care contact march 2016
TRANSCRIPT
2nd Quarter Issue March – May 2016
PP 6833/08/2012(030482)
w w w. m a l a y s i a n c a re . o r g
GET INVOLVEDContact us to find out how you can make a change
+603 9058 2102
www.malaysiancare.org
TransformationalDevelopment Transforming Lives, One at a Time
1-2 Transformational Development
3 Thank you for your contribution!
4-5 Financial Secretary Report
6 Transformation of a Community
7 Expansion of Ladang Care
8 Nurtured with Much Love and Patience
9 Is there still hope?
10 My True Friend
11 Journey of a Father
12 Financial Literacy, Economic Empowerment
13 Raised from the Dead
14 He just wanted to study
15 Opportunity to Flourish
16-17 Biblical Reflection
CONTENTSMalaysian Christian Association for Relief(Malaysian Care) is a local, non-profit Christianorganisation set-up in 1979, committed to serving the poor and needy.
Care Contact is a publication of Malaysian Carecontaining stories about the activities of the organisation.It is published four times a year.
Publisher : Malaysian Christian Association for ReliefEditor : Joyce ThongLayout : Foo Kai SeongPrinter : Thumbprints Utd. Sdn Bhd Lot 24, Jalan RP 3, Rawang Perdana Industrial Estate, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
Please direct enquiries regarding this newsletter to:Malaysian Care (Communications)P.O. Box 13230, GPO Kuala Lumpur,50804 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.Tel: +603 9058 2102 Fax: +603 9058 4057Email: [email protected]
All donations to ‘Malaysian Care’ are tax-exempted.Donations can be made via GIRO internet banking, bank transfer or ATM to: Bank: Maybank BerhadAccount Name: Malaysian Christian Association for
Relief A/C No: 514057600134
Kindly log on to: www.malaysiancare.org and fill up the Donation Form so that we can send you an official tax exempt receipt.
iPay88 INTERNET PAYMENT SERVICEiPay88 is assisting Malaysian Care to accept donationsvia internet payment options such as CreditCard, Banking GIRO Transfers, Electronic AccountDebiting service (or E-Debit), Electronic Wallet (orE-Wallet), etc. to complete a transaction via internetsecurely. To make donations via iPay88, please log on to: www.malaysiancare.org
Donations/Sponsorships Needed!1) Building materials or sponsorships of materials for construction of new facilities in Ladang Care, Perak – see Page 7.2) A van for urban community development work in the Klang Valley.3) Office space in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah for our team of 4 and storage of resources.
For more info or to make a donation, please contact Joyce Thong:Tel: +603 9058 2102 ext 501 / 019 286 7171Email: [email protected]
Staff TransferKenneth Wong, Director has been transferred from Prison, Drugs & AIDS Service to Policy, Advocacy & Research Department effective 1 January 2016.
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In a nutshell, Transformational Development states that poverty arises as a consequence of sin from Man’s broken relationship with God, within himself, with society and with the environment. Restoring these relationships is the task of development in order for shalom — God’s peace — to be present in communities.
Since the theory was crystallized in the 1990s via the writings of Jayakumar Christian, Vinay Samuel, Bryant Myers and others, the world has seen increasing and new challenges to having God’s shalom restored raising questions about the theory’s applicability in the real world of development work.
CHRISTIAN SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITYWe affirm that God is both the Creator and the Judge of all people. We therefore should share his
concern for justice and reconciliation throughout human society and for the liberation of men and
women from every kind of oppression. Because men and women are made in the image of God, every
person, regardless of race, religion, colour, culture, class, sex or age, has an intrinsic dignity because
of which he or she should be respected and served, not exploited. Here too we express penitence
both for our neglect and for having sometimes regarded evangelism and social concern as mutually
exclusive. Although reconciliation with other people is not reconciliation with God, nor is social action
evangelism, nor is political liberation salvation, nevertheless we affirm that evangelism and socio-political
involvement are both part of our Christian duty. For both are necessary expressions of our doctrines of
God and man, our love for our neighbour and our obedience to Jesus Christ. The message of salvation
implies also a message of judgment upon every form of alienation, oppression and discrimination,
and we should not be afraid to denounce evil and injustice wherever they exist. When people receive
Christ they are born again into his kingdom and must seek not only to exhibit but also to spread its
righteousness in the midst of an unrighteous world. The salvation we claim should be transforming us in
the totality of our personal and social responsibilities. Faith without works is dead.
(Acts 17:26,31;
Gen. 18:25; Isa.
1:17; Psa. 45:7;
Gen. 1:26,27;
Jas. 3:9; Lev.
19:18; Luke
6:27,35; Jas.
2:14-26; Joh.
3:3,5; Matt. 5:20;
6:33; II Cor. 3:18;
Jas. 2:20)
Extreme poverty has been halved since the 1990s principally by rapid economic growth in developing countries particularly China yet inequality has grown tremendously (Oxfam in its latest report said that the richest 1% accumulated more wealth than the rest of the world combined) due to the very same free market forces that reduced extreme poverty. And while the gains came rapidly over a relatively short period of time, the accumulated toll on the environment looks set to adversely impact human society for decades if not centuries to come in the changing climate. Restoring broken relationships with God, self, neighbour and Creation is far more complicated than it seems.
Christians who work or are involved in development work would know that Transformational Development is the main theory that underpins most evangelical development work. It offers a Christ-centred wholistic perspective on poverty
and development as opposed to secular perspectives that deny spiritual realities and the sovereignty of God. The foundations of Transformational Development can best be traced to the Lausanne Congress in 1974 when the Lausanne Covenant was formulated and the pivotal Article 5 of the Covenant became the basis of its construction. It is worthwhile to read that Spirit inspired passage again:
Transformational Development
by Wong Young Soon
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Young Soon believes the paradox of power displayed in weakness in the Christ child is a fitting reflection for Christians this season. Blessed Christmas to all!
Tensions in development in the Malaysian sceneThese global trends are found in Malaysia too. Extreme poverty has been progressively reduced since the 1970s through the NEP, economic growth and more recently via direct cash transfers such as BR1M yet the wealth gap between the rich and the poor remains persistently high with 53% of Malaysian households having no financial assets. Neither were we stewarding the environment as the country had the highest deforestation rate in the world from 2000 to 2012 losing 14.4% of our natural forest to cash crop plantations, logging and dams — all contributory to economic growth. We have seen the disastrous consequences of this in the Kelantan floods of 2014/2015 when years of massive clearing of forest for plantations led to the worst floods ever. Adding to these tensions is now the spread of racial and religious fundamentalism and we have major difficulties in seeing transformation happen.
Applying Transformational Development in the ministry of CareIn recognising the tensions that arise in real world attempts to restore these broken relationships, we have learnt some key practices that are essential to minimising the tensions.First, Jesus incarnation as described by the Apostle Paul in Philippians 2:5-7 gives us a model to be based with the community as this allows community workers to identify with the poor, understand their worldviews and culture, build sincere relationships with them, and identify the problems and needs. As interventions take place, this foundation helps us to see from the perspective of the poor the positive and negative impacts, intended or unintended effects and work with them to overcome it.
Second, small beginnings are better starting points than large ones. This is akin to the mustard seed beginnings of Mark 4:30-32. The value of starting small is that smaller groups allow community workers to better elicit authentic responses from the poor, and facilitate their participation and ownership through closer bonds. It also means not overwhelming the poor with external inputs that often create dependency and instead allow local resources and capacities to have space to learn how to manage new technologies or techniques and eventually take the lead. Small helps us to work at the deeper level with a community, facilitating the transforming work of the Holy Spirit beginning one at a time with individual lives then on towards communities and beyond.
Hence, starting small does not mean it will forever remain small. Just as the mustard seed grows into a large tree that benefits many, small initiatives grow large to benefit many more when we replicate it, partner with churches and model for others.
Third, what Pope Francis calls ‘unfettered capitalism’ is the relentless pursuit of economic growth that drives the destruction of the environment, fuels unprecedented levels of inequality and contributes to the spread of social unrest. While recognising the positive role of capitalism to create wealth and thereby reduce poverty, the dark side of it is that it also creates fertile ground for greed to flourish.
“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” Matthew 6:24 (ESV)
In doing transformational development, it is important then to have an integrated approach that discerns and accepts limits to economic growth so that it does not come at the price of a broken relationship with God, neighbour and his Creation. Economic growth must come under the Lordship of Christ and not vice versa.
Transformation going forwardThese learnings are incorporated into the way we implement our initiatives with poor and needy communities. Having drawn up Care’s new 5-year strategic plan that will take the ministry into 2020, we begin execution with an organisational restructuring of our core services so that they are integrated and focused by regions. Organising by regions allows us to select places where the poor are concentrated, provide focused integrated services and build long-term partnerships with churches in that region. Beyond the places where we currently have bases namely Kuala Lumpur, Kampar and Kota Kinabalu, over the next five years we will expand services to identified regions in Sarawak, North Eastern Sabah, Klang and Pahang.
With dark times facing Malaysia, there is an urgency as the Bible says in John 9:34 to, “do the work of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming when no one can work.” May his transforming work continue to bring justice, peace and righteousness to the nation.
Thank youfor your Contribution!
communities in the Klang Valley, Perak and Sabah.2. Tuck MY which raised RM10,583.88 towards Malaysian
Care’s work through an online Christmas charity fair.3. Staff of L’Oreal Malaysia Sdn Bhd who personally
brought gifts for 60 children in Kudat, Sabah and 7 in Kg. Sg. Cincin, Perak.
To explore CSR or fundraising collaborations, please contact Joyce Thong Tel: 03-90582102 ext 501 Email: [email protected]
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Our heartfelt thanks to all donors, volunteers and partners who have supported us throughout 2015
as we continued our journey with the poor and needy in Malaysia!
We would like to specially thank companies/groups who shared the joy of giving to the poor we serve during the Christmas season, namely:1. Habsro Malaysia Sdn Bhd which contributed 1068
pieces of My Little Pony Toys worth RM31,933 for underprivileged children in various homes and
Verene Lee, Brand Manager of Habsro Malaysia presenting a mock cheque to Joyce Thong, Communications Director of Malaysian Care.
Justin Tee, Tuck MY Managing Director presenting the cheque to Joyce Thong, Communications Director of Malaysian Care.
Children in Kudat and Kinarut, Sabah with their Christmas gifts.
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Greetings to all donors and supporters of Malaysian Care! In October 2015, we were faced with the highest deficit in the history of Malaysian Care
amounting to RM800,000. The Board decided to trust God and pray for His provision through two additional means to reduce the deficit. Appeal letters were sent out to individual donors and churches. Along with this appeal, we launched the RM20 Challenge to raise funds for the expansion of work in East Malaysia and the Klang Valley. We experienced God’s supernatural provision as faithful individual and church donors responded to the appeal. The deficit was reduced to RM171,000.00 as at 31st December 2015. I wish to thank you for your kind generosity towards meeting our financial needs in the midst of the rising living costs.
We will be looking at new ways to improve our donor relations and financial support such as the ‘Will’ or ‘Bequest’ giving by individuals. There is a lack of awareness of the legacy of having a bequest/will to support a charitable organisation in Asian countries. We hope our donors will be open to this means of giving that is common in developed countries. Please pray for us as we prepare the necessary resource materials to educate our donors. All glory belongs to God.
Ministry Brief and Moving Ahead… We thank God for the RM20 Challenge, an online fundraising campaign to raise the funds that will enable us to be where the poorest of the poor are i.e. rural Sabah and Sarawak, and slums in the city. Our Sabah unit is now fully staffed and seeing growing work in special education and economic empowerment. We will be making our first field trip to Belaga, Sarawak in the first half of 2016 and are looking for office premises in Miri as one of our regional operations offices. Pray for our new 5-year plan: staffing, funding, and partnerships as we expand the work into new areas in the Klang valley and Raub in Peninsula Malaysia; Kota Marudu and Nabawan in Sabah; and Miri and Lawas in Sarawak. We are seeking partnerships and resources to help us further our services to poor and marginalised communities. We will update you in the coming issues of Care Contact and look forward to your continued support and prayers.
The rising living costs and poverty can be overwhelming but we can continue to hope in our Father who is loving and Almighty. We pray and ask God to intervene and restore our land. It takes faith as we seek the Lord in our theme; “Extending God’s Kingdom in the gathering darkness.” (John 9:3-4).
Dr. Benjamin George Jr.Finance Secretary
Report2015
FinancialSabah Unit
Financial Statement as at 31st December 2015
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You can make donations to Malaysian Care via GIRO internet banking or depositing through Maybank’s Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) or bank standing instruction directly to our bank account: Account Name: MALAYSIAN CAREBank: MAYBANK BHDAccount No.: 514057600134
For overseas donations — those who wish to Telegraphic Transfer (TT) money into our bank account, below are the details:Account Name: MALAYSIAN CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION FOR RELIEFBank: HSBC BANK MALAYSIA BERHADBranch: Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.Current Account No.: 302-061627-001Swift Code: HBMBMYKLDonations can also be made through credit card payment via UOB payonline and iPay88.
2015 2014SOME KEY STATISTICS Number of Staff 63 64Number of Volunteers 285 235Number of Clients Helped 6,099 4,880
BUDGETED EXPENSES FOR 2015 RM’000Prison, Drugs & AIDS 865People with Special Needs 731Rural & Urban Community Development 739Policy, Advocacy & Research 153Communications Services 390Support Services 642Sabah Unit 179Designated Projects 80GRAND TOTAL 3,779
www.malaysiancare.org/donate/
For more info, visit www.malaysiancare.org/bequest-will-giving/
2015 2014INCOME (RM’000) (RM’000)Local Individuals 2,708 2,984Local churches and groups 1,234 1,485Overseas 29 18TOTAL INCOME 3,971 4,487
EXPENDITUREPrison, Drugs & AIDS 840 810People with Special Needs 625 632Rural & Urban Community Development 729 665Policy, Advocacy & Research 64 15Communications Services 321 294Support Services 721 750Sabah Unit 145 95Sub-total 3,445 3,261Designated Donation 697 1,347TOTAL EXPENDITURE 4,142 4,608SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) FOR THE YEAR (171) (121)
6 M
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Pos Tenau of the Sengoi TribeLocated upstream of the River Slim in Perak, Pos Tenau is a clean and serene village which seems far away from the pollution of ‘development’. I was told by its villagers that cleanliness and hygiene were not its virtues 20 years ago.
Pos Tenau is the home of Yok Kaweh and his extended family. This family from the Sengoi tribe is one of the families that Malaysian Care journeyed with since the start of its Orang Asli work in early 1990’s. We enrolled 2 of his sons — Adidas and Prima at Montfort Boys Town in the early 2000’s, where the boys first learned discipline, vocational skills, knowledge and interaction with other races.
Adidas is now a leader at Malaysian Care, overseeing our rural community development work while Prima helps to cultivate their family farm in the village.
Physical transformationAccording to Prima, in the early days, Young Soon (Malaysian Care’s staff for Rural Community Development at that time) shared about cleanliness, hygiene, agriculture and plans to set up a Cooperative for the Sengoi people. The Malaysian Care team then worked with the villagers to build toilets and a clean water system. The villagers were taught to take good care of their farms and environment.
Cooperative, economic transformationPost Tenau was among the first villages that joined Koperasi Sengoi Pribumi Perak, a Cooperative of the Sengoi people, and is the champion in terms of its savings (RM3,000-4,000 a year). Almost everyone in his village is a member of the Cooperative and Prima has this to say about it, “Cooperative is great! Can get loans, save money and defend the rights of Orang Asli. Our Cooperative is now independent. It has its own bank account, owns a craft and second hand goods shop and rubber marketing arm.”
Prima also sees the fruits of the various agricultural projects implemented in his village — goat-rearing, rubber, durian, rambutan, petai, cili padi and rattan. “We are now enjoying the fruits, the multiplying effects of the projects,” he said.
Personal transformationPersonally, Prima testified that he did not only learn about sustainable agriculture (he attended the course at Ladang Care) but also teamwork, counting, arithmetic as well as awareness of the human rights and land rights of the Orang Asli.
His advice to his people: “Know your rights — human rights and land rights. Sustainable agriculture is very important. We need to speak up, network and form alliances to defend our indigenous rights.”
His advice to NGOs that wish to help the Orang Asli: “Come down to the grass-root level (turun padang)”.
Joyce Thong, our Communications Director is passionate to engage Christians and others in building a just society that reflects the Kingdom of God where everyone is given the opportunity to flourish.
Transformationof a Community
by Joyce Thong
“I’m very grateful to our Lord Jesus for Malaysian Care and the Cooperative which help our race who are marginalised. Malaysian Care is like a father who educates and builds up our race. Its top men and women come down to the grass-root level and visit us personally.” – Prima a/l Kaweh
For more info or to make a donation, visit www.malaysiancare.org/care-projects/ladang-mcare/ or contact Joyce Thong tel: 03-90582102 ext 501 email: [email protected]
Will you support us on this journey?With just RM600,000 left to raise, we commenced construction of new facilities in Ladang Care on 18 January 2016. Ladang Care is a core part of our long-term community development work with the Orang Asli who are among the poorest in Malaysia. Started in 2007, Ladang Care is a 15-acre farm where we research, demonstrate and conduct training on sustainable agriculture. Our staff also support Orang Asli farmers in agriculture projects in their villages. We are currently supporting 30 villages in Perak and Pahang.
We also run a supplementary and indigenous education programme for the Orang Asli children. We are constructing 5 buildings: 2 family blocks, 1 male dormitory, 1 female dormitory and 1 community block to increase classroom and lodging facilities so that we can train more people. The expansion includes a new community education development centre.
We welcome contributions in cash or building materials like cement, light weight aerated blocks, steel roofing with insulation, steel roof truss, tiles, sanitary fittings, paint, etc. M
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Expansion of
Ladang Care
Expansion towards greater transformation for the Orang Asli community
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Seeing Masnah a/p Akop now, it’s hard to imagine the crying 4 ½-year-old with runny nose and wet
pants — how she described herself when she and her twin sister Mayna came into the Wong family. Today, she is a sweet young 19-year-old, neatly dressed and speaks fluent English.
15 years agoMasnah is the 5th of 8 children of Akop and Han Mawar from the Sengoi tribe. With a small salary as an interior pastor serving in Slim River, it was very difficult to make ends meet. They had to make a hard decision to send the twin sisters to a family who could provide a better life and education for their daughters.
Wong Young Soon from Malaysian Care and his wife Patricia were the perfect choice as they were already working with the Orang Asli communities in Perak and had no children of their own. The year 2001 marked the beginning of a new life for the twins. Adjusting to a new lifestyle, new environment with rules and routines, and new friends, was very hard. Masnah remembered that she cried a lot and asked herself, “Why not just go home?” However, she stayed on as the exposure that she was receiving gave her the confidence that with proper education, she could achieve much more in life and slowly the kampong life seemed distant.
TodayAfter 15 years of strict but patient and loving nurture by Pat and Young Soon, the girls did very well in the SPM examinations and have been awarded scholarships to further their studies. Masnah is currently pursuing a Diploma in Early Childhood Education at Methodist
College, Kuala Lumpur while Mayna is studying for a Diploma in Event Management at Sunway University.
“My family (biological) can always have hope in me for financial support. I can be an example not only to my family (siblings, nephews and nieces) but the whole Orang Asli community. I once taught Orang Asli children singing, they really like me and bond with me. After so many years, they still remember me. Uncle Soon and Auntie Pat’s energy paid off when we entered college. I’m very grateful and fortunate to have them in my life. If not because them, I would not have finished school, may be married with children or sleeping around,” said Masnah with thankfulness.
Thank you!Masnah would like to say this to her foster parents, “Thank you for everything in the past 15 years and the years to come. Thank you for your patience, love and for believing in me.”
Above all, she is most grateful to God: “Throughout my whole life, God is so faithful. He blesses me, takes care of me, protects me especially at night. I’m very scared of darkness. I don’t know how to thank Him. I’m just a mere human who keeps sinning but He keeps forgiving and is perfect in everything.”
Joyce Thong, our Communications Director is passionate to engage Christians and others in building a just society that reflects the Kingdom of God where everyone is given the opportunity to flourish.
Nurtured with much
Love and Patience
by Joyce Thong
TRANSFORMATION STORIES
From front to back: Masnah, Rusan, Mayna, Young Soon and Patricia.
1. We are transiting to a new organisation structure towards a community-centric approach and integrated services. Pray for God’s guidance and wisdom as the task forces (Community Development and Service Development) draw up the transition plans.
2. Pray for Kenneth Wong in his new role as the Director of Policy, Advocacy and Research (PAR) to have a strong sense of God’s calling, passion and wisdom.
3. Pray for the PAR team as they work on policies and undertake projects which encompass areas ranging from Orang Asli land rights to knowledge management.
4. Thank God for the first team member for our Sarawak Unit who will be joining us in May. Ask God to nurture her heart and equip her for this pioneering work. Also ask the Lord of harvest to send in other labourers (partners, staff and volunteers).
5. Knowledge Management (a systematic database of the resources built up within Care throughout the years) is being implemented throughout the organisation. Pray for the off-site file export issues to be solved and that this system will achieve its objective.
Corporate Organisation
WEEK 3 March 14-20, 2016
MARCH 2016 — MAY 2016Prayer Points
1. May God direct our path as we commit our 2016-2020 Plan to Him.
2. Ask God to open doors into the poor communities especially in the interior of Sabah and Sarawak. Pray for good relationships with the community leaders and members.
3. We will be making our first field trip to Belaga, Sarawak for needs assessment and community mapping. Pray for good timing, protection and cooperation from the village folks.
4. Pray for strong partnerships with local churches as we increase work in the Klang Valley and Sabah while starting work in Sarawak.
New Frontiers
WEEK 1 March 1-6, 2016
1. Give thanks to God for His marvellous provision, reducing deficit from RM800K to RM171K as at 31st Dec 2015. Pray for God’s blessings and grace upon all individual, church and corporate donors.
2. The much delayed construction of new facilities in Ladang Care has started in January 2016. Pray for donations in cash and building materials.
3. Pray for the RM20 Challenge, online fundraising campaign to continue to draw people (both Christians and non-Christians) to give towards our work among the poor and needy.
4. Pray for God’s provision of funds for the expansion of Malaysian Care’s work.
5. Pray for CSR partnerships with companies to support some of our projects and more companies or groups to raise funds for Malaysian Care. Pray that our Christian identity will not be a deterrent.
Donors & Funding
WEEK 2 March 7-13, 2016
MARPullout
Ladang Care expansion – we need donations in cash & building materials. Thank you, Hasbro for My Little Pony toys!
1. Pray that parents using our toy library will find the resources helpful to work with their children with special needs. Also pray for the Lord’s wisdom and guidance upon the staff supporting them.
2. Uphold C’s application for a Malaysian IC. Pray for favour and a smooth and prompt process as our staff deal with various government agencies.
3. Pray for emotional stability for D. Pray that she will be able to proceed with the next phase of life with peace and assurance from the Lord.
4. Pray that the students who come to class will be receptive towards the teaching, start planning towards change while they are still in Sekolah Integriti Kajang (Juvenile Prison), and for ability to focus on their goals after they are released.
5. Pray for T from Klang who is diagnosed with tuberculosis. Pray for his full recovery and salvation.
Clients
WEEK 4 March 21-27, 2016
1. Pray that the prison ministry in Kajang and Sungai Buloh will continue to grow and more ex-prisoners will come to Petros Residential (half-way home). May God continue to touch lives through the work of our prison volunteers in evangelism and aftercare.
2. Pray for S who has been in Kajang Prison for the last 28 years. He has accepted the Lord for 15 years and is now our Kajang In-Prison coordinator and interpreter. We pray that the Pardon’s Board will review his case and grant him release.
3. Pray against any barrier to help the students in the juvenile prison towards a better future. The difference in belief system, religion and opinion should not deter and deny them the help needed.
4. Pray for Kampung Penderas as they may initiate legal proceedings for an Orang Asli Land case. This land case is being reviewed and we pray that the OA will receive justice for the land which belongs to them.
5. Pray for greater awareness among the Orang Asli concerning their rights as citizens of Malaysia, as well as being active in preserving their customary land rights.
Clients
WEEK 5 March 28-April 3, 2016
1. Pray for the smooth reopening of the Care Café after 2 months of make-over. Thank God for Max and Charles for their hard work in renovating the Café.
2. Pray for protection upon the adults with learning difficulties who are working in the open employment. Pray for their safety when they travel home especially those who are required to work late.
3. Pray for all working adults with learning difficulties that the Lord will connect them with good co-workers to develop healthy relationships at the workplace.
4. Pray for the new intake of students for the Bridge2Work Programme (training programme for adults with learning difficulties). Pray that they will settle well in the programme. Also pray for the trainers (Grace, Jecy and Jannie) for wisdom and strength from the Lord in their preparation.
5. Pray for the Lord to intervene in KS’s life and let KS experience Him. Pray for protection from the influence of those who are trying to sway him from the Lord.
Adults with Special Needs
April 4-10, 2016WEEK 1
1. We are conducting a research on Economic Impact Assessment of Koperasi Sengoi Pribumi Perak. Pray for the research to be done smoothly and findings to help improve the effectiveness of the cooperative.
2. We thank God for the funding from The Edge Foundation to establish a service model for Inclusive Preschool Programme in rural Sabah. Pray for good management of the project (training of teachers, curriculum, costing, monitoring and reporting to the Foundation).
3. We thank God for the volunteer teachers for tuition classes at Razak Mansion flats which resumed in March. Pray that the teachers would be able to motivate and help the students to improve in their studies.
Projects/ Programmes/ Volunteerism
April 11-17, 2016WEEK 2
APRPullout
Care Café after a make-over!
4. Seri Semarak English Club (SSEC) requires committed volunteers who are able to contribute their time on Saturdays to teach and mingle with the community children. Pray for more of committed volunteers and that all the current and future volunteers to have the passion and wisdom to empower the children and the parents.
5. Pray for strong and long-term local partners and God’s provision (premise, funding, human resource and expertise) for the new/expansion of work in Klang, Raub, Pitas (Sabah) and rural Sarawak.
6. Pray for the approval for the grant or CSR proposals that have been submitted for various projects/programmes (Setapak community development, OA education, sustainable agriculture training, infrastructure projects for rural communities, etc.).
Projects/ Programmes/ Services
1. Pray against religious extremism in our country and for trust relationships to be built with the communities that they will be open to work with us towards empowerment.
2. Ruth Education Centre (REC) has 65 students and 21 of them are teaching in 7 community schools around Klang Valley. The recent hike in public transport fare has increased their travel expenses drastically. Pray for God’s provision and protection for the refugee students.
3. Youth Junction is reaching out various refugee communities in Setapak. Pray for strengthening of relationships with the communities and partners; and good response for the programmes.
4. We give thanks to God for the Orang Asli children attending our supplementary and indigenous community education programme who have shown improvement in school. Pray that the children and parents see the importance of the education and encourage them to strive for excellence.
5. Pray for the construction of new facilities in Ladang Care to go on smoothly and according to schedule.
WEEK 3 April 18-24, 2016
6. Thank God for the Sustainable Agriculture training that we have been running since 2010. Pray that the training scheduled this year at villages and Ladang Care will motivate and equip the Orang Asli farmers to implement agricultural projects in their villages to generate more income.
APRPullout
Community Day at PPR Seri Semarak
OA education class at Ladang Care on a Saturday.
1. Kiah Hui is undertaking a financial inclusion needs assessment among the rural poor in East Malaysia starting late February. This study helps to understand the financial needs and the gaps of financial services within the dynamic cultural context of daily living as indigenous people of Sabah and Sarawak. Pray for smooth assessment and wisdom to move forward with the community.
2. Remember former staff Benjamin Toh and Jonah Chan in their new vocations, and Joyce Tan who is pursuing a Degree in Law. Pray for God’s presence, guidance and provision.
3. We thank God for all the new staff as they adapt to the journey with perseverance and joy in serving the poor and marginalized communities.
4. Pray for protection and good health for staff as they travel to prisons, interior villages and communities. For those with health issues and tired, pray for healing and restoration of health so that they will continue to serve with His strength.
5. Pray for wisdom and guidance from the Lord whenever staff work with the clients and their families, that they will speak words of encouragement and wisdom.
Staff
WEEK 4 April 25-May 1, 2016
Staff
Communications
Support Services
Networking & Partnership
1. Pray for smooth transition to the new organisation structure and for unity among team members especially for the Community Development team and Service Development team.
2. Pray for God’s direction and anointing upon the heads of the various departments (some are new in their roles).
3. Uphold the new HRD Department as they plan for the staff long-term development.
4. Pray for staff who are struggling with finance and commitment to their family that the Lord will provide for their needs.
5. Pray for courage and discernment upon our Policy, Advocacy & Research team as they collaborate with others in advocating for the poor and oppressed especially regarding Orang Asli land rights.
1. Thank God for the new members in the Communications team. Pray for passion and creativity in engaging others both Christians and non-Christians.
2. Pray for the established communication channels (website, Facebook, newsletter, email, etc.) to continue to draw people to God’s mission.
3. Pray for the new Editorial & Social Media Team (following the new organisation structure) that God will equip the members with passion, creativity and good writing skills.
4. Pray for more open doors into churches and youth groups to share the wholistic mission of Christ, and that more will come on board to participate or support Malaysian Care’s work.
5. Pray for the publication of newsletter (Care Contact) and communication materials that appeal not just to the mind or also to the heart of its audience.
6. Pray that the Lord will touch the hearts of the elderly that more of them will be willing to give by partaking in the Bequest programme.
1. We have set up a knowledge management database. Pray for good maintenance and regular updates towards effective sharing of resources.
2. Pray for Nancy & Geetha as they administer the HO premise and vehicles. Pray for a proper and systematic way to maintain vehicles and office equipment including computers.
3. Pray that the administrative staff will be more mindful of cost saving and expenses including usage of utilities.
4. Pray for good financial management and governance in all locations and that financial policies are adhered to.
5. Pray for protection of our IT system against hacking and discernment of any scams or forgery.
1. Pray for wisdom upon Pauline, Suan See and Elaine as they represent Malaysian Care in organising the 6th National Early Childhood Intervention Conference from 24th to 26th Nov. and working with other NGOs. Pray for God’s favour in all the planning.
2. Pray for good working relationship between Care, Bloomers Training House and the parents in developing good services and a safe work place for people with learning difficulties.
3. Praise God for a network partner, The Discharged Prisoner Aid Society (DPAS) for Selangor & Wilayah Persekutuan, who has provided financial aid for our client’s application for a motorcycle licence and to study courses in public universities in 2016. May God continue to bless this partnership.
4. Pray for our upcoming Prison Volunteers Gathering 2016. Pray that God will enlighten and give us wisdom to promote a better networking, liaising with our volunteers and enhance our spiritual growth and knowledge together.
5. Pray for more churches in Malaysia to embrace the wholistic mission and engage with the poor communities on their own or in partnership with NGOs like Malaysian Care or at least give towards such work.
6. Uphold for CANOPI (Christian Advocacy Network on Poverty Issues). Pray for clear vision and focus on issues as directed by God; confirmation as its members consider a formal entity to influence policies.
7. Pray for Persatuan Prihatin & Pekerja Sosial Kristian Malaysia that there will be greater engagement and sharing of knowledge among Christian social workers and volunteers. Also pray for the new Diploma in Social Work course at Methodist College Kuala Lumpur.
WEEK 1
WEEK 2
WEEK 3
WEEK 3
May 2-8, 2016
May 9-15, 2016
May 16-22, 2016
May 23-31, 2016
MAYPullout
Volunteers’ Thanksgiving Nite 2015
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A crash that changed his life A casual outing with two friends took a drastic turn and changed a man’s life forever. Yap Kim Soon was twenty years of age when he and two of his close friends were driving home, lost control of their car and crashed into a tree. His friends walked away from the accident, however Kim Soon woke up confused in shock lying in a hospital bed paralysed from the neck down. This marked the beginning of his troubles.
Blamed by his closest family members for causing them financial difficulties and being abandoned by most of his friends because of his condition led Kim Soon to feel low and ashamed of himself. As a result he closed his heart off to those around him, pushing everyone away as he contemplated suicide.
Reaching out for help“I always have faith that God will heal me” such was his strength during the day, however thoughts of a peaceful death or assisted suicide filled his thoughts at night. Kim Soon found strength through a Christian neighbour who regularly prayed and studied the Bible with him. He found in time, his heart softened with hope and decided to reach out for help. This was when he connected with Malaysian Care.
Elaine from Malaysian Care started visiting Kim Soon when his email to Joni Erickson Ministries was forwarded to her 3 years ago. “She is a loving friend. She is always someone I can talk to and someone who is genuinely concerned about my welfare. She found me a job,” said Kim Soon. This relationship has restored his trust in people and has begun to break down the walls which
he once raised to protect his heart. “Do whatever you are able too, and keep good relationships with others. There are a lot of good people around, give them a chance to help you” is what Kim Soon embraces now. He is actively reconnecting with old friends as well as making new ones through social media and with volunteers who visit him. Kim Soon can be reached by email: [email protected]
Live a day at a timeNow at the age of thirty two, Kim Soon is enjoying his job working from home as a business development personnel with a consulting company. He is also taking a bold step to further his business studies. “I would be happy to see my family together and financially stable”, his motivation as he presses on in life holding on to his belief that “God provides for my financial needs, and I can prove that!” Twelve years have passed since the dreadful accident and he still believes that God will heal him. With his faith, Kim Soon lives his life one day at a time instead of worrying about what may come in the future.
Nicholas is a staff with our Communications Department. His current role is handling donor relations, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects, involved in fund raising campaigns as well as community work.
Is there still
hope?
by Nicholas Perera
“There are plenty of good people in the world who are willing to help, give them a chance to help you”
Yap Kim Soon became quadriplegic after a car accident
TRANSFORMATION STORIES
TRANSFORMATION STORIES
Ian went through primary and secondary school facing everything that any one of us would have gone through.
We all struggled with our studies, with our teachers and with our school mates. We all faced challenges in our adolescent and teenage years and so did Ian. Most of us can look back and reflect with laughter but for Ian, schooling life was not one of happy memories.
The ‘ADHD’ labelAs a child born with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Ian had a difficult time in school because he was surrounded by a world that did not see him as “normal”. He did not have a social life that most of us had as he was often neglected or excluded. “I did not have any friends in school” was his memory of his schooling life. He always sat at the back because he could not keep up with the pace of his teachers and thus deprived of the attention he desperately needed. His parents finally pulled him out of public school while he was in secondary school and placed him in a home schooling programme.
True FriendHis parents are God’s greatest blessing to him. They have always been supportive of him and accommodating
his special needs. They have been an endless source of encouragement that keeps him driving forward in life. Being born into a Christian family, Ian is truly blessed from young to know the true wonders of having a relationship with Christ. “Jesus always helps me. He is my friend”. Whatever Ian lacked in school, he found in his relationship with Christ.
Malaysian Care, job & friends“I prayed and then I came to Malaysian Care”. Ian was connected to his job coach, Grace. “I talk to her a lot and she helps me with my work”. Working and spending time with Grace has built Ian and prepared him to step into more social circles with confidence. He has also gained friends whom he can trust in and freely open up to about his emotions. “I have many friends in Malaysian Care. They all are very nice” he says with a smile of pure joy. He partakes in social gatherings like Bible Club and camps organised by Malaysian Care. Now Ian is happily working in an international clothing company being guided and coached by Grace, has a growing network of friends in Malaysian Care and still holds on to his faith saying “Jesus is my saviour and true friend.”
My True Friend
by Nicholas Perera
Nicholas is a staff with our Communications Department. His current role is handling donor relations, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects, involved in fund raising campaigns as well as community work.
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Zun Yi’s learning ability was good. He learned Chinese Pinyin by reading books and typing the Chinese characters on his handphone. I was very encouraged when he passed the UPSR and then SRP exams.
Nurturing his passionsI take every opportunity to let him pursue his passions creatively instead of forcing him to learn what he doesn’t like. Zun Yi likes to travel. To enable him to travel, I taught him how to go online to check out public transportation, fares, routes, how to get there and come back, going through all the details before releasing him to travel on his own. Once he has learnt the route, he prefers to travel alone. He has never lost his way.
I also taught him to insist on a receipt when buying something. Zun Yi stays and interacts with us (family). I create an environment for him to learn Malay and English besides Mandarin which is his mother tongue. Being multi-lingual is a must for him to travel alone. I am happy that he now speaks the 3 languages. He is 16 this year.
Accept your child’s stage of learningAs parents, we need to learn to accept our child’s stage of learning and not compare with other children. When we compare, we will be asking a lot of ‘why’ questions, worried and stressed up. Our child is different, he learns at a different pace and in a different way. We are to provide the environment where he can learn to be independent creatively.
Coping with autismAt 4 years old, Zun Yi was still not talking. We took him to SPICES and there Zun Yi was first assessed with autism. He also went through a thorough check-up at HUKM and was diagnosed with severe autism. I am very thankful to Malaysian Care’s staff like Tina and Suan See and other staff at SPICES who journeyed with us from the beginning and taught us how to care for Zun Yi. They are very loving and caring. My knowledge increased as I sent Zun Yi to SPICES twice a week for intervention and took the opportunity to read books to learn more about autism. The resources there were very helpful.
We needed to make a lot of adjustments. I could not work full-time and my wife became the main breadwinner of the family. I could only do some electrical repair work to supplement her salary.
The journey was tough especially when we saw very little improvement in Zun Yi’s condition. Then, we realised that autism was not a disease that could be cured. SPICES staff helped me to cope with this hard fact positively and see possibilities in Zun Yi’s condition.
The nightmare of schoolThe real challenge came when Zun Yi entered primary school. I had to think of ways to help him cope with the new environment. Zun Yi could not sit still for long. He would go out in the middle of a lesson and go into the staff office or even the principal’s office. Thankfully, the teachers were very understanding and did not stop him when behaving in abnormal ways.
I also built relationships with some students so that they would help to make sure that Zun Yi goes to the toilet for nature calls. I am thankful that Zun Yi’s classmates were cooperative and cared for him.
Journey of a Father
by Lee Ban Chin
Mr. Lee’s son Zun Yi attended Early Intervention and School-Aged programmes at SPICES, a centre that Malaysian Care helped to set up with 3-4 staff seconded there in the first 7 years of its operations to develop the Early Intervention Programme.
TRANSFORMATION STORIES
I also used to spend a lot on credit for my mobile phone. I would spend time surfing Facebook and chatting with my friends, and as soon as my internet quota finished, I topped it up without thinking twice. Now I realise that spending time on the internet is not very useful, and I only top up my mobile credit once a month or not at all.
Besides that, I used to buy Toto every week. I would buy a RM15 ticket for every draw, which was 3 to 4 times a week. After some time I realised that if I did strike the lucky number, it was profitable, but otherwise, it was just a waste and I could use the money to buy rice and groceries for my family.
God providesGod has really changed my life and financial situation since I believed in Him and was baptised in September last year. My family has started attending church regularly and I am one of the leaders of the new cell group that meets in our apartment complex. My wife has also found a job in a coffee shop. I pray each day for God to supply our needs, and He does! I’m thankful for what God has done in our lives.
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I am Jimien Ning and my family are from the Sungai tribe from the interior of Sabah and 8 years ago we moved
to Kota Kinabalu to earn a living. We used to live in a squatter house on state land, and I was fortunate to have a contract job cleaning drains. My wife and I have two schooling children. While my children were at school, my wife would go to the nearby rubbish dump to scavenge for recyclable items to supplement my meagre income.
A home but…Our lives unexpectedly took a turn when an NGO helped us to relocate to a Pusat Perumahan Rakyat (PPR) apartment. It is nice to have a home of our own, but now we have some new problems! We have to pay monthly rental, utility bills, and expensive transport fares as we now live quite far from town. After moving to the PPR, we met some people from a nearby church at a community Christmas party and later at a food distribution programme organised by the church and Malaysian Care. The church and Malaysian Care staff befriended us and listened to our financial difficulties.
Financial literacyWhen Malaysian Care announced that they were planning to start a Financial Literacy Programme at our PPR, we were excited and signed up quickly. We are only halfway through, but I have already learned a lot about how to manage my money and make it last. Let me share with you a few examples.
I used to buy breakfast on my way to work which would cost at least RM5. Sometimes I was tempted to buy pisang goreng on top of that! For the last few months, I have been eating breakfast at home and that has saved me quite a bit of money.
Financial Literacy, Economic Empowerment
“I was struggling to get by every month, always have to borrow a salary advance until only RM200-300 remained at the month end. After attending the Financial Literacy Programme, I find that what I have is somehow enough for my family.” – Jimien Ning, PPR Kinarut, Sabah
Jimien and family
by Hwa Hui En
Hui En, a member of our young and dynamic Sabah team, loves kampung life and, is passionate for justice and equity for the poor. She holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Social Work from National University of Singapore.
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Gambling, gangsterism, drug addictionAt the age of 15, I was addicted to mah-jong, a game that I learned from my father. I stole money to satisfy my gambling desire. Eventually, I ran away from home and got involved in gangsterism and drug addiction. I was in and out of prison many times. Through attending the Christian meetings in the prison, I got to know about Jesus. After being released from the prison at the age of 40, I felt strongly that I should go to Rumah Petros (Malaysian Care’s halfway home) which was recommended by a friend who was helping me deal with drug addiction. By the second day, I was totally in love with the new atmosphere, something that I had never experienced before. I stayed there for three months before being referred to a Christian drug rehab home in Klang and successfully went through rehabilitation.
Work, retirement, businessI was employed by a church in Klang as a gardener and served as an usher during church service for nearly 20 years until I retired with only RM3,000 savings. I was very worried, “How long can I live with this?” I am thankful to Brother Kong who took me into his home and let me help out in his plumbing business. Later, I moved out and started a stall selling porridge.
Bang!Just when my business was thriving, my life took a sharp turn. One morning in March 2013, I was riding on my bike to the wet market to buy ingredients for the day. I missed a turn for the first time in my 2 years there. As I was about to make a U-turn, a fast moving bus came and hit me. I was thrown into the grass some distance away.
I could not move at all for a week in the hospital. Then I heard a doctor instructing the nurse to issue a death certificate. Later, I was placed in a coffin. I did not know why but I was not afraid but calm. I heard chanting of different types of funerals. Suddenly, in the midst of the noise, I heard a voice saying, “Do not be afraid, you will not die now. I want you to share the good news of Jesus so that many will know Me.” Then, I was able to sit up and wave my hand to ask for help. I felt the power of God in me. It was a miracle!
I was sent back to the hospital for a leg operation. After 3 months in the hospital, Brother Kong sent me to Rumah Petros as it was beyond his ability to take care of me. I am thankful that Rumah Petros was willing to accept me again. I experienced the love of the staff there who took care of my daily needs and drove me to the hospital. Later, I was placed in an old folks home and staff of Malaysian Care still visit me occasionally till today.
Living testimonyI now live with a mission. The One who spoke life into me deserves the highest honour. It takes the living to touch lives. My hope is to have more opportunities to tell others about my miraculous experience with God.
Raised from the Dead
“It takes the living to touch lives.” – Si Ah Kau, 68 years old
Translated by Foo Kai Seong, a leader in our Communications Department.
TRANSFORMATION STORIES
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Tears flowed uncontrollably as he watched the students in uniform walking pass. His right to
education was completely ripped from him the moment he fled from his country.
Study vs. workMung Pi arrived in Malaysia in 2008 with nothing other than the clothes he was wearing. After reconnecting with his older brother, he was told to work in a restaurant to earn a living. However, his desire to study was far greater than earning a livelihood.
“If you don’t want to work, I will not support you. If you want to study, go and find a way by yourself,” his brother told him. Mung Pi eventually did find a community school for the Zomi tribe of Myanmar. His brother agreed to pay for the school fees but did not give him any pocket money. “At that time, I didn’t care about pocket money. I just wanted to study,” recalled Mung Pi.
Opportunity for further studiesThe community school only offered studies up to Standard 5, after which students would start working to help support their families. When Mung Pi was in the final year, Michael Moey, the principal of Ruth Education Centre (REC) came to introduce the centre.
There were around 60 refugee youths who applied and attended the interview. Mung Pi was among the 20 chosen and offered the opportunity to further their studies.
Forum TheatreREC brings in volunteer teachers to teach various subjects and holds different activities to develop skills in the youths. Malaysian Care, one of the partners of REC conducted a
Forum Theatre, a platform for them to develop leadership skills by researching, discussing and addressing current social issues faced by refugees. Malaysian Care and REC jointly set up Boaz Youth Centre (BYC) which was funded by the Bureau of Population, Refugee & Migration, USA.
Mung Pi enjoyed the Forum Theatre which has taught him to be a more confident and to brainstorm for games. His favourite topic was addressing rejection from the locals. “Whenever we play football in the field, the local boys will come and chase us out and say things like ‘balik kampung’. Another time, they asked us to pay them to play even though the field is open to the public. This issue is very challenging and there seems to be no solution but I still want to look into it to find a solution,” he said.
Be strong, don’t give upMung Pi just turned 20 last November and is now giving back to his community by teaching in his former community school, the Zomi Education Centre and the Kachin Refugee Learning Centre. He has this to say to his fellow refugees, “Be confident, be strong. Don’t give up easily when bad things happen to you. Those things can make your future brighter. Don’t depend on money only because as Christians we have faith in God, we have God who always looks after us. Stay in the faith. Don’t run away from bad things but face it with God. As time passes by and you look back, you will see that what you have gone through has made you happier today.”
Joanna interned with Malaysian Care (Rural & Urban Community Development) from November to December 2015. She is currently pursuing a degree in English Language & Communications at UCSI University.
He just wanted
to study
by Joanna Thinn Mar
TRANSFORMATION STORIES
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Dan* came from a poor family and his father passed away when he was only 6 years old. Shouldering
the responsibility as the sole breadwinner, his mother had to work very hard in a nearby factory to give him a proper education. She wanted him to succeed in life.
Being the only child in the family, Dan had to do everything by himself and seldom had the opportunity to interact with others. Also, there was no one to guide him in his studies and consequently he lagged behind his peers.
Help & supportDan’s mother was referred to Malaysian Care in 2011. We provided health support to her and connected her with Grace To Grieving Person (GGP) Outreach which provided monthly financial support. Our journey with Dan started in 2014 when he was at a crossroad after completing SPM. Our staff Frederick guided him in exploring further education options and applying for a scholarship. Fred has also been a source of encouragement and prayer support to him. We thank God that Dan was finally awarded a scholarship by Hong Leong-SOLS and is now pursuing a Diploma in Graphic Design.
More challengesThe first few months after entering college in September 2015 were full of challenges as everything was new for
him — the environment, subjects, assignments and even the people. He was completely lost and genuinely he had no idea what was going on. However, he kept telling himself, “I must carry on this battle and do my best in order to achieve my goals.” He knew he had to do well in order to payback his mother who had sacrificed so much for him.
AdaptabilityTime flies and he is now in his second semester. He managed to adapt himself and is doing well in his studies. He even volunteered as a facilitator in one of the camps organised Malaysian Care — Prison, Drugs and AIDS Service. As a camp facilitator, he seized the opportunity to share his experience and encourage the young participants to pursue their studies. Education can indeed transform people and their future. Dan is now a confident person with a bright future.
He regards Malaysian Care as his second family and has set his mind to join Malaysian Care after completing his studies.
Opportunity to flourish
by Telishiah Jacob
Telishiah, a staff with our Communications Department, handles internship and volunteerism.
“I am here because I was given an opportunity, an education opportunity that changes me. Now my future is bright”.
TRANSFORMATION STORIES
* Not his real name
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Biblical Reflection
Dr Voon Choon Khing
Choon Khing is a former Care staff (1980-1985) and currently a Board member.
The truth is that God’s work of restoration, renewal and transformation can only be done in God’s ways on earth as it is in heaven. To leave God out of our transformational development is a recipe for failure. God’s intention is nothing short of a new heaven and new earth for the whole creation. Our Creator’s approach remains as engaging humanity to work with Him, but through our Saviour Jesus Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit as God’s redeeming community. Therefore, transformational development to transform lives cannot be achieved merely by programmes, strategies, technologies and political will. God’s way defiles our human logic and wisdom. It is not by might, nor by power but by the Spirit of God (Zechariah 4:6).
Transforming Lives: God’s WaysWe can never fathom God’s ways. Jesus the Saviour of the world took on our vulnerable sinful human nature, suffered, and died a cruel death in total submission and dependence on His loving Father to raise him from the dead. Jesus lived by the Holy Spirit in discerning his own emerging identity as the Son of Man and the Son of God, His Father’s ways and timing to do His will. God’s way for Jesus was the way of weakness, humility, poverty, and utter dependence on His Father. Jesus offered the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12) as the dynamic interactive process for transforming individual life from within our faith community outward as salt and light — agents of transformation in the world. In short, God’s way is radically counter-cultural to our predominant worldviews, methodology and ethos.
Transformational Development: The Kingdom of God on EarthAt creation, God entrusted humankind to be caretakers to maintain lives on earth. When humanity abdicated God-given authority to discharge our responsibility over the earth, we suffer the consequences of rebellion and disobedience to God and His mandate to rule the earth to this day. Natural disasters have reached catastrophic scale in many nations. Transformational development is a current critical issue globally, nationally and locally among government and non-government agencies. Our intention, emphases and approaches may vary. The outcome may not correspond with our relentless efforts. The cumulative impacts of the death tolls seem to mock at our futile human efforts, and compound our helplessness and powerlessness. Perhaps the Word of God in Isaiah 30 beckons us to return to our Creator in realizing His Kingdom on earth: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.” (Isaiah 30:15)
Transformational DevelopmentTransforming Lives, One at a Time
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Life transforming life begins with being born again of the Holy Spirit (John 3:3), and follows through with life by the Holy Spirit like Jesus did (Galatians 5:16, 25). Only a transformed life can transform lives: the Holy Spirit as the key Agent through Spirit-filled believers both personally and communally as a church. God’s transformational development requires individual members to live a life of obedience as a local expression of God’s transforming power to display the reality of our risen Christ where we are. When God’s people live the Gospel, all will see our transformed lives in church and the marketplace, and be attracted by the Christ in us, the Hope of Glory. The holy presence of God in and through us would result in the yeast-like effects of dynamic transformational development silently.
The Mystery of Transforming Lives: Inside Out The truth is we cannot transform ourselves however much we want to. Only the Holy Spirit can transform us from inside out with our consent. We need only to focus on the Holy Spirit within us, learning to become attentive and responsive to His inner movements through our cognitive, affective and sensory functions. The Holy Spirit always works in us toward growing inner freedom to obey God as His beloved children (2 Corinthians 3:17-18). The transforming process involves God hollowing out our old sinful nature to enlarge our inner capacity for more of the Spirit of Christ, like a potter with a lump of clay. The experience of feeling empty or dying can be horrifying if there is nobody to walk with us (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). This is when we need mature believers who have nurtured a wise and discerning heart, and schooled in the ways of God to enable us to negotiate our passage of transformation. Through prayerful listening, such spiritual fathers and mothers offer hospitality of the heart with a safe space for struggling pilgrims to hear their own
deepest longing for God, and to discover the transforming power of His redemptive love.
The apostle Paul bemoaned the scarcity of fathers in Christ to the Corinthians (1Corinthians 4:15-16). Sadly, the condition is no different today, but worse because of the subtle erosion of actual relationality, and embodying connectivity by electronic virtual social networking in our fragmented society. The deceptive illusory social
community of netizens has insidiously infiltrated our church culture in the name of contextualisation for our post-modern era. Pragmatic market-driven values have adulterated the fundamentals of our Christian faith which is incarnational and relational, but are
time-consuming, labour intensive, uneconomical with unquantifiable outcomes. Understandably, transforming lives, one at a time would hardly appear as an appealing agenda in any church leadership meetings. For that matter, how many Christian leaders dare to assert: Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1)?
There may be different expressions of father and mother in Christ: soul friend, mentor, pastoral counsellor, spiritual companion or spiritual director etc. It depends on each person’s gifting, passion or God’s calling and training. The effective and productive transformation of life one at a time depends on two critical Scriptural principles: (1) Apart from Christ, we can do nothing because it is God who is working in and through us (John 15:5; Philippians 2:12-13), and (2) God has empowered us with all we need for life and godliness to bear the fruits of the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:3-11). In short, we need only stay rooted in Christ and continue to be filled with the Holy Spirit to live a life of obedience and discernment. God who calls us is faithful, and He will do it (1 Thessalonians 5:24).
God’s way for Jesus was the way of weakness, humility, poverty, and utter dependence on His Father… In short, God’s way is radically counter-cultural to our predominant worldviews, methodology and ethos.
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