KDN : PP114764/1/2008 Strictly for Private Circulation Jan - April 2008

Redevelopment of Jalan Tengah land• Page 5

Transformation Of Congregations

What’s

How can one stay in the Call of the Lord for the whole of their life? What is the secret of

the spiritual ‘giants’ of the Bible and the Christendom that has kept them faithful till the end?

From the perspective of a person who is not a Christian, the Christian Church has always been very different from her external appearance. From the outside, some people see the Christian Church as a religious body teaching and instructing people to do the right things and to adopt a morally right livelihood. Others see it as an organization of people having the same belief and practices in God. Still others view it as a charitable body helping the poor and needy. Christians have always believed that the Church is not an institution, an organization or a building. It is an assembly of people who believe in the same God of the Bible and wish to worship and serve the Almighty God as their Lord and Saviour.

It is through the Bible that we have known the Person of Jesus Christ, the Son of God and His ministry. The Bible, to the Christians, is the Word of God written by man in the words of man. We also believe in the Living Word of God spoken through man in the words of man under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Jesus is the ‘Word became fl esh’. It is precisely this Word of God that has created ‘transformation’ in the individual, the whole congregation and even a whole nation.

There are those who have tried to live a life like Jesus through self-efforts and activities but to no avail. These efforts are almost always underlined with the motive of achievement, benefi ts and victory. This motive is usually tagged with a monetary value. Unconsciously, we have also caught up with it and happily think that it is the right and proper thing to do and believe. The ‘kiasu’ or ‘afraid of losing’ mentality has actually crept into our society and churches initially unnoticeably. What is there to lose? In the fi rst place, ‘we have brought nothing into the world and we would take nothing out’. Somehow the competitive race of getting to the top has been drilled into us right from our childhood years. Parents place emphasis on their children’s results; workers place heavy emphasis on their promotion and benefi ts; business people will gauge their standing according to the profi ts and their business performance. Anger, wrath, rage, stress, depression, stoke, heart-pain, vengeance, distrust and many other conditions are the symptoms of ‘kiasu’ or ‘fear of defeat’. How can

West Malaysia Visit Report• Page 7

St.Mark’s Cozy Home In Operation• Page14

1

In Christ Through The Word

Inside

cont’d on page 5

This was the response of the people when they heard the Word spoken

by Peter and were transformed by the Holy Spirit. Transformation was to lead to repentance, baptism and receiving of the gift of the Holy Spirit. Peter’s words brought 3000 into the faith. But that was not all. They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching, to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and prayer. What followed was a time of awe, wonders and miracles; a common sharing among those in need, joy and praising God.

We need to look at our churches and ask ourselves whether the Word is being preached with power and if there is transformation. We also need to ask ourselves how diligent we are in seeking to learn and understand the Word so that we can grow and mature. Transformation must be through the constant nurture in the Word and the working of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Adviser: The Rt Rev Ng Moon HingMembers: Gloriosa Rajendran (Editor), Rev Dr Andrew Cheah, James Chee, Prakash Mukherjee

The theme for the next issue (May – August 2008) is “Transformation of Congregations through Worship”. The Editorial Board welcomes articles and photographs that focus on this theme for the coming issue. Please submit your articles to the Editor, Anglican Messenger, Diocesan Offi ce or e-mail to anglican@streamyx.com by 1 July 2008.

The Synod of the Diocese of West Malaysia(Anglican Church)

No. 16 Jalan Pudu Lama, 50200 Kuala Lumpur,Tel : 03-20312728, 20313213

2

Peter himself was transformed after Pentecost so much so that we read in Acts 4:13:

When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realised that they were unschooled, ordinary

men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been

with Jesus.

How much time do you spend with Jesus? Are you allowing the Word to transform you through the Holy Spirit?

Two books have been reviewed and recommended to help you individually and as congregations. Please read them.

We are also very grateful to Rev. Christopher Tan and Rev Robin Gan for their excellent expositions on the theme. We trust you will read and be blest and encouraged to read more.

May God bless you and your loved ones as you celebrate the risen Christ.

Editorial Board

EditorialNews Update

“Brothers, what shall we do?” Acts2:37b.

Clergy Movements

1. Rev Nick Loi Boon Leong from St Peter’s Church was appointed Priest-in-Charge of the Missionary District of Christ Church Ipoh with effect from 15 December 2007.

2. Rev Jesvinder Singh from Holy Trinity Church Batu Gajah was appointed Priest-in-Charge of the Missionary District of Selayang with effect from 1 March 2008.

3. Rev David Devapitchai from St Matthew’s Church Selayang was appointed Assistant Priest of the Parish of Emmanuel Cheras with effect from 1 March 2008. He will be serving with the Rev Albert Tang Tiu Hock.

4. Rev Reginald Rajendram from the Church of the Resurrection Kuala Kangsar was appointed Priest-in-Charge of the Parish of St Thomas Banting with effect from 1 March 2008.

5. Rev Franklin Benjamin from the Church of the Holy Cross Sitiawan was appointed Vicar of St Peter’s Church Bangsar KL with effect from 1 February 2008.

6. Rev Dr Albert Walters from St Peter’s Church Bangsar KL was appointed Assistant Priest to Archdeacon Batumalai of Christ Church Melaka.

7. Rev Canon Samuel John was appointed Vicar of the Parish of St Katherine Kajang with effect from 1 February 2008.

8. Rev Jacob George John from St Katherine’s Church Kajang was appointed Priest-in-Charge of the Missionary District of Sitiawan with effect from 1 February 2008.

9. Rev Isaac Pandianadan from St Peter’s Church Kapar was appointed Priest-in-Charge of the Parish of Batang Padang with effect from 1 February 2008.

Editorial Board

5

The 2008 Diocesan Clergy & Deaconesses Retreat was held in Hotel Seri Malaysia, Genting Highlands from 7 – 10 January. The theme of the retreat was MEETING GOD AGAIN. Bishop Moon Hing explained that the aim of the retreat was for clergy/deaconesses to meet God personally again and to know His Will. Participants were reminded to have times of silence, solitude, refl ection, contemplation, meditation and fasting. Times of worship with the music of Taize helped to create a retreat atmosphere.

During the Opening Worship service, Bishop Moon Hing asked an interesting question. “What attracted so many people to Jesus, even in his fi rst year of ministry? Could it be the character of Jesus?’ To acquire the Christlike-character that attracts, one is to bear the fruit of the Spirit. In order to bear this ‘nine-fl avour fruit’, one must be linked to the vine. Our relationship to Jesus is of prime importance.

The Diocese has set up a Diocesan Medical Fund to assist clergy and deaconesses who need longer medical care and whose medical expenses have exceeded the insurance claims. Please donate generously to this Fund.

Presently, Deaconess Ngeo Ming Ming and Deaconess Margaret Chen are in need of your assistance and generosity.

07 – 10 January 2008

Do Your Part for the Diocesan

Medical Fund

3

To expound on the ‘Fruit of the Spirit’ was retreat conductor, Rev. Dr. Richard Liew from the Episcopal Health Services New York. It was a privilege to have him share in six sessions each of the ‘fruit of the Spirit’:- Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control. He reminded us that these were not just for individual manifestation. As the Epistle of Galatians was addressed to the church, these are also to be manifested corporately. An individual’s spiritual journey will have bearing on the spiritual journey of the church as a corporate body. This is in line with our 2008 Diocesan theme ‘Transformation of Congregations in Christ’.

We had an interesting closing session. We were divided into groups where we discussed and reported on how our Diocese fared in each of the ‘Fruit of the Spirit’! Suggestions were made on how to develop further those areas found

lacking. The rest of the Retreat was devoted to Diocesan Matters.

We are grateful to our Bishop who looks not only into the expansion of the Diocese but is also concerned about the welfare of clergy/deaconesses and their families.

It was heartening to see many clergy/deaconesses taking the opportunity whenever possible, to have ‘teh tarik’ sessions in order to renew friendships, exchange ideas and encourage one another. Through time spent together, clergy/deaconesses were able to build bonds of love so that they would be able to work together as a team, like a mighty army, to advance the kingdom of God.

It was a relaxing, refreshing and fruitful Retreat for all participants.

Dss. Wong Yoke ChanDss. June Marshall

One Minute PrayerThe Diocese is observing a special practice i.e. One Minute Prayer at 12 noon daily. All members are encouraged to take one minute to pray for our nation, Diocese, Church and community.

Diocesan Clergy & Deaconesses RetreatHotel Seri Malaysia, Genting Highlands

“Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.”

- Matthew 25:40

This was the response of the people when they heard the Word spoken

by Peter and were transformed by the Holy Spirit. Transformation was to lead to repentance, baptism and receiving of the gift of the Holy Spirit. Peter’s words brought 3000 into the faith. But that was not all. They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching, to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and prayer. What followed was a time of awe, wonders and miracles; a common sharing among those in need, joy and praising God.

We need to look at our churches and ask ourselves whether the Word is being preached with power and if there is transformation. We also need to ask ourselves how diligent we are in seeking to learn and understand the Word so that we can grow and mature. Transformation must be through the constant nurture in the Word and the working of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Adviser: The Rt Rev Ng Moon HingMembers: Gloriosa Rajendran (Editor), Rev Dr Andrew Cheah, James Chee, Prakash Mukherjee

The theme for the next issue (May – August 2008) is “Transformation of Congregations through Worship”. The Editorial Board welcomes articles and photographs that focus on this theme for the coming issue. Please submit your articles to the Editor, Anglican Messenger, Diocesan Offi ce or e-mail to anglican@streamyx.com by 1 July 2008.

The Synod of the Diocese of West Malaysia(Anglican Church)

No. 16 Jalan Pudu Lama, 50200 Kuala Lumpur,Tel : 03-20312728, 20313213

2

Peter himself was transformed after Pentecost so much so that we read in Acts 4:13:

When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realised that they were unschooled, ordinary

men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been

with Jesus.

How much time do you spend with Jesus? Are you allowing the Word to transform you through the Holy Spirit?

Two books have been reviewed and recommended to help you individually and as congregations. Please read them.

We are also very grateful to Rev. Christopher Tan and Rev Robin Gan for their excellent expositions on the theme. We trust you will read and be blest and encouraged to read more.

May God bless you and your loved ones as you celebrate the risen Christ.

Editorial Board

EditorialNews Update

“Brothers, what shall we do?” Acts2:37b.

Clergy Movements

1. Rev Nick Loi Boon Leong from St Peter’s Church was appointed Priest-in-Charge of the Missionary District of Christ Church Ipoh with effect from 15 December 2007.

2. Rev Jesvinder Singh from Holy Trinity Church Batu Gajah was appointed Priest-in-Charge of the Missionary District of Selayang with effect from 1 March 2008.

3. Rev David Devapitchai from St Matthew’s Church Selayang was appointed Assistant Priest of the Parish of Emmanuel Cheras with effect from 1 March 2008. He will be serving with the Rev Albert Tang Tiu Hock.

4. Rev Reginald Rajendram from the Church of the Resurrection Kuala Kangsar was appointed Priest-in-Charge of the Parish of St Thomas Banting with effect from 1 March 2008.

5. Rev Franklin Benjamin from the Church of the Holy Cross Sitiawan was appointed Vicar of St Peter’s Church Bangsar KL with effect from 1 February 2008.

6. Rev Dr Albert Walters from St Peter’s Church Bangsar KL was appointed Assistant Priest to Archdeacon Batumalai of Christ Church Melaka.

7. Rev Canon Samuel John was appointed Vicar of the Parish of St Katherine Kajang with effect from 1 February 2008.

8. Rev Jacob George John from St Katherine’s Church Kajang was appointed Priest-in-Charge of the Missionary District of Sitiawan with effect from 1 February 2008.

9. Rev Isaac Pandianadan from St Peter’s Church Kapar was appointed Priest-in-Charge of the Parish of Batang Padang with effect from 1 February 2008.

Editorial Board

5

The 2008 Diocesan Clergy & Deaconesses Retreat was held in Hotel Seri Malaysia, Genting Highlands from 7 – 10 January. The theme of the retreat was MEETING GOD AGAIN. Bishop Moon Hing explained that the aim of the retreat was for clergy/deaconesses to meet God personally again and to know His Will. Participants were reminded to have times of silence, solitude, refl ection, contemplation, meditation and fasting. Times of worship with the music of Taize helped to create a retreat atmosphere.

During the Opening Worship service, Bishop Moon Hing asked an interesting question. “What attracted so many people to Jesus, even in his fi rst year of ministry? Could it be the character of Jesus?’ To acquire the Christlike-character that attracts, one is to bear the fruit of the Spirit. In order to bear this ‘nine-fl avour fruit’, one must be linked to the vine. Our relationship to Jesus is of prime importance.

The Diocese has set up a Diocesan Medical Fund to assist clergy and deaconesses who need longer medical care and whose medical expenses have exceeded the insurance claims. Please donate generously to this Fund.

Presently, Deaconess Ngeo Ming Ming and Deaconess Margaret Chen are in need of your assistance and generosity.

07 – 10 January 2008

Do Your Part for the Diocesan

Medical Fund

3

To expound on the ‘Fruit of the Spirit’ was retreat conductor, Rev. Dr. Richard Liew from the Episcopal Health Services New York. It was a privilege to have him share in six sessions each of the ‘fruit of the Spirit’:- Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control. He reminded us that these were not just for individual manifestation. As the Epistle of Galatians was addressed to the church, these are also to be manifested corporately. An individual’s spiritual journey will have bearing on the spiritual journey of the church as a corporate body. This is in line with our 2008 Diocesan theme ‘Transformation of Congregations in Christ’.

We had an interesting closing session. We were divided into groups where we discussed and reported on how our Diocese fared in each of the ‘Fruit of the Spirit’! Suggestions were made on how to develop further those areas found

lacking. The rest of the Retreat was devoted to Diocesan Matters.

We are grateful to our Bishop who looks not only into the expansion of the Diocese but is also concerned about the welfare of clergy/deaconesses and their families.

It was heartening to see many clergy/deaconesses taking the opportunity whenever possible, to have ‘teh tarik’ sessions in order to renew friendships, exchange ideas and encourage one another. Through time spent together, clergy/deaconesses were able to build bonds of love so that they would be able to work together as a team, like a mighty army, to advance the kingdom of God.

It was a relaxing, refreshing and fruitful Retreat for all participants.

Dss. Wong Yoke ChanDss. June Marshall

One Minute PrayerThe Diocese is observing a special practice i.e. One Minute Prayer at 12 noon daily. All members are encouraged to take one minute to pray for our nation, Diocese, Church and community.

Diocesan Clergy & Deaconesses RetreatHotel Seri Malaysia, Genting Highlands

“Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.”

- Matthew 25:40

November 28th, 2007 was a memorable day for the Diocese of West Malaysia. The much awaited ‘ground breaking’ ceremony, which is a prelude to the beginning of construction works for the Jalan Tengah Development project took place on the site of the former location of St. Mary’s Schools in Kuala Lumpur.

This Joint Venture Project was initiated in October 1992 between the Diocese of West Malaysia (DWM) and Lion Courts Sdn. Bhd. (LCSB). All were eagerly awaiting the development project to begin but circumstances beyond our control, like the freeze on high rise buildings in Kuala Lumpur and the Asian fi nancial crisis, amongst other things, delayed the project take-off. Later, an additional partner, Eastern & Oriental Group (EOG) was included in the development project and a Supplementary Agreement between the three parties was signed in May 2006. Subsequently, the process of applying for and securing the necessary approvals from the relevant authorities began, and the fi nal approvals were obtained in late October 2007.

Re-development ofJalan Tengah Land

4

The ‘ground-breaking’ ceremony, at 11.00a.m., was witnessed by representatives from Diocese of West Malaysia, Lion Courts Sdn Bhd, Eastern & Oriental Group and St. Mary’s School Old Girls Association. It began with Bishop Ng Moon Hing addressing the guests with a recap on the background and history of this project since 1992, and how in God’s time, all things have moved and are moving. He then said a prayer for the successful completion of this project. Following this, Bishop Ng Moon Hing, YBhg. Dato’ Terry Tham Ka Hon of EOG and Mr. Lionel Cheng of LCSB climbed into a clamp-excavator and together manoeuvred the excavator to symbolically ‘break the ground’. This was followed by a group photo taking session, after which all guests adjourned for a goodwill lunch at the Lai Po Heen Restaurant in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, KL.

Let us all continue to uphold this project in prayer, and for the Diocese to get its allocation of one tower block of 28 storey serviced apartments, in good time.

Terry Tham (E & O Group), Bishop Ng Moon Hing and Mr. Lionel Cheng (Lion Courts) (in suit)

The two Archdeaconries in the South came together for a ‘mini-Synod’ on 23 February 2008, led by Archdeacon Batumalai. Seventy-fi ve people including priests, Synod members and PCC members were present at the half-day sharing and planning for the future of the two Archdeaconries.

Strategies and plans were charted for raising more workers and planting more churches through the three States in a systematic manner. First, there was a call to strengthen the seven existing parishes to produce more workers as Lay Readers and Lay Pastors. Secondly, Theological Education by Extension classes will be started to equip the laity. Thirdly, mission and evangelism teams will be set up within the churches for mission work and church planting. Fourthly, more training seminars and courses on Basic Christianity, Social Ministry, Spiritual Gifts, Preaching, Leadership etc. will be implemented in stages. Bishop Moon Hing

5

Holy Communion services are now being held at the Diocesan Offi ce every Friday during lunch hour. The service is normally offi ciated by Bishop Moon Hing, or in his absence, the Bishop’s Chaplain Canon Fred David.

If you work around the area or happen to be in the vicinity on Fridays, you are most welcome to join the Diocesan staff at these weekly services.

a congregation be transformed when it is engrossed fully with achievement, benefi ts and victory?

The Word of God is clear in urging us to take after Jesus in humility and servitude i.e. more blessed to give than to receive. However, this has often been overshadowed by the concept of leadership, even to the extent of the usage of the connotation ‘servant leader’. We fi nd it very diffi cult to disassociate ourselves with the title ‘leader’ when a proper name or title is or is not given. I am not advocating names and titles for proper offi ce and ministry to be scrapped. The gist of this discussion is substantially based upon the basic motive of our lives. Apart from the common motive which is largely tainted with monetary value, there are other biblical values which we can adopt as our motive-drivers, such as commitment, sacrifi ce, trust, grace, obedience, sharing etc. It is the Word of God that should set our foundation as well as pave the way for us to walk in. It is only in the Word of God that we can confi dently fi nd the ‘Transformation’ catalyst and initiator of a Jesus-type life.

Our congregations must conscientiously learn from the Word of God the true value of servitude. A Transformed Congregation is a serving community; a forgiving assembly; a sacrifi cial priesthood; a trustworthy platoon; and a gracious and loving people. We have seen all these values in the life of Jesus. It is time for us to emulate and imitate Him. The Word of God must be handled rightly and properly. It is the ‘two edged sword’ that works like a surgical knife used by a professional surgeon.

Mini Synod inSouthern Archdeaconries

Friday Communion Service

cont’d from page 1

at Diocesan Office

Time : 12 noon – 1 pmVenue : Chapel, 1st Floor Diocese of West Malaysia 16 Jalan Pudu Lama Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Careful expository sermons and teachings can release a full range of insights, excitement, hopes, assurance, confi dence and commitment. The contrary will be true if the Word of God is poorly and badly exegeted or abused. There is no easy way around except by a systematic and serious approach to the learning and understanding of the Word of God as an individual as well as a church. The Transformation of your congregation is just a ‘Bible-distance’ away.

Bishop Moon Hing

Bishop’s Message

November 28th, 2007 was a memorable day for the Diocese of West Malaysia. The much awaited ‘ground breaking’ ceremony, which is a prelude to the beginning of construction works for the Jalan Tengah Development project took place on the site of the former location of St. Mary’s Schools in Kuala Lumpur.

This Joint Venture Project was initiated in October 1992 between the Diocese of West Malaysia (DWM) and Lion Courts Sdn. Bhd. (LCSB). All were eagerly awaiting the development project to begin but circumstances beyond our control, like the freeze on high rise buildings in Kuala Lumpur and the Asian fi nancial crisis, amongst other things, delayed the project take-off. Later, an additional partner, Eastern & Oriental Group (EOG) was included in the development project and a Supplementary Agreement between the three parties was signed in May 2006. Subsequently, the process of applying for and securing the necessary approvals from the relevant authorities began, and the fi nal approvals were obtained in late October 2007.

Re-development ofJalan Tengah Land

4

The ‘ground-breaking’ ceremony, at 11.00a.m., was witnessed by representatives from Diocese of West Malaysia, Lion Courts Sdn Bhd, Eastern & Oriental Group and St. Mary’s School Old Girls Association. It began with Bishop Ng Moon Hing addressing the guests with a recap on the background and history of this project since 1992, and how in God’s time, all things have moved and are moving. He then said a prayer for the successful completion of this project. Following this, Bishop Ng Moon Hing, YBhg. Dato’ Terry Tham Ka Hon of EOG and Mr. Lionel Cheng of LCSB climbed into a clamp-excavator and together manoeuvred the excavator to symbolically ‘break the ground’. This was followed by a group photo taking session, after which all guests adjourned for a goodwill lunch at the Lai Po Heen Restaurant in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, KL.

Let us all continue to uphold this project in prayer, and for the Diocese to get its allocation of one tower block of 28 storey serviced apartments, in good time.

Terry Tham (E & O Group), Bishop Ng Moon Hing and Mr. Lionel Cheng (Lion Courts) (in suit)

The two Archdeaconries in the South came together for a ‘mini-Synod’ on 23 February 2008, led by Archdeacon Batumalai. Seventy-fi ve people including priests, Synod members and PCC members were present at the half-day sharing and planning for the future of the two Archdeaconries.

Strategies and plans were charted for raising more workers and planting more churches through the three States in a systematic manner. First, there was a call to strengthen the seven existing parishes to produce more workers as Lay Readers and Lay Pastors. Secondly, Theological Education by Extension classes will be started to equip the laity. Thirdly, mission and evangelism teams will be set up within the churches for mission work and church planting. Fourthly, more training seminars and courses on Basic Christianity, Social Ministry, Spiritual Gifts, Preaching, Leadership etc. will be implemented in stages. Bishop Moon Hing

5

Holy Communion services are now being held at the Diocesan Offi ce every Friday during lunch hour. The service is normally offi ciated by Bishop Moon Hing, or in his absence, the Bishop’s Chaplain Canon Fred David.

If you work around the area or happen to be in the vicinity on Fridays, you are most welcome to join the Diocesan staff at these weekly services.

a congregation be transformed when it is engrossed fully with achievement, benefi ts and victory?

The Word of God is clear in urging us to take after Jesus in humility and servitude i.e. more blessed to give than to receive. However, this has often been overshadowed by the concept of leadership, even to the extent of the usage of the connotation ‘servant leader’. We fi nd it very diffi cult to disassociate ourselves with the title ‘leader’ when a proper name or title is or is not given. I am not advocating names and titles for proper offi ce and ministry to be scrapped. The gist of this discussion is substantially based upon the basic motive of our lives. Apart from the common motive which is largely tainted with monetary value, there are other biblical values which we can adopt as our motive-drivers, such as commitment, sacrifi ce, trust, grace, obedience, sharing etc. It is the Word of God that should set our foundation as well as pave the way for us to walk in. It is only in the Word of God that we can confi dently fi nd the ‘Transformation’ catalyst and initiator of a Jesus-type life.

Our congregations must conscientiously learn from the Word of God the true value of servitude. A Transformed Congregation is a serving community; a forgiving assembly; a sacrifi cial priesthood; a trustworthy platoon; and a gracious and loving people. We have seen all these values in the life of Jesus. It is time for us to emulate and imitate Him. The Word of God must be handled rightly and properly. It is the ‘two edged sword’ that works like a surgical knife used by a professional surgeon.

Mini Synod inSouthern Archdeaconries

Friday Communion Service

cont’d from page 1

at Diocesan Office

Time : 12 noon – 1 pmVenue : Chapel, 1st Floor Diocese of West Malaysia 16 Jalan Pudu Lama Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Careful expository sermons and teachings can release a full range of insights, excitement, hopes, assurance, confi dence and commitment. The contrary will be true if the Word of God is poorly and badly exegeted or abused. There is no easy way around except by a systematic and serious approach to the learning and understanding of the Word of God as an individual as well as a church. The Transformation of your congregation is just a ‘Bible-distance’ away.

Bishop Moon Hing

Bishop’s Message

76

Priests1. Rev. Edmund Reuben Daniel Paris h of Kelantan - St. Martin’s Church, Kota Bahru2. Rev. Raymond Lai Sai Wai Missionary District of Slim River - St. Paul’s Church3. Rev. Jack Mongudal Owal Parish of St. Peter, Ipoh - Gereja Shalom, Gopeng4. Rev. Christopher Dalie Parish of Pahang - St. Joseph’s Church, Kemaman5. Rev. Victor J Arputham Parish of St. Andrew, Ulu Tiram

Deacons1. Mr. Charles Ngok Parish of Christ Church, Jinjang

I am so grateful to all the clergy and lay people I have met in the Diocese during the last three weeks, and especially to Bishop Ng Moon Hing for his invitation to visit, to Mr James Chee for making practical arrangements so effi ciently and to Canon Fred David and Yoke Fong for their generous hospitality. It has been a wonderful experience, full of the presence of the Lord.

I have been here in connection with the CrossTalk programme. Building on the longstanding link between the three Malaysian Dioceses and the Diocese of Lichfi eld, CrossTalk is a twinning programme for individual parishes (including ten from West Malaysia). Delegates from the Malaysian parishes are due in England in July, to visit the parishes in the Lichfi eld Diocese to which they are linked. During that placement period, we plan a 48-hour mission conference, which I am responsible for organising. The purpose of my visit has been to enable me to see at fi rst hand the challenges facing the church in mission in Malaysia, so that I can plan the conference with these challenges in mind.

I arrived in KL late on Wednesday 9th January, and on Thursday 10th I called in on the Diocesan Retreat for Clergy and Deaconesses, at Genting Highlands. On Saturday 12th, I left for the Kuching Diocese, where I spent a week visiting churches and meeting key church leaders. The following week, via one day spent in Brunei, I moved on to the Diocese of Sabah for fi ve days, before returning to KL on Wednesday 23rd.

I fi rst encountered ‘Touch N’ Go’ on the motorway into KL from the airport when James Chee took me back to his house late one Friday evening. I had just arrived

on the Emirates fl ight to KL via Dubai. I knew that the schedule was tight but I had not realised just how tight it was going to be, but I soon got used to going to bed late, then getting up at 5am to catch an early fl ight or a bus to the next place, with less than 36 hours in each parish (in fact my body clock is now permanently set to wake me up at 5am!). The only sadness with a tight schedule is having to leave so quickly having made close friendships.

Parishes in both Kuching and West Malaysia Dioceses were wonderfully hospitable. I will be eternally grateful for the welcome I received: from meals in people’s houses to the reception in a long house in Sarawak (where as honoured guest I had to dance round the tree brandishing a scimitar sword), to parish pot-luck suppers, both priests and parishioners could not have been more welcoming. I was also moved by the many stories of how the Lord is working powerfully across communities in Malaysia despite many troubles. I was however encouraged by the positive reaction of some Government Offi cials to the bold initiatives that the churches are taking in the fi eld of social action or health care. Long may that continue.

I was here to talk to parishes about Cross Talk: an initiative where parishes in the Diocese of Lichfi eld pray regularly for parishes here and you pray for us. I found a lot of good will towards the project, but issues remain regarding e-mail or internet contact not being as often as people were expecting.

Where the scheme is working, it is largely due to the commitment of lay people in both parishes who want to make it work and who have the time to do it. The (now)

2. Mr. Gideon Lee Chee Yuen Parish of St. Michael, Ipoh3. Mr. Wong Yoo Parish of St. Peter Ipoh, Anglican Village Ministries

The following were made deaconesses:1. Mdm. Dorinna Tan Juan Yong Parish of Christ Church, Jinjang2. Miss Chin Kho Nee Parish of All Saints, Kuala Lumpur

At the same service, the Rev Steven Abbarow was collated and installed as Archdeacon of the Lower North Archdeaconry. Ven Dr S Batumalai was licensed as the Archdeacon of the new Archdeaconry of Lower Central, which covers the States of Negeri Sembilan and Melaka. He will also be the Acting Archdeacon of the Southern Archdeaconry.

Please continue to uphold them in prayer as they serve in their respective ministries.

On Friday 25th, I preached at the midday Eucharist at the Chapel of Christ the King in the Diocesan Offi ces on the feast of the Conversion of St Paul, before attending the Ordination Service in the evening. That morning, it was also my privilege to meet for the fi rst time Helina Solomon, who (God willing) will be joining us at Lichfi eld Cathedral as a St Chad’s Volunteer for a year, starting next month.

On Sunday 27th, it was my great joy to preach in St Mary’s Cathedral at the 8.30 Sung Eucharist, and to attend both the 10.30 SMACC service (contemporary worship) and Evensong at 6.00.

Tonight I return to England with a thankful heart. In particular, I thank God for:

• the many signs of life and growth in the churches here• the commitment to evangelism• the uniting of different language-speaking congregations

into one parish• the current fruitfulness and future potential of CrossTalk• the link between our Dioceses• the quality of lay and ordained leadership here• the warm welcome and hospitality I have received• the reality of Christian fellowship I have found• lots of food: Chinese, Malaysian and Indian!• many new friends• the opportunity to explore KL city• many reasons to come again, if the Lord allows

The Revd Dr Pete WilcoxCanon Chancellor, Lichfi eld Cathedral

West Malaysia Visit report

‘Touch N’

Go’

Ven Steven Abarrow made a very practical suggestion that both in England and in Malaysia each parish contact should use two e-mail addresses one maybe using the service provider such as ‘streamyx’ and a web based e-mail, such as ‘gmail’.

Of course we know that it is personal contact, the making of friendships that is key to the success of Cross Talk and that is why I was encouraged to hear of many people who said that they wanted to come over to Lichfi eld this summer, I hope that in succeeding years you will be able to host people here from your contact parishes in England.

Some people asked me what was expected of them when they come. My reply was ‘just be yourself’. Be prepared to tell your story. Bring photo’s of your family and friends. I hope too that you will be able to teach us more about how to relate to people of other faiths – how to be strong and clear in speaking, how to be wise to know when to keep quiet, but above all how to love others in the way the Lord would want so that all people will give glory to God for the good things you are able to bring about by his Spirit.

Daunted about coming? Don’t be. If you do come I hope that the welcome you receive in England is as warm and friendly as the welcome I received here, and I will do my best to make sure that rice is on the menu as often as possible!

Thank you again and my God bless you in your lives together.

Your brother in Christ, Revd Peter Walley, Bishop of Lichfi eld’s Chaplain

Praise God for the following clergy who were ordained as priests/deacons by Bishop Ng Moon Hing at a special service held at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Kuala Lumpur on 25 January 2008:

Rev Peter Wilcox (left) and Revd Peter Walley (right) with Bishop Moon Hing

Ordination of New Clergy in DioceseOrdination of New Clergy in Diocese

76

Priests1. Rev. Edmund Reuben Daniel Paris h of Kelantan - St. Martin’s Church, Kota Bahru2. Rev. Raymond Lai Sai Wai Missionary District of Slim River - St. Paul’s Church3. Rev. Jack Mongudal Owal Parish of St. Peter, Ipoh - Gereja Shalom, Gopeng4. Rev. Christopher Dalie Parish of Pahang - St. Joseph’s Church, Kemaman5. Rev. Victor J Arputham Parish of St. Andrew, Ulu Tiram

Deacons1. Mr. Charles Ngok Parish of Christ Church, Jinjang

I am so grateful to all the clergy and lay people I have met in the Diocese during the last three weeks, and especially to Bishop Ng Moon Hing for his invitation to visit, to Mr James Chee for making practical arrangements so effi ciently and to Canon Fred David and Yoke Fong for their generous hospitality. It has been a wonderful experience, full of the presence of the Lord.

I have been here in connection with the CrossTalk programme. Building on the longstanding link between the three Malaysian Dioceses and the Diocese of Lichfi eld, CrossTalk is a twinning programme for individual parishes (including ten from West Malaysia). Delegates from the Malaysian parishes are due in England in July, to visit the parishes in the Lichfi eld Diocese to which they are linked. During that placement period, we plan a 48-hour mission conference, which I am responsible for organising. The purpose of my visit has been to enable me to see at fi rst hand the challenges facing the church in mission in Malaysia, so that I can plan the conference with these challenges in mind.

I arrived in KL late on Wednesday 9th January, and on Thursday 10th I called in on the Diocesan Retreat for Clergy and Deaconesses, at Genting Highlands. On Saturday 12th, I left for the Kuching Diocese, where I spent a week visiting churches and meeting key church leaders. The following week, via one day spent in Brunei, I moved on to the Diocese of Sabah for fi ve days, before returning to KL on Wednesday 23rd.

I fi rst encountered ‘Touch N’ Go’ on the motorway into KL from the airport when James Chee took me back to his house late one Friday evening. I had just arrived

on the Emirates fl ight to KL via Dubai. I knew that the schedule was tight but I had not realised just how tight it was going to be, but I soon got used to going to bed late, then getting up at 5am to catch an early fl ight or a bus to the next place, with less than 36 hours in each parish (in fact my body clock is now permanently set to wake me up at 5am!). The only sadness with a tight schedule is having to leave so quickly having made close friendships.

Parishes in both Kuching and West Malaysia Dioceses were wonderfully hospitable. I will be eternally grateful for the welcome I received: from meals in people’s houses to the reception in a long house in Sarawak (where as honoured guest I had to dance round the tree brandishing a scimitar sword), to parish pot-luck suppers, both priests and parishioners could not have been more welcoming. I was also moved by the many stories of how the Lord is working powerfully across communities in Malaysia despite many troubles. I was however encouraged by the positive reaction of some Government Offi cials to the bold initiatives that the churches are taking in the fi eld of social action or health care. Long may that continue.

I was here to talk to parishes about Cross Talk: an initiative where parishes in the Diocese of Lichfi eld pray regularly for parishes here and you pray for us. I found a lot of good will towards the project, but issues remain regarding e-mail or internet contact not being as often as people were expecting.

Where the scheme is working, it is largely due to the commitment of lay people in both parishes who want to make it work and who have the time to do it. The (now)

2. Mr. Gideon Lee Chee Yuen Parish of St. Michael, Ipoh3. Mr. Wong Yoo Parish of St. Peter Ipoh, Anglican Village Ministries

The following were made deaconesses:1. Mdm. Dorinna Tan Juan Yong Parish of Christ Church, Jinjang2. Miss Chin Kho Nee Parish of All Saints, Kuala Lumpur

At the same service, the Rev Steven Abbarow was collated and installed as Archdeacon of the Lower North Archdeaconry. Ven Dr S Batumalai was licensed as the Archdeacon of the new Archdeaconry of Lower Central, which covers the States of Negeri Sembilan and Melaka. He will also be the Acting Archdeacon of the Southern Archdeaconry.

Please continue to uphold them in prayer as they serve in their respective ministries.

On Friday 25th, I preached at the midday Eucharist at the Chapel of Christ the King in the Diocesan Offi ces on the feast of the Conversion of St Paul, before attending the Ordination Service in the evening. That morning, it was also my privilege to meet for the fi rst time Helina Solomon, who (God willing) will be joining us at Lichfi eld Cathedral as a St Chad’s Volunteer for a year, starting next month.

On Sunday 27th, it was my great joy to preach in St Mary’s Cathedral at the 8.30 Sung Eucharist, and to attend both the 10.30 SMACC service (contemporary worship) and Evensong at 6.00.

Tonight I return to England with a thankful heart. In particular, I thank God for:

• the many signs of life and growth in the churches here• the commitment to evangelism• the uniting of different language-speaking congregations

into one parish• the current fruitfulness and future potential of CrossTalk• the link between our Dioceses• the quality of lay and ordained leadership here• the warm welcome and hospitality I have received• the reality of Christian fellowship I have found• lots of food: Chinese, Malaysian and Indian!• many new friends• the opportunity to explore KL city• many reasons to come again, if the Lord allows

The Revd Dr Pete WilcoxCanon Chancellor, Lichfi eld Cathedral

West Malaysia Visit report

‘Touch N’

Go’

Ven Steven Abarrow made a very practical suggestion that both in England and in Malaysia each parish contact should use two e-mail addresses one maybe using the service provider such as ‘streamyx’ and a web based e-mail, such as ‘gmail’.

Of course we know that it is personal contact, the making of friendships that is key to the success of Cross Talk and that is why I was encouraged to hear of many people who said that they wanted to come over to Lichfi eld this summer, I hope that in succeeding years you will be able to host people here from your contact parishes in England.

Some people asked me what was expected of them when they come. My reply was ‘just be yourself’. Be prepared to tell your story. Bring photo’s of your family and friends. I hope too that you will be able to teach us more about how to relate to people of other faiths – how to be strong and clear in speaking, how to be wise to know when to keep quiet, but above all how to love others in the way the Lord would want so that all people will give glory to God for the good things you are able to bring about by his Spirit.

Daunted about coming? Don’t be. If you do come I hope that the welcome you receive in England is as warm and friendly as the welcome I received here, and I will do my best to make sure that rice is on the menu as often as possible!

Thank you again and my God bless you in your lives together.

Your brother in Christ, Revd Peter Walley, Bishop of Lichfi eld’s Chaplain

Praise God for the following clergy who were ordained as priests/deacons by Bishop Ng Moon Hing at a special service held at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Kuala Lumpur on 25 January 2008:

Rev Peter Wilcox (left) and Revd Peter Walley (right) with Bishop Moon Hing

Ordination of New Clergy in DioceseOrdination of New Clergy in Diocese

98

T o begin with, it is worth recognizing that our conception of the word is refl ected in our conception of the church, and vice versa.

So for instance, in Roman Catholic theology, because the Word is a product of the church, so church tradition for them has an equal role and authority to the Word, both in thought and practice.

It follows then that when the topic on view is ‘Transformation of Congregations by the Word’, then the question must be asked: what is the fundamental position of the word in relation to a church (i.e. a congregation of Christ)? Even the idea of ‘transformation’ could be defi ned not by Scripture, but by the congregation’s felt needs.

When we look at the Word for its view on these matters, we fi nd that with regards to transformation, it is viewed by the New Tastement in the fi rst instance, objectively.

Congregations in fact are transformed (Heb 2.11, 10.10, 14; 1 Cor 1.2,30. 6.11; Eph 5.26, 1 Pet 1.2 and so on). This once for all event is the result of the completed and suffi cient work of Christ in making holy God’s people. Thus Christians are referred to as either ‘saints’ or ‘the sanctifi ed’.

This is the fundamental premise of the New Testament’s exhortation for ongoing holiness. It is in the realm of what God has already accomplished for believers, that they continue to live actively in holiness (1 Thes 4.7) and are dependent on the God who began this ‘good work’ and who will complete it (Phil 1.6, 2.12-13).

That is, the Bible speaks fi rst in the knowledge that transformation does not take place unless a congregation has fi rst been transformed by the Word. It is based on this transformed state, this prior work of God in Christ, that congregations of transformed men and women are called to live accordingly in transformation.(see Rom 12.1-2 for instance).

This short synopsis should also function to make the premise clear.

We cannot learn of transformation by examining ourselves or looking to the world for a yardstick. Unless we begin and end with the authority of the Word, even our efforts to transform using the Word will end in a result that will please only Men.

In a world and age that is evil, any church once formed needs constantly to be reformed by the bible. Ephesians 4.14 and 6.12-18 make this abundantly clear. Reformation is an ongoing concern if the church is to mature into Christ in the midst of fads of false doctrine, men’s trickery and Satan’s scheming.

This was the collective experience and wisdom of the Reformers captured in the slogan: ecclesia reformata semper reformanda (the reformed church always needs to be reformed). Our experience is no different once we are measured according to God’s Word. A congregation may be entirely orthodox but in actual fact unregenerate. Or it may be active in many facets of ministry, but by their practice exemplify doctrine that is entirely false. The deforming of the church is a constant threat both from within and without.

To conclude, we can draw out the following conclusions and observations and frame some points for action:

The bible is the book of the church and the church the people of the book.

Not only does the church’s life and existence begin with the gospel that is transmitted through the word, the church’s life must be shaped by the gospel.

To begin with the gospel and then to leave it is to go the way of any number of cults.

Turning our backs on the bible of course need not be done with a literal rejection. One can be in a marriage under the same roof but have long ceased to love and listen to the head of the household as the authoritative voice. So it is worth examining ourselves to see if the treatment of the Word in church has become rote and the Bible domesticated. Is it a religious item, to be read without understanding, or a symbol of authority, to be bowed to but not listened to?

Instead, are our efforts directed at keeping the bible in the forefront and center of the church’s ministry to the saints and non-believers? Is the centrality and supreme authority of Scripture clear to the youngest member of the church? If so, it must be because the Bible is being given its place from the pulpit, in the home groups, in

Transformation of

Congregations through the Word

evangelism -wherever God’s voice may be heard and His people built up in conformity to His Son. And it must be because every effort is made to present the content of the bible faithfully to every believer, such that the priority of God’s truth ruling His church is felt in all areas of the church’s life together, including in the discipline of its members. The bible must be the arbiter of truth in Christ’s church.

Anything less, is to treat the bible as less than the medium of God’s salvation, instruction and rule and to relegate the Bible to mere religion - inspiration for moral instruction and direction.

We have the word of Christ. We must not lose Christianity’s claim to the uniqueness of Christ, by losing our nerve on the Bible.

Rev Robin GanSt Paul’s Church, Petaling Jaya

Robin Gan is married to Joy and they have 3 children. He loves teaching the bible, playing basketball and listening to good music.

He graduated from Moore Theological College with a Bachelor of Divinity. He also worked as a Ministry Apprentice in the NSW University Church prior to bible college, and has served in various churches both locally and overseas. He is currently serving his curacy at St Paul’s Petaling Jaya.

The Word however declares that it is the very foundation of the church (Eph 4.7-11).

This is in fact within our common experience. Our only access to the gospel is through the Scriptures. The gospel which brings us good news and by God’s grace transforms us from disobedience into faith in Christ comes to us by the preaching of ‘the word of Christ’(Rom 10.12-17).

Thus, it is by responding to the Bible’s message with faith that the church comes into existence.

Once this is established, it should be easy to see how foundational God’s Word is to the church’s ongoing life as Christ’s body. John Calvin described it in this regard as ‘the sceptre of God’ and Articles 6, 19, 20, 21 and 34 of the Thirty Nine Articles affi rm the supremacy of the Word. The ‘inspiration of Scripture’ (2 Tim 3.15-16) means that Scripture is God’s own teaching to His church.

What is more, God’s purpose for His church is inherent in the very means of its existence. The ‘word of Christ’ which created it, is not simply an instrument. It is the very measure of the church’s faithfulness, its progress, and the stature to which Christ intends for His church (Eph 4.11-13). It is only as the word of Christ is taught faithfully that we can expect God’s promise of maturity in the church, as befi ts the ‘fullness of Christ’ (4.13 cf. 1.23).

98

T o begin with, it is worth recognizing that our conception of the word is refl ected in our conception of the church, and vice versa.

So for instance, in Roman Catholic theology, because the Word is a product of the church, so church tradition for them has an equal role and authority to the Word, both in thought and practice.

It follows then that when the topic on view is ‘Transformation of Congregations by the Word’, then the question must be asked: what is the fundamental position of the word in relation to a church (i.e. a congregation of Christ)? Even the idea of ‘transformation’ could be defi ned not by Scripture, but by the congregation’s felt needs.

When we look at the Word for its view on these matters, we fi nd that with regards to transformation, it is viewed by the New Tastement in the fi rst instance, objectively.

Congregations in fact are transformed (Heb 2.11, 10.10, 14; 1 Cor 1.2,30. 6.11; Eph 5.26, 1 Pet 1.2 and so on). This once for all event is the result of the completed and suffi cient work of Christ in making holy God’s people. Thus Christians are referred to as either ‘saints’ or ‘the sanctifi ed’.

This is the fundamental premise of the New Testament’s exhortation for ongoing holiness. It is in the realm of what God has already accomplished for believers, that they continue to live actively in holiness (1 Thes 4.7) and are dependent on the God who began this ‘good work’ and who will complete it (Phil 1.6, 2.12-13).

That is, the Bible speaks fi rst in the knowledge that transformation does not take place unless a congregation has fi rst been transformed by the Word. It is based on this transformed state, this prior work of God in Christ, that congregations of transformed men and women are called to live accordingly in transformation.(see Rom 12.1-2 for instance).

This short synopsis should also function to make the premise clear.

We cannot learn of transformation by examining ourselves or looking to the world for a yardstick. Unless we begin and end with the authority of the Word, even our efforts to transform using the Word will end in a result that will please only Men.

In a world and age that is evil, any church once formed needs constantly to be reformed by the bible. Ephesians 4.14 and 6.12-18 make this abundantly clear. Reformation is an ongoing concern if the church is to mature into Christ in the midst of fads of false doctrine, men’s trickery and Satan’s scheming.

This was the collective experience and wisdom of the Reformers captured in the slogan: ecclesia reformata semper reformanda (the reformed church always needs to be reformed). Our experience is no different once we are measured according to God’s Word. A congregation may be entirely orthodox but in actual fact unregenerate. Or it may be active in many facets of ministry, but by their practice exemplify doctrine that is entirely false. The deforming of the church is a constant threat both from within and without.

To conclude, we can draw out the following conclusions and observations and frame some points for action:

The bible is the book of the church and the church the people of the book.

Not only does the church’s life and existence begin with the gospel that is transmitted through the word, the church’s life must be shaped by the gospel.

To begin with the gospel and then to leave it is to go the way of any number of cults.

Turning our backs on the bible of course need not be done with a literal rejection. One can be in a marriage under the same roof but have long ceased to love and listen to the head of the household as the authoritative voice. So it is worth examining ourselves to see if the treatment of the Word in church has become rote and the Bible domesticated. Is it a religious item, to be read without understanding, or a symbol of authority, to be bowed to but not listened to?

Instead, are our efforts directed at keeping the bible in the forefront and center of the church’s ministry to the saints and non-believers? Is the centrality and supreme authority of Scripture clear to the youngest member of the church? If so, it must be because the Bible is being given its place from the pulpit, in the home groups, in

Transformation of

Congregations through the Word

evangelism -wherever God’s voice may be heard and His people built up in conformity to His Son. And it must be because every effort is made to present the content of the bible faithfully to every believer, such that the priority of God’s truth ruling His church is felt in all areas of the church’s life together, including in the discipline of its members. The bible must be the arbiter of truth in Christ’s church.

Anything less, is to treat the bible as less than the medium of God’s salvation, instruction and rule and to relegate the Bible to mere religion - inspiration for moral instruction and direction.

We have the word of Christ. We must not lose Christianity’s claim to the uniqueness of Christ, by losing our nerve on the Bible.

Rev Robin GanSt Paul’s Church, Petaling Jaya

Robin Gan is married to Joy and they have 3 children. He loves teaching the bible, playing basketball and listening to good music.

He graduated from Moore Theological College with a Bachelor of Divinity. He also worked as a Ministry Apprentice in the NSW University Church prior to bible college, and has served in various churches both locally and overseas. He is currently serving his curacy at St Paul’s Petaling Jaya.

The Word however declares that it is the very foundation of the church (Eph 4.7-11).

This is in fact within our common experience. Our only access to the gospel is through the Scriptures. The gospel which brings us good news and by God’s grace transforms us from disobedience into faith in Christ comes to us by the preaching of ‘the word of Christ’(Rom 10.12-17).

Thus, it is by responding to the Bible’s message with faith that the church comes into existence.

Once this is established, it should be easy to see how foundational God’s Word is to the church’s ongoing life as Christ’s body. John Calvin described it in this regard as ‘the sceptre of God’ and Articles 6, 19, 20, 21 and 34 of the Thirty Nine Articles affi rm the supremacy of the Word. The ‘inspiration of Scripture’ (2 Tim 3.15-16) means that Scripture is God’s own teaching to His church.

What is more, God’s purpose for His church is inherent in the very means of its existence. The ‘word of Christ’ which created it, is not simply an instrument. It is the very measure of the church’s faithfulness, its progress, and the stature to which Christ intends for His church (Eph 4.11-13). It is only as the word of Christ is taught faithfully that we can expect God’s promise of maturity in the church, as befi ts the ‘fullness of Christ’ (4.13 cf. 1.23).

1110

P reaching the Word (2 Tim 4:2). For any congregation to be transformed in Christ, the Word of God must be preached faithfully and

boldly. The focus is on the Word of God and not on the self-promotion of the preacher or his or her opinion or ideas that could lead to controversies or meaningless talk (1 Tim 1:3-7).

Closely related to faithfulness is boldness. We are to preach without fear or favour but only with the fear of God in our hearts. As stewards entrusted with an awesome responsibility of teaching God’s fl ocks, we will one day be called to give an account of that trust (Jas 3:1; cf. Mt 25:1430; Lk 19:12-27) There will be people who will be offended by the Word of God. The Pharisees and Sadducees were offended by the words of Jesus, and the Jews by the preaching of the Paul (1 Co 1:22-24). If people are offended by the Word of God then they are rejecting the Word of God and not us, provided we preach the Word faithfully, and not abuse the pulpit for personal satisfaction or gain (Luke 10:16).

R elevance. For the congregation to be transformed, the Word preached must be relevant to their lives. It must ‘make sense’; the

Word spoken must speak to their needs: felt-needs and real-needs. In other words, it must have practical relevance and not be some abstract concepts which may sound sweet to the ears but of no relevance, purpose and meaning to their daily lives (2 Tim 4:3-4).

E ngaging. The proclamation of the Word must engage the whole person who hears the Word. Monologue and sometimes monotone

proclamation, I doubt, is going to be effective with the present visual generation.

To the new visual-generation, they need theodrama – the dramatization of the Word of God which engages the whole person and not just her hearing senses.

An example of theodrama is the Celebration of the Eucharist. The congregation sees the bread and wine (visual), hears the words of Jesus spoken (hear and remembrance), hold the bread (touch), eat and drink (participate).

The Word of God is dynamic, active and living (Heb 4:12) and yet, often the manner of our preaching is static, non-living and inactive! What a misrepresentation! We as preachers must fi rst be convinced that we are preaching the very Word of Life which is more than able to transform lives and the congregation, and this conviction must be convincing (to our listening congregation) through our preaching. This is theodrama, the fl eshing out of the Word of God through our lives, words and actions, so that people can see and hear and feel the reality of the living gospel.

A creative, passionate, engaging theodrama, empowered by the Holy Spirit can bring conviction of guilt and sin, repentance and transformation.

P reparation. To preach the Word faithfully with relevance and yet engaging, requires substantial preparation. Last minute Saturday

night scrambling over some biblical texts just will not do, and the congregation can tell. If we are serious about transformation of the congregation in Christ, time and space must be set aside for adequate preparation of the sermon, including audio-and-visual aids, and spiritual preparation, waiting upon the Lord in prayer for guidance and direction.

A pplication. ‘Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. ‘Do what it says. . . he will be blessed in what he does.’ (James 1:22-

25). There will be no transformation without application. Hearing the Word alone is not going to lead to salvation or transformation. But personal and corporate application of the Word, such as, confession, repentance, forgiveness, reconciliation, restitution and dedication could lead to transformed life and congregation.

R eading the Word. Once a week sermon is not enough! Daily reading of the scripture in bits and pieces, such as a paragraph here and

a paragraph there would not be suffi cient either. I recommend, a systematic prescript reading of the Bible, at least 2 chapters a day, be drawn up for the whole church. In addition, a weekly Bible study or cell group or care group, to further study the Word would facilitate the development of a congregation with a Christian mind and heart.

E vangelism and Mission. A church experiencing transformation in Christ is a congregation increasingly evangelistic-minded and mission

oriented. To be Christ-like is to share his love (the Greatest Commandments, cf. Mt 22:37-39; Mk 12:30-31) and his gospel (the Great Commission, cf. Mt 28:18-20; Mk 16:15-18; Jn 20:21; Ac 1:8) with sinners (“I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” cf. Lk 5:32; cf. Mt 9:13; Mk 2:17), the lost (Lk 15), the poor, the weak and those who are marginalized.

In conclusion, transformation of congregations in Christ through the Word requires us to Preach the Word faithfully and boldly, making it Relevant to the needs of the people and Engaging the whole person and whole

I am using the alphabets from the word P.R.E.P.A.R.E. to share some thoughts on how a congregation may be transformed in Christ through the Word of God.

P.R .E .P.A.R .E .To Be Transformed! The Central Archdeaconry

Women’s Committee (CAWC) organized its 3rd English and 1st

Tamil Retreat at Golden Sands Baptist Centre, Port Dickson, from Friday 1st to Sunday 3rd February 2008. There were 22 participants in the English session and 27 in the Tamil session.

The speaker on the theme for the English session was Rev Robin Gan, from St. Paul’s Church, Petaling Jaya. He spoke on “Passion for Christ” and took great pains to explain the importance of the character and presence of Jesus in our lives and in our worship. The session on “Team Building Techniques” was conducted by Mr. Paul Jambunathan, a Clinical Psychologist who is regularly featured in the media. Mr. Johnny Savarimuthu, a Senior Lecturer from Sunway University College, led the ladies through various assessment tests to help them ‘discover’ and analyse themselves. With this ‘discovery’, many felt equipped to serve God better. The speaker on the theme for the Tamil session was Venerable Canon Dr. S. Batumalai. He highlighted on how we should walk with Christ, carry our

Cross daily and follow Him. Rev Canon Charles Fraser took the sessions on “Team Building Techniques” and “Stay Motivated in the Christian Faith”. The ladies were very receptive and they participated actively in all the sessions.

Dr. Japaraj Peter, an O & G Specialist from the Ipoh General Hospital gave a health talk at both the English & Tamil sessions. He spoke on the most common cancers that affect women today and participants benefi ted much from this talk. Dr. Japaraj presented his material in such a way that all ladies were able to understand and interact by asking questions.

On Saturday afternoon, the ladies participated in tele-match games. The ladies were very sporting and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. On Sunday, we had a Holy Communion Service, offi ciated by Rev Canon Charles Fraser and assisted by Rev Robin Gan. The retreat ended after lunch on Sunday 3rd February.

Feedback from participants indicated that they benefi tted much from

this Retreat. They felt refreshed and geared up to get back to their churches to encourage other sisters and bring about positive changes in their Women’s Fellowships.

Mrs Nesamani AlexandorProgramme CoordinatorCentral Archdeaconry Women’s Committee

CAWC English & Tamil Retreat 2008

congregation. It requires substantial Preparation, a willingness to Apply the Word to daily lives, systematic daily Reading and studying of the Word and fi nally, reaching out in Evangelism and Mission.

The Rev Christopher Tan Ah Soon is the Vicar of the Parish of the Good Shepherd, Johor Bahru and a member of the Supervisors-in-Training of the Malaysian Indigenous Clinical Pastoral Education. He is married to Mandy and they are blessed with Qing En (Celebration of God’s grace) and Qing Rong (Celebration of God’s glory). Affectionately known as ‘cifu’ by the English-speaking young people of the Diocese, he can be reached at cifu21@gmail.com

cont’d from page 10

cont’d on page 11

1110

P reaching the Word (2 Tim 4:2). For any congregation to be transformed in Christ, the Word of God must be preached faithfully and

boldly. The focus is on the Word of God and not on the self-promotion of the preacher or his or her opinion or ideas that could lead to controversies or meaningless talk (1 Tim 1:3-7).

Closely related to faithfulness is boldness. We are to preach without fear or favour but only with the fear of God in our hearts. As stewards entrusted with an awesome responsibility of teaching God’s fl ocks, we will one day be called to give an account of that trust (Jas 3:1; cf. Mt 25:1430; Lk 19:12-27) There will be people who will be offended by the Word of God. The Pharisees and Sadducees were offended by the words of Jesus, and the Jews by the preaching of the Paul (1 Co 1:22-24). If people are offended by the Word of God then they are rejecting the Word of God and not us, provided we preach the Word faithfully, and not abuse the pulpit for personal satisfaction or gain (Luke 10:16).

R elevance. For the congregation to be transformed, the Word preached must be relevant to their lives. It must ‘make sense’; the

Word spoken must speak to their needs: felt-needs and real-needs. In other words, it must have practical relevance and not be some abstract concepts which may sound sweet to the ears but of no relevance, purpose and meaning to their daily lives (2 Tim 4:3-4).

E ngaging. The proclamation of the Word must engage the whole person who hears the Word. Monologue and sometimes monotone

proclamation, I doubt, is going to be effective with the present visual generation.

To the new visual-generation, they need theodrama – the dramatization of the Word of God which engages the whole person and not just her hearing senses.

An example of theodrama is the Celebration of the Eucharist. The congregation sees the bread and wine (visual), hears the words of Jesus spoken (hear and remembrance), hold the bread (touch), eat and drink (participate).

The Word of God is dynamic, active and living (Heb 4:12) and yet, often the manner of our preaching is static, non-living and inactive! What a misrepresentation! We as preachers must fi rst be convinced that we are preaching the very Word of Life which is more than able to transform lives and the congregation, and this conviction must be convincing (to our listening congregation) through our preaching. This is theodrama, the fl eshing out of the Word of God through our lives, words and actions, so that people can see and hear and feel the reality of the living gospel.

A creative, passionate, engaging theodrama, empowered by the Holy Spirit can bring conviction of guilt and sin, repentance and transformation.

P reparation. To preach the Word faithfully with relevance and yet engaging, requires substantial preparation. Last minute Saturday

night scrambling over some biblical texts just will not do, and the congregation can tell. If we are serious about transformation of the congregation in Christ, time and space must be set aside for adequate preparation of the sermon, including audio-and-visual aids, and spiritual preparation, waiting upon the Lord in prayer for guidance and direction.

A pplication. ‘Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. ‘Do what it says. . . he will be blessed in what he does.’ (James 1:22-

25). There will be no transformation without application. Hearing the Word alone is not going to lead to salvation or transformation. But personal and corporate application of the Word, such as, confession, repentance, forgiveness, reconciliation, restitution and dedication could lead to transformed life and congregation.

R eading the Word. Once a week sermon is not enough! Daily reading of the scripture in bits and pieces, such as a paragraph here and

a paragraph there would not be suffi cient either. I recommend, a systematic prescript reading of the Bible, at least 2 chapters a day, be drawn up for the whole church. In addition, a weekly Bible study or cell group or care group, to further study the Word would facilitate the development of a congregation with a Christian mind and heart.

E vangelism and Mission. A church experiencing transformation in Christ is a congregation increasingly evangelistic-minded and mission

oriented. To be Christ-like is to share his love (the Greatest Commandments, cf. Mt 22:37-39; Mk 12:30-31) and his gospel (the Great Commission, cf. Mt 28:18-20; Mk 16:15-18; Jn 20:21; Ac 1:8) with sinners (“I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” cf. Lk 5:32; cf. Mt 9:13; Mk 2:17), the lost (Lk 15), the poor, the weak and those who are marginalized.

In conclusion, transformation of congregations in Christ through the Word requires us to Preach the Word faithfully and boldly, making it Relevant to the needs of the people and Engaging the whole person and whole

I am using the alphabets from the word P.R.E.P.A.R.E. to share some thoughts on how a congregation may be transformed in Christ through the Word of God.

P.R .E .P.A.R .E .To Be Transformed! The Central Archdeaconry

Women’s Committee (CAWC) organized its 3rd English and 1st

Tamil Retreat at Golden Sands Baptist Centre, Port Dickson, from Friday 1st to Sunday 3rd February 2008. There were 22 participants in the English session and 27 in the Tamil session.

The speaker on the theme for the English session was Rev Robin Gan, from St. Paul’s Church, Petaling Jaya. He spoke on “Passion for Christ” and took great pains to explain the importance of the character and presence of Jesus in our lives and in our worship. The session on “Team Building Techniques” was conducted by Mr. Paul Jambunathan, a Clinical Psychologist who is regularly featured in the media. Mr. Johnny Savarimuthu, a Senior Lecturer from Sunway University College, led the ladies through various assessment tests to help them ‘discover’ and analyse themselves. With this ‘discovery’, many felt equipped to serve God better. The speaker on the theme for the Tamil session was Venerable Canon Dr. S. Batumalai. He highlighted on how we should walk with Christ, carry our

Cross daily and follow Him. Rev Canon Charles Fraser took the sessions on “Team Building Techniques” and “Stay Motivated in the Christian Faith”. The ladies were very receptive and they participated actively in all the sessions.

Dr. Japaraj Peter, an O & G Specialist from the Ipoh General Hospital gave a health talk at both the English & Tamil sessions. He spoke on the most common cancers that affect women today and participants benefi ted much from this talk. Dr. Japaraj presented his material in such a way that all ladies were able to understand and interact by asking questions.

On Saturday afternoon, the ladies participated in tele-match games. The ladies were very sporting and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. On Sunday, we had a Holy Communion Service, offi ciated by Rev Canon Charles Fraser and assisted by Rev Robin Gan. The retreat ended after lunch on Sunday 3rd February.

Feedback from participants indicated that they benefi tted much from

this Retreat. They felt refreshed and geared up to get back to their churches to encourage other sisters and bring about positive changes in their Women’s Fellowships.

Mrs Nesamani AlexandorProgramme CoordinatorCentral Archdeaconry Women’s Committee

CAWC English & Tamil Retreat 2008

congregation. It requires substantial Preparation, a willingness to Apply the Word to daily lives, systematic daily Reading and studying of the Word and fi nally, reaching out in Evangelism and Mission.

The Rev Christopher Tan Ah Soon is the Vicar of the Parish of the Good Shepherd, Johor Bahru and a member of the Supervisors-in-Training of the Malaysian Indigenous Clinical Pastoral Education. He is married to Mandy and they are blessed with Qing En (Celebration of God’s grace) and Qing Rong (Celebration of God’s glory). Affectionately known as ‘cifu’ by the English-speaking young people of the Diocese, he can be reached at cifu21@gmail.com

cont’d from page 10

cont’d on page 11

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“Experiencing God Together” Henry T. Blackaby and Melvin D Blackaby.

Henry T. Blackaby is a name many in the church already know through his book “Experiencing God” which has sold more than three million copies. As President of Henry Blackaby Ministries he is a popular speaker and writer.

His son Melvin co-authors this book with him and is given a

section in each chapter entitled ‘A Story from Melvin’ which is a true to life illustration of the truths being communicated.

Each chapter also has a few questions at the end to help the reader recall and refl ect on what is being read.

In relation to our Diocesan theme for 2008, “Transformation of Congregations in Christ”, this book serves as an ideal exposition on the role of the church and the people in it; in understanding God’s Salvation plan, His love expressed, His Covenant Relationship and the role of the church in all this. He helps us understand the corporate nature of salvation and its signifi cant place within the people of God.

He says, “I have come to realize that God’s purpose for the church is much grander than many people have experienced

or even knew was possible. God has provided everything we need in Christ.”

Speaking of ‘koinonia’ he says “it is agape love in action and it cannot be conjured up by human activity. The working of the Holy Spirit produces it. “

Blackaby is concerned that Christians enter into a relationship with God that transforms every part of their lives. He emphasizes the importance of each member of the church realizing that he/she has a role to play. He says, “God shaped the church to function as a living organism that must work together in order to realize each member’s potential.” He goes on to say, “Any church, no matter what its size, can have a global impact. The key is not their abilities and resources; the key is God in their midst.”

He concludes by speaking of God’s perspective for the church and says that they must choose to know God’s perspective and work together to accomplish His Will for our lives. His advice is “Knowing that God will take us from where we are to where we ought to be, we strive to implement into our lives all that our Lord asks of us.”

As important as “Experiencing God” has been to many people, “Experiencing God Together” is a necessary sequel. Christians must make the transition from knowing and doing the Will of God as individuals, to knowing and doing the Will of God within the corporate body of believers.

[Available at Focus on theFamily book store. Cost RM39.90]

Book Review

Transforming Church

An intelligent church is a transforming church. As Charles Spurgeon said, ‘A little faith will get you to heaven, but great faith will bring heaven to earth.’ Unless each local church offers and demonstrates the message of Christ that is genuinely life changing - and by extension community and world changing - it has ceased to be a church. It has been robbed of its DNA. It has reneged on the central charge with which we were commissioned by our founder.

The Christian faith is built around the claim of Jesus Christ to hold the power to feed hungry souls, to refresh life’s weary travellers and to bring hope, change and transformation both to individuals and to communities.

Transforming mission knows that solutions never fl ow from the outside in. They fl ow from the inside out. Only Christianity can put new people in suits. Only God can see communities truly changed - life by life and street by street. Not only can he do it; he is doing it. Right now.

Throughout his life Jesus demonstrated God’s extraordinary love but never cajoled or forced people into following him. He simply offered the simple but direct invitation to all whom he met – ‘Follow me.’ The reason, of course, why Christ did not bully or push people into following him is simply this: God is love. Love woos; it does not rape. Love beckons; it does not intimidate. Love does not bully; it cannot bully.

Bullying doesn’t work, but love does. Love is the greatest power in the universe. It is not coercive. It invites and inspires engagement, response and transformation. God is love and calls his church to demonstrate the same transforming power. Each and every person on the face of the earth is created in God’s image and is of infi nite worth. Nobody is beyond the pale of God’s love.

The extraordinary thing about the Christian gospel of redemption and transformation is that in and through it, God made his move toward us before we trusted him or believed in him. He went fi rst. Paul makes this abundantly clear in Romans 5:8: `God demonstrates his own love for us in this:

While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.’ Here is deep truth. People begin to believe in themselves when they know that someone else believes in them. Transformation is never motivated by fear; it is only ever motivated by love. It is only ever a reaction to God’s grace, God’s initiative and God’s love:

CHURCHES TAKE ACTION

God does not transform us as individuals solely for our own benefi t. He calls us in turn to become his agents of transfor¬mation in our communities. `This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers’ (1 John 3:16). Much Christian theology has privatized faith, reducing it to little more than a cosy personal choice. However, genuine personal transformation leads us to the recognition that we are to be people who give our lives to bring hope to others and to change the world because Christ gave his to change us.

In 2002, research by the British government into the culture of volunteering in the United Kingdom showed that active Christians were three times more likely than others to be involved with the affairs of their communities beyond their own immediate interests - 27 percent, compared to 9 percent. That’s good news. The question for the church is what has hap¬pened to the other 73 percent?

If we believe that God is able to transform people, then it is our task to ensure we are introducing people to God. When people start to understand that they matter, they start to understand that others matter as well. Every local church, therefore, should be a seedbed of societal change, transformation and engagement.

The transformational church will not be afraid to wear its faith on its sleeve. Indeed, it will do it naturally and with ease.

[The above is a selection of some of the portions in the chapter on “Transforming Church” from a book entitled “Intelligent Church” by Steve Chalke (with Anthony Watkis)]

Congratulations

13

We would like to congratulate Rev. Dr. Tan Jin Huat for obtaining his Doctorate degree from Oxford Centre for Mission Studies (OCMS), Oxford. Rev. Dr. Tan studied at the OCMS, Oxford, offi cially registering as a PhD candidate with the University of Wales in May 2001. His

thesis supervisor is Dr. Brian Stanley, Director of the Henry Martyn Centre, Cambridge and Fellow of St. Edmund College, Cambridge. His PhD thesis is on “The Borneo Evangelical Mission (BEM) and Sidang Injil Borneo (SIB): The Planting of an Indigenous Church, 1928-

1979.”

Rev. Dr. Tan is lecturing at the Seminari Theoloji Malaysia (STM). He is the Academic Dean at STM. He is also a pastor at St. Gabriel’s Church, Kuala Lumpur.

12

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“Experiencing God Together” Henry T. Blackaby and Melvin D Blackaby.

Henry T. Blackaby is a name many in the church already know through his book “Experiencing God” which has sold more than three million copies. As President of Henry Blackaby Ministries he is a popular speaker and writer.

His son Melvin co-authors this book with him and is given a

section in each chapter entitled ‘A Story from Melvin’ which is a true to life illustration of the truths being communicated.

Each chapter also has a few questions at the end to help the reader recall and refl ect on what is being read.

In relation to our Diocesan theme for 2008, “Transformation of Congregations in Christ”, this book serves as an ideal exposition on the role of the church and the people in it; in understanding God’s Salvation plan, His love expressed, His Covenant Relationship and the role of the church in all this. He helps us understand the corporate nature of salvation and its signifi cant place within the people of God.

He says, “I have come to realize that God’s purpose for the church is much grander than many people have experienced

or even knew was possible. God has provided everything we need in Christ.”

Speaking of ‘koinonia’ he says “it is agape love in action and it cannot be conjured up by human activity. The working of the Holy Spirit produces it. “

Blackaby is concerned that Christians enter into a relationship with God that transforms every part of their lives. He emphasizes the importance of each member of the church realizing that he/she has a role to play. He says, “God shaped the church to function as a living organism that must work together in order to realize each member’s potential.” He goes on to say, “Any church, no matter what its size, can have a global impact. The key is not their abilities and resources; the key is God in their midst.”

He concludes by speaking of God’s perspective for the church and says that they must choose to know God’s perspective and work together to accomplish His Will for our lives. His advice is “Knowing that God will take us from where we are to where we ought to be, we strive to implement into our lives all that our Lord asks of us.”

As important as “Experiencing God” has been to many people, “Experiencing God Together” is a necessary sequel. Christians must make the transition from knowing and doing the Will of God as individuals, to knowing and doing the Will of God within the corporate body of believers.

[Available at Focus on theFamily book store. Cost RM39.90]

Book Review

Transforming Church

An intelligent church is a transforming church. As Charles Spurgeon said, ‘A little faith will get you to heaven, but great faith will bring heaven to earth.’ Unless each local church offers and demonstrates the message of Christ that is genuinely life changing - and by extension community and world changing - it has ceased to be a church. It has been robbed of its DNA. It has reneged on the central charge with which we were commissioned by our founder.

The Christian faith is built around the claim of Jesus Christ to hold the power to feed hungry souls, to refresh life’s weary travellers and to bring hope, change and transformation both to individuals and to communities.

Transforming mission knows that solutions never fl ow from the outside in. They fl ow from the inside out. Only Christianity can put new people in suits. Only God can see communities truly changed - life by life and street by street. Not only can he do it; he is doing it. Right now.

Throughout his life Jesus demonstrated God’s extraordinary love but never cajoled or forced people into following him. He simply offered the simple but direct invitation to all whom he met – ‘Follow me.’ The reason, of course, why Christ did not bully or push people into following him is simply this: God is love. Love woos; it does not rape. Love beckons; it does not intimidate. Love does not bully; it cannot bully.

Bullying doesn’t work, but love does. Love is the greatest power in the universe. It is not coercive. It invites and inspires engagement, response and transformation. God is love and calls his church to demonstrate the same transforming power. Each and every person on the face of the earth is created in God’s image and is of infi nite worth. Nobody is beyond the pale of God’s love.

The extraordinary thing about the Christian gospel of redemption and transformation is that in and through it, God made his move toward us before we trusted him or believed in him. He went fi rst. Paul makes this abundantly clear in Romans 5:8: `God demonstrates his own love for us in this:

While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.’ Here is deep truth. People begin to believe in themselves when they know that someone else believes in them. Transformation is never motivated by fear; it is only ever motivated by love. It is only ever a reaction to God’s grace, God’s initiative and God’s love:

CHURCHES TAKE ACTION

God does not transform us as individuals solely for our own benefi t. He calls us in turn to become his agents of transfor¬mation in our communities. `This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers’ (1 John 3:16). Much Christian theology has privatized faith, reducing it to little more than a cosy personal choice. However, genuine personal transformation leads us to the recognition that we are to be people who give our lives to bring hope to others and to change the world because Christ gave his to change us.

In 2002, research by the British government into the culture of volunteering in the United Kingdom showed that active Christians were three times more likely than others to be involved with the affairs of their communities beyond their own immediate interests - 27 percent, compared to 9 percent. That’s good news. The question for the church is what has hap¬pened to the other 73 percent?

If we believe that God is able to transform people, then it is our task to ensure we are introducing people to God. When people start to understand that they matter, they start to understand that others matter as well. Every local church, therefore, should be a seedbed of societal change, transformation and engagement.

The transformational church will not be afraid to wear its faith on its sleeve. Indeed, it will do it naturally and with ease.

[The above is a selection of some of the portions in the chapter on “Transforming Church” from a book entitled “Intelligent Church” by Steve Chalke (with Anthony Watkis)]

Congratulations

13

We would like to congratulate Rev. Dr. Tan Jin Huat for obtaining his Doctorate degree from Oxford Centre for Mission Studies (OCMS), Oxford. Rev. Dr. Tan studied at the OCMS, Oxford, offi cially registering as a PhD candidate with the University of Wales in May 2001. His

thesis supervisor is Dr. Brian Stanley, Director of the Henry Martyn Centre, Cambridge and Fellow of St. Edmund College, Cambridge. His PhD thesis is on “The Borneo Evangelical Mission (BEM) and Sidang Injil Borneo (SIB): The Planting of an Indigenous Church, 1928-

1979.”

Rev. Dr. Tan is lecturing at the Seminari Theoloji Malaysia (STM). He is the Academic Dean at STM. He is also a pastor at St. Gabriel’s Church, Kuala Lumpur.

1514

A Glimpse of HistoryCozy Home was fi rst conceived as a retirement home for “holy servants” by the late Rev Canon Chan Kai Ming around 1977, and All Saints’ Church Kuala Lumpur adopted and pursued the project. A Cozy Home Building Committee, headed by Mr. Peter Yuen, was formed in early 1980s and the Cozy Home Building Fund was subsequently set up. A long-drawn fundraising drive and project planning then ensued. The scope of the Home was later enlarged to accommodate the elderly (senior citizens).

Milestones: 2003 Bishop Tan Sri Dr Lim Cheng Ean offered

the Diocesan land where St. Mark’s Church and the former maternity clinic were sited. Development plans were submitted and subsequently approved.

10 July 2004 (1) Ground Breaking was performed by Bishop Lim, and onwards building construction works commenced.

(2) The Building Committee was elevated to Diocesan level.

(3) The Home was named as St. Mark’s Cozy Home.

30 July 2005 Bishop Lim appointed a Board of Management, headed by Mr. Peter Yuen, with the Instrument of Management duly approved by Standing Committee on 8.9.05.

Nov. 2006 The shell and core building was completed. Finishing touches and remedial work was carried out. Active steps were taken to work towards the application for Certifi cate of Fitness (CF).

17 March 2007 A Dedication & Thanksgiving Service & Dinner was held at Cozy Home, graced by Bishop Lim.

29 June 2007 After much delay and overcoming some challenges, approvals from various external departments were obtained, and an offi cial inspection by MBSA (Majlis Bandaran Shah Alam) was then conducted, for issuance of the Certifi cate of Fitness (CF).

July 2007 (1) Bishop Ng Moon Hing appointed Bishop Lim as Chairman of the, Board of Management, after Bishop Lim’sretirement, with Mr. Peter Yuen as Vice-Chairman.

(2) Various steps were taken to obtain the CF.

(3) Great efforts were also made to equip the Home.

(4) Mr. Andrew Lai was appointed in October 2007, as Manager (Hon.) to oversee and manage the initial operations of the Home.

24.12.2007 CF was issued! (Sincere appreciation and thanks to Tan Sri Dato Dr James Alfred.)

13.01.2008 Dedication of St. Mark’s Church and “Soft- Launch” of Cozy Home was celebrated by Bishop Ng Moon Hing.

Rooms & RatesThe Cozy Home is a 3-storey building (built at a cost of about RM3.0 million) on ¾-acre land, with a fi eld suitable for vegetable/fl ower gardening.

Accommodation available is as follows:Ground Floor 4 x 4-bedded room 16 4 x 2-bedded room 8 24 persons

First Floor 4 x 2-bedded room 8 4 x 4-bedded room 16 2 x 2-pax Suite 4 28 persons

Second Floor 4 x 2-bedded room 8 2 x 2-pax Apartment 4 12 persons

TOTAL 64 persons

The Home offers competitive rates for potential residents:

(1) Twin Sharing RM1,200 pm (Single occupancy) RM1,800 pm

(2) Quad Sharing RM1,000 pm

(3) Apartment (Twin Sharing) RM1,500 pm (Single occupancy) RM2,500 pm

These rates are inclusive of accommodation, meals, caring service and laundry, but do not include medical fees.

The Home has also devised a special scheme, called Lump Sum Payment, as follows:

Apartment (RM70,000)/2-bedded Room (RM50,000)/4-bedded room (RM40,000) --- Free for fi rst 4 years, 50% of prevailing rate for the next 4 years, and full rate thereafter.

In addition, visiting families/clergy/guests may enjoy a short stay at Cozy Home at nominal charge (say RM50/night). The Multi-purpose Hall and two Function Rooms may also be used for workshops/ seminars/meetings, etc.

Allison Cheong, former church worker (ASC KL) and evangelist (Anglican Village Ministry), now in her early 70’s, has become the fi rst resident of the Home, under a special arrangement. She assigned her fl at, worth about RM80,000-90,000, in Shah Alam to the Diocese, so that she will be fully taken care of at Cozy Home. Rev Charles Ng, new Deacon, and wife Dss Dorinna Tan, both assigned to Christ Church, Jinjang, have

been given accommodation at Cozy Home, and they help keep an eye on the Home.

As of now, there are fi ve residents occupying the ground fl oor rooms. There have been frequent and keen enquiries on admission, and more and more elderly folks are expected to take up residence there.

Environment and Daily LifeCozy Home is to provide a Christian environment of love and care to the most-needy elderly persons, ministering to their physical and spiritual needs. The Home has adequate facilities that include a recreation room, lounge, medical clinic, kitchen, outdoor space, etc., and it also provides proper care and service (24-hour care, with residential staff around), as well as a pleasant and secure environment.

In keeping with the Christian tradition, Sunday worship, daily devotion, prayer, spiritual care, Christian life and conduct, etc. for the residents, will be encouraged and facilitated.

As it develops, the home will provide the following:

(1) Meeting needs in caring and providing fellowship.(2) Physical, Mental & Spiritual Development --- Daily physical

exercise; reading and mental exercise; Bible Study, etc.(3) Handicraft, Needle work, Wood Work/Carpentry,

Gardening, etc. --- Opportunity to pursue personal interests, with training/teaching by professionals or social workers.

(4) DVD/VCD and Games --- Enjoyment and healthy discussion.

(5) Fun and Games – Organized outings and games; birthday parties, etc.

(6) Weekend Fellowship with Family Members – Sponsors/children are encouraged to visit their loved ones and take them out or home on weekends or holidays. Volunteers will visit the Home regularly to fellowship with the residents.

Concluding RemarksIt has taken a quarter of a century for this dream to come through, and we thank God for His faithfulness and guidance. The Diocese is proud to provide this service to the Christian community and the general public.

As we have just begun to walk, we need to learn and experiment in our journey (operations). We need a lot of expertise, wise counsel, fi nancial contribution, manpower support, and, most importantly, earnest prayer. Please extend us your helping hand and loving heart.

ContactAndrew Lai, Manager (Hon.)H/P 012 297 5728; e-mail: tnlai@yahoo.com Andrew Tan, Director (Fundraising) (Hon.)H/P 016 331 6307; e-mail: berbakti@tm.net.my

St. Mark’s Cozy HomeLot 3720, Jalan Besar, Kg. Baru Sg. Buloh,47000 SUNGEI BULOH, Selangor.E-mail: anglican@streamyx.com ; ascvicar@gmail.com

St. Mark’s

Cozy

Home In

Operation

By

Andrew Tan

All praise and glory to God that St. Mark’s Cozy Home has been in operation (opening its door to potential residents) since January 2008, as the newest community service project of the Diocese!

1514

A Glimpse of HistoryCozy Home was fi rst conceived as a retirement home for “holy servants” by the late Rev Canon Chan Kai Ming around 1977, and All Saints’ Church Kuala Lumpur adopted and pursued the project. A Cozy Home Building Committee, headed by Mr. Peter Yuen, was formed in early 1980s and the Cozy Home Building Fund was subsequently set up. A long-drawn fundraising drive and project planning then ensued. The scope of the Home was later enlarged to accommodate the elderly (senior citizens).

Milestones: 2003 Bishop Tan Sri Dr Lim Cheng Ean offered

the Diocesan land where St. Mark’s Church and the former maternity clinic were sited. Development plans were submitted and subsequently approved.

10 July 2004 (1) Ground Breaking was performed by Bishop Lim, and onwards building construction works commenced.

(2) The Building Committee was elevated to Diocesan level.

(3) The Home was named as St. Mark’s Cozy Home.

30 July 2005 Bishop Lim appointed a Board of Management, headed by Mr. Peter Yuen, with the Instrument of Management duly approved by Standing Committee on 8.9.05.

Nov. 2006 The shell and core building was completed. Finishing touches and remedial work was carried out. Active steps were taken to work towards the application for Certifi cate of Fitness (CF).

17 March 2007 A Dedication & Thanksgiving Service & Dinner was held at Cozy Home, graced by Bishop Lim.

29 June 2007 After much delay and overcoming some challenges, approvals from various external departments were obtained, and an offi cial inspection by MBSA (Majlis Bandaran Shah Alam) was then conducted, for issuance of the Certifi cate of Fitness (CF).

July 2007 (1) Bishop Ng Moon Hing appointed Bishop Lim as Chairman of the, Board of Management, after Bishop Lim’sretirement, with Mr. Peter Yuen as Vice-Chairman.

(2) Various steps were taken to obtain the CF.

(3) Great efforts were also made to equip the Home.

(4) Mr. Andrew Lai was appointed in October 2007, as Manager (Hon.) to oversee and manage the initial operations of the Home.

24.12.2007 CF was issued! (Sincere appreciation and thanks to Tan Sri Dato Dr James Alfred.)

13.01.2008 Dedication of St. Mark’s Church and “Soft- Launch” of Cozy Home was celebrated by Bishop Ng Moon Hing.

Rooms & RatesThe Cozy Home is a 3-storey building (built at a cost of about RM3.0 million) on ¾-acre land, with a fi eld suitable for vegetable/fl ower gardening.

Accommodation available is as follows:Ground Floor 4 x 4-bedded room 16 4 x 2-bedded room 8 24 persons

First Floor 4 x 2-bedded room 8 4 x 4-bedded room 16 2 x 2-pax Suite 4 28 persons

Second Floor 4 x 2-bedded room 8 2 x 2-pax Apartment 4 12 persons

TOTAL 64 persons

The Home offers competitive rates for potential residents:

(1) Twin Sharing RM1,200 pm (Single occupancy) RM1,800 pm

(2) Quad Sharing RM1,000 pm

(3) Apartment (Twin Sharing) RM1,500 pm (Single occupancy) RM2,500 pm

These rates are inclusive of accommodation, meals, caring service and laundry, but do not include medical fees.

The Home has also devised a special scheme, called Lump Sum Payment, as follows:

Apartment (RM70,000)/2-bedded Room (RM50,000)/4-bedded room (RM40,000) --- Free for fi rst 4 years, 50% of prevailing rate for the next 4 years, and full rate thereafter.

In addition, visiting families/clergy/guests may enjoy a short stay at Cozy Home at nominal charge (say RM50/night). The Multi-purpose Hall and two Function Rooms may also be used for workshops/ seminars/meetings, etc.

Allison Cheong, former church worker (ASC KL) and evangelist (Anglican Village Ministry), now in her early 70’s, has become the fi rst resident of the Home, under a special arrangement. She assigned her fl at, worth about RM80,000-90,000, in Shah Alam to the Diocese, so that she will be fully taken care of at Cozy Home. Rev Charles Ng, new Deacon, and wife Dss Dorinna Tan, both assigned to Christ Church, Jinjang, have

been given accommodation at Cozy Home, and they help keep an eye on the Home.

As of now, there are fi ve residents occupying the ground fl oor rooms. There have been frequent and keen enquiries on admission, and more and more elderly folks are expected to take up residence there.

Environment and Daily LifeCozy Home is to provide a Christian environment of love and care to the most-needy elderly persons, ministering to their physical and spiritual needs. The Home has adequate facilities that include a recreation room, lounge, medical clinic, kitchen, outdoor space, etc., and it also provides proper care and service (24-hour care, with residential staff around), as well as a pleasant and secure environment.

In keeping with the Christian tradition, Sunday worship, daily devotion, prayer, spiritual care, Christian life and conduct, etc. for the residents, will be encouraged and facilitated.

As it develops, the home will provide the following:

(1) Meeting needs in caring and providing fellowship.(2) Physical, Mental & Spiritual Development --- Daily physical

exercise; reading and mental exercise; Bible Study, etc.(3) Handicraft, Needle work, Wood Work/Carpentry,

Gardening, etc. --- Opportunity to pursue personal interests, with training/teaching by professionals or social workers.

(4) DVD/VCD and Games --- Enjoyment and healthy discussion.

(5) Fun and Games – Organized outings and games; birthday parties, etc.

(6) Weekend Fellowship with Family Members – Sponsors/children are encouraged to visit their loved ones and take them out or home on weekends or holidays. Volunteers will visit the Home regularly to fellowship with the residents.

Concluding RemarksIt has taken a quarter of a century for this dream to come through, and we thank God for His faithfulness and guidance. The Diocese is proud to provide this service to the Christian community and the general public.

As we have just begun to walk, we need to learn and experiment in our journey (operations). We need a lot of expertise, wise counsel, fi nancial contribution, manpower support, and, most importantly, earnest prayer. Please extend us your helping hand and loving heart.

ContactAndrew Lai, Manager (Hon.)H/P 012 297 5728; e-mail: tnlai@yahoo.com Andrew Tan, Director (Fundraising) (Hon.)H/P 016 331 6307; e-mail: berbakti@tm.net.my

St. Mark’s Cozy HomeLot 3720, Jalan Besar, Kg. Baru Sg. Buloh,47000 SUNGEI BULOH, Selangor.E-mail: anglican@streamyx.com ; ascvicar@gmail.com

St. Mark’s

Cozy

Home In

Operation

By

Andrew Tan

All praise and glory to God that St. Mark’s Cozy Home has been in operation (opening its door to potential residents) since January 2008, as the newest community service project of the Diocese!

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Ten “Commandments”Ten “Commandments”for Transforming Congregationsfor Transforming Congregations

1. Speak to people. Speak to everyone, especially to those whom you don’t know. There is nothing quite so nice as a cheerful word of greeting.

2. Smile at people. It takes 72 muscles to frown and only 14 to smile. Your smile is one of your fi nest assets. Use it! It doesn’t cost a thing!!

3. Call people by name. The sweetest music to any person’s ears is sound of his or her own name. If you don’t know the person’s name, introduce yourself and likely the person will respond with his or her name.

4. Be friendly and helpful. If you want friends, learn to be a friend. Everyone needs them. No one has too many.

5. Be cordial. Try to speak and act as if everything you do is a genuine pleasure.

6. Be genuinely interested in people. Try to like everybody and everybody will like you. Do not limit yourself to a few friends when there are so many likable people about you.

7. Be generous with praise. And be just as sparing with criticism.

8. Be generous of the feelings of others. Usually, there are three sides to a controversy: yours, the other person’s and the right one. Try to see them all.

9. Be alert to give service. What we do for others counts most in life. Try giving yourself away. It’s fun!

10. Develop a sense of humor. To this good sense of humor, add a generous dose of patience and a dash of humility. Then get ready to receive many blessings. They’re sure to come!