A New Beginning

One friend who sent me well wishes on my 30th anniversary of full time ministry in the Lord told me, “A new beginning” perhaps in reference to my new pastorate which I had now just passed three and a half months in service. I can truly say in many ways it was a new beginning. It was my first pastorate after the Covid pandemic that led to my ceasing of my previous pastorate. It was after three churches and three Seminaries (two in Sabah and one in Singapore). It seems my first half of my life ended in threes. Even my books I published before 1st Dec 2024 were six books, three in Malay and three in English and the 7th is in Malay. Likewise I had presented academic papers in three Universities in three different countries. And I start anew in this little church.

Sunday attendance fluctuates between 80 to 120 adults. Yesterday we had 115 adults with 37 children and our two little rooms for Sunday school on the 2nd floor will soon be outgrown. The two back rows were so full that I had to step outside of the church doors to say good bye to the worshippers. A few new people turned up and a few more were too shy to raise their hands when asked. 

Well, I have been preaching non-stop since two months ago besides one Seminar and one Retreat. We are preparing for election of deacons and deaconesses as the latter may dominate as church members are made up of 75 percent of the female gender. Even the youths’ fellowship yesterday we had about 11 guys but 22 gals which is quite a large youth gathering averaging 20 previously as the topic was “financial management”. I had led three council meetings and fourth is held next week after the nomination of deacons is closed this Sunday. We hope to elect 12 deacons, both male and female plus myself and two elders making a 15-person council.