I took four days off from work to spend undistracted time with my daughter Sarah who came back for her summer holidays. One of the things I enjoy most is listening and talking to her. We both have the same temperament or rather she is the chip of the old block. Sarah is a good listener and I find that she possesses the rare gift of giving a person her full presence when one talks to her. That is why many love to talk to her because they can unload their problems to an exceptionally good listener. She makes you feel important and feel that you are worth listening to. In just nine months in Calvin College reading English Literature, she has grown intellectually and spiritually. She is a good conversationalist as her knowledge has been broadened and deepened through American education system. Listening to her gives me great pleasure and satisfaction.
Sarah and Sam get along extremely well. They can talk for hours. They often tell us that they are having ‘deep conversation.’ It’s a joy to see the sister and brother enjoying each other’s company immensely. This sibling close relationship is also a gift from God. Constance and I have been spared from the heartaches of sibling rivalry and fights between Sarah and Sam. Sam truly admires and loves his sister dearly and deeply. Sarah cares a great deal for her brother. She genuinely enjoys Sam's creativity and fun-loving nature.
We went to BORDERS, a book room which is like heaven to us. Sarah shares my keen interest in reading. When we reached the place, she headed straight to the literature section while I made my way to the religion corner. We knew exactly what we wanted. With stacks of books in our hands, the cashier at the counter was beaming with broad smile. It was a sheer pleasure to buy books for Sarah as she seldom made demand on me.
I told her to walk gingerly when we made our way through the front door of our house. I thought Constance will give us a shelling for going overboard. I have spent my entire holiday money on buying books. To my surprise Constance was rather cheery. Sarah seems to have a way with her mum. It is very difficult for anyone to be angry with Sarah. She is an obedient daughter, thoughtful and considerate, a straight ‘A’ student since primary one and with the GPA score of 3.96 for the first year in college, how would any parent be unhappy. She is very pleasant to live with and makes us look good as parents.
This morning I became her chauffeur taking her to her former school and to 1 Utama to meet up with her friends. She visited her students whom she taught during her gap year. They were fond of her and her visit warmed their hearts. How many teachers border to visit their students and show their love? She counseled and encouraged a student who is going though family crisis. She is unselfish with her time and incarnational with her touch. She remembers her schoolmates and initiated to meet up. The little gesture reveals that Sarah treasures friendship. Such qualities endear her to many.
I treasure this father-daughter relationship. It’s a gift from God.
The church will celebrate Father’s Day this Sunday. My heart is already filled with joy as we spent quiet moment reminiscing many fond memories. Sarah is flourishing and blooming as a person. What greater joy can it be than seeing your daughter walking with God and blossoming with great potentials.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Monday, June 9, 2008
The Story of Dr. Margaret Brand
When I saw the title of the book “Vision for God – The Story of Dr. Margaret Brand” I did not need any persuasion at all to purchase the book. Dr. Paul Brand was well known internationally as a 20th century pioneer in orthopedic surgery and rehabilitation. He had spent the bulk of his life in India helping the lepers and giving them the sense of dignity. He opened the new frontier in discovering pain as a gift from God and applied that knowledge in aiding the lepers from further aggravating their hands and feet. Much accolade had been heaped on him for his achievement in the field of leprosy. What is less known is his equally capable and remarkable wife who has been his companion for over 60 years. In the midst of World War II, Margaret studied medicine in London. She topped the class with Paul Brand as second. They both pioneered practices in the treatment of leprosy in India and throughout the world. Almost by accident, without formal training in eye diseases, she became an ophthalmologist and one of the foremost authorities in the field of ocular leprosy. Reading the book and watching DVD featuring her work among the lepers in India, I was spellbound. With great skills and compassion, Paul and Margaret Brand had accomplished the rare medical feat of treating and loving patients simultaneously.
Without Margaret, Paul Brand would not have become the great surgeon and the great man of God. She worked alongside him in an obscure village in India for years. Both worked in astounding partnership and yet each other’s individuality is not negated.
I like what Philip Yancy, a close friend of theirs, said: “Having spent many hours with them both, I cannot help but think that this was the vision of God for humanity: talented people serving others with cheer and compassion while embracing life-all of it- with contentment and gratitude.”
I silently prayed that my children Sarah and Samuel who are both talented and capable would one day turn out to be the kind of woman and man who serve others with cheer and compassion while embracing life – all of it- with contentment and gratitude. It is a road less traveled. When talents are used to amass wealth for oneself to live opulent and self-centered lifestyle, he or she cheapened the grace of God.
The untouchables of India who had been treated and loved by Paul and Margaret Brand saw in their lives the image of Christ. The gospel that Paul and Margaret preached and lived was easily understood and readily embraced by the lepers. The rejects of the society had encountered Christ through the skillful hands and the loving touch of these surgeons.
I am so glad that Dr. Margaret’s story is told at last.
Without Margaret, Paul Brand would not have become the great surgeon and the great man of God. She worked alongside him in an obscure village in India for years. Both worked in astounding partnership and yet each other’s individuality is not negated.
I like what Philip Yancy, a close friend of theirs, said: “Having spent many hours with them both, I cannot help but think that this was the vision of God for humanity: talented people serving others with cheer and compassion while embracing life-all of it- with contentment and gratitude.”
I silently prayed that my children Sarah and Samuel who are both talented and capable would one day turn out to be the kind of woman and man who serve others with cheer and compassion while embracing life – all of it- with contentment and gratitude. It is a road less traveled. When talents are used to amass wealth for oneself to live opulent and self-centered lifestyle, he or she cheapened the grace of God.
The untouchables of India who had been treated and loved by Paul and Margaret Brand saw in their lives the image of Christ. The gospel that Paul and Margaret preached and lived was easily understood and readily embraced by the lepers. The rejects of the society had encountered Christ through the skillful hands and the loving touch of these surgeons.
I am so glad that Dr. Margaret’s story is told at last.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Equally Smart
Supriano, an Orang Asli (Aborigines of Malaysia) was disorientated when she came in to my church office. She is only 10 year-old and has never been to Kuala Lumpur. She has never seen so many cars and tall buildings in her life. I was equally disoriented as I was lost in the jungle where there seems to be no sign post. Just as I was terrified by the ‘roads’ which nearly wrecked Kok Wai’s 4-wheel drive, Supriano was awed by the modern technology.We were on a rescue mission in the morning to a remote village in the interior jungle. Kok Wai’s jeep skidded and bumped on the protruding rock. When I saw Supriano, I could see in her face a bright aborigines girl. What surprises me was that she could speak fluent Mandarin! Later I learnt that she is attending a Chinese school in a Chinese village. My two children, Sarah and
Sam can’t even speak Mandarin although they are of Chinese descent. Supriano has been looking after her infant brother (4 month-old) who is abandoned by his parents. He has no name, no birth certificate, and no identity. Supriano scavenged milk from women folks of her kind. What she got was not enough to feed her brother. So she fed him with coffee and tea. The infant was reduced to only bone and skin. The infant’s father is an Indonesian and his mother is an Orang Asli. I decided to give him a name. The word ‘Suparman’ floated in my mind. I have an Indonesian friend whose name is Suparman. It sounded like Superman. Indeed Suparman is a Superman as weighing 2.1 kg yet he survived under harsh condition imposed upon him. Though he goes down in history as the most malnourished infant in Malaysia, he also sets the record as the fittest infant. Drenched in rain water, bitten by mosquitoes, burned by cigarette butts, Suparman rejected and discarded by his biological parents but was superintended by his Maker. The pediatrician who examined him remarked that she has never seen such a malnourished baby in Malaysia. In her clinic many mothers were waiting for their turns to take their babies for round of examination. The babies were safe in the arms of their mothers, well fed and looking heavy and healthy. What a contrast.Supriano absented herself from school for several months. There was a divine call to save a feeble life. She fiercely protected her brother from hunger and thirst in the jungle. She was ostracized by her mother and grandfather. She detested their cruelty. I could see that in her eyes. Without knowledge of health care, hygiene, feeding infant, Supriano has an innate instinct to care for her brother.
It was a long day, a tiring journey running from one clinic to another, from one town to the other and finally Suparman is temporary fostered by a Sabahan pastor whose wife is an Orang Asli. Supriano followed Sarah and I home for a few days.
Constance, my wife spent 3 days teaching her Maths and found her to be intelligent. Sarah is like a big sister to her and showers her with affection. Supriano was clutching the two beautiful sling- on bags that Sarah gave her. Her smile exudes happiness of having found the gems of her life. Supriano will remember Sarah for a long long time. We discovered that Supriano delights to go to the wash room. She often remained there for a long time. Inside the wash room is a big mirror. Constance had bought her a few blouses and she looks pretty. Perhaps she has never seen herself in full portrait before in the mirror. We don’t mind to adopt her but its not possible.
Constance told Supriano to come again and stay with us during the school holidays. We have invited her and her friends to come and Constance will conduct some tuition for them. We believe that Supriano would one day go to Harvard or Oxford, Cambridge University if given the opportunity. She has the intelligence endowed by her Creator who gives freely and equally. It’s the political environment and educational policy that limits them from achieving their full potential.
I am so proud of Kok Wai, Sue May, Jocelyn and the Orang Asli team of CDPC. Their compassion, dedication, and sacrifices have gone a long way to help Orang Asli children to be as educated as any bright Malaysian children in the main stream society.
Change one life, one at a time. Supriano has shown us the way.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
The Poor Church that outdo others in Mission
I was fascinated with the mission story told by Jonathan Bonk, a Canadian missiologist at STM few months ago. The Mizo Synod with a population of 500,000 members raised US $3.4 million for mission in 2003. How many denominations in Malaysia can match that mission fervor? Most of the Mizo people are farmers and relatively poor as compared to the affluent Christians in mega churches in Malaysia.
When I sat there at Presbyterian Church of India General Assembly on April 13 2008 listening to the reports from Mizo Synod, I was curious to look at its mission collection. There was a slight dip in the figure, but US $2.7 million is still an impressive figure. Mizo is certainly a missional church. There is so little write up about this church in mission journal. The Mizo women motivated each other by setting apart a handful of rice from each meal every day for a year. The handful of rice is then put into a container and to be sold in the market and the proceeds go to mission funds. Collectively the Mizo women raised US $1 million for mission each year. Such effort is known in Mizo language as “Buhfai Tham.” The Khasi Synod which is one of the eighth Synod inn PCI has the same tradition. The Khasi women also raised money for mission through “Khaw Kham.” (Handful of rice). There is so much that Malaysian church can learn from this poorer church tuck in a corner in Meghalaya. These unknown women are the unsung heroes in the annals of God’s mission history. Just as there are no little people in God’s kingdom, there are no little church.
My trip to Shangpung, Meghalaya has opened my eyes to the multiple possibilities of raising funds for mission. The size of the church does not matter what matters is the size of the heart for God’s agenda.
When I sat there at Presbyterian Church of India General Assembly on April 13 2008 listening to the reports from Mizo Synod, I was curious to look at its mission collection. There was a slight dip in the figure, but US $2.7 million is still an impressive figure. Mizo is certainly a missional church. There is so little write up about this church in mission journal. The Mizo women motivated each other by setting apart a handful of rice from each meal every day for a year. The handful of rice is then put into a container and to be sold in the market and the proceeds go to mission funds. Collectively the Mizo women raised US $1 million for mission each year. Such effort is known in Mizo language as “Buhfai Tham.” The Khasi Synod which is one of the eighth Synod inn PCI has the same tradition. The Khasi women also raised money for mission through “Khaw Kham.” (Handful of rice). There is so much that Malaysian church can learn from this poorer church tuck in a corner in Meghalaya. These unknown women are the unsung heroes in the annals of God’s mission history. Just as there are no little people in God’s kingdom, there are no little church.
My trip to Shangpung, Meghalaya has opened my eyes to the multiple possibilities of raising funds for mission. The size of the church does not matter what matters is the size of the heart for God’s agenda.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
The descendants of the Great Genghis Khan
Badma and Badja are the first Mongolians I met three years ago when they spoke at City Discipleship Presbyterian Church. They aroused my interest of Mongolia. They mainly talked about the great need of Mongolian church. Mongolia gained its independence from Russia. It was only 18 years ago. The church is relatively young. In 1990, there were only 5 Christians in the whole country. Today Christian population numbers about 60,000. The growth is phenomenon. Mongolian Christians are aggressively planting churches and are passionate to evangelize their nation. My memory of Mongolian history flashed back to Yuan Dynasty in which the Mongols ruled China during the 13th century. In the twelve years between 1211 and 1223, historians estimated that more than 18 million people died in northern China at the hands of the Mongols. Genghis Khan was a fearless warrior and a world conqueror. His empire was greater than that of Alexander the Great.
Hugh Kemp, an OMF missionary wrote a fascinating Mongolian church history in his book “Steppe by Step.” It is the first book about Mongolian Church history that I laid my hand on. The stories gripped my heart and I could not put down the book. My heart resonates with the agenda of God and I could see God’s hand upon this nation.
“In the 13th century the Mongols carved out the greatest land empire in history. Their invincible warriors conquered Russia and penetrated Hungary and Poland to the borders of Germany. Medieval Europe quailed before them. There was nothing to stop the Mongol blitzkrieg from storming Paris and Rome and annihilating the cities of Christendom as they had already razed innumerable cities in central Asia. Then in 1241 the Khan Ogedei died and the Mongol armies voluntarily withdrew to elect a new Khan. Europe and Christian civilization were saved. It was one of the great turning points of history.” (Hugh Kemp, Steppe by Step, p.15)
Mongolian history and Chinese history might have been rewritten had the Pope responded positively to Kublai Khan’s request that one hundred Christian missionaries be sent to Mongolia and china. Tragically, the Pope sent only two Dominican friars, who never made it to Mongolia and China –they turned back half way. Mongolia winter can be very harsh (minus 30 degree Celsius) and the Silk Road was treacherous and dangerous. Sadly by the time the first batch of a few Catholic missionaries arrived in Beijing in 1294, Kublai Khan had died, the Mongols had turned to Tibetan Buddhism. The window of opportunity for the gospel was missed.
What has not been known is the missionary movement in the 7th century by the Nestorians who for 700 years brought many Mongols to faith in Jesus Christ. It was known that the Queen mother of Kublai Khan was a Christian. The rise of the Jesuit Catholic missions in the 16th century and the Protestant missions in the 19th century failed to pry open the hearts of the Mongols. The gospel remained shut. The hearts of the Mongols were bolted not until the collapsed of Russian regime in Mongolia. 1990s was the watershed moment when Mongolia got its independence. Since then the church in Mongolia has grown rapidly.
How God transformed his descendants’ DNA is quite remarkable- from conquering surrounding nations to evangelizing people.
Eric Fung, the national director of Asian Outreach Malaysia, who spoke at CDPC mission conference, challenged me to bring leadership training for Mongolian pastors and church planters, I immediately responded with a resounding yes.
The first leadership training was conducted over 3 days in Ulaanbator during the cold month of November 2006 when temperature dipped below 0 degree Celsius. The weather was bitterly cold but my heart was warmth as I witnessed the spiritual hunger of the Mongolian pastors and leaders. 36 pastors and leaders came from different parts of Mongolia. Some had to travel for more than 15 hours journey. Language was not a barrier as the translator did a superb job of bridging the hearts and minds. Judging from the interaction and questions asked, I knew that they had grasped the leadership principles well. Hwei Yeow, a church member assisted me in training them. Together two of us demonstrated the model of partnership between a pastor and a corporate leader.
I supposed we did a good job in training when Asian Outreach Mongolia invited us to go back again in 2007. But the trip did not materialize until May 2008. 70% of the original 36 came back for second phase training revealed that they really wanted the training. May 2008 was spring time but it snowed the day when we landed in Ulaanbator. There were some heartwarming stories Badmaa told me that he and a few other Mongolian leaders had used the materials and conducted leadership training for 20 town mayors and leaders. The response from secular leaders was overwhelming. Norjii, a woman Christian leader who came twice for the training also used the materials for educationist and teachers in Mongolia. One doctor found the training so beneficial for him that he decided to conduct similar training in his hospital.
I had the opportunity to meet up with Pastor Batbold’s church leadership for 4 hours. Batbold is a senior pastor although he is only in his mid thirties. It is not uncommon to find that most senior pastors in Mongolia are very young as majorities are first generation Christians. The history of modern Mongolian church is only 18 years old. I was able to process leadership issues with them. Batbold and his wife Mega came to my hotel and continued our conversation until 1.30am. He wanted to learn exegesis and sermon crafting. He wanted to know more about leading the church. I happened to be older than him and more years in the pastoral setting. I became his mentor in the ministry. The joy of ministry in Mongolia is unspeakable. I have forged good relationship with Mongolian Pastors and church planters. The frustration of being delayed by Air China for 2 days on the ongoing flights and further delayed for 14 hours in Ulaanbator and held up again in Beijing for another day on return flights was soon dissipated. The Nestorian missionaries traveled by foot over hills and steppes for months and the Protestant missionaries sailed for weeks in order to reach Mongolia. Mine was relatively an easy ride. Its only 9 hours traveling time by air from Kuala Lumpur to Ulaanbator. This time I had ‘wasted’ 4 days due to Air China lame excuses of bad weather. The plus point is that I got to spend a lot of time with Hwei Yeow who came along to co-train with me. We had free hotel and free food in Beijing at the courtesy of Air China. I think it’s a 'ploy' on the part of Air China for us to see the grandeur of Beijing airport and the superb Beijing Olympic preparation so that we become their ambassadors. More likely its the usual logistic issue of the airline industry. However we responded positively to what could have been potentially a ruined trip. We took it that God wanted us to rest. I had time to reflect on my life and ministry.
Hugh Kemp, an OMF missionary wrote a fascinating Mongolian church history in his book “Steppe by Step.” It is the first book about Mongolian Church history that I laid my hand on. The stories gripped my heart and I could not put down the book. My heart resonates with the agenda of God and I could see God’s hand upon this nation.
“In the 13th century the Mongols carved out the greatest land empire in history. Their invincible warriors conquered Russia and penetrated Hungary and Poland to the borders of Germany. Medieval Europe quailed before them. There was nothing to stop the Mongol blitzkrieg from storming Paris and Rome and annihilating the cities of Christendom as they had already razed innumerable cities in central Asia. Then in 1241 the Khan Ogedei died and the Mongol armies voluntarily withdrew to elect a new Khan. Europe and Christian civilization were saved. It was one of the great turning points of history.” (Hugh Kemp, Steppe by Step, p.15)
Mongolian history and Chinese history might have been rewritten had the Pope responded positively to Kublai Khan’s request that one hundred Christian missionaries be sent to Mongolia and china. Tragically, the Pope sent only two Dominican friars, who never made it to Mongolia and China –they turned back half way. Mongolia winter can be very harsh (minus 30 degree Celsius) and the Silk Road was treacherous and dangerous. Sadly by the time the first batch of a few Catholic missionaries arrived in Beijing in 1294, Kublai Khan had died, the Mongols had turned to Tibetan Buddhism. The window of opportunity for the gospel was missed.
What has not been known is the missionary movement in the 7th century by the Nestorians who for 700 years brought many Mongols to faith in Jesus Christ. It was known that the Queen mother of Kublai Khan was a Christian. The rise of the Jesuit Catholic missions in the 16th century and the Protestant missions in the 19th century failed to pry open the hearts of the Mongols. The gospel remained shut. The hearts of the Mongols were bolted not until the collapsed of Russian regime in Mongolia. 1990s was the watershed moment when Mongolia got its independence. Since then the church in Mongolia has grown rapidly.
How God transformed his descendants’ DNA is quite remarkable- from conquering surrounding nations to evangelizing people.
Eric Fung, the national director of Asian Outreach Malaysia, who spoke at CDPC mission conference, challenged me to bring leadership training for Mongolian pastors and church planters, I immediately responded with a resounding yes.
The first leadership training was conducted over 3 days in Ulaanbator during the cold month of November 2006 when temperature dipped below 0 degree Celsius. The weather was bitterly cold but my heart was warmth as I witnessed the spiritual hunger of the Mongolian pastors and leaders. 36 pastors and leaders came from different parts of Mongolia. Some had to travel for more than 15 hours journey. Language was not a barrier as the translator did a superb job of bridging the hearts and minds. Judging from the interaction and questions asked, I knew that they had grasped the leadership principles well. Hwei Yeow, a church member assisted me in training them. Together two of us demonstrated the model of partnership between a pastor and a corporate leader.
I supposed we did a good job in training when Asian Outreach Mongolia invited us to go back again in 2007. But the trip did not materialize until May 2008. 70% of the original 36 came back for second phase training revealed that they really wanted the training. May 2008 was spring time but it snowed the day when we landed in Ulaanbator. There were some heartwarming stories Badmaa told me that he and a few other Mongolian leaders had used the materials and conducted leadership training for 20 town mayors and leaders. The response from secular leaders was overwhelming. Norjii, a woman Christian leader who came twice for the training also used the materials for educationist and teachers in Mongolia. One doctor found the training so beneficial for him that he decided to conduct similar training in his hospital.
I had the opportunity to meet up with Pastor Batbold’s church leadership for 4 hours. Batbold is a senior pastor although he is only in his mid thirties. It is not uncommon to find that most senior pastors in Mongolia are very young as majorities are first generation Christians. The history of modern Mongolian church is only 18 years old. I was able to process leadership issues with them. Batbold and his wife Mega came to my hotel and continued our conversation until 1.30am. He wanted to learn exegesis and sermon crafting. He wanted to know more about leading the church. I happened to be older than him and more years in the pastoral setting. I became his mentor in the ministry. The joy of ministry in Mongolia is unspeakable. I have forged good relationship with Mongolian Pastors and church planters. The frustration of being delayed by Air China for 2 days on the ongoing flights and further delayed for 14 hours in Ulaanbator and held up again in Beijing for another day on return flights was soon dissipated. The Nestorian missionaries traveled by foot over hills and steppes for months and the Protestant missionaries sailed for weeks in order to reach Mongolia. Mine was relatively an easy ride. Its only 9 hours traveling time by air from Kuala Lumpur to Ulaanbator. This time I had ‘wasted’ 4 days due to Air China lame excuses of bad weather. The plus point is that I got to spend a lot of time with Hwei Yeow who came along to co-train with me. We had free hotel and free food in Beijing at the courtesy of Air China. I think it’s a 'ploy' on the part of Air China for us to see the grandeur of Beijing airport and the superb Beijing Olympic preparation so that we become their ambassadors. More likely its the usual logistic issue of the airline industry. However we responded positively to what could have been potentially a ruined trip. We took it that God wanted us to rest. I had time to reflect on my life and ministry.
Friday, March 21, 2008
New Political Realities in Malaysia
Everyone in Malaysia is talking about the new political realities after the General Election in which the Barisan National, the ruling party was dented in its ego.
The new political realities: Umno’s dominance is crippled. Its invincibility is exposed. Umno like the proverbial emperor is without clothes.
BN has never lost two third of Parliament seats but it did. Worst, BN lost 5 states to the opposition party, which is unprecedented. BN leaders wanted honest and brutal post mortem so that they could win back the hearts of the people. But whom are they hearing from?
The Barisan Rakyat is euphoric and in cloud nine and the Chief Minister of Penang, Lim Guan Eng and Menteri Besar of Selangor, Khalid had implemented clear policy of transparency and integrity. All tenders must be open tenders and for public view and scrutiny. It is to be totally above board. They are on the right track so far. But will power corrupt them eventually? Time will tell.
The arrogance as epitomized by wielding the keris at the Umno General Assembly, the blatant corruption at high places, the unfairness of awarding government contracts without open tenders and many other factors led to the downfall of BN. Umno Putra have benefited from the power of the ruling government. The Bumi Putra are resenting against the Umno Putra. Even Malays are not happy with the government. The swing votes were telling sign of protest.
Many Hindus temples were demolished, the poor Indians were marginalized and the pent up feelings finally exploded and shocked the nation. Social injustice as experienced by the minority Indians had brought about Hindraf rally- a tipping point that toppled Samy Vellu and brought about Tsunami effect in the General Election.
Churches and Christians have been harassed by the little Napoleans – banning the use of God’s name Allah, banning of Christian books and literature which use the name Allah, demolition of Orang Asli church buildings. Christians have been denied legitimate places of worship. Fairness and justice is just empty slogan. Malaysia is a pluralistic society and not an Islamic republic.
The local councils are corrupted and incompetent. They shut their ears to the voice of protest by the Rakyat.
These days our RM $50 have shrunk.
My reflection on political realities:
The race-based policy by ruling party has been rejected by the Rakyat. Christians cannot go along with such ethos, as it is unbiblical.
Leaders whether political or religious are not to be self-serving but to serve others. If there is ambition in leadership, it must be ambition to serve others. The worldly system thinks of greatness in terms of mastery and rule, in God’s kingdom, greatness is manifested in service. The way forward for BN and BR is to be humble in lowly service, to fear God and to be uncorrupted.
The greatness of a nation is not in its wealth or superiority in weaponry nor technological advances but how it reaches out and take care of the minority, the poor, the destitute, the marginalized regardless of race, creed or religion. Righteousness exalts a nation. Therefore national leaders must do what is right in the sight of God. Church must take the lead to share its wealth with the poor.
The Church must be awakened to its role in nation building. More Christians must participate in Public Square. Christians must be encouraged to take up politics as a vocation.
Church leaders must teach political theology and good governance to Christians. Church to model good governance and structure and practice.
Christians must learn the moral courage and moral vision of great men and women who brought changes to their nations (Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Nelson Mandela, Aleksandar Solzhenitsyn, Ghandi, Aung San Suu Kyi…)
Church must see itself as an NGO that can play significant role in society.
Civil Society can act as check and balance for the government through wise and righteous policy.
Ordinary Rakyat can be a voice of conscience to the nation.
God can use righteous, fair-minded non-Christians to speak up against injustices.
Christians need to learn how to work alongside people of different faiths for the common good of society.
Racial integration and reconciliation are possible and Christians must take the lead by loving people and communities unconditionally.
Human hearts are corrupted. The depravity of sin is present in every human heart. Everyone needs the gospel. Evil structure and institution can only be changed when human hearts are transformed by the gospel.
We need to pray unceasingly for our nation.
The new political realities: Umno’s dominance is crippled. Its invincibility is exposed. Umno like the proverbial emperor is without clothes.
BN has never lost two third of Parliament seats but it did. Worst, BN lost 5 states to the opposition party, which is unprecedented. BN leaders wanted honest and brutal post mortem so that they could win back the hearts of the people. But whom are they hearing from?
The Barisan Rakyat is euphoric and in cloud nine and the Chief Minister of Penang, Lim Guan Eng and Menteri Besar of Selangor, Khalid had implemented clear policy of transparency and integrity. All tenders must be open tenders and for public view and scrutiny. It is to be totally above board. They are on the right track so far. But will power corrupt them eventually? Time will tell.
The arrogance as epitomized by wielding the keris at the Umno General Assembly, the blatant corruption at high places, the unfairness of awarding government contracts without open tenders and many other factors led to the downfall of BN. Umno Putra have benefited from the power of the ruling government. The Bumi Putra are resenting against the Umno Putra. Even Malays are not happy with the government. The swing votes were telling sign of protest.
Many Hindus temples were demolished, the poor Indians were marginalized and the pent up feelings finally exploded and shocked the nation. Social injustice as experienced by the minority Indians had brought about Hindraf rally- a tipping point that toppled Samy Vellu and brought about Tsunami effect in the General Election.
Churches and Christians have been harassed by the little Napoleans – banning the use of God’s name Allah, banning of Christian books and literature which use the name Allah, demolition of Orang Asli church buildings. Christians have been denied legitimate places of worship. Fairness and justice is just empty slogan. Malaysia is a pluralistic society and not an Islamic republic.
The local councils are corrupted and incompetent. They shut their ears to the voice of protest by the Rakyat.
These days our RM $50 have shrunk.
My reflection on political realities:
The race-based policy by ruling party has been rejected by the Rakyat. Christians cannot go along with such ethos, as it is unbiblical.
Leaders whether political or religious are not to be self-serving but to serve others. If there is ambition in leadership, it must be ambition to serve others. The worldly system thinks of greatness in terms of mastery and rule, in God’s kingdom, greatness is manifested in service. The way forward for BN and BR is to be humble in lowly service, to fear God and to be uncorrupted.
The greatness of a nation is not in its wealth or superiority in weaponry nor technological advances but how it reaches out and take care of the minority, the poor, the destitute, the marginalized regardless of race, creed or religion. Righteousness exalts a nation. Therefore national leaders must do what is right in the sight of God. Church must take the lead to share its wealth with the poor.
The Church must be awakened to its role in nation building. More Christians must participate in Public Square. Christians must be encouraged to take up politics as a vocation.
Church leaders must teach political theology and good governance to Christians. Church to model good governance and structure and practice.
Christians must learn the moral courage and moral vision of great men and women who brought changes to their nations (Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Nelson Mandela, Aleksandar Solzhenitsyn, Ghandi, Aung San Suu Kyi…)
Church must see itself as an NGO that can play significant role in society.
Civil Society can act as check and balance for the government through wise and righteous policy.
Ordinary Rakyat can be a voice of conscience to the nation.
God can use righteous, fair-minded non-Christians to speak up against injustices.
Christians need to learn how to work alongside people of different faiths for the common good of society.
Racial integration and reconciliation are possible and Christians must take the lead by loving people and communities unconditionally.
Human hearts are corrupted. The depravity of sin is present in every human heart. Everyone needs the gospel. Evil structure and institution can only be changed when human hearts are transformed by the gospel.
We need to pray unceasingly for our nation.
Friday, March 7, 2008
The One who changed my destiny
Rembrant, the Renaissance artist painted the picture of the crucifixion of Christ, which is known as The Deposition, or Descent from the Cross. Christ's body was taken down from the cross. Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy and respected man who was secretly a follower of Christ, obtained permission from Pilate to bury the body. Traditional representations in art show a ladder against the cross, with Joseph of Arimathea mounted on the ladder and lowering the body. Mary received the body and kissed the face. Mary Magdalene kissed the left hand, and John kissed the right. Nicodemus extracted the nails from the feet. The painting vividly portrayed the death of Jesus.
The Gospel of John recorded that Pilate granted the permission because he had already ascertained that Jesus had died. The soldiers initially wanted to break Jesus’ legs so as to hasten his death but when they saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. But to be doubly sure, one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and immediately blood and water flowed out. This again is a clear evident that Jesus had died. His death is beyond any shadow of doubt.
When the crucifixion were being carried out at Golgotha, standing near the cross were Jesus’ mother, his mother’s sister, Mary (the wife of Clopas), Mary Magdalene, John and the crowd that followed Jesus to the site of crucifixion. The rest of the disciples were just devastated and too disappointed to want to be there. Their dream and hope of the Messianic kingdom was shattered to pieces. No one had come away from Roman crucifixion alive.
No one needs to convince the bystanders, onlookers and the executioners that Jesus really died.
That is the reason why Mary Magdalene and Salome and Mary the mother of James went out and purchased burial spices so that they could anoint Jesus’ body. On Sunday morning, just as sunrise, they went to the tomb and were shocked to find the tomb empty. Jesus’ body was not there! In the tomb they saw a young man clothed in a white robe sitting on the right side. The young man turned out to be an angel. He said to them, “Don’t be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Look, this is where they laid his body. Now go and tell his disciples, including Peter, that Jesus is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there, just as he told you before he died.” The women fled from the tomb, trembling and bewildered, and they said nothing to anyone because they were too frightened (Mark 16:1-8).
The abrupt ending of the resurrection narrative in the Gospel of Mark is surprising but more surprising is the risen Jesus makes no appearance. It is accepted by biblical scholars that the most reliable early manuscripts of the Gospel of Mark end at verse 8. Does this mean that there isn’t any proof of Jesus’ resurrection since Mark Gospel did not mention Jesus appearing to his disciples?
The Gospels of Matthew and Luke use Mark Gospel as their primary source, and the John Gospel which may also count Mark among its sources, all include the appearances of the risen Jesus. In the earliest resurrection tradition Paul in his letter to the Corinthians Christians also attested to the resurrection appearance of Jesus: “I passed on to you what was most important and what had been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said, and he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. After that he appeared to more than 500 of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also…” (1 Cor 15:3-8). The eyewitnesses’ account of the post resurrection appearances of Jesus is just too overwhelming to be fabricated. It is easily verifiable both by the believers and the critics during the 40 days in which Jesus proved to his disciples that he was actually alive (Acts 1:3).
The complete turn around of the apostles from cowardice to bravery is a very convincing proof that something dramatic have had happened. They deserted Jesus at the crucifixion site and then went everywhere to proclaim the good news of the resurrection of Christ. There is no plausible reason other than the fact that Jesus had appeared to them after his crucifixion. The rapid growth of the church in spite of severe persecution right in Jerusalem and throughout the towns and cities of Roman Empire is also a convincing proof that the disciples had seen the resurrected Jesus. Paul, the great persecutor of the church became the staunchest follower of Christ. In his own words: “…and last of all Jesus appeared to me also. For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecute the church of God” (1 Cor 15:6-10). Paul went on to become evangelist, church planter, pastor and theologian. The centrality of his message is the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. No one can refute his personal testimony of encountering the resurrected Christ and how this experience had forever altered the course of his life.
If the post resurrection appearances of Christ are the important features of the other Gospels and also Paul’s writing, why then Mark Gospel ends abruptly without mentioning the post resurrection appearances of Jesus? Was Mark’s omission intentional and by design? Was he purposely making a bold statement about the significance of the announcement “he has risen, he is not here”? (Mark 16:6) Was the abrupt ending served to engage the hearers rather than providing a closure?
Prior to his crucifixion, Jesus had told the disciples “ after I am raised from the dead, I will go ahead of you to Galilee and meet you there.” (Mark 14:28). The angel in the tomb also told the women that Jesus isn’t in the tomb, he is risen from the dead, he is going ahead of them to Galilee. The women were to go and tell the disciples that Jesus is waiting for them in Galilee.
Galilee was the place where God’s power was manifested in the ministry of Jesus. Jesus healed a man with leprosy and for the first time in his life the cleansed leper could mix around in his community without being shunned by others (Mark 1:40-44). At Jesus’ word, a paralyzed man jumped out, grabbed his mat and walked out through the stunned onlookers. They were all amazed and praised God, exclaiming, “We have never seen anything like this before!” (Mark 2:1-12). Imagine a man who once was paralyzed and was totally dependent on others but now was able to walk and to take care of himself. Jesus also restored a man with a deformed hand. The man could now do so much with a hand, which had been restored. Jesus went throughout the region of Galilee; he brought healing; he set people free from demon possession, he taught them about the kingdom of God. Galilee’s ministry is a sign of the redemptive act of Jesus for the world. Mark’s resurrection narrative refers back to Galilee, the place where the power of God to heal, liberate, feed, teach and restore points toward the resurrection of Christ. In other words, the meaning of Jesus’ resurrection in Mark Gospel is to be found in recalling his proclamation and enactment of God’s kingdom in Galilee.
In celebrating Easter, we are directed by Mark Gospel (even with its abrupt ending in Mark 16:8) to think of Jesus’ ministry in Galilee that the power of God to heal, to liberate, to transform is still true and available today. Simply because Jesus isn’t in the tomb, he is risen from the dead!
I know Jesus is risen from the dead because I have encountered the resurrected Jesus and he has changed my destiny.
The Gospel of John recorded that Pilate granted the permission because he had already ascertained that Jesus had died. The soldiers initially wanted to break Jesus’ legs so as to hasten his death but when they saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. But to be doubly sure, one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and immediately blood and water flowed out. This again is a clear evident that Jesus had died. His death is beyond any shadow of doubt.
When the crucifixion were being carried out at Golgotha, standing near the cross were Jesus’ mother, his mother’s sister, Mary (the wife of Clopas), Mary Magdalene, John and the crowd that followed Jesus to the site of crucifixion. The rest of the disciples were just devastated and too disappointed to want to be there. Their dream and hope of the Messianic kingdom was shattered to pieces. No one had come away from Roman crucifixion alive.
No one needs to convince the bystanders, onlookers and the executioners that Jesus really died.
That is the reason why Mary Magdalene and Salome and Mary the mother of James went out and purchased burial spices so that they could anoint Jesus’ body. On Sunday morning, just as sunrise, they went to the tomb and were shocked to find the tomb empty. Jesus’ body was not there! In the tomb they saw a young man clothed in a white robe sitting on the right side. The young man turned out to be an angel. He said to them, “Don’t be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Look, this is where they laid his body. Now go and tell his disciples, including Peter, that Jesus is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there, just as he told you before he died.” The women fled from the tomb, trembling and bewildered, and they said nothing to anyone because they were too frightened (Mark 16:1-8).
The abrupt ending of the resurrection narrative in the Gospel of Mark is surprising but more surprising is the risen Jesus makes no appearance. It is accepted by biblical scholars that the most reliable early manuscripts of the Gospel of Mark end at verse 8. Does this mean that there isn’t any proof of Jesus’ resurrection since Mark Gospel did not mention Jesus appearing to his disciples?
The Gospels of Matthew and Luke use Mark Gospel as their primary source, and the John Gospel which may also count Mark among its sources, all include the appearances of the risen Jesus. In the earliest resurrection tradition Paul in his letter to the Corinthians Christians also attested to the resurrection appearance of Jesus: “I passed on to you what was most important and what had been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said, and he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. After that he appeared to more than 500 of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also…” (1 Cor 15:3-8). The eyewitnesses’ account of the post resurrection appearances of Jesus is just too overwhelming to be fabricated. It is easily verifiable both by the believers and the critics during the 40 days in which Jesus proved to his disciples that he was actually alive (Acts 1:3).
The complete turn around of the apostles from cowardice to bravery is a very convincing proof that something dramatic have had happened. They deserted Jesus at the crucifixion site and then went everywhere to proclaim the good news of the resurrection of Christ. There is no plausible reason other than the fact that Jesus had appeared to them after his crucifixion. The rapid growth of the church in spite of severe persecution right in Jerusalem and throughout the towns and cities of Roman Empire is also a convincing proof that the disciples had seen the resurrected Jesus. Paul, the great persecutor of the church became the staunchest follower of Christ. In his own words: “…and last of all Jesus appeared to me also. For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecute the church of God” (1 Cor 15:6-10). Paul went on to become evangelist, church planter, pastor and theologian. The centrality of his message is the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. No one can refute his personal testimony of encountering the resurrected Christ and how this experience had forever altered the course of his life.
If the post resurrection appearances of Christ are the important features of the other Gospels and also Paul’s writing, why then Mark Gospel ends abruptly without mentioning the post resurrection appearances of Jesus? Was Mark’s omission intentional and by design? Was he purposely making a bold statement about the significance of the announcement “he has risen, he is not here”? (Mark 16:6) Was the abrupt ending served to engage the hearers rather than providing a closure?
Prior to his crucifixion, Jesus had told the disciples “ after I am raised from the dead, I will go ahead of you to Galilee and meet you there.” (Mark 14:28). The angel in the tomb also told the women that Jesus isn’t in the tomb, he is risen from the dead, he is going ahead of them to Galilee. The women were to go and tell the disciples that Jesus is waiting for them in Galilee.
Galilee was the place where God’s power was manifested in the ministry of Jesus. Jesus healed a man with leprosy and for the first time in his life the cleansed leper could mix around in his community without being shunned by others (Mark 1:40-44). At Jesus’ word, a paralyzed man jumped out, grabbed his mat and walked out through the stunned onlookers. They were all amazed and praised God, exclaiming, “We have never seen anything like this before!” (Mark 2:1-12). Imagine a man who once was paralyzed and was totally dependent on others but now was able to walk and to take care of himself. Jesus also restored a man with a deformed hand. The man could now do so much with a hand, which had been restored. Jesus went throughout the region of Galilee; he brought healing; he set people free from demon possession, he taught them about the kingdom of God. Galilee’s ministry is a sign of the redemptive act of Jesus for the world. Mark’s resurrection narrative refers back to Galilee, the place where the power of God to heal, liberate, feed, teach and restore points toward the resurrection of Christ. In other words, the meaning of Jesus’ resurrection in Mark Gospel is to be found in recalling his proclamation and enactment of God’s kingdom in Galilee.
In celebrating Easter, we are directed by Mark Gospel (even with its abrupt ending in Mark 16:8) to think of Jesus’ ministry in Galilee that the power of God to heal, to liberate, to transform is still true and available today. Simply because Jesus isn’t in the tomb, he is risen from the dead!
I know Jesus is risen from the dead because I have encountered the resurrected Jesus and he has changed my destiny.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)