Further Back, 1986

Another 10 years further back will bring me into my 20s, as 1986 was my final year at Law School and then working as a chambering student or legal assistant in a law firm in 1987 before being admitted to the Bar at the High Court of New Zealand in Christchurch. All four decades long until today in 2026. All four decades long of learning and training and equipping in order to be ready to serve the king of kings and the Lord of Lords, our Lord Jesus Christ. Speaking of law studies, my friend commented just a few weeks ago that I was the only church leader in his memory to encourage young people to enter law, to become lawyers.

There are a few lawyers among SIB members, but not enough are found in the Malay speaking section of the church that makes up 99% of the membership. I know a few lawyers in the English speaking SIB churches, but in terms of overall membership, these three or so churches are in the very small minority. 

So I serve among the majority group, to make an impact in their midst. It is not so simple as times, from another culture, different education background and I think this partly explains why the current church's leaders could not seem to be able to grasp the significance of me being in their midst. 

I was born out of time, too foreign, yet I give no excuses as I have been among them for more than 30 years. It is more that some section of our church seem to be stuck in time, preferring old wine, culturally and socially, they have not progressed much beyond the late 1970s and 80s. 

Surely the young leaders are the future, but they can also get stuck in being average, always just making ends meet, no fire and enthusiasm for things, holy and spiritual. Leaders, especially senior and older leaders need to lead by example - of modernity, of being progressive in knowledge and culture without leaving the foundations of God's Word. 

But not many can navigate these challenging times, as human nature does not change unless truly transformed by God - people have large egos and love the honour of titles and positions. I have come across those without education, filled with pride (berlagak tahu) but the educated are humble and teachable. My first church was filled with leaders of the elite, Professors, PhDs, federal ministers, high ranking govt servants, permanent secretaries, and one city Mayor, but they worked along side me as their pastor, leader and chairman well enough to achieve great things for the Lord.