Canonmoon

It was indeed a sad day for Malaysia when 10 churches, 1 school and 1 Sikh temple in Malaysia were attacked. Violence will never solve problem. In fact it will only escalate to more problems. Malaysians don’t behave as terrorists except that some people who want political mileage and fan up emotions of others thus resulting in such a mess.

Now the finger is pointing at each other as who is the one who has started this problem. According to the news, one government leader accused the Catholic Church for starting the court case and thus led to such violence. I am pretty sure this leader is not wide read or informed at all.

Let me trace some historical facts before we can decide. Of course, there are those who refuse to accept even the true fact of life is revealed. They will go on with their own selfish wishes.

Ever since pre-Malaya or Malaysia, the issue of Allah was never there. The British granted Malaya the Independence with a great respect to the muslim community, here is the Malays, with the law inscribed in the Constitution forbidding the propagation of other religions to the muslims. Christians were happy with it and did not challenge it at all. Since 1957, every community lived happily together. There was never any religious conflict at all.

It was in 1982 suddenly out of a blue, our former PM Dr. Mahathir introduced an enactment stating that the Christian Holy Book - the Alkitab - is now a threat to the national security. The Alkitab was banned. Delegations of Christian leaders went to see the PM many times and pleaded that this was unfair to our Holy Scripture and urged to remove the enactment. The then BN with all the component parties did not object to the ban or their objection was over-ruled. How can a Holy Book be a threat to national security? There was also no sign at all. Later another enactment was created stating that the Alkitab can only be used by Christians and in Churches.

Conitnual delegations met the PM and in 1986 a circular from the Home Ministry stated that 25 words cannot be used by non-muslims and this was superseded by another circular in the same year that only 4 words cannot be used without the following condition adhered to i.e. The Alkitab must be printed on its cover with the word “For Christianity” and to be used only by Christians.

Even with this decision from the Home Ministry, the custom officers at the ports continued to seize many imports of Alkitab (the reason is local printer was not granted with license). Each time the Christian leaders have to send delegations to meet the PM and HM to resolve this seizures. The officers (like napolean) never followed the HM circular.

In the 1990s, the Iban Bibles were confiscated. Again delegations were made and then then DPM Abdullah Badawi found out that it was not BM Bibles but Iban Bibles and that were released.

In 2009, another gazette was issued and stated exactly what was decided in 1986 that any publication with the 4 ‘forbidden words’ can only be used with its cover printed with the words “For Christianity”.

Unfortunately, the so-called government leader in the PM department who called himself a lawyer did not know the law of the country. The gazette clearly stated that as long as the cover of the publication is printed “For Christianity”, it can be used throughout the country Malaysia. The ‘Herald’ is clearly a Christian publication with the big Catholic Church title written there. Furthermore it is for internal circulation only and not for sale in the public.

Just to recollect our thoughts again:

1.  Christians love, respect and loyal to the Agung and all the Sultans in the nation, and have been praying for their welfare always.
2.  Christians have never challenge Islam or muslims in this country ever.
3.  Christians want to live in peace and harmony with other people, including the muslim brethren, in this nation Malaysia.
4.  Christians want to worship their God freely in the Christian way and expression and in each own language.
5.  Christians have always taken the approach to dialogue with other faiths, and are always looking forward to dialogue with muslims together. But not very successful.The muslims are not in the MCCBCHST - inter-faith council for Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism. They don’t want to join. Tunku Abdul Rahman, our first PM, declared the inauguration of the Council.
5.  Christians have always taken the restriction and false accusation by the government authorities positively without retaliation with violence, even when Christian Holy Book is considered as a threat to national security.
6.  Christians have taken the import ban and confiscation of our Holy Book without making a big issue in the press or demonstration in the street, but only to dialogue and sending delegations to meet the PM or HM.
7.  Christians have requested for printing permit in Malaysia for Christian own Holy Book and it was rejected. It was against the spirit of freedom of worship.
8.  Christians have willingly agreed to print the cover of Christian own Holy Book with the word ‘For Christianity’ though it is infringing on one’s right of worship.
9.  Christians, after 25 years, have silently taken in all the false accusations and endured all the inconveniences of the import ban and have to pay all the port charges because the government authorities and officers do not heed to the government gazette which they themselves have enacted.
10. The Christian Church has no choice but to take the government to court so that they can uphold the law they have created.
11. Christians are against all forms of violence, more so to holy places of worship.
12. Christians are urged to forgive all the perpetrators of the church/temple attacks.
13. Christians are encouraged to pray for the peace and harmony of Malaysia, and for all government authorities to act justly and practise fairly.
14. Christians are praying for an amicable solution to the heighten issue of word use.
15. Christian are peaceful citizens and only wish to see the reality of 1Malaysia.

Diocesan Mission Sunday beginning from 22 November 2009

The Christian Calendar year begins at the fourth Sunday before Christmas which is known as the Advent Sunday, and completes at the last Sunday of Pentecost/Trinity which is the Sunday of the Feast of Christ the King where Christ is lifted and honoured as the King of kings and Lord of lords.

Every year our Diocese has designated the last Sunday of the Christian Calendar year i.e. the Sunday of the Feast of Christ the King, as the Diocesan Mission Sunday. Incidentally, it is also been adopted as the Provincial Mission Sunday beginning 2010. This hopes to set off the tone for mission from now till the next Sunday of the Feast of Christ the King throughout the whole of 2010.

What do we do on the Mission Sunday?
1.  Churches are encouraged to designate this Sunday as their Parish Mission Sunday. Of course, some churches due to their own schedule and commitments might wish to choose another Sunday or Sundays as their own Parish Mission Sunday or Mission Month.
2.  Churches are encouraged to invite the preacher to preach on Mission.
3.  Churches are to encourage more prayer focus on mission work, mission workers, mission field, etc.
4.  Churches are encourage to take an offering for mission of the church and the diocese.

What do we hope to achieve with the Diocesan Mission Sunday?
1.  We hope to see all the churches in the Diocese seriously engaging in mission works. This is the way forward and it can avoid maintenance mode.
2.  There is still a lot of work to be done both locally and abroad - “the harvest is plentiful“.
3.  We hope to create mission awareness and eventually hope to raise workers for the mission fields of the Lord.

How do we plan for a long term Mission Awareness in the parish?
1.  PCCs are encouraged to include in the PCC Agenda an item on Mission & Evangelism.
2.  PCCs are encourage to set a budget for mission.
3.  PCCs are encouraged to appoint a person as Parish Mission Coordinator.
4.  Churches can circulate information on mission works in the parish, diocese and foreign mission agencies among parishioners.
5.  Churches can organise Mission Awareness Week.
6.  Church can organise Mission Prayer Week.

How do we get our parish started in mission work?
1.  Invite speakers who can speak on Mission, preferably some who have done mission themselves.
2.  Organise short mission exposure trips or join such trips which are organised by other chuches or the diocese.
3.  Start a Mission budget and have a Mission Coordinator.

What is the aim of this 2009 Diocesan Mission Sunday?
We aim to raise RM500,000 for the Diocesan Mission Fund. Don’t be frightened by the amount. If every member gives a minimum of RM1.00 per week to the mission fund (on top of your regular offering), we have no problem reaching the target. For example, we have 10,000 adult members who attend church regularly and each member gives RM1.00 per week, we will have RM520,000 per year. If each member gives RM2.00 per week, we will have RM1 million annually for mission fund.

What is the Mission Fund use for?
1.  Next year 2010 is our Diocese 40th year of formation. We wish to bless 40 children homes throughout the country. We have planned every Saturday in the Month of May for a Children Carnival in 4 places, namely, Penang, Ipoh, Klang, Johor Bharu. In each place, we will identify 10 children homes and invite our children and the children of the homes to the one day Children Carnival for games and recreation. After which we will present each home with RM5,000 either in kind or cash. This will amount to RM200,000.

2.  We have planned for 3 overseas mission exposure trips, February to Tiruchi, India; July to Taiwan (to the affected areas); October to Bangladesh. This will amount to RM50,000.

3.  We will continue to help the Church of the Province of Myanmar in the setting up of the School of Mission and Evangelism (SOME). Our aim is to train altogether 100 evangelists within three years in all the different dioceses in Myanmar. This will amount to RM50,000.

4.  We are anticipating and continuing in our efforts of Relief, Emergency And Crisis Help (R.E.A.C.H.) to the affected areas. We will also be organising a Crisis Relief workers training camp next year. We are still assisting Myanmar in the rebuilding of houses in the Delta regions and medical care; Philippines in the rebuilding of houses and churches due to a couple of tyhoons; Padang in West Sumatra in the rebuilding of houses and medical care. So far we have helped in the areas - Myanmar (2008), Sichuan (2008), Orissa (2008), Gaza (2009), Zimbabwe (2009), Sri Lanka (2009), Philippines (2009), Taiwan (2009), Padang (2009). This will amount to RM100,000.

5.  We will be supporting and expanding our assistance to the Orang Asli and Anglican Village Ministries. We are working together to see that the ministry will expand to other regions. The priority will be on the raising and training of workers for these ministries. This will amount to RM40,000.

6.  We will be embarking on the ministry of Intentional Discipleship. We hope to see all members of the Diocese is motivated and in active service for the Lord’s service. We are hoping to raise many disciples and from them train and raise 400 Lay Pastors and 400 Lay Readers by the year 2020. This ill amount to RM20,000.

7.  We are working with and through the Diocesan Missioners and Boards to identify strategic areas throughout the Diocese to be targets of evangelistic concentrations where we can plant churches, develop social outreaches and training centres. We hope to saturate the nation with the Good News of our Lord Jesus Christ. This will amount to RM20,000.

8.  We are working with the Diocesan Boards and Committees in the development of young people especially school leavers and campus youth, in the area of evangelism, discipleship, Christian formation, leadership, Christian spirituality. We are developing the Caleb Steps, the Anglican School of Disciples (ASOD) and Vocation Camps for both young men and ladies. This will amount to RM10,000.

9.  We are engaging in the mission works in the Province in the countries of Nepal, Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, with particular emphasis and attention is given to three places, namely, Medan (Sumatra), South Thailand, Phnom Penh (Cambodia). This will amount to RM20,000.

Will you be praying for the Diocesan Mission involvement? Will you be giving to the Diocesan Mission Fund? Will you be involved in the mission programmes? Will you be considering to be a mission worker of the Lord?

Please make all donations and offerings by cheques payable to “DIOCESE OF WEST MALAYSIA” (please write Diocesan Mission Fund at the reverse side of the cheque) and send to the Diocesan office at 16, Jalan Pudu Lama, 50200 KL.

All glory to God in the Highest!!!

WHY DO WE NEED A PROVINCE OF WEST MALAYSIA?

After the 2009 Synod Presidential Address, some lay people came and asked me the question “Why do we need a Province of West Malaysia?” I thought it is most expedient and appropriate to inform everyone what is inside my mind and thoughts. I will try to answer the questions posed to me earlier.

What is a province?

According to the Anglican ecclesial structure, a province is an independent ecclesial entity of a collection of dioceses (a minimal of four) coming together for greater ministry, mission, testimony, sharing and fellowship.

Can we not do evangelism and grow our diocese without becoming a province?

Of course, we can continue to grow our diocese and do our ministry as usual. Evangelism and ministry must go on with or without becoming a province. This is the basic call for all of us Christians.

What is the advantage of a province?

At least for our diocese, there are four main reasons.

1.Decentralisation – As the church grows in size and numbers, we need more leaders. One diocesan bishop will not be able to manage the whole diocese. In the early years, we were once part of the Diocese of London. Then later when the Diocese of Calcutta was established; all the churches east of Calcutta were under this new diocese. Later in 1855, the Diocese of Labuan, Sarawak and Singapore was established; and in 1909 the Diocese of Borneo and the Diocese of Singapore were created. In 1962, the Diocese of Sabah and the Diocese of Kuching were formed. Our Diocese was created in 1970 from the Diocese of Singapore. All these happened for the greater attention, growth and care for the churches so that greater ministry can be seen.
2.Incorporation Act – Our Diocese is under the Incorporation Act of the Parliament. It is prudent and sensible to act wisely and delicately on this matter. We are advised to preferably go for a change of name rather than asking for two or three Incorporation Acts for the different dioceses. So in order to create one or two more dioceses, we should look into creating four dioceses and at the same time a province with the aim to have all the dioceses/province come under one Incorporation act.
3.Properties – If we have a province, then all the properties of our diocese can come under the province and every diocese can share the costs and benefits. We can avoid the scenario that one diocese is rich and the next diocese is poor in assets.
4.Manpower and Resources – We can share the manpower and resources within the province. We have to avoid the situation that one diocese has many priests and the next does not have enough.
5.Delegation – All the new dioceses will be autonomous and carry on with their own ministry. This is an improvement over and against the present Archdeaconry structure where the Archdeacons do not have the role or responsibility as a bishop has. This is in the same manner where each parish has its own autonomy to do its ministry.

What will happen to our relationship in the Province of South East Asia?

We will still remain in the Province of South East Asia. Among the four dioceses in West Malaysia, we are relating to each other just like we are before but with greater diversity and autonomy for each diocese to function. Similarly, in Nigeria, there are 10 provinces within the Province of Nigeria; and in Australia, there are 6 provinces; in USA, there are 8 provinces; in England, there are two provinces.

Will there be more expenses for a province?

Certainly, there will be some extra expenses but I don’t think it will be very much more. The expenses are more or less the same with our present set up with Diocesan and Assistant Bishops.

What are the advantages in terms of ministry and mission?

There will be more attention and focus given to the leadership of a smaller geographical area. Even the remote areas where once they are not given priority can be attended to easier.

Do we have the numbers and manpower to become a province?

We already have the numbers and manpower of a province but the distribution is not evenly yet. We need to place much focus and attention to build up the North, South and East so that they also can have comfortable and reasonable numbers and manpower. Only then we will move to the creation of dioceses and province.

When do you wish to see the reality of such a province?

I hope that by 2010 we can start the process of the creation of dioceses and province. By 2015 I wish to see that we are allowed in principle to change the name from ‘diocese’ to ‘province’ in the Incorporation Act. Then the dioceses can be created one by one when each one is ready. By 2020, the whole process will be in place and completed.

Will the increase of bishops be top-heavy?

I don’t think so. I am creating many ministries for lay people so that they can also share in the ministry. The ideas of Hon. Lay Pastors, Lay Readers, Evangelists, Hon. Deaconesses, Deaconesses, Local Ordained Ministry (LOM), Non Stipendiary Ministry (NSM), etc. are to increase the manpower base so that it will not fall back on the bishop and archdeacons alone.

What should we be doing now?

We should be praying and continue in our church planting and mission work in an even fervent pace. We don’t have much time as we read the signs of times – days ahead are tougher and anticipating more troubles and disasters. We should work towards a sharing ministry with all the churches of different churchmanship and denominations for the sake of the Gospel. We should be more involved in social, community care, justice and green ministry to be salt and light of the world. We should be dropping our differences and work towards a more meaningful and healthier society, beginning with our churches.

What is your main purpose?

Our ultimate aim is not the province or dioceses rather to see our churches seriously and urgently having good and proper investments on earth for eternity benefits.

The recent episodes in Malaysia have caused much concern. These have not gone well with many Malaysians, both those residing within and outside Malaysia. The issues of the death of the political aide Teoh Beng Hock, the protesters using cow-head, Perak State Assembly fiasco, the banning of Herald using the word ‘Allah’, the canning of Kartika for drinking beer, police action and non action on demonstrations, MACC high-handedness, judiciary blunder, etc. have brought much uncertainty and worry to the nation. I fear that many have completely lost hope on the government, police, judiciary, and political appurtenances, and there might not have any U-turn. People are disillusioned and confused with the 1Malaysia concept. On one hand, the loud proclamation of unity, oneness, racial harmony, tolerance, co-habitation of 1Malaysia but on the other hand, political leaders of the same group and government authorities acting in contrary to the chanting slogan of 1Malaysia which now is more like 1001Malaysia.

What can we do?

In all the Biblical accounts, with diligent eyes, we read that all the children of God were faced with similar situations as in today’s Malaysia. It was the same in the days of Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Moses, the judges, David, the Kings, Jesus, Paul, etc. with the happenings in our nation in the ethno-lingo-religio arena. There were constant struggles and unrest throughout the Biblical account. That’s why the first comforting words Jesus said to His disciples after His resurrection was “PEACE, I give to you, My Peace I leave with you.”

Ethnicity

The ethnic issue was very real in all the Biblical accounts. The Hebrews were ethnically sidelined by the Egyptians during the days of Moses. The Canaanites, Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites and Philistines were ethnically discriminating against the Israelites. In the days of Esther, the Jews were almost annihilated by the Persians. The Romans during Jesus’ days were dominating and abusive towards the Jews. But Jesus was teaching “Walk the second mile”. This is not a task which was told to do to their fellow Jews but to the so called ‘enemy’ the Roman soldiers who were largely corrupted, unreasonable and abusive.

Multi-Lingual

The language of the people then was very much linked with ethnicity. Though there were many cases where one ethnic group learning the language of another ethnic group. In the time of Joseph and Nehemiah, we read about them speaking in one language and translating to another language. This is a common feature throughout the history of humankind. There was no problem in all the situations except in the case when the egoistic superiority was allowed to rear its ugly head. The people of Jesus’ days also spoke a variety of languages such as Aramaic, Greek and Latin (to certain extent), even the Bible was written in Aramaic, Hebrew and Greek. The Word of God was spoken and used in different languages. The importance is not on the language used rather on whether the message was understood properly.

Religiosity

Religion was then part and parcel of ethnicity. Baal deity belonged to the Canaanites; Chemosh deity to the Moabites, Molech was the Ammonites deity; Dagon was the Philistines deity; Rimon was the deity of the Sidonians, and Yahweh was the God to the Israelites. They don’t mix and have completely different style of worship and expressions. In many occasions, one was repugnant to the other.

As the days gone by, in the cosmopolitan cities, much toleration was seen as compared to the rural areas. Joseph, Daniel and Nehemiah were seen to have more toleration than the Egyptians, Babylonians and Persians respectively. They all served in the King’s courts yet holding true to their own beliefs while the Kings were of different faiths from theirs.

God’s Vision for the children of Malaysia

God in both the Old and New Testaments did not at one instant command His children to run away to another nation or find an escape route. Instead the opposite is true. In the case of Jonah who deliberately ran away from his own country, God intervened and he was brought to the very place he refuses in the first instant i.e. Nineveh city of the Assyrians. The second story was when Elimelech and Naomi leaving their home country to Moab for a ‘better future’. On the contrary, they were worst of in the foreign land. The exiles of the children of Judah in the days of Jeremiah happened because of the punishment of Yahweh God upon the nation of Judah. Everyone is expected to stay put until God says “Move”, as in the case of Abraham and Moses and the Pillar of Cloud by day and the Pillar of Fire by night.

Today we in Malaysia should be seeking God for His direction and Will for us. Jesus and Paul while facing great disadvantage and discrimination did not at one moment contemplate of leaving their nation. However much dislike or hatred, Jesus has never instigated revolt or run away from the reality. Instead, He has been asking all of us to be ‘In’ the world but not ‘Of’ the world.

Global Village

We are living in a global village where mobility is easy and convenient. Many people move from one place to another seeking for jobs or earning a living or going for an adventure. This is precisely the reason that many will give when the environment gets tough and rough.

After the Independence of Malaya in 1957, many expatriates who were British left for their home country. The police force, army and civil servants were then largely ‘Orang Puith’. Obviously they had to leave. The first exodus began in 1957 until the late sixties. The ‘Orang Putih’ once considered this was their land and later found out that it was not any more. Of course, there were some who didn’t want to leave because they loved this land and people very much. They had to struggle with the question of ‘ownership’ which was caused by political decision. In the end, they had to leave.

The second exodus began after 1969 May 13 incident. The remaining ‘Orang Putih’ also left, for they suddenly believed that this land was not suitable for them and their children any more. At the same time, many locals also were fearful over the so-called racial riots which was in fact politically motivated. They too migrated to other nations; mostly to the western nations. They were the more able and wealthier ones. This happened in the seventies and it is largely motivated by racial unrest.

The third exodus began after the changing of the medium of instruction in the schools into Malay. This change has brought about much frustrations and distresses to many homes. They suddenly saw a gloom future for their children. With the legitimate excuse of securing proper education for their children, many migrated, this time again, to the western nations. Some to Singapore as well. The climax of this batch of migration was in the early-eighties.They were the learned and professional ones. This batch was affected by the medium of language used and, thus, education.

The fourth exodus was during the recession in the mid-eighties. Tin mines were almost completely closed. Rubber prices were very poor. Many people went overseas illegally to earn a living, hoping to earn some money for their family at home. This batch has created much family tensions and breakups due to the situation with one parent in foreign lands for an extended length of time while the other was at home with the children. There was vitually no father figure to this generation while they were growing up as children and teenagers.They were largely from the blue collar category. This is generated by financial wants.

The fifth exodus began after the 1987 ‘Operation Lallang’. Many chose to leave Malaysia purely for the reason of injustice and discrimination over ethnicity and beliefs. Racial, linguistic and religious considerations were manipulated by political masters for self gains and powers. ISA was indiscriminatingly used.

The continuing exodus is happening all the time since the nineties. Young people were encouraged to study overseas. For those who do not have the money, they were told to study in local private colleges that twin with foreign universities. On one hand, it is important to get a foreign degree which will be handy in jobs hunting; on the other hand, it can be a ticket to leave in case of any eventuality.

All these exodus have caused much brain-drains where today there are millions of former Malaysians who have become natural or permanent citizens of other nations. Still many are thinking and contemplating of leaving this nation for good. They have even told their children not to come back after their studies abroad.

What should the Church do now?

In fact, most of the people who took the exodus in the earlier incidents were mostly the so called good and faithful Christians. They are now serving in churches in their new found land as church leaders and pastors. The local churches are left struggling with poor financial and little personnel resources. The local churches have taken decades to grow and mature gradually. We thank God for being faithful and good to those who are left behind. Still many local Christians are talking and planning to leave but have not left yet. They are waiting to see whether this nation has any hope of turning around from deterioration before they take their final step.

Jesus’ teaching

When I look at Jesus’ teaching, I saw Jesus’ call for ‘Discipleship’. This is not a passive command as some theologians think so. Jesus’ teachings on ‘Turning the other cheek’ and ‘Walking the second mile’ can only come from one who has a true faith and complete obedience to Him. This is exactly the same as what Paul has constantly advocated with the concept of ‘Imitate me as I imitate Christ’ and ‘It is no longer I that live but Christ lives in me’.

Discipleship is not only knowing the Word of God but living out the Word of God through our lives. The author of the book of Hebrews affirmed that all Christians should not and ‘Do not just be hearers but be doers of the Word of God’. This is the process of sanctification.

Discipleship is knowing God’s Will for us in Malaysia and finding the right path and steps to trod on it. But God’s Will for all Malaysians clearly is to stay put in Malaysia and live as salt and light in Malaysia. Just as Jesus in His own days, He stayed to face the onslaught of the corrupted leaders both in the religious Sanhedrin and the civil Roman authorities and courts, and remained untainted.

Discipleship is speaking the truth in love but absence from violence and riots. It is doing good in the midst of evilness; giving to the needy in the midst of corruption; administering justice and peace in the midst of chaos; giving hope and courage in the midst of discouragement and despair.

Discipleship is reaching out and standing with the less fortunate ones, and at the same time ushering comfort and joy to them.

Discipleship is being prophetic to the interpretation of the signs of times and leading the nation to avoid disasters.

Discipleship is just becoming a plain human being who loves His creator and lives according to His desire.

Discipleship is “quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry”.

Discipleship is becoming a true Malaysian who loves the nation and her king, yet promoting justice, harmony and peace even while the leaders of the nation are not.

Discipleship is becoming ‘christ’ even when you know that there are others who want to persecute and crucify you for doing good and promoting peace.

Discipleship is duplicating oneself many times over.

Today many Christians lead churches for various reasons. Here are some reasons which I have noticed over the past years of my ministry:-

1. Uncertainty - Some people lead or pastor churches because they are uncertain what other things they can do.

2. Fashion - Some feel that it is the IN-Thing to be pastors and so they have decided to lead churches.

3. Career - Some treat pastoring as a career though it may not pay well at least it is a secure job.

4. Ministry - Some wanted to do ministry like music, preaching, counselling etc. in the church so that is the logical area to enter.

5. Interest - Some become a pastor due to certain interests they have, like wanting to be musicians, worship leader, meeting people, leader, counsellor etc. So the church is a good place for these.

6. Evangelism - Some just want to do evangelism and save souls.

7. Church Planting - Some wish to plant and grow churches, and some for mega churches.

8. Fulfil Ego - Some wish to show to themselves and others that they can do something in the name of God.

9. Fulfilling the Call of God - Some just move along with the leading of God to do what He has planned for them, even to lead churches.

10. Fulfilling Parent’s Desire - Some just wish to fulfill the desire of their parents.

 In these days, the concept of Discipleship or Disciples Making has fallen into one of the many categories or segments of the church’s aim. Nobody will say that he does not believe in Discipleship. Logically, no will say that because it is all written in the Bible. But in reality, a close survey of the programmes and activities of the churches in present days will reveal a lack of Discipleship development. This is often in contrast and contrary with the aims and purposes of the church. There are lots of equipping in mission, evangelism (i.e. reaching out), praises, rituals, worship, counselling, preaching, ministry etc. Even the cell groups are geared towards evangelism. The Bible study classes have, in many cases, geared towards acquiring Biblical knowledge. There are more passive learning than pro-active Discipleship learning in the present churches.

Of late, there is a come back in the area and concept of Mentoring. However, it is again the philosophy that has only come back. The real meaning of a Disciple is to become an Apparentice. It includes the real shaping and making of the thought-life, habits, world-view, practice, learning, and theology of the Apparentice. There is so much lacking in this area due to many reasons such as busy-work schedule, reluctance to open up one’s private life, reluctance on the part of the mentor to commit further, the attitudes of the teacher and student themselves, the expectation of the present world on the idea of success, etc.    

Most of the things the present churches are doing are good but there must be a strengthening and consolidation on the development of the Disciples Making and Discipleship. Jesus spent only 3 years with his disciples and expected them to change the world which they did. All great leaders are good disciplers. If you disciple one other person properly. After one year both you and him disciple one each then by the end of the second year there will be four disciplers. If this process carries on and multiplies, by the 10th year there will be a mega church of 1000, and by the 20th year there will be a mega church of half a million members, and by the 30th year one-fifth of the world has been reached, and by the 43th year the whole world has been reached. Of course, many will argue that the chain may be broken along the way. If it real does break, it is still a worthwhile exercise and high calling of God for us to attempt. The common quotation of William Carey has been often used: Attempt great things for God and Expect great things from God. If we are to abide by this saying then I would like to propose that the ‘Great Thing’ should be ‘Disciples Making’. 

Disciples Making involves mentoring, training, teaching, shaping, sharing, worshipping, fellowshipping, ministering, walking and doing things together. It is the commitment of the whole person to each other, both the mentor and mentee. In involves commitment to each other. It is almost like the idea of cloning - a direct duplicate of you. It is very vulnerable, painful and a very humbling thing to do but the end product is good and worthwhile.

We have just entered into 2009 and many people are fearful of what is to come. We saw many disasters in 2008 - economic downturn, milk powder problem, cyclone, earthquake, floods, hurricane, etc. Everybody is hoping for the better days. Will there be any better days ahead?

Everything looks so gloom. Can there be any good? The Bible has warned us that the days ahead will be harder and flashed with more violence.

“Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘ I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumours of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.
“Then you will be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” (Matt 24:4-14)

Looks like there is little bright light ahead. Even the Bible does not seem to suggest any good future. But everyone hopes for a change to the better. Business people hopes for a better economy. Parents hope for a better future for their children. Singles hope to get married and have a good family. Citizens hope for a more peaceful and harmonious world to live in. Americans hope that President Barrack Obama will bring new motivation and changes to the economy. People all over the world hope for a better world to live in.

Do we have any choice? Many people have said and will continue to say that they are not the culprit and have nothing to do with the gloom and disaster in the world scene today. The figures are pointing in the direction of the governments and presidents. They are the decision makers and policy implementers so they should shoulder the blame. These leaders will say that their hands are tied and they cannot do anything to change the world - the environment is already affected, the recession is already coming, the diseases are already here, the priracy are being attended to, the crooks are being pursued, racial and religious conflicts are being attended to, etc. It seems that there is no solution to curbing all the problems in this world as long as there are people purposely creating havoc and destruction for their own gain.

A closer look at ourselves will reveal a reluctant acknowledgement of the fact that we all are also the culprits and have contributed to the aggravation of the deterioration of this world. If only we are conscious to the following facts, we can save the world by the Transformation of our actions:

* Conserve energy and water - if every one of us use less one litre of water per day, the world can save 6 billion litres of water. In a year there will be 2.2 trillion litres of water saved. This amount of water is more than enough to need the needs of the whole nation of Malaysia for a minimum of a month.
* Reduce the usage of plastic bags - if every one of us use one plastic bag less per day, the whole world will save 6 billion x 365(days) = 2.2 trillion plastic bags per year.
* Stop driving at least one day per month and car pool - we can reduce air pollution and petrol consumption considerably.
* Buy less and eat less and waste less - this can help reduce production and better for our health.
* Recycle all the recyclables - this can reduce environmental pollution.
* Repair the reparables - this can also reduce wastage and use less natural resources.
* If possible buy from shops that deal with recyclable goods and second hand goods.
* If possible share resources like CDs, DVDs, Books, etc.

We need to be pro-active in our actions if we really wish to see some form of transformation to our world. This will include the followings:

* Promote Peace - ‘Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of rigtheousness’
* Bless-Thou Attitude - ‘Look not at your own interest first …’
* Humility - ‘God oposes the proud but gives grace to the humble’
* Diligence - ‘Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth’
* Gentleness - ‘A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger’
* Cheerfulness - ‘A cheerful look brings joy to the heart …’
* Positiveness - ‘Count it all joy when you meet various trials …’
* Integrity and purity - ‘The Lord detests the thoughts of the wicked, but those of the pure are pleasing to his sight’ 
* Prayer - ‘The prayer of a rigtheous man is powerful and effective’ 

The above are some suggestions to offer ourselves as the little light of this world. The Malay proverb goes: ‘little by little, a hill will glitter’. If only every one of us join hand in offering some positive hope to this world, transformation is within our reach. We are called to be the ‘LIGHT’ and ‘SALT’ of the world.

Everything these days has been greatly affected by the so-called POLLUTION. We now have to work overtime to arrest the downward slide caused by Pollution. There are generally three categories of Pollution, namely the Pollution of the Environment, the Pollution of the Mind and the Pollution of Lives.

1. The Pollution of the Environment
The global warming, the thinning of the ozone level, the extinction of animal spieces, the cutting down of forest, space and weapon race, irresponsible mining of minerals, irresponsible rubbish disposal etc. are some examples of the Pollution of the Environment. All these have affected us badly now. It will be worst off in 20 years time. Diseases, epidemics, and sarcity of healthy food will reign in the headlines in the coming years. The irreponsible manner of human consumption and lifestyle have aggravated the deterioration of the environment. What then can we do to arrest this deterioration?
Developed nations must take the lead to create a conscious and responsible lifestyle among their citizens. Some form of controls and denial of excessive and affluent lifestyle must be implemented soon. This has a lot to do with the Capitalism system. It seems that the more one earns the greater the necessity to spend more and waste more. The ‘Branded’ products have come forth because of this. Certain class of people will only use certain brand of products. Those who are not yet in that class are somehow lure to believe that the branded products will make them famous or great. This myth has somehow got into many people including those from the developing nations. The more attention of the capitalism system on the consumers the more tendency of wastage will be created. People will keep on buying and obviously they cannot use everything. So in the name of charity, these unused goods or extra items will be donated to charitable organisations. Some of these donated items still have the price tags on them, which mean they were not use at all. The more the wastage will lead to the diminshing of more natural habitats and minerals. Just imagine the 6 billion people demanding from the same natural habitat and environment daily, how much longer can this world sustain these demands? There must be a ceiling to one’s lifestyle i.e. how many shoes, shirts and pants can one own, how big a car can one drive, etc. This sounds like Communism. I am advocating a responsible lifestyle. Can we learn from these two extremes - Capitalism and Communism - and merge them together. This can be called a Responsible Capitalism or a Liberal Communism. Jesus has shown us His own lifestyle which is possible without the excessive and sophistication. Can we limit our own lives to live on the barest minimum, if not with a simple lifestyle? We must guard against wastage.       

2. The Pollution of the Mind
The degradation of moral and ethics in this present world is sickening. The internet and the media is full of low grade and sensual materials and advertisements. It all boils down to the dollar and cents. This sort of pornographic materials can bring in much money. This has attracted smuggling and illicit dealings. The next level is human trafficking and paedo-harming activities and so on. Finally it will lead to insane killing and murder of human lives as well as destruction of human minds. What can we do to arrest this degradation route?
Religion seems to bring in much conflict these days. Everyone wants to champion his own religion and belief. I believe there is a way out. It should be HEAVEN. People like to think that the way to heaven is the most important thing in religion. Infact it should be. Since everyone believes that he has a different way to Heaven and this has also caused lots of confusion and conflict. Let us leave out the way to Heaven for a while and look at the ultimate goal i.e. what is Heaven? If we trully wish to go to heaven then we have to know what is there. Everyone believes that Heaven is a beautiful and serene place which contains people who are good and peaceful. How can we imagine that heaven contains evil and wicked people such as murderers, killers, thieves, extortionists, rapists etc.? Can we build a Heaven on earth? Jesus has taught us to pray in the Lord’s Prayer - Thy Will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. So if we can promote peace and harmonious living on earth and create a Heavenly atmosphere on earth, I think we can begin to see the solution. Governments and all NGOs should jointly promote a positive, bless-you and do-good lifestyle, which is precisely what Jesus has advocated in the Gospels. He asked us to bless-others, even bless our enemies. Rewards and incentives can be given as recognition and appraisal to all who have promote peace, bless-you and do-good. More must be done. Token rewards are insufficient to advocate a change in lifestyle. Punishment or controls will not be effective to eliminate evil or wicked lifestyle. They can serve as deterents but the greater efforts should be put on pro-active and positive mental and attitudinal activities. Positive psychological and reverse psychological attempts can be employed. The golden rule - do to others you wish others do to you - must be upheld always. This is also the Heavenly Rule for all times. Let us work towards to build a Heaven atmosphere on earth.       

3. The Pollution of Lives
Wasteful living and sickening attitude has destroyed many lives. The adverse money making methods and irresponsible business dealings have also devastated many lives which I will called the Pollution of Lives. The food we eat seems to have gone through proper quality control but due to loose control and unscrupulous production methods, these have reared their ugly heads again and again. The many unknown or new diseases have surfaced in the face of the world at a very rapid pace that humankind has never experienced before. People have resolved to use melamine in food production. How sad? This is something unheard of previously. I don’t dare to imagine what is next? There is little or no sense of quarantine or allowable or permissible level in food production these days. Our lives have been polluted so much so that there is no reversal trend is possible. The food we eat, the water we drink, the air we breathe, the sunshine we enjoy have been hugely affected by unscrupulous people. In the so called advancement of science, many health food and supplements are produced to elevate the effects of pollution. Should this be required in the first place? Now everyone has no choice but to go for these health supplements. Are they really contributors to better health? Some have determined to go for organic food, others for vegetarian food, still others for alkalinic food. Which is the better one?
I strongly believe a moderate lifestyle with food consumption and a regular lifestyle of fasting and exercise will make the difference.  Moderate consumption and home grown food are the best. The modern city lifestyle is a hectic one and couple with many eat-outs. Many of these eat-out areas come with questionable quality of food. If we cannot beat it then adopt a moderate lifestyle with moderate consumption. It is probably the better answer. Jesus in the Gospels has reminded us to fast and live a simple lifestyle but Christians have not heed very much to His advice. Let us learn to fast at least once a week and adopt a more simpler lifestyle for us and our family.

Can these start with us today? There is no time to delay any further. Let’s get started now.

Credit crisis worsens ahead of Washington G20 summit

Italy reported it was in recession, Spain reported its first quarterly contraction in six months and the Netherlands said it had gone through six months of zero growth. France narrowly avoided joining Germany and Britain in recession.

With even Asian trading tiger Hong Kong reporting a shrinking economy and European car-makers reporting a 14.5-per cent sales slump in Oct, pressure grew on world leaders ahead of their summit to discuss how to stop the financial crisis becoming a prolonged recession.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy, European Commission head Manuel Barroso met Russian President Dmitry Medvedev in Nice, France, to work on proposals for the summit.

Japan said it would lend up to US$100 billion (S$151.75 billion) to the International Monetary Fund to help it shore up emerging countries.

Japan will also press for IMF reforms including giving greater influence to China, and said it would support the dollar as the main global currency despite the weight of US debt.

Global stocks rallied despite the new bad news. After a 6.67-per cent leap on Wall Street overnight, shares in London opened with surge of 3.9 per cent and the Tokyo market closed with a gain of 2.72 per cent.

But there was increased pressure on the world leaders arriving for the Washington summit, which starts with a dinner Friday night to start discussions on drawing up new rules for the global economy.

Tensions also appeared with the European Commission warning that it could take action at the World Trade Organisation if a rescue package for US auto majors appeared illegal.

The outgoing US president George W. Bush declared that ‘the crisis was not a failure of the free market system’ and that ‘our aim should not be more government. It should be smarter government.’

Mr Bush argued that it would be ‘a terrible mistake to allow a few months of crisis to undermine 60 years of success’ in response to calls from many quarters, including France, for extended rules and regulations for economies and boardrooms.

‘Many European countries had much more extensive regulations and still experienced problems almost identical to our own,’ Mr Bush said. ‘We must recognise that government intervention is not a cure-all.’

Mr Sarkozy, currently president of the European Union, said on Thursday, ‘I leave for Washington tomorrow to explain that the dollar, which at the end of World War II was the only world currency, can no longer claim to be the sole world currency.’

‘The world changes. We are in the 21st century and the French view is that we cannot continue into the 21st century with a system (established) in the 20th century,’ he said.

The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development said on Thursday that its 30 rich member economies were in protracted recession, and said the US economy would contract by 2.8 per cent in the fourth quarter.

In this rapidly worsening climate, French Economy Minister Christine Lagarde said it was ‘astonishing’ that France had escaped recession in the third quarter, as shown by official data putting growth at 0.1 per cent after contraction of 0.3 per cent in the second quarter.

The oil price in Singapore fell by 40 cents to US$57.24 in a market marked by the possibility of an emergency OPEC meeting on Nov 29 to discuss a further output cut, but also by an IEA report that demand is falling rapidly. — AFP

Will this world return to the barter trade system? Since we can’t trust paper or book value, there is no point carrying on working with ‘paper’ money. People will want real substance and goods. The present system can actually work well if everyone plays a fair and honest game. The real problem here lies on the fact that some so-called experts went off in a tangent and did not stick to the rules. That is why we need a revamp of the Economic and Financial System of the world, as suggested by the French President.

Since humanly, we can’t trust everyone then another new system or a renewed system must come forth soon. We can’t allow our financial system having any ‘black hole’. The unplugged ‘black holes’ are the hideouts of the big time financial ‘Robinhood’. All these holes must be plugged and cemented fast. Therefore, we need to revisit the new combination of the Social-Capitalism System.

Is there another better system? Becareful! The Scripture mentions another system in the last days i.e. the Anti-Christ system of buying and selling with identification of 666 on the right hand and the forehead. Think about this!!!!

Even the world’s strongest corporations and safest banks are collapsing like dominoes. Why? How can it be?

There were signs of the coming credit crunch and subprime loan losses sometime ago. Why wasn’t there AnyNo one raise the alarm or make known to the public or create interest or awareness in its pursuit? At least I can think of a few possibilities of reactions from the people in the world today:
1.  Ignorance - there are masses of people who are really ignorant of what is going on in the world. They just live day by day. On the surface, it seems that their lives are less burdened and freer. But a closer look reviews a different picture. They are actually the victims and under the mercy of all the ‘big powers’ who manipulate the world economy to suit their likings and fill their pockets.
2.  Indifference - many people are just plainly indifferent to what is happening in the world. They are just interested in making money and earning a living. Of course, there are those who cannot make ends meet. But they are also those who are just not bothered.
3.  Procastinate - some knew about it but keep hoping that it will not come so soon. Their lifestyles did not change and they did not make any provision for the rainy days.
4.  Addiction - they are those who have gotten their hands wet and refuse to pull out.

The one word to describe the present stage of the world is SIN. It is due to the sinful desires and evil manipulation of human greed and pride. The Malaysian government keeps saying that we have strong fundamentals and we will not go into recession. The lesson of the 2004 Tsunami should serve as a reminder for all of us in the world. When the Earthquake occurred near Acheh, the giant Tsunami swept and killed hundreds of thousand of lives away. Though the city of Acheh was badly damaged and suffered greatly, the whole world too mourned and got mentally and morally affected. Now when the so-called strong nations in the world are affected, we are not spared either. The effects has not come yet but it will possibly come in a year or two. When it comes, it will take a full cycle of seven years to recover. It is like in Joseph’s days that the 7 bad years will completely wipe off the 7 good years.

First, we are in a wretched world. Corruption is rampant. All because of greed and power. Jesus has warned us that in the last days wickedness will increase many fold. We have to work very very hard to be SALT to prevent the decay; and to be LIGHT to distinguish and expel the darkness. The sad episode is that the Church is in such a confused state of affairs. Truth has been compromised by allowing the canon laws which are changed to suit the likings of humankind. Leaders are fighting for power and position irrespective of integrity and truth.

Second, we are in a damaged world. The moral and ethics of the world has gone to the drain. People no longer are interested in honesty and honour. Almost everything is measured by gain and satisfaction. Human beings have damaged the world by sacking and stripping it of all its good value.

Why are the people so terrible? corrupt? immoral? unethical? senseless? merciless?
Making lots of wealth in expense of the poor.
Putting Melamine into milk powder for quick gain.
Destroying lives for self satisfaction and belief.
Causing wars and unrest in order to sell more weapons. 
Cheating as the prime motivator.
Lying as the way of life.

Is the Church able to offer help? When can the Church begin to help?  Can the world be better? Can the world look to the Church for leadership and compassion? What have we done?