will they �ight say, forthe you;rest is you history. need Victory without strife does not mean dinner during these conferences. I beGod’s afraid mercy nor dismayed to be upon because them. of Then, this great Jahaziel, multitude, the prophet, for the As Moses lifted his rod over the sea as if doing nothing and letting God do every- suppose you can say we saved each battleproclaimed is not God’s yours, comforting but God’s” word (2 Chronicles to the whole 20:15). nation: “Do not thing for us. On the contrary, we need to other from our rooftops! command, a miracle happened. Moses’ pray, seek Him, humble ourselves, listen arranged a worship team to go before his army. As they went symbolicto “divide act it”, was in obedienceinstrumental to in God’s the to His instructions and obey, make the intoActing battle, uponthey praised the prophetic God, as word,if the Almighty the king had con�idently already unfolding of God’s deliverance of His move at the opportune time and leave wellBeing too. A carefulsingle careless with our and lives foolish is notact people. He was God’s co-worker. The sea the results to Him. canonly cost about us startingeverything. well, No but committed �inishing endures forever” (2 Chronicles 20:21). parted and the people of Israel were When we face various challenges in Christian seeks to sin deliberately but defeated their enemies. “Praise the Lord, For His mercy able to pass through it as if it were dry life, we often forget that God is in control through an unguarded moment, we can ground. When the soldiers tried to cross and that the keys of victory are in His compromise ourselves. The battle was truly a walkover in favour of Judah. God the sea, the walls of water on either side hand. So let’s cease striving and start There are relationships we should causedThe theirspoils enemies of war were to �ight so abundant against one that another; it took threeJudah days did collapsed on them and they were How to Triumph trusting Him. For the battle belongs to not be careless about, business deals tonot collect even have them. to On�ight the against fourth them. day, the victors gathered at the drowned. For victorious living, what must we do? the Lord. and career promotions we should not What does God require from us? He them. Truly the battle was not theirs, but the Lord’s. When City Walls Tumbled Down wants us to listen to His instructions, yourselves. It’s not worth the pain and Valley of Beracah (blessing) to bless God for His favour upon trust and obey. heartachetake. Be very to youharsh and and your disciplined loved ones. with Parting Of The Red Sea prepared the people to invade Canaan, Some trust in chariots and some in What or where are these potential In the exodus account, the Israel- theAfter Promised crossing Land. the riverThe males Jordan, had Joshua to be horses, but we trust in the name of the rooftops of your life? Don’t go there or ites were fearful because LORD our God (Psalm 20:7). near them! That’s wisdom in life! before the conquest. The horses are prepared for battle, circumcised as a mark of sancti�ication but the victory belongs to the LORD in the way of their conquest of Canaan, (Proverbs 21:31). seemedNow likeJericho, an impregnable the �irst city fortress. that stood In His delight is not in the strength of some places, its walls were heavily the horse, nor his pleasure in the legs of a man, but the LORD takes pleasure in high and 20 feet those who fear him, in those who hope forti�ied, even up thick.to 25 feet in his steadfast love (Psalm 147:10-11). And what is the other requirement? Dr Lim Poh Ann Holiness. Notice that the Israelites Dr Lim Poh Ann is a medical practitioner. He is failed to conquer the next (Dec. 2008-Oct. 2011). He can be reached at city in their push histhe Facebookformer editor page, of Asian Beacon magazine into the www.facebook.com/AskDrLim and blog, Porridge for the Soul: http://bit.ly/1ijiXHp

By Dr Lim Poh ASAnnIANBEACON.ORG 50#1 January-March 2018 39 Regular

Byere’s Rajen a serious Devadason question: Does it seem to you normal2 derive a semblance of strength and resilience we would be wise to super- that every passing year grows more and more for us in this world and the next. He even courage from the rising tide of wealth as charge the quality of our daily walk with challenging? enlisted .God But theJesus Father also promisedto do the sameto care3. measured by our increase in net worth God by talking to Him and reading His I ask you this because that’s the way life appears to me. That utmost level of divine care, (the value of total assets minus total Word every day. That profound truth is From loved ones and friends passing away suddenly or guidance and protection is something all liabilities). already known to children in Sunday after an illness to personal health scares to career or business of us can use at every stage and in every That expanding net worth is most School when each of them is urged setbacks, none of us is immune to the slings and arrows of facet of life. outrageous fortune (to borrow a cool phrase from accounts and expanding savings and pray every day! Shakespeare’s Hamlet)1. always escape trouble. Empirically, I investmentoften re�lected portfolios. in ballooning bank throughI should the keepsong doingto Read so your to nurture Bible and my We all know that into every life, a little rain must fall. Some- wouldThe say Bible sometimes never claims we do that and we some will- However, there is also an odd, poten- TO SUBSCRIBE, please email your name and times, though, it’s a veritable deluge. times we don’t. From my limited tially dangerous phenomenon at work against the rising storms of life. So, in case the stresses and strains of 21st century life have perspective it seems somewhat random. relationship with Jesus to stay resilient address to aboffi[email protected] You can also get the free PDF version at follow God’s rules for prosperity, we will is replete with great advice and guidance for everyone, non- times of emotional duress, health openhere. a The channel Bible for teaches Him to us bless that ifus wein What about www.asianbeacon.org/subscribe-pdf-version Christiansbeen eroding and your Christians strength, alike, be thankful concerning God’s this Word, life His and Bible, the challengesBut even or when social we stresses, go through God promtough- you? FEEDBACK next. crass and naive would assume such exceptional ways; however, only the We appreciate feedback on our stories and articles so The principles found in its many pages are treasures buried Word is able to function as a perpetual ises to be there with us; furthermore His that we can serve you better. Please write to us at laser beacon to show us what to do and bounty. to guide us where to go4. blessingsIn a world are where restricted too many to �inancial people aboffi[email protected] Ainside Flash its 66 books, 1,189 chapters and 31,102 verses. are ill, weak, sad, lonely and anxious, SUPPORT When I was a cash-strapped student in England in my early Foundation for financial fortitude God knows what we require better than, To support AB ministry, please make cheque to: That intimate level of guidance is avail- and before, we do. His blessings there- friend’s home in Kent while on term break. able even for something as mundane as fore, include health, strength, joy, PERSAUDARAAN ASIAN BEACON MALAYSIA 20s, I remember reading a few pages of my battered Bible at a For bank transfer or remittance: - Account Name – ing at King’s College, University of London, and frankly the because the world of money grows more also, often but not always, include distractionI was pursuing from myelectromagnetism, BSc (Honours) inquantum Physics and mechanics, Comput complexpersonal �inance.and confusing And that’s each wonderful day. A economiccompanionship and anddemographic con�idence. uplift But they in PERSAUDARAAN ASIAN BEACON MALAYSIA Account No. & Bank – quantitative techniques and computer programming was both plethora of new products surfaces every tandem with escalating wealth. needed and appreciated. When that happens, Christian 3150454509 (Public Bank Berhad) centre. communities on aggregate tend to grow WRITERS NEEDED struck. It was worth remembering, so I jotted down that monthIn such from a tumultuous every major environment, �inancial wealthier over the centuries. Unfortu- Now, on this day as I studied my Bible, a �lash of insight Asian Beacon welcomes writers who can write feature thought in the margin of the page I was reading. both non-Christians and Christians can nately, people being people, we are in stories or/and opinion pieces. Interested? Please That seed of insight lodged itself in my brain and has taken constant danger of inverting the value of write to and we’ll get root over these ensuing 30 years: the gift over the worth of the Giver. aboffi[email protected] pro�it from biblical advice to help us stay back to you right away. And yes, writers are paid for The wisest use of my mental and spiritual faculties is to accepting intelligent levels of investment alert to dangers; keep bold yet calm in Our Protector their contribution. deeply and consistently study the Bible to discover what REAL God says about life, and what His infallible Word teaches about facing the future, and unswerving Too often we end up assuming our us concerning eternal principles. inrisk; our be resolve determined to stay and grateful enthusiastic for the money is a strong and mighty defensive Needless to say that in the three decades since then, I have bounty and abundance God showers tower against those slings and arrows of been sinful, senseless, stupid and stubborn enough to make across our planet5. outrageous fortune I referenced earlier. That would be an unwise assump- suggestions and commands. Not surprisingly, I have found that strength from God, who energises and tion. circumstancesmonumental mistakes tended to that get contravenemessy and sometimesthe Bible’s uncomfortguidelines,- enablesThe us Bible to maintain teaches courage us to over draw the The last thing we should do is able whenever I strayed too far from biblical precepts. long haul. If we do so, we will beef up our confuse the supply for the SOURCE! God However, even when we do nothing wrong, life has a way of internal fortitude and thus grow more is our source of all things good. The getting complicated, chaotic and challenging. That’s just the resilient. pinnacle of human wisdom is to never nature of existence on this mortal coil. forget that truth. planning, if we manage our money very Therefore, to bolster our strength, to when He pointed out that experiencing troubles and woes is well,For as instance, opposed in to the very realm badly, of �inancial we will boost our courage, and to beef up our Jesus Christ, God the Son, said so in the New Testament

40 ASIANBEACON.ORG 50#1 January-March 2018 ere’s a serious question: Does it seem to you normal2 derive a semblance of strength and resilience we would be wise to super- that every passing year grows more and more for us in this world and the next. He even courage from the rising tide of wealth as charge the quality of our daily walk with challenging? enlisted .God But theJesus Father also promisedto do the sameto care3. measured by our increase in net worth God by talking to Him and reading His I ask you this because that’s the way life appears to me. That utmost level of divine care, (the value of total assets minus total Word every day. That profound truth is From loved ones and friends passing away suddenly or guidance and protection is something all liabilities). already known to children in Sunday after an illness to personal health scares to career or business of us can use at every stage and in every That expanding net worth is most School when each of them is urged setbacks, none of us is immune to the slings and arrows of facet of life. outrageous fortune (to borrow a cool phrase from accounts and expanding savings and pray every day! Shakespeare’s Hamlet)1. always escape trouble. Empirically, I investmentoften re�lected portfolios. in ballooning bank throughI should the keepsong doingto Read so your to nurture Bible and my We all know that into every life, a little rain must fall. Some- wouldThe say Bible sometimes never claims we do that and we some will- However, there is also an odd, poten- times, though, it’s a veritable deluge. times we don’t. From my limited tially dangerous phenomenon at work against the rising storms of life. So, in case the stresses and strains of 21st century life have perspective it seems somewhat random. relationship with Jesus to stay resilient follow God’s rules for prosperity, we will is replete with great advice and guidance for everyone, non- times of emotional duress, health openhere. a The channel Bible for teaches Him to us bless that ifus wein What about Christiansbeen eroding and your Christians strength, alike, be thankful concerning God’s this Word, life His and Bible, the challengesBut even or when social we stresses, go through God promtough- you? next. crass and naive would assume such The principles found in its many pages are treasures buried Word is able to function as a perpetual exceptional ways; however, only the laserises to beacon be there to withshow us; us furthermore what to do andHis bounty. References: 1 The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark Act 3, Scene 4 to guide us where to go . blessingsIn a world are where restricted too many to �inancial people 1 by William Shakespeare. Ainside Flash its 66 books, 1,189 chapters and 31,102 verses. are ill, weak, sad, lonely and anxious,

When I was a cash-strapped student in England in my early Foundation for financial fortitude God knows what we require better than, 2 NIV John 16:33b, “In this world you will have trouble. That intimate level of guidance is avail- and before, we do. His blessings there- butBut theytake areheart! still I havein the overcome world, and the I amworld.” coming to you. friend’s home in Kent while on term break. able even for something as mundane as fore, include health, strength, joy, Holy3 NIV Father, John 17:11, protect “I willthem remain by the inpower the world of Your no Name, longer, the 20s, I remember reading a few pages of my battered Bible at a Name You gave Me, so that they may be one as We are - one.” ing at King’s College, University of London, and frankly the because the world of money grows more also, often but not always, include distractionI was pursuing from myelectromagnetism, BSc (Honours) inquantum Physics and mechanics, Comput complexpersonal �inance.and confusing And that’s each wonderful day. A economiccompanionship and anddemographic con�idence. uplift But they in light on my path.” 4 NIV Psalm 119:105, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a quantitative techniques and computer programming was both plethora of new products surfaces every tandem with escalating wealth. evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the needed and appreciated. When that happens, Christian unrighteous.”5 NIV Matthew 5:45b, “He causes His sun to rise on the centre. communities on aggregate tend to grow © 2017 Rajen Devadason struck. It was worth remembering, so I jotted down that monthIn such from a tumultuous every major environment, �inancial wealthier over the centuries. Unfortu- thoughtNow, in on the this margin day as of Ithe studied page Imy was Bible, reading. a �lash of insight both non-Christians and Christians can nately, people being people, we are in That seed of insight lodged itself in my brain and has taken constant danger of inverting the value of root over these ensuing 30 years: the gift over the worth of the Giver. The wisest use of my mental and spiritual faculties is to acceptingpro�it from intelligent biblical advice levels to of help investment us stay deeply and consistently study the Bible to discover what alert to dangers; keep bold yet calm in Our REAL Protector God says about life, and what His infallible Word teaches about facing the future, and unswerving Too often we end up assuming our us concerning eternal principles. inrisk; our be resolve determined to stay and grateful enthusiastic for the money is a strong and mighty defensive Needless to say that in the three decades since then, I have bounty and abundance God showers tower against those slings and arrows of been sinful, senseless, stupid and stubborn enough to make across our planet5. outrageous fortune I referenced earlier. That would be an unwise assump- suggestions and commands. Not surprisingly, I have found that strength from God, who energises and tion. circumstancesmonumental mistakes tended to that get contravenemessy and sometimesthe Bible’s uncomfortguidelines,- enablesThe us Bible to maintain teaches courage us to over draw the The last thing we should do is Rajen Devadason, CFP, is a Securities able whenever I strayed too far from biblical precepts. long haul. If we do so, we will beef up our confuse the supply for the SOURCE! God Commission-lic r, professional speaker and author. Read his free However, even when we do nothing wrong, life has a way of internal fortitude and thus grow more is our source of all things good. The articles at www.FrensedeeCoolArti �inancialcles.co plannem ay getting complicated, chaotic and challenging. That’s just the resilient. pinnacle of human wisdom is to never be connected with on LinkedIn at https://www. nature of existence on this mortal coil. forget that truth. linkedin.com/in/rajendevadason, email; he a tm planning, if we manage our money very Therefore, to bolster our strength, to [email protected] and at Twitter @ when He pointed out that experiencing troubles and woes is well,For as instance, opposed in to the very realm badly, of �inancial we will boost our courage, and to beef up our RajenDevadason Jesus Christ, God the Son, said so in the New Testament

ASIANBEACON.ORG 50#1 January-March 2018 41