Why Departure Points

"Departure Points" is my second book published almost 6 years ago in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of full-time ministry in Christ. I chose the title from Robert Alter's translation of a verse in the book of Numbers where the Israelites made more than 40 departure points in their journey to the promised land through the wilderness of Sinai. I felt the same, having known the Lord for more than 42 years in Christchurch, following His leading, I have moved from one place to another in ministry, sometimes from one country to another. I had about 8 different appointments with two of my other posts being elected by delegates in an AGM, making 10 different posts or positions in ministry.

I spent a number of years waiting for my next appointment as I moved on, and it was during these periods of waiting that I had managed to write 6 books, making a total of 7 books with my PhD thesis being my first book published by  T & T Clark in 2005. Now 20 years on, I felt I needed to find a place to start writing a book on Revelation, maybe one thematically, answering various issues normally asked by Christian concerning end-times. 

It is incredible that I had conducted 28 seminars on the book of Revelation with close to 20 Seminars in Sabah, a few in West Malaysia and a few in Singapore. The last online Seminar (Oct 2021) was hosted by Paya Lebar Methodist Church in Singapore during the pandemic. In fact, when I was invited early 2021, the agreement was that if the pandemic would pass, I would travel to Singapore to conduct the Seminar in person. This year I conducted one with my own congregation with more than half of the members attending a full-time Seminar in church. 

Tomorrow I could be travelling for one last time into the interior of Sabah in the East Coast for a while. It is partly to repay a good deed the District leaders had accorded me several years ago and in fact, I was invited last year but could not go as I was just starting as pastor in my current pastorate. I do not know where the Lord is leading. I normally plan 18 months ahead of time, sometimes I plan two years in advance. If I wanted to attend or present a paper overseas I need much time, a year or so to save up for my airfare. I am grateful for all God's blessings. I am unworthy of it all. To many observers I might have led a reckless life, travelling here and there, preaching here and there, with little pecuniary rewards. But as for me, God has spoken: "I am your very great reward" (Gen 15:1) as He spoke to Abraham 4,000 years ago. He is still a God who speaks.