bible knowledge: lessons for the school of life from the b

random selection of wordsook of life. a study guide tothe gospel according to luke.the bible is your textbook.

In StepTEACHERS’ CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP MALAYSIA | KEEPING CHRISTIAN EDUCATORS INFORMED | VOLUME 20 ISSUE 3 PP6303/10/2008 (010889)

Bible Knowledge

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In StepEditorial Coordinators

Liew Nyuk LanIndyrany Kannaiya

Editorial CommitteeDaniel Gan

Leow Lee LinPang Ngan Yue

Sim Kwan HoonOoi Jan Lyn

Cheryl Ng

Layout / DesignDavina Chan

Teoh Puey Guan

TCF OfficeC10-0-05

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IN STEP is a non-profit Christian newsletter published four times a year by the Teachers’ Christian Fellowship Malaysia (TCF). It is dedicated to Christian educators and issued FREE to TCF members. For more information, please contact the address above.

VIEWS EXPRESSED ARE THE WRITERS’ AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REPRESENT THOSE OF TCF

Contents3 Editorial

4 Influencing and Shaping Lives: God’s

Word (Part II)

7 A Time of Testing (Part II)

11 Nineveh Or Nothing

12 Words of Life

17 Me an SPM Bible Knowledge Teacher?

19 Teachers’ Day Celebrations

24 Dear Diary

26 Which God is Like This?

29 Celebrating God’s Faithfulness

35 I Not Stupid

37 S.O.S.: 1 to 1

40 In Partnership

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PLEASURE OR PRESSURE?

I count it a pleasure to be given this opportunity to write the editorial. After reading all the articles to be published in this issue, the one thing that stands out for me is – teaching can be either a pleasure or a pressure, depending on which perspective we take.

One could be so motivated by reading Miss Yin’s retirement speech. Her long and tireless effort to improve and fight for Christian rights and heritage serves as an inspiration to young Christian teachers like me! Sometimes I wonder if I would have the same passion and zeal when I am at her age.

There are numerous articles relating to the ups and downs of teaching. Like any other profession, we have our mountain-top euphoria as well as our valley realities. However, at the end of it all, we should just take a step back, reflect and ponder about the Creator who fashioned, called and commissioned us into this very noble teaching vocation and to walk in His footsteps. Then we will be triumphant and stand tall when trials and testings come our way. Our Master Teacher has counted us worthy to follow in His footsteps. There is a constant need for us to think out of the box and see Him working in our low points.

May the articles in this issue cause us to reflect on God’s goodness and faithfulness. It’s not because we are worthy of anything, but simply because we are called His chosen ones: sons and daughters who seek to follow His footsteps, to make a difference in the young lives we come into contact with daily.

May you be as inspired and lifted up just as I have been by the articles in this issue.

editorial

Sim Kwan Hoon teaches ESL and Mathematics

at SMK St Mary, Kuala Lumpur

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Teaching With Courage was the theme of the 3rd Asian Christian Teachers’ Conference 2007 held from 6 to 9 June. This inspirational speech was given by Mr. Peter Chao, founder of Eagles Ministry. This is the second of a two-part series on influencing and shaping young lives.

Everyone has an influence, and everyone casts an influence on someone else. Whether that influence is for good or for bad, we all cast an influence, especially as teachers. As Ralph Waldo Emerson says, “Every man (or woman) is a hero, and an oracle to somebody, and to that person, whatever he (or she) says has enhanced value”.

I can think of three critical factors in influencing young lives. Firstly, it’s who you are.

1) Who you are

Three things about who you are, are important – what drives you, what’s your passion and your integrity. These will influence your students. Your passion will be a key factor to how you influence young lives. Integrity too, what makes you, what is on the inside of you, what defines you, your very soul, what is it that holds you together, what is it that is at the core of your being. Because you might try to live a lie, or be paid to say a lie, but your students can see through all that, and they are looking at who you are. Especially today, in many of our homes that are sadly dysfunctional, you have students coming to look for love, students coming in to look for acceptance, looking for esteem and significance. They are looking for a place in the scheme of adults, and they cannot find it in the homes because their parents are too busy making a living and they have forgotten how to live. And that is up to you and I.

And then there are relationships. This is your environment that makes you

Influencing and Shaping Lives: God’s Word

Part II by Peter Chao

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trustworthy, that makes you articulate, helps you relate. We are all relating to one another, not just with other people, but also with truth, to relationships and with the authority structure. Your students want to know how you relate to authority structures, how you can rebel in a civil way when you feel you disagree. Thus, how you behave in those situations is critical.

Certainly, we don’t want to be teachers who train our students just to obey and not to think. You can only contribute to others when you are secure. And if you are in a profession like the teaching profession, you are building, shaping, and influencing young lives. Do not for one moment think that if you are starved for significance you can contribute significance to young people. You will rob them of their significance. Don’t for one moment think that if your soul is starved for affirmation, you can go out there to affirm people. You cannot if you are starved yourself.

The key to influence is trust. And when you trust someone, you can only trust people who have integrity and passion, someone who can relate and contribute well, because his or her heart is full.

In a deeply personal way, our students are really asking that question, who can I trust?

If I am supposed to relate to truth, who is the person presenting that truth, in what form is it presented, is it in a form that will respect my integrity, in a form that will respect my intellectual

capacity, in a form that will respect my right and dignity to make my own decisions, and will the person be there to guide me?

The success you are as a person will be the most critical factor in the way you influence and shape lives.

2) What you say

Secondly, it is what you say that will be a critical factor in influencing young lives. The way we say and articulate concepts and opinions, is it a way that respects those who hear us, notwithstanding the tender age, that in this age the younger ones are supposed to just listen and shut up?

Every man, as Emerson says, is entitled to be valued by his best moments. Are you defining his life by his successes or failures? And when I think of respect, three things come to mind.

Firstly capability, potential versus handicaps. Are you nailing the coffin shut, and just highlighting the handicaps? For every Einstein who overcame the harsh remarks of a school master, I cannot imagine how many thousands would have sunk under the weight of that judgment that does not respect the potential of a young person.

You are an influencer, you shape the lives of people, and you do that by what you say.

Secondly, do you respect the background, the social economic

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standing of the person? Every society I know has its own caste system, its way of evaluating people. In the corporate world, with its own systems, there is this cocktail hour – don’t ever underestimate it. That is the place where people size one another up, so when you march into the banquet hall, you’re right there in pecking order. People are judged by their jewellery, their language, their vocabulary.

And if you are a teacher, and you articulate words that will put down a person’s social or economic standing, or you judge a person’s capacity by that criteria, you are either breathing judgment or you are breathing possibility and life. You decide how you want to influence the young ones.

Thirdly, recognition - you have to pay respect by recognizing efforts and intentions. We are a very results oriented society. We recognize those who score their straight As, we recognize those who have achieved measurable objectives set by some bureaucracy. That is how we determine who is accepted and who is ostracized in our society.

But there are young people with good hearts and good intentions. Have you ever acknowledged those? In spite of everything going against the young child, that effort at attempting to understand you, do you recognize that effort?

The US secretary of state and president of World Bank, Robert McNamara,

once said: “Brains are like hearts – they go where they are appreciated.”

If we understand this to be who people are, shouldn’t what we say be skewed in such a way that would lift them and be redemptive in its effect?

3) What you do

Nurturing is one thing teachers do. Teaching is subsumed under nurturing. But what do you do in nurture?

Firstly, if you want to nurture students, you have to be committed to them. You have to believe in them, and also, you have to be accessible to them. You have to give unconditionally to them, create opportunities for them, lift them to a higher level - not just what’s on the lesson plan.

How many creative teachers can think of ways to bring a student’s fear out from the inside, for example, for unless fears are faced, you can never fully realize your potential.

If you are shaping, influencing lives, then these are three critical factors in the way you influence lives. Your influence ripples out from those you shape to the multiplied number of people they relate to.

It’s your job, it’s my job to grow these young ones. It is our job, not just to prepare them for exams, but to prepare them for life. So inspire them to make a difference in their society, and to their society.

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In In Step Volume 19 Issue 4, Lucy considered some of the motives we may have in setting tests that are too difficult. These motives may include testing to punish and testing to show off. In this follow up article, she looks at why we might be tempted to make our tests too simple and what we can do about it.

Tests That Are Too Easy

But I’m only helping…

When I think back over my experiences as a teacher, I see myself constantly trying to encourage my students by helping them to pass. That sounds like a good thing, doesn’t it? Not necessarily. At times, I went about things in a pedagogically sound way. I carefully studied what they need for life and for the exam. I carefully broke down the steps we needed to take to get there and developed tests to help them along the way. But much of the time, I didn’t think it through. I simply set questions and marked leniently, justifying my actions as kindness to the students.

Setting low standards is not kindness.

Study after study has shown that high expectations are critical to student achievement. The truth is, it takes many years of experience to determine what these high and reasonable expectations should be. Accept it that there will be a certain amount of trial and error in your first years of teaching. However, over time, with much prayer and through observing other skillful teachers, you will succeed.

Setting challenging tests presumes that we have equipped our students to take them. God has high standards too. The tests He sets us are challenging. But He equips us to take them.

Who’s watching?

In Colossians Chapter 3, Paul said, ”Keep seeking the things above, where Christ is.” Then he elaborates this in connection with our work:

“Slaves, in all things obey those who are your masters on earth, not with external service, as those who merely please men, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men; knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. For he who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that without partiality.”

Colossians 3:22-25My weakness (as is the case for many teachers) is that I am a people-pleaser. I want my students to like me. This has been one of my reasons for setting

A TIME OF TESTINGPart II by Lucy Toh

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over-simple tests and for leniency in marking. Students like teachers whose subjects they do well in. But Colossians teaches that we dare not merely please men. I have realised too late that there were times when I did not adequately prepare my students – ‘he who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong he has done.’ I did my students a disservice by lulling them into complacency, and the price they paid in poor results must be laid at my door and not just theirs.

Our leaders and colleagues are also watching. How our students do in tests and examinations is one of the ways by which we are evaluated in school. Some teachers, nervous about a poor appraisal, find ways to make their students do well. These are not based on their students’ actual achievement. The Lord sees. It is He whom we serve and it is from Him that we will receive the reward of the inheritance. No earthly ranking or promotion can compare with what He has in store for those who have sincerity of heart and who work fearing the Lord. We can rest assured that if we keep a good conscience, we will be duly recognised, if not on this side of glory, then on the other side.

Honest Revision

How are ‘testing what is taught’ and ‘teaching to the test’ different?

A typical problem that teachers face is that they know in advance what the test will be like and it is very tempting

to teach to the test – that is, to over-prepare the students. It takes wisdom not to do this and it is something we must pray about as we go into ‘revision’ time with our students. If we teach to the test, we are putting our students at an unfair advantage over other students, and we are also not teaching them in a way that brings about genuine learning. How do we discern?

Consider this example: Both Sec 2A and Sec 2B’s Mathematics teachers gave their students practice on sums like those in the test. Yet, one teacher did so honestly and in accordance with sound pedagogical principles whereas the other teacher did so dishonestly, with the intention of having students know exactly how to answer questions on the paper rather than to know the subject.

How did these two teachers’ behavior differ? Sec 2A’s teacher, throughout the term, consistently gave lots of practice on a diversity of sums which would equip them to handle the ones in the test. On the other hand, Sec 2B’s Mathematics teacher (with a wink and a nod) gave the students focused practice a couple of days before the test on sums very much like those they were going to be tested on.

Any teacher will know that it is no simple matter keeping honest in the area of revision. Our actions may appear fairly acceptable if observed by our school leaders, but God examines our hearts.

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“Everyone’s doing it!”

Some of you may say, “Everyone is doing it! If I don’t, I will be putting my students at a disadvantage and I will look bad too!” First, be sure that this is indeed so and not just an excuse. Secondly, find a colleague who shares your values in this area. Thirdly, seek to set an example without laying blame and without being ‘holier than thou’. You could suggest to the other teachers in that level that the final combination of test items be chosen by the HOD or someone who is not teaching the level. In that way, all the teachers will not know exactly what will be in the test and can therefore be protected from the temptation (or the accusation) that they have over-prepared students. If you feel very alone, seek counsel from a senior colleague in the school. If you cannot do that, seek counsel from someone outside the school. All the while, pray and pray. And remember, ‘there but for the grace of God go I’ – we are as flawed as our fellow teachers but for God’s grace acting in our lives through His Holy Spirit.

Fair Marking

School-based Assessment

Mr X and Ms Y came to their HOD deeply disturbed. Mrs Z had given her students very high marks for their Design and Technology artifacts. She would not accept Mr X and Ms Y’s desire to moderate the marks and to mark across classes in order to ensure comparable marks.

If the test is a school-based assessment for a national examination, we may be tempted to give our students high marks because this will put them in a better position. Such grade inflation may also benefit us as we will look like good teachers who produce strong students.

Being honest in this aspect of our teaching is not easy. The best way to ensure honesty is to work closely with our colleagues. If we cannot share openly our approaches to teaching and testing with our heads or colleagues, then we have to ask ourselves if we are compromising God’s standards in some way that we may not want to admit.

Again, we are safest and surest when working with our colleagues. Just as we devise ways to ensure that our students sit for tests and exams honestly (for example, invigilation), we can work out ways to make our testing more sound. Evaluating each other’s students across classes, across levels and across schools is a good way.

What Hope Is There For Us?

We live in a fallen world. As someone once said, “The things that can be measured are of no importance. The things that cannot be measured are of utmost importance.”

The types of tests we use in school are necessarily limited by resources. In an ideal world, an expert assessor might have unlimited time to test, teach and retest each student till he has mastered all the knowledge and skills possible.

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That assessor would understand the student perfectly and recommend precisely the best kinds of future courses and careers for the student’s welfare and for society to benefit from his talents. The assessor would also know the character of the student and through testing, he would strengthen the student’s ability to be faithful, compassionate and responsible.

As with so many aspects of the craft of teaching, at this point we may be tempted to throw in the towel. Can we ever test accurately and fairly? Isn’t this task beyond our frail human ability?

As products of the education system ourselves (and, in some cases, as parents), we may have felt resentful of tests that we felt were inaccurate or unfair. Perhaps we even fear that our future or the future of our children has been irredeemably harmed by the failures of this very human system.

Our hope is in this truth: our lives, in this world and in the next, are in the hands of the only One who is absolutely right and fair in assessment.

As teachers, we need to cry out to God in the staffroom, in the classroom, as we sit in front of our computers and as we sit in front of a pile of papers. As we worry about what the future holds for us whether in our work or personal lives, this is what our Lord is saying to us:

Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am

your God.I will strengthen you, surely I will help you,Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

Gospel Work is God’s Work through Us

Our work as teachers is gospel work. We can, through our teaching, create in our charges a sense of awe about the world we live in and a longing for truth that will lead them to the Creator. We can, through our testing, demonstrate the justice and mercy of our God. We will do so imperfectly, but if we seek the Lord in prayer as we go along, He will empower us to test more rightly and fairly to His glory.

We are not God so we cannot change our students or our colleagues the way He is changing us. But we are His instruments. Paul knew that the Philippian Christians sought to participate in the gospel in all that they did. He said,

“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 1:6

Mrs Lucy Toh is attached to the MOE of Singapore while raising her three boys who are under four years of age. She is the current Chairman of TCF Singapore.

Used with permission from TCF Singapore. This article was published in TCF News (Singapore) Nov 2007.

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“Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time, saying, “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city and call out against it the message that I tell you.”

(Jonah 3:1-2)Nineveh was a wicked place and Jonah did not want to go there to work out God’s intentions for the people there. I would not blame him, because who would want to enter a viper’s pit, much less remain there, until change happens and God’s will overrules?

But to run away is to miss out on the promises of God. This is why I believe it is Nineveh or nothing.

One thing I know for sure. My life is full of miracles and precedents. Even my birth is a miracle in itself as God preserved me in my mother’s womb. Yet again, miracles and precedents cannot take place unless there are the storms, the impossible, and the injustices.

We all face Ninevehs in our lives. During our childhood, it could be sicknesses or being picked on in class. During our teens, it could be love-lost, exams and more exams. During our spring years, it could be making a difference in our careers. During our autumn years, it could be remaining firm in our beliefs

and during our winter years, it could be taking stock of the ‘had beens’ and the ‘could have beens’.

More often than not, like Jonah, we say to ourselves, “I don’t really want to do what God wants me to do.” Even in the event of being sidelined, bullied or trespassed, our first reaction is to remain quiet and suffer the assault rather than raise the issue. Stirring the waters or rocking the boat is a mega risk because one would never know whether the guilty or the innocent would prevail. The bottom line is there is no guarantee or safety net.

Yet, if we know who our God is, then we know He is a fair and just God. He will see that the innocent are vindicated and the enemies put to shame. The only requirement He asks of us is faith that is as small as a mustard seed.

I have known my God for a very long time and He has never failed me. Yet, with each decision I make to stand for truth against every wicked onslaught, my faith quivers and fear arises. The agony is to go through the tunnel and to wait feverishly for the light to

NINEVEH OR NOTHING

by Koh Soo Ling

Continued on page 28

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Words of Lifeby Eunice Kua

“Ms Moey, can my tuition friend come to class?” “Of course!” “Can my cousin come?” “Of course!”

Ms Moey Yoke Lai’s Bible Knowledge (BK) class had started with three students – ‘lovely Christian boys’ - whom she had invited to take BK as a subject in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM). News spread quickly. The next week, she had six students. In two months, there were 12, and by the end of the year, the class numbered 20. Later, she found herself teaching 60 students, in Form Four and Five.

Many Christians today are still not aware that the books of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles can be studied as an SPM subject. As Ms Moey, currently CEO of Methodist College and BK teacher for 35 years, explained at a recent training seminar for BK teachers held at the DUMC Dream Centre in Petaling Jaya, the first BK paper in this country was in 1949. Back then, the SPM paper came from Cambridge and was marked in England. BK was a subject taught in the mission schools during school hours. It was offered at both SRP and SPM level.

After the new KBSM syllabus was introduced in 1993, BK was dropped

from the PMR exam, but the SPM BK paper is still around. It has been set locally by a panel of Christian teachers since 1988. Its existence was threatened in 1994, when along with French, Punjabi, Music and other elective subjects, it was dropped from the SPM and considered a Sijil Am Pelajaran (SAP) subject instead. Thanks to the persistent efforts of a Member of Parliament, this group of subjects was reinstated to the SPM in 1995. The exam remains in English.

But BK is not just another examination subject. “Are we ready to raise up another generation of leaders?” asks Ms Moey, citing the thousands of BK students who have grown up to become the church and political leaders of today. BK teachers are passionate not just for their students to score A’s, but for them to know their faith and be firmly grounded in godly values, especially for those who come from Christian homes.

“It’s tremendous how my students didn’t know the Bible at all, but now I see them talking about God,” says Pastor Karmen Packiam, who heads a homeschooling centre in Bukit Beruntung, Kuala Lumpur. Her class consists of three students from her church. They had asked her to teach them. “Now they have good discussions with their peers—supposedly Christian

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children who do not believe in the existence of God!”

Mr Wrutheran Sinnudurai, a retired teacher who began by teaching his own son BK in Kuala Terengganu agrees. “Very early in the teaching of BK, I was surprised at how shallow the students were in their Bible knowledge despite coming from Christian homes. Sample question: What do you know of Moses? Answer: Is that the guy who built the big ship?

“So one of the things I try to do is help the students understand some of the basic Christian doctrines from Luke and Acts. After two years, I get the satisfaction of seeing them understand the basics of their faith before they leave home to continue their studies. What they learn in BK helps them to be grounded in their faith so that they are in a better position to withstand adverse peer group pressure and other negative influences. I have seen that in most of the kids who did BK, including my own. Most of them participated in a local church or a CF group in their place of study, where they continued to be nurtured in their faith. For me, that is more rewarding than the grades they get. After a year or two, nobody really cares what grade they got for BK in SPM. But what they learnt of their faith, I am confident will take them a long way.”

“It’s a joy to hear from students who have left their hometown or country for studies,” agrees Dr Wong Chow Lan, a medical doctor who has been teaching

BK in Ipoh for 10 years. “They tell me how the two years spent studying BK strengthened their faith and prepared them to face the challenges of leaving home.”

In fact, the teachers themselves, volunteers from different walks of life, have found themselves benefiting. “Basically it’s one way of sharing the Good News with students and this always brings a certain joy to the teacher. I feel it can be a very spiritual journey and keeps one in touch with the Word,” comments Brother Albinus, a Catholic priest from Kuching, Sarawak.

Ms Moey, who has always made time to teach BK, even as a busy school principal, says she has been “the better blessed” over the years. “The more you teach, the more you learn.” She demonstrated the wonder of delving into the books of Luke and Acts during the training seminar, where she took participants through various examples of passages and types of questions.

Of course, the benefits do not come without a lot of effort and commitment on the part of both teachers and students. “Some pupils have difficulty with the language,” says Brother Albinus. “They do pick it up, but it is a slow process.”

“With 10 or 11 other subjects to study, and lots of tuition, they sometimes do not do the reading assignments,” says Mr Wrutheran. “Yet BK is such that one needs to be thoroughly familiar with the text.”

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Still, both teachers and students testify that it is all worthwhile, whatever the results. Many of them have done very well in the exams, while others have done less well but reaped other rewards.

“I’ve seen students struggling with English improve in their command of the language, even after a year of studying BK,” comments Dr Wong. “And even ordinary, average students have done well in BK by sheer hard work.”

“Even though they are busy with many other activities, my students feel that BK gives them a lift, as school can sometimes be drab,” adds Brother Albinus.

Parents at the training seminar were inspired by the stories of how even a single Christian parent or teacher can make a difference. In Penang, one young man gathered 15 parents of children who were in Form One who wanted to study BK. He was able to form a BK Club in their school for that purpose. In Sarawak, a Christian teacher is preparing questions in simple English for around 3000 students around the state who are following the Form One to Form Three BK syllabus. This covers relevant Old Testament passages as well as an introduction to the gospel of Luke.

While the government has given assurances that “as long as you have one candidate, we will still offer BK”, Ms Moey challenged the Christian

community to “wake up and reclaim our privilege and heritage… if we lose it, it will be our own fault.” With our youth under siege from so many influences today, it is vital that they have the Bible as an anchor and a moral compass for life.

“Saturate your hearts and minds,” says Ms Moey. “My vision is that long in the future, long after they have left school, every decision my students make will be based on the knowledge of God’s Word.”

So compelling is the study of the Word that some parents have begun to attend BK classes along with their children, and are even considering taking the exam as private candidates! Pauline Chung, whose own son has already grown up, is hoping to take the exam. “It’s not easy,” she admits. She has also begun to teach BK at her church, along with a young woman who took BK in 1995 when registration was at an all-time low of 20 candidates nationwide. “Scared-lah, being a first-time teacher,” says Pauline. “But I pray very hard, and the textbook is so good—it makes it much easier to teach.”

“Churches should take the initiative to promote BK,” comments another parent, Chuah You Hoo, who was at the training seminar with his wife Susan and their friend Chan Shen Mee. Both families were there to learn more about BK for their children, who are in Form 3 and 4. “It would be good to have a support group for BK teachers to exchange ideas and to provide more

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publicity for parents to know about BK.”

Former students have taken up the challenge to teach BK. Tee Shern Ren, who took the SPM in 2005, is currently pursuing further studies in Australia. During his holidays at home, he teaches BK at his church. At the other end of the spectrum, the formidable Ms Yeo, almost 70 years old and hampered by polio, teaches almost 50 students in her living room every week.

Organisations such as the Malayan Christian Schools Council (MCSC) and the Teachers’ Christian Fellowship (TCF) have produced the essential resources for studying and teaching the subject. These include comprehensive study guides, sample exam questions and a training VCD. There are now even sample videos of BK classes online.

Miss Yin Kam Yoke, formerly Secretary of the MCSC, took BK in 1960. She says, “I think all Christian students who are in Form Four in our Malaysian schools should take Bible Knowledge for the SPM, not to score another A but to keep the Word of God in their hearts. This golden opportunity is available to all Christian students now… to invest in studying the Word of God, and to reap a rich harvest for eternity.”

When Ms Moey started her class with those three students years ago, like all the other BK teachers who have followed her since, she did not charge tuition fees. “My fees will be paid in heaven,” she told her students. “My

only request is that you study hard.” Why did she start? “These boys are so clever, knowing all the pop songs and everything on the Internet,” she said to herself. “I want them to be as clever in God’s Word.”

For more information about SPM BK, contact SU or TCF. You can see BK class videos at tuitionlah.wordpress.com

BK students speak:

Preparing for SPM was not an easy task at all, especially for 12 subjects. But it was God’s Word that kept me going each day. During the course of studying Luke and Acts, I was overwhelmingly encouraged by the life of our Lord Jesus. Also, by memorising the text, I ‘hid His Word in my heart.’ I praise God for granting me awesome results in the SPM. Without Him, I could never have done it. I encourage all students to take BK as an SPM subject. Don’t see this as an extra burden but rather the secret to your success. BK is NOT like any other subject. It is God’s way of speaking to us. Soli Deo Gloria! (All glory be to God!)

Tee Su Yi, SMK Damansara Jaya, 2007

The thought of taking BK for SPM didn’t really appeal to me at first, as it meant more work and less free time for me. However, I have no regrets. When my dad asked me a biblical question one day, I found I could actually quote a few verses and give a reasonable answer. I also found it easier to lead Bible study as I had a better understanding of the

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gospel and could quote some verses and incidents offhand. Though I had studied BK as an extra subject in the hope for an extra A, I have benefited much more than that. I encourage all students to take BK not just for an extra A but for a stronger foundation in God’s word.

Tan Jin Ern, SMK Damansara Utama, 2007

What I have learnt from this subject is beyond description. Attending BK classes had always been a time I looked forward to, though I felt really ashamed because I had thought that I knew Luke and Acts well! Every class was a great time of learning and fellowship, just like the believers in Acts. The Word of God has never seemed so ‘alive’ to me!

Paul Aun Maosen, SMK Damansara Utama, 2007.

I particularly remember one Saturday where we had to hang out at our teacher’s house so we could zoom like a choo-choo-train through Luke. But my biggest surprise through all of these regular Saturdays, 4 to 6 pm, was I’ve found out that ACTS IS ACTUALLY VERY INTERESTING!!!

Adeline Wan Siew Mei, SMK Subang Utama, 2007

Through this subject, I have learnt so many things that I never knew existed. My eyes were opened and my heart was humbled as I realized that there was so much more to God, the Bible and Christianity than this proud mind thought it knew.

Timothy Cheng, Catholic High School, 2006

During my two years taking Bible Knowledge as a subject, I learnt how to manage my time. I had to travel all the

way to KL every Friday from PJ for classes right after my CF meetings. I was also the class treasurer during my second year there. That experience made me a more organized person. I would encourage every single student to take up Bible Knowledge as a subject while you still can. After you leave secondary school, you most likely won’t have that opportunity to study God’s Word like this unless you attend a Bible School.

Liaw Hock Jeen, SMK Taman SEA, 2006

Here is the chance for you to make a stand for God. Even though you may be the only one in your school sitting for this paper, you are not alone. God is by your side, He knows just what you need and how much you can bear. Trust Him! For those who are taking it, learn by heart and take it seriously from the very beginning. Being well-prepared is essential for this paper. Results may be important, but enjoy the process of learning! It is fun studying the Word of Life, when you know just how to apply it in your daily life.

Huong Yu Wan, SMK Abu Bakar, Temerloh, 2004

This article was originally published in Asian Beacon June- July issue 2008. Eunice Kua is attached to Wycliffe Malaysia as part of her preparation to serve God in Africa.

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Our late brother, Henry Wong, started Bible Knowledge (BK) classes in Grace Methodist Church, Miri, at the turn of this century. As the number of students increased, he tried to recruit more teachers to serve in this voluntary ministry. The response was not encouraging. On several occasions, he approached me and encouraged me to take up BK either in my school or in the church. My response then had always been negative. I had been an Additional Mathematics teacher for more than twenty years and I felt it was rather odd for a science-subject teacher to take up a subject like BK. That was what I thought of BK even to the day when Henry announced that he had been diagnosed with a terminal disease and he started to look for people to whom he could pass the baton. That was at the end of 2006.

In early 2007, a BK course was to be held in Pangkor Island and the organizing committee asked for nominations. Again, Henry Wong, though critically ill at that time,

encouraged me to join. I initially told him I was not a suitable candidate, but as I went home that night, I began to experience a lack of peace that persisted for a couple of days. Finally, I told my husband, who had been entrusted to coordinate the nominations, to include my name at the bottom of the list of Miri candidates, so that those who were already teaching BK in their schools would not be deprived of this opportunity. My husband told me of the five nominations from Miri, only one teacher was already teaching the subject and had been placed at the top of the list. The rest were potential teachers who had volunteered to take up this subject. When the list was finalised, I was surprised that I was one of the two chosen from Miri to go for the course.

During the BK course in Pangkor Island, I was touched in many ways. One of them was the testimony by Miss Moey. She testified that she used to be an Additional Maths teacher. She mentioned that even if she could help many to score A1 in Maths, God won’t ask how many students we have helped to get A1 in Add Maths. He would most probably be concerned with how many students I had helped to understand the word of God better. In recent years, due to the declining number of candidature for BK, the paper faced the possibility of being withdrawn from SPM. However, God had in His wonderful ways kept BK as a paper in the SPM examination. Now the urgent need is to encourage more teachers to

Me an SPM Bible Knowledge Teacher?

by Lau Ming Hung

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take up BK teaching to enable more students to sign up for this subject. At the closing session of the course, I shared that if I could get 30 Form 4 students to sign up for BK, I would start teaching BK in my school.

Upon my return, besides promoting BK in my church and in some schools in Miri, I had a briefing for all the Form 3 students in my school right after the PMR exam last year. I gave all of them BK class registration forms and asked them to discuss with their parents and to sign up for the subject when they come for the Form 4 registration at the beginning of this year. At the same time, I scheduled the day and time for the BK lesson so that these potential students could arrange their tuition and other activities accordingly. Before the school closed for the end-of-year long holidays, I received more than 30 registrations for this subject, so I had to get it started as I had already promised.

Initially, I was very nervous about teaching this subject in spite of many years of teaching experience in Maths. During the holidays, I watched Miss Moey’s teaching demo video several times, noting down the teaching processes and techniques she used in her teaching.

When the term started this year, some students dropped out but I received more new registrations. I now have a group of 42 Form 4 students and 6 Form 5 students doing the book of Acts. We have our lessons every

Wednesday afternoon from 2:30 pm till 4:00pm after their regular lessons for that day. I thank God that after going through the lessons for several weeks, I found that teaching BK is not really that difficult, even for a Maths teacher. And I am also blessed as I am getting to know the Word of God better. I am also thankful to God that the Form 4 students have been taking the class seriously and their attendance has been very consistent. Many of them have achieved good marks in all the 3 monthly tests and one term examination.

It is my prayer that we will together press on and the students will register to take the BK paper in SPM exam next year. Most of all, I pray that the BK classes will help them to be deeply rooted in the Word.

Lastly, I would like to challenge Christian teachers to respond to this urgent need to teach BK and also to promote the subject among the young people, especially right after their PMR exam. And parents should encourage their children to take up this subject so that we can achieve the goal of having more than 3000 candidates by 2010. More importantly, this is an opportunity that God has prepared for us to invest in the lives of many, many young people in schools through the teaching of God’s Word.

Lau Ming Hung is a senior teacher at SMK Chung Hua, Miri.

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MIRI by Meechang Tuie

TCF Miri, successfully organized two activities on 19 July this year. A Bible Knowledge for SPM workshop was held for the first time in Miri for teachers, church leaders and parents. The venue was Kerokop Evangelical Church and

there were 78 participants. Miss Moey Yoke Lai, who has travelled throughout the country to speak at BK workshops and seminars, was the speaker. She inspired everyone at the BK workshop to encourage students to sit for the subject at SPM level. Indeed, every participant was excited and motivated and TCF Miri believes, there will be a sharp rise in the number of candidates sitting for the Bible Knowledge next year.

The night of the 19th was a memorable night for about 285 teachers who came for the TCF dinner at Mega Hotel in

Miri. The TCF dinner was organized in conjunction with Teachers’ Day celebration, with the theme, “A Joyful and Fulfilling Journey.” Mr Meechang Tuie, the Miri TCF chairman

and members of the committee felt that a gathering of Christian teachers would not only promote the teaching of Bible Knowledge among the teachers but would also initiate a spirit of unity among Christian teachers in Miri and the surrounding areas.

Miss Moey Yoke Lai and Miss Indy, our TCF Malaysia staffworker, were our guests of honour. Miss Moey shared the Word of God as well as her experiences while Miss Indy shared what TCF Malaysia is doing. It was a good time to introduce TCF as not many Christian teachers know about the existence of TCF. Many expressed their gratitude to the committee for the wonderful evening. They appreciated the speakers as well as the presentations. Praise the Lord. Many are now looking forward to next year‘s celebration.

Meechang Tuie is the principal of SMK Bakong, Miri.

Teachers’ Day Celebrations

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Johor Bahru by Vincent D’Silva

Some 300 Christian teachers, their families, relatives and friends attended the 14th Christian Teachers’ Day celebration and Fellowship Dinner at Marina Seafood Villa on April 19. The annual event was organized by the TCF of Johor Bahru in collaboration with the District Education Department. Present for the occasion was Mrs Gan Seow Heng, the newly appointed chairperson of the Christian Teachers’ Day celebration and the immediate-past chairperson, Mrs Mary George.

The speaker for the evening was Dr. Low Guat Tin , an associate professor in Policy and Leadership Studies at the National Institute of Education (NIE), Singapore who spoke on the theme, “Because of You.” She substantiated her speech with scriptural quotes on being the teacher God has called us to be.

Dr. Low said that teaching is “one great honorable profession” and we must celebrate because we are privileged to have been called into this vocation. She said, “The joy of seeing our financially challenged students moving on in life and the

joy of seeing the fruits of our labour years down the road is immense.” She stressed that there have been countless stories of teachers who impacted the lives of their students, and added that “our work must be to lift people up, then to let go so that those we serve will fly high.”

Dr. Low empathized with the fact that teaching could be very trying and very difficult. For these reasons we need to turn to the Lord who called us into this profession. Paraphrasing Matt 11: 28-30, “He has called you into teaching and He will enable you.” She also took the opportunity to pose several questions to the teachers present and to emphasize their roles as Christian teachers.

She asked, “What can we do to keep ourselves excited about the work we have been called to do?” We need to surround ourselves with people who nourish our spirit and who will pray for and with us. She added, “We also need to mix with passionate people who give us life not deplete our lives.”

She concluded with these words and compelling question: “A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It

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sings because it has a song. So, what is our story and what is our song?”

Vincent D’Silva is currently a lecturer in a college in Johor Bahru. He has been in the teaching fraternity for more than 19 years.

Muar by Amy Ho

This year’s thanksgiving gathering was held on 3 May 2008 at SMK St Andrew Muar and was attended by around 50 Christian teachers and invited guests.

Our speaker was Mr Yap Kok Keong, a former principal of SMK Sg Siput, Perak. His inspiring message reminded Christian teachers of the important role we play in educating young minds. Mr Yap shared some very touching stories on how some of his former students were thankful to him for his input in their lives. This indeed gave us hope that what we have sown or are sowing now may bear fruit much later.

We were also given an update of TCF ministry by Indy. This was followed by an account of activities carried out in a few Muar Schools’ Christian Fellowships via a power-point presentation by Ms Esther Chang, Ms Tan Teng Hwa and Madam Jolene Tan. Finally, after a session of corporate prayer, everyone enjoyed a sumptuous buffet lunch.

Amy Ho teaches in SMK Sg Abong.

Kuching

“Celebration of Life-Changers” was the theme of our Christian Teachers’ Day Celebration which started with a seminar “The Question is the Answer” at St Thomas Secondary School in the morning and culminated with a dinner at the Mian Ann Restaurant. Our keynote speaker, Dr. Low Guat Tin, reminded about 210 teachers of their calling and how they could turn their rich experiences into life-giving lessons for their own students. Besides the yummy dinner and wonderful fellowship, Dr. Low as usual, had us in stitches with her jokes!

Segamat by Chia Wee Chin

A special Sunday service was held in honour of Christian teachers in Segamat. About 20 teachers together with the congregation gathered at Wesley Methodist Church, Segamat on 11 May 2008 to celebrate Teachers’ Day as well as Mother’s Day.

Our guest speaker, Indy, shared with us on the wonderful work that teachers are doing throughout our country,

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especially in the interior parts of East Malaysia. Highlighting on the theme “Thank you teachers for giving to the Lord,” she shared from Matthew 14:13-21 about Jesus feeding the 5000. She drew the parallel of teachers being liken to the 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish which, when broken, can bring about miracles in the lives of the young people put under our charge. When we are ready and willing, the Lord can use our gifts and talents to bless our students and the people around us. This is a real challenge and encouragement to us.

Beatitudes for Teachers

Blessed are you who are called to teach,for you walk in the footsteps of the Master.

Blessed are you who sow peace and harmony in the staffroom,yours will be the joy of the Lord.

Blessed are you who are sensitive to thecries of youth today,for they yearn for the coming of the Kingdom.

Blessed are you when you reach out to Me in your students,for you will surely find Me and rejoice.

Blessed are you who lead young people inthe paths of justice and peace,for you will shine like stars for all eternity.

Pn. Chia Wee Chin is the principal of SMK Canossian Convent, Segamat

Sibu by Mr. Charles Tiong

On behalf of TCF Sibu, I thank the Lord for the timely visit of Indy and Lee Lin to Sibu in July. Around 20 of us gathered at Judy Wong’s house on 26 July 2008. Our SU staffworker, Mr Yusuf Anyi led in the worship as well as the time of prayer. Indeed we had a great time of fellowship.

The update on TCF ministry was very helpful and informative. TCF is doing a good job in recruiting new members, besides encouraging the existing ones. In addition, the TOT (Teachers of Tomorrow) conferences are definitely very helpful in preparing the undergraduates for the world of

teaching. Congratulations on the great work that TCF is doing!

Mr. Charles Tiong is the principal of SMK Teknik, Sibu and also TCF chairman of Sibu, Sarawak.

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Penang by Fong Lye Choo

12 July 2008 was the day when about 40 teachers gathered in the modern, bright, sparkling new auditorium of Methodist Boys’ School to celebrate Teachers’ Day. And we were certainly blessed because we came. First, the use of this beautiful auditorium was arranged by Mr. Khor, the gracious principal of Methodist Boys’ School. Then, we were refreshed by a young, enthusiastic team from the school’s Christian fellowship that led the worship.

For the first time, we also had the privilege to hear Indy, our staffworker. She made her debut in giving her first full talk on the topic, “Thank you for Giving to the Lord” on Teachers’ Day. Indeed, the talk was most inspiring – a result of much prayer which she requested from her TCF supporters.

In her humorous and enlightening power point presentation, she covered several important topics. She shared about how TCF had come into being through the vision of Ms. Elena Cooke and her contemporaries; who realised the vital need for Christian teachers to be connected and strengthened. Using powerpoint presentaion of the sequoia trees, she showed how these trees could grow to great heights, even though they had short roots. The reason – because the roots were connected to each other and therefore could hold each other up. So, our TCF teachers must be like these trees.

In her next topic, she likened the teachers to the 5 loaves and 2 fish from Matthew 14:13-21.

Without God: 5 loaves and 2 fish = 5 loaves and 2 fishIn the Lord’s hand: 5 loaves and 2 fish + Jesus = miraculous feeding of 5000( or even 12,000!)A challenge was also given. Are we prepared to be broken by God so that our lives will have impact? How are we broken? It can be in one or more of the following:

When we are not appreciated by 1. our students or heads.When we are given no promotion 2. or recognition.When we are given low salary.3. When we are given a rural posting.4.

Yet, if we continue to persevere to fulfil God’s call, we will make a difference that will change the lives of our students.

The testimonies of the way teachers from Sabah and Sarawak had touched many young lives through their ministry was most encouraging. The great response from the Iban youth through the Christian Fellowship shows that God is moving mightily

Continued on page 25

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6 July 2008

Dear Diary,

Tomorrow, my journey as an English language teacher will begin. Since the first impressions are so important, I must dress up properly… Have I taken my lesson plans, notebook, pens…? Name tag! Thank you, God for reminding me … As I take my name tag to put into my handbag, I look at it and smile. From tomorrow, the whole school will address me as ‘Ms. Chee’. I giggle; at the same time, I am excited and nervous.

‘Come on, sleep… sleep… Poay Ling, sleep…Ahhh! Chee Poay Ling! You are not listening!’ I could not sleep! I could not help it. Now what? Well, another worry is on my mind. I wonder what my students will think of me. Will they think that I am out of touch, outdated, not ‘cool’ enough for them or preppy? Or worse, will they think that I am too young to be taken seriously? Or… will they laugh at me after the end of each lesson? I must share these anxieties with Father.

27 July 2008

Dear Diary,

I am frustrated! They are not listening. They repeat the same wrong behaviour, they are self-centred and rebellious! I am in a rage, Lord. They don’t respect people! … Sorry, I broke the promise

between us that I shall not complain but give thanks in all things. I am just being emotional for awhile.

Lord, take away this ‘cup’ yet I am willing to do Your will. It has been already three weeks. Lord, it is not easy at all. I still struggle sometimes. However, I see beyond the clouds and know why You have put me in that problematic class. Lord, there’s a mix of delighted and awful feelings. I give thanks for this precious experience.

Is it because of my class management or is it human nature? Students want to challenge teachers and the school. They do not like rules and they just want to decide what is good for themselves. I think it is the rebellious human nature. Whenever I think of my students, I think of Adam and Eve. Adam and Eve believed in the lie that not living under authority and rules would give them freedom so they rebelled and chose the forbidden fruit. The truth is that sin makes them slaves to sin. I see that in my students. Some are living in lies and they have the rebellious human nature. Sometimes their behaviour makes me feel sick but when I think again, don’t we too repeat our mistakes or sins? But God has not given up on us.

It is for sinners who need love and salvation that You died on the cross. Now, You have placed me, your daughter, here for the problematic and self-centred students who actually

Dear Diaryby Chee Poay Ling

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need love and enlightenment to see their wrong doings. I know that You want me to be more like You because You love me.

I believe there will be times when many of us will have to choose whether to give up or not on certain students. I have also come to see that teachers are expected to be able to finish a lot of heavy paperwork and cover many lessons. When teachers are as busy as bees and as hardworking as ants, and have to accomplish tasks given and attend to students’ needs, would they

still have extra time to care for students after the lessons? This is something really new that I have encountered. I pray that God will bless teachers and give them special strength to do all these.

As a teacher for about a month, I have come to see and learn more about people. My students reflect their human nature. They remind me about how God looks at me when I make the same mistakes in life. At the same time, I have also experienced and felt the love God gives us. How much joy and worship we bring to Him when we obey Him.

because Christian teachers are willing to pay the price to answer God’s call.

Last but not least, we had the opportunity to tour the newly renovated, magnificent Suffold House, once the official residence of Francis Light, founder of Penang.

We were truly blessed because we came.

What teachers said:

We were very encouraged and inspired by what Indy is doing and also by the work done by our young teachers in East Malaysia. We wish more teachers had come for this meeting.

~ Janice & Zachary Teh~Indy’s sharing – encouraging and practical with all the well-prepared and chosen powerpoint slides.

~Cheam Cheng Sooi~

Indy is like local ginger: ‘hot’! Her sharing is both inspiring and challenging. She should be added to TCF’s ‘staple fare’ of speakers for Teachers’ Day.

~ Mrs. Chin Sook Chun ~5 loaves + 2 fish + Jesus = Miracle. Superb biblical sharing. Very encouraging report of young teachers serving in the interior of Sabah & Sarawak. 3 generations serving in TCF: Pass on the legacy, thumbs up, hats off to them! I am totally uplifted by Indy’s talk and committed to pray for TCF.

~ Queenie Lo ~A refreshing look at TCF ministry and our partnership with God in our teaching.

~ Yoke See ~

Reported by Ms Fong Lye Choo, a strong TCF supporter and life-member from Penang.

Continued from page 23

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Which God is like this?by Tey Siew Peng

If life is a roller-coaster, then I have just gone on one. It’s frightening going up and even more frightening coming down. And don’t mention those moments when you go upside-down. How happy I am to be down on level ground again.

I have never had such a topsy-turvy experience in my life before. I went through it for two years. During the two years, I was in total depression and thought the worst of myself. There were times I wanted to end my life. Yet the Lord has seen me through it all.

My husband is an epileptic and his condition didn’t improve even with medication. In fact, it got worse. All the while, I was expecting him to improve and I never expected his condition to deteriorate. His worst attack was in 2005. I was under so much pressure because my child was only 5 years old and I just felt that I would go under the load I was handling. I thought that getting a lighter job would solve my problem so I quit my teaching job at a government school after getting another teaching job in the private sector. It later turned out bad too, after only half a year.

I was stunned. My husband could not work and I had quit one job and lost the other. I started some tuition classes to provide the income but I was very depressed, and down and out. I even

lost my confidence in teaching English. My tuition students and parents gave me problems too until I really wanted to call it quits. But then there was this Relief Teaching scheme which came to my rescue. But it didn’t lift my spirit and I just continued to feel lousy.

Then the Prime Minister announced that teachers who had resigned could reapply to teach again. So I did. And they gave me Kelantan. That was in May 2006. Together with my husband, we took a bus to the school to see what the place was like and we decided it was not suitable for us. That was another downturn of events. I notified the Ministry of Education of my decision and continued with my tuition classes and Relief Teaching. I really didn’t know what the best thing to do was and I was depressed all the time.

Then, lo and behold, the KPM sent me a letter calling me for an interview in JB in Dec 2006. I went and also sat for an aptitude test. This time, my spirit was somewhat uplifted. I was hopeful yet was prepared for the worst. In 2007, I kept my tuition volume low and also stopped going for the Relief Teaching since I thought I might be going back to teach again. I waited and called and waited and called. Months passed. In August 2007, I found out that the posting letter had actually been sent to me in March 2007. But my address was

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incomplete and the letter did not reach me. I notified KPM and forwarded copies of the letter from JPNJ which had the mistake in the address.

Then it was another long wait. I checked with JPNJ from Oct to Dec 2007 and finally gave up. I decided it was time to live my life whether or not I had a teaching job. I just couldn’t go on being depressed. I decided tuition was going to be part of my life. So I advertised for students but did not accept students who weren’t interested in learning. With two consecutive adverts in a Chinese paper at the beginning of the year, the response was great. I had good students who really wanted to learn and good parents with good intentions of getting tuition for their kids. Soon I was quite immersed in my tuition work. I didn’t care or enquire anymore about the government teaching job.

And right, you guessed it - another letter came - to ask me to go for an interview and also to sit for the aptitude test again. Well, I was elated. I was happy that I was going to have another chance. I was told that I would get the posting in June 2008. So I thought I could at least teach my tuition classes for half a year and then decide on what to do next.

Lo and behold, a letter came in April requesting me to go for an orientation in this school in JB and also to get the offer letter. I didn’t know which school it was. Anyway, I went and everything turned out beyond my expectations. It was a town school that is reputable.

Immediately, I knew I wanted to go there. It’s in JB, about 20 minutes drive from my home and is an all girls’ school. I reported on that same day and was given the afternoon session.

All I needed to do was to go and receive because God had everything arranged for me. Being in the afternoon session meant I could do the cooking for breakfast, lunch and dinner before I go to school. My son is in the afternoon session too. My husband sees to getting him ready for school. By evening when I get home, my son is back and my husband will heat up the food for dinner. Everything just fell into place without me having to make any alternative arrangements. Life went on like it had not changed much for the year.

If I had received that lost letter the year before, I would have to travel about 40 km to the school assigned to me. It was in JB but very far away. And now, I’m so happily settled in my job and my family life. I still teach some tuition classes and I am able to cope.

I remember I used to wonder how people or Christians deal with big problems in their lives. And then the downturn of events occured in my life...

And now I’ve got the answer... there’s nothing God cannot do and there’s no problem too big for Him. Nothing is impossible with God! I can now see things which had been problems to me from a different perspective. When

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the teachers and even the HM in my former school knew I had got back my job again, they were all amazed! To some of you this may be a small thing. But to me it nearly took my life. Well, I praise Him for everything. He is really a wonderful God.

He even knows when I’m tired and when I need more rest. On days when I am really tired, my tuition kids will call up to say they’re not coming! It has happened so many times that I

know God even knows when I’m tired. I don’t have to tell Him. He knows. Which God is like this?

Now, I’m waiting for the next miracle, my husband’s healing and his coming to know the saving grace of God. Do join me to pray. Thank you.

Tey Siew Peng teaches at SMK SETA, Johor Bahru.

appear at the end. I find my solace and my strength in praying, worshipping and fasting. On my notice board, I have a printout that reads, “For of Him and to Him and through Him are all things. To him be the glory, forever…Amen.”

Just yesterday, a CEO of a private higher education institution, visited me at my office to discuss some matters. At the end of the discussion, he asked me whether he could make a personal observation.

Amused, I told him, “Go ahead.”

He said, “In all my dealings with you, I’ve noticed that you are very calm.”

I smiled and made a quick mental assessment of the statement. I think I know where the calmness springs from.

Associate Professor Koh Soo Ling is the media manager of Higher Educaton Leadership Academy, Ministry of Higher Education. She can be contacted at kohsl@mohe.gov.my

Continued from page 11

Teacher : Maria, go to the map and find North America .

Maria : Here it is.Teacher : Correct. Now class, who

discovered America ?Class : Maria.

Teacher : Donald, what is the chemical formula for water?

Donald : H I J K L M N O.Teacher : What are you talking about?Donald : Yesterday you said it’s H to O.

Teacher Jokes

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Celebrating God’s Faithfulness

This speech was given by Ms. Yin Kam Yoke at her retirement dinner held in her honour at Eastin Hotel, Petaling Jaya on 5 April 2008.

Tonight, as I look at all of you, I am overwhelmed because I remember with deepest gratitude God the Master Weaver who has made something beautiful of my life and who has given me the privilege and honour of serving Him in the Methodist Church in Malaysia, first as Deputy Education Secretary (1998 - September 2004) and later as the Education Secretary (October 2004 till today). Not many people have the privilege of serving another 10 years after Government service in God’s service! He has also positioned me to be the Honorary Secretary of Malayan Christian Schools’ Council in which I serve 227 mission schools. I am deeply touched that my big boss, Bishop Dr. Hwa Yung and other bosses, the Council of Education, Methodist Church in Malaysia, have seen fit to honour me with this retirement dinner. I am also gratified that my friends in the Malayan Christian Schools’ Council have also joined in. Last but not least, I am deeply honoured by the presence and attendance of old friends, retired Principals, Headmasters, my teachers from MGSS Ipoh etc. and significant

others who have come from near and far for this dinner. I am also deeply touched that members of my own church, Emmanuel Methodist Church, PJ are also here. Last but not least I am very gratified that my old student, Teresa Gnanakkan, is also here. At this age, I am not likely to have a wedding dinner, much against the hopes of Bishop Hwa Yung and some others who think that I am still marriageable. Neither am I likely to organize a wedding dinner for my children because I don’t have any. The only time my friends and well wishers will gather is at my wake or funeral service. So it is good that you come now while I am still alive and kicking.

I thought that after 31½ years in Government service as a school teacher, a lecturer and Head of Department in two teachers’ training colleges as well as being Principal of one Government school and one Government-Assisted Mission School, I would have enough experience and skills to negotiate with the Ministry of Education Malaysia to get better deals for our mission schools. Yes, I did have the skills, experience and connections but more than that God gave me His grace and favour. A high authority in the Ministry of Education once pounded his table, telling me that I was a troublemaker, obstructing their

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plans from Kedah to Johore. After shooting a prayer to Father God, I looked steadily at him and said, “No, that’s not true. We, Methodists don’t have schools in Kedah or Johore.” He replied, “I don’t care. You bring all sorts of brothers and sisters to see me!” Yet after talking and arguing with him for 30 minutes, he stood up, smiled, extended his hand for a handshake and said, “Pagi-pagi lawan, sekarang kawan.”

When I was baptised in Reading at Wycliffe Baptist Church in 1984, little did I know that from that one step of faith in Jesus Christ, it would lead to other steps like a cascade. I became Principal of MGSS Ipoh in 1988, then Deputy Education Secretary in July 1998. I thought I wasn’t qualified enough in Methodism but God knew and ordained it so. Otherwise why would He let me be born on May 24, Aldersgate Day, the day of John Wesley’s heart-warming experience and why did He make me answer Rev. Bob Archer of Wycliffe Baptist Church, Reading, who posed me this question, “And where will you worship in Malaysia?” “The Methodist Church!” Logically, I should have said “The Baptist Church!”

God has also given me such a great love for mission schools - His schools. I remember that as a pupil of MGPS Melaka, we, small 7 year olds were sent to the beach to bring back pails of sand to the school. How my little heart swelled with pride to know I was helping to build a new school block!

Today, He has positioned me to do my best not only to build new school blocks but to help in the building up of His people in schools and churches. As I reach the end of my official working life, I ponder over the main message that I would like to leave with you and it is for me as well. Very often caught up in working, achieving, accomplishing, in quantifying victories and in fighting for justice, we forget mercy. I am also guilty of this. Are people digits of production or are they fearfully and wonderfully made in His image? Do we build them up or tear them down by our words and actions? I often remember Rev. Bob Archer’s words: It is easy to love the lovable, the lovely and the loving. It is very hard to love the unlovable, the unlovely and the unloving but this is what Jesus tells us to do.

I pray that God will give us His greatest gift - that of love and compassion that binds all of us and makes us able to empathize with the sorrows and predicaments of others. And by this shall all men know we are His disciples, if we have love one for another.

People think of me as an “iron lady”, full of steel and resolve, of great courage and audacity. Actually, as my teachers will attest, I was a shy introverted school girl who could hardly speak a word to friends, teachers and other adults. Mrs. Rajendran, my 6th Form teacher, always tells me she is amazed at my transformation into an “overbearing presence.” It is by God’s

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grace that He has transformed me to do His work, by making me overbearing, persistent and vocal, to the extent of being pressurizing.

Someone asked me what I thought my greatest contribution was. I had to think hard. Of course I had spearheaded fundraising for Trinity Hall, at MGSS Ipoh, met many Director Generals of Education, even taken beehoon side by side with Datuk Seri Lim Keng Yaik and telling him, “The nominal quit rent must be RM1 and the arrears must also be a nominal RM1. Otherwise paying the arrears will kill us,” and done my best to emplace the best principals in our mission schools. But today, as I look back, I think my greatest contribution was the official approval for the change of text for the S.P.M. Bible Knowledge Paper from the Revised Standard Version to the Good News Version. Because I was in the COE office when the Lembaga Peperiksaan official asked me, “Under whose authority do you ask for the change of text from Revised Standard Version to the Good News Version?”, I could answer, “The MCSC.” I had sent off the letter under the MCSC letterhead in 2003 but no reply came until that fateful day in 2005. Within 7 weeks, the approval from the Lembaga Peperiksaan came, reminding me of the bamboo tree which lay dormant in the ground for 6 years and during the 7th year, shot up 90 feet. I cannot claim credit for what MCSC under Mrs. G. Rajendran, as an act of faith and as a team decided that the text be changed and that Goh

Kim Guat be commissioned to write the Study Guides. I wrote 2 letters for Bishop Paul Tan, Chairman of Christian Federation Malaysia to sign without even speaking to him. My spokesman was Laurie. The letters were signed, sent off to the Lembaga and presto! permission was given for the change of text with effect from 2007. Today, the candidacy for the Bible Knowledge paper for SPM is 900 and our books are into their third printing. I praise God for this, His hand of mercy in preparing the next generation for the sowing of His Word and that He found me worthy to be His pencil. I appeal to the churches to continue to support our mission schools and to increase Bible Knowledge candidacy and also to promote teaching as a mission and vocation.

Today as I retire as Education Secretary, I am deeply thankful that my circle of friends has widened - I know an Assistant Governor of Bank Negara, a CEO of a bank, a physicist who once briefed the then Prime Minister, Tun Hussein Onn, lawyers, accountants, doctors, dentists, senators, MP’s, the former President of the Senate, and of course principals, teachers, priests, pastors, Presidents, Bishops, coffeeshop friends, etc.

At the Council of Education, many pastors think I can solve all kinds of problems on education and some think I am God, able to foresee things. I remember one Penang Chinese Methodist Church pastor who sent

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me a young man from Penang who had done his teacher training in Sabah and absconded when he was sent to a school in Labuan. After working in Han Chiang Private School for quite a low salary, he wanted to become a government teacher and therefore had to be emplaced by the Ministry of Education. I took him there to find out how to go about it and was properly scolded by the DG when I asked whether he could be emplaced in a school in Peninsular Malaysia. After helping to write his letter of application for emplacement, I prayed for him by holding his hands. As I did so, I felt suffocated by fear. Immediately, I dropped his hands and said, “The Holy Spirit is telling me you are full of fear” and he replied, “Yes, sister Yin, all the time!” My answer to him was “No, you are a man. You should not feel fear. Only women are allowed to be fearful but I will pray for you to be full of courage for God did not give us a spirit of fear and timidity.” In spite of my advanced years, I still have misconceptions about men! Forgive me.

Besides attending to the administrative details and counselling and advising our principals and headmasters, I find that God has emplaced me to counsel and pray for those who come my way, even the applicants for the Methodist Education Foundation. As one Indian girl applicant was being interviewed and asked about her father, tears gathered in her eyes. I knew at once she was in a painful condition. Her

mother had to work in Singapore to support the family; her father suffered from dementia. I told her to wait till lunch time. I would speak to and pray for her. As I prayed for her, I felt God’s love enveloping her. Last year, she came to see me to ask me to pray for her and her friend. She also invited me to her graduation ceremony. She looked at me with so much love and gratitude that it made up for all the backbreaking work I had to do, all the cases of ingratitude, evasions and character assassinations.

Yes, I never refuse a request for prayer and blessing and I am amazed that He has used me to minister to so many people even in my work place. And my heart fills up with thankfulness that He has used me to be His vessel for blessings and ministry and that as I build up and affirm others, I myself am edified and blessed.

I must confess that because I was convent-educated and inculcated with the concept of papal infallibility, in my naiveté, I thought Bishop Hwa Yung was also infallible, knew and understood all things, even into the far future, and able to solve all kinds of problems. It was Mr. Albert Quah who once told me, “Miss Yin, you are worshipping the Bishop. Remember, he is just a man!” That remark shook me. “No, not just a man. An extraordinary man used by God for His purposes.” Bishop, sometimes I remember you are not a deity and provoke you, just to prove you are a human being like

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all of us. Please forgive me and my idiosyncrasies!

I have learnt much from Bishop Hwa Yung. If I am a driver, he is a much harder driver with a very clear mind, pruning away all non-essentials. He is always in a hurry and thinks I am a slow coach. But I know God has His timing for all things; the fruit must be ripened, ready for plucking. “Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labour in vain.”

I take this opportunity to thank Bishop Hwa Yung and all members of the Council of Education for their grace and favour, their cooperation and willingness to work hard and as a team for Methodist education. Forgive me if I have not expressed my deepest appreciation before. And forgive me too for pressurizing you and being overbearing!

I also express my gratitude to our school principals and headmasters for their willingness to listen and follow directions. Thank you for your friendship. In many cases, your struggles and challenges also become mine as well and I agonize with you over your predicaments. It is such a privilege to share your joys and sorrows. I thank God I can pray for you and be in the position to walk the extra mile if need be.

I thank my church, Emmanuel Methodist Church, P.J. I have recruited help from EMC for many projects. Thank you, Mr. Daniel Lim Hin Soon

and friends. I made you four jump up and down on the floorboard of house No. 12, Jalan Cenderasari to check on its solidness. Because of you four, MGSSKL can use this lovely old house for their needs as well as 1st KL Girls’ Brigade Company. I have also collected money from EMC members for the needs of our Methodist government-assisted schools. Thank you. I promise after tonight I will stop taxing you.

I would also like to thank my staff who have worked for and with me in all kinds of moods and seasons - when we were reduced to a skeleton staff of four - Susie, Elizabeth, Ramanan and myself taking care of 62 Methodist mission schools, 6 private schools and colleges, property, quit rents etc., etc.

I also thank my two able deputies who have planned this retirement dinner for me painstakingly. To them I pass on the baton of the Council of Education, Methodist Church in Malaysia and eventually of the Malayan Christian Schools’ Council. Forgive me for telling you stories from the days of my headship in SMK Kampar and MGSS Ipoh. These stories were to widen your experience and perspective. I also thank Mrs. Vimala Mathews and Mrs. Jenny Ho for planning my retirement dinner so meticulously and so lovingly. I understand Mrs. Mathews so well because she is much like me. In fact, I thank God He enables me to understand and empathize with so many people.

Last but not least, I want to pay tribute

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to three education secretaries - Mr. D.R. Daniel, Mr. Yong Chee Seng and Mr. Goh Keat Seng. Mr. D.R. Daniel and Mr. Yong were instrumental in asking for me to head MGSS Ipoh in 1988. I have learnt much from them, especially from Mr. Yong whose mind is still alert and agile. To Mr. Goh who was also my teacher in 6th Form, High School, Melaka and my superior officer from 1998 to 2004, I have learnt grace, forgiveness, courtesy and not to write letters which are emotive to government departments.

As to what I will do after retirement, have no fear, my mind will not degenerate. I have so many interests and so many projects I want to accomplish before I pass on. My church, friends and other organisations are also telling me, “Once you are retired, you can do this and that!” Some have already co -opted me into their committees. For a start, I would like to go to the USA first for a holiday and a prayer conference.

And of course I will write my booklet, “Tales and Testimonies” scheduled to be printed in 2009. Old friends know I was an aspiring short story writer. Within me are trillions of ideas and experiences for short stories. But with so many projects in the COE and MCSC to attend to, my brain became dry at the end of the day. Hopefully, it will gush out living water after I have retired. As Robert Browning says it so well “The Best is Yet To Be”.

Once again I thank Bishop Hwa Yung, the Council of Education and all of you for honouring me with this retirement dinner. This is the second big party I have had - the first organized by Puan Lee Ah Kim on 24 May 1988 and now this party organized by my staff. Last but not least, I thank, from the bottom of my heart, the GB Handbells Choir of KL Wesley for their musical offering from their hearts and hands. Thank you. May God bless you all.

Teacher JokesTeacher : John, why are you doing your

math multiplication on the floor? John : You told me to do it without

using tables.Teacher : Glenn, how do you spell

‘crocodile?’Glenn : K-R-O-K-O-D-I-A-L’Teacher : No, that’s wrongGlenn : Maybe it is wrong, but you

asked me how I spell it.

Teacher : Winnie, name one important thing we have today that we didn’t have ten years ago.

Winnie : Me!

Teacher : Glen, why do you always get so dirty?

Glen : Well, I’m a lot closer to the ground than you are.

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Inspiring Movies for Teachers – A Review

I Not Stupidby DG

This movie, produced by our southern neighbour, is hilarious, depicts life in Singapore, specifically the educational system there, yet is still very relevant for us here in Malaysia. I have seen this movie a few times already, but each time it doesn’t fail to make me reflect again (and ‘repent’) on the way I tend to see my students, which is that students are generally spoilt, have to be pushed to do work, and do not feel any qualms about twisting the truth to protect themselves or a friend. And the movie continues to jerk at my heart strings for the misunderstanding and

mistreatment we teachers and parents sometimes inflict on our students.

The movie revolves around three close friends who are placed in the last class in their form. Terry, an obedient but rich and pampered kid, narrates the story and describes the school as a ‘prison’ system – fencing with barb wires surrounding the school, strict rules, and cell-like classrooms with ‘inmates’ streamed according to their ‘crime’ of academic inaptitude. The students in this ‘bottom’ class are encouraged to study and work hard

!

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so that they might be ‘somebody’ in the future. The table is turned on the teacher when a student asks the teacher whether she is a ‘somebody’ now after so many years of working hard. Of course, the teacher is at a loss for words. It is not surprising that the way students tend to see ‘school’ can be vastly different from how we teachers see ‘school’. But more importantly for us as Christian teachers, how does God want us to see our students and ourselves?

The second boy, Kok Pin, is diligent but Mathematics is just not his forte. His concerned mum fears that he will not make it in the world without academic qualifications. She listens to old wives’ counsel on how to educate her child. She canes her son thinking that he is just lazy. This drives Kok Pin to attempt suicide when he failed, yet again, to achieve a good grade in his Mathematics paper for his mother. Notice that I wrote ‘for his mother.’ Education (for children) is generally about the parents’ or the teachers’ aspirations. Should we not give consideration to the child’s own aspirations too? For example, Kok Pin has a strong plus point. He may not be good with words and numbers but he is good with pictures. His drawing not only wins second place in an international competition but also a scholarship to study overseas. Does God require us to get A’s spiritually to receive eternal life? Neither should we require our students to get A’s academically to get a life.

Boon Hock, the third boy in the movie, is also poor in his studies, but he is a son any parent would be proud to have. He helps his mother manage her wonton noodles stall, looks after his little brother and stands up for his friends. Due to this last mentioned trait, he frequently gets called up for disciplinary action. And though he is in the right, his witness fails to stand up for him. Sometimes, the disciplinary problems in our schools are not committed in a brash defiance of rules and regulations. Sometimes, one gets blamed because of the actions of the other party (as when a cousin from the top class taunts Boon Hock over his Mathematics marks). Sometimes, one gets punished for trying to do good (as when Boon Hock lets Kok Pin copy his answers in a test so that Kok Pin could impress his mother). A student who has passed through the school’s disciplinary system need not necessarily be ‘bad’. He could be ‘naughty’ and maybe plain unlucky. God forgives sinners, teachers can forgive delinquents.

Yes, I not stupid. I not clever either but I may got special talent. No, I not lazy, I may just be slow. Okay, I may be stupid, but still I am human being. Teacher, parents, have faith in me. The world does not revolve around academic results. Treat me well and guide me well. I will turn out okay.

DG is a teacher who likes watching movies.

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S.O.S.: 1 to 1Dear Lifebuoy,

Sometimes, there seems to be this unfairness in the allocation of teaching periods, subjects to be taught and duties by the school’s administrators. Another teacher seems to get a lighter load than one does. Is it Christian to be meek and accept things as they are? Or can we do something else? Besides being jealous, of course. :)

Meeky

Teaching periods are allotted by also weighing other jobs in the school. Some ‘heavier’ jobs take a lot of time and the person with that job is given lighter loads in other areas. Teaching load may seem unfair, but sometimes the number of subject teachers available in the school may not tally with the number of subject teachers required by the school. There may be an abundance of Geography teachers and not enough English teachers. So the geography teachers get fewer classes (and remember that not all classes take Geography) and then get a mix of PJ or other filler subjects, whereas the English teacher is loaded to the brim because there is a lack of English teachers, especially in the rural schools.

All said, there is also some degree of favoritism in schools, especially with

school administrators, and people doing the timetable. And it has also become an ‘unofficial practice’ for schools to load the new teachers. For whatever reasons, valid or not, it happens – only to what degree?

I say we should take it in our stride. Christian meekness does not mean weakness. Remember that whatever comes our way is what God Himself has allowed. So if we get a lot of classes, think of how much influence you can have on so many students. Think of how much you can teach them. We are called to teach so this may be a good opportunity to do that. To me, teaching a subject is only part of our job; the more important point is how much we can impact the lives of our students. And we can do that by having more time with them.

Try not to compare your workload with the other teachers’ workloads. You may get disappointed. Compare how much you can teach and share with your students. You may get encouraged.

However, in the event that you really cannot manage, speak to the principal and/or school administrators. Explain that at least you have tried for a couple of months, and that you cannot cope. Could your load be rearranged? Share your strengths and interests with them and suggest where you might better fit in and work. Be honest. Do not nod

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pleasantly in front of the principal and bad-mouth the whole system behind him. Do not “simply won’t do my work” or take it out on your students.

However, just because you have accepted a ‘heavy load’, it does not imply that you should ‘be walked upon’ when another job comes along. Explain, with proof, that you have much work, then firmly minta maaf and decline any other ‘big job’ that might be thrown your way.

Sometimes our Christian testimony is best shared when we are facing challenges.

Lifebuoy 1 is a senior teacher at SMK Abu Bakar, Temerloh, Pahang.

The question touches on perspectives – a micro one as perceived by the individual teacher whereas the administrators always have the macro view. The teacher – loaded with duties and teaching periods - only assesses things from his point of view. The principal and school adminstrators look at the big picture and try their best to be as fair as possible. Normally, administrators follow a formula which ensures that there is a fair distribution of the duties. Also, bear in mind that certain posts like the Library teacher, the Sports Secretary, the Exams Secretary and the like are considered heavy responsibilities; therefore the holder normally would be exempted from games and can have a lighter teaching load. However, depending on

the size of the staff, in some schools even holders of the above posts are still loaded with other responsiblities.

It pays to cultivate good working relationship with the administration. The tendency of most teachers is to keep their distance. The principal would always appreciate someone who would lend his support to the school’s programmes and carries out his duties without grumbling and expecting any reward. Where the communication lines are open, and mutual understanding is established, it is easier to negotiate because the administration knows that the teacher has a genuine reason for declining a certain responsibility and is not a shirker. All in all, you are encouraged to take whatever is given, unless you have far too many things on your platter which may hinder you from being effective or you may have a health reason. Learning how to cope with the `unfair’ work distribution can actually help you to handle the different aspects of school life. Learning to multi-task will help you to be an effective administrator in the future, should the Lord open that door to you.

Sometimes, an overloaded teaching load or set of duties could be an oversight. Point out to the administration respectfully and tactfully. If, after having done so, they could not change because of a lack of personnel, accept it graciously.

Also, accept the fact that 100% fairness is a fallacy. It is impossible to

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make sure that every teacher gets the equal number of teaching load and co-curricular and other responsibilities.

Granted there are principals and senior assistants who are not sympathetic and have favourites. In such a situation, ask for God’s grace to endure and submit to the authorities as instructed by the apostle Paul in Romans 13:1.

Don’t fight for your rights. A teacher who is ever so conscious of his rights but at the same time does not do his share of the workload, puts off any principal and administrator. Rewards are bestowed out of appreciation for helpfulness, hard work and faithfulness at a job, never demanded of or imposed upon the administration.

We are God’s children and He takes care of His own. He is on our side when we do right and He sees what we are doing and will reward us at the right time. He is no man’s debtor. He would want us to remember that we are servants

and we are at our earthly masters’ bidding. Whatever we do, let us do it with excellence and wholeheartedly (Colossians 3:22-25). Jesus teaches us in Luke 17:7-10 the right attitude as a servant ‘So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, “We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty”.’ The Lord declares that ‘... I am among you as one who serves’ at the Last Supper (Luke 22:27). Let us be known as teachers who are an asset to our schools and a delight to work with.

Lifebuoy 2 retired as principal of SMK St Mary, KL and is currently the deputy principal of a private school in KL.

(We invite readers to respond or contribute to this column by emailing to tcfmy@pd.jaring.my)

Teacher : George Washington not only chopped down his father’s cherry tree, but also admitted it. Now, Louie, do you know why his father didn’t punish him?

Louis : Because George still had the axe in his hand.

Teacher : Now, Simon, tell me frankly, do you say prayers before eating?

Simon : No sir, I don’t have to, my Mom is a good cook.

Teacher : Clyde , your composition on ‘My Dog’ is exactly the same as your brother’s. Did you copy his?

Clyde : No, sir. It’s the same dog.

Teacher : Harold, what do you call a person who keeps on talking when people are no longer interested?

Harold : A teacher

Teacher Jokes

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In partnershipNEWS & VIEWS FROM TCF

We are most thankful to Mrs Lucy Toh, the chairman of TCF Singapore for heading the organising committee of this year’s conference. The planning started in March and there is still a lot more to be finalized. Please uphold Lucy and all in the committee members in your prayers as we look into the details.The minimum conference fee of RM 300 includes the fee for the conference, all meals and stay at the Girls’ Brigade. I know that you find it hard to believe this is possible in this day and age! How come? The organising committee has graciously decided to keep the conference fee below the actual cost to encourage members to attend. In fact, the conference is a highly-subsidised one as individuals in Singapore are helping to raise funds for us. ACTC is indeed a gift to TCF Malaysia. N.B The pre-conference has been cancelled and all the workshops will be incorporated into the

main conference.TCF Malaysia feels honored to offer two plenary speakers at the 4th ACTC.

Plenary Session 2: MAD IN SCHOOLby Mr. Cheli TamilselvamAs teachers, we face numerous challenges and serious inconveniences each day in our school life. I have often asked myself as to why I should care when the rest of the world does not seem to care much for the students. To be known as MAD in school requires each one of us to be compassionate, convinced and committed to our calling as Christian Teachers. We are not merely teachers who are Christians but rather Christians who are teachers in schools.

Plenary Session 3: POWER AND PASSIONby Mr. Yap Kok KeongStaying the course in the teaching profession is not just about perseverance under challenging and soul-sapping circumstances but motivation, direction, sense of purpose and faith in the

teaching profession. What enables us to stay the course is not the mere love of teaching but the passion to love the ones we are privileged to teach. How is this love to be expressed in the seemingly mundane context of school-life? In the end, for the Christian teacher, the power and the passion flow from God, the source, and require a vital connection to Him to be rightly understood, fruitfully exercised and sustained.Praise God that our two Cambodian guests whom we are sponsoring for the conference have obtained their passports. We are also grateful to the five sponsors who have given generously to their support. We have raised RM 3300. To date, around 35 members have signed up for the coming conference. We can take up to a 100. I assure you that you will be thoroughly inspired, encouraged and blessed at the conference. Come and join us!

Indy is the TCF national coordinator.

StayingThe Course

4th Asian ChristianTeachers’ Conference,

27 – 30 Nov 2008