God’s Economy

38 years ago when my friend and I were admitted to the Bar and I asked him how much one needed to retire at 60 year old. We were both young then. He was 25 and I just turned 24. He said, “1 million ringgit”. In my heart, knowing I would enter full time ministry in Sabah, I said to myself, “if I could save RM100,000.00 by the time when I turn 60, I should be content”. A year ago I asked my friend the same question. He indicated that even RM2 million is not enough in current circumstances. 

I thought to myself, having reached the retirement age, I should be content with whatever I had saved up. With freedom to serve whenever and wherever God calls, there is always movement and departure from one place to another. 

In the past 6 years, I had served in three places, basically asked to step down when the vaccination requirements were imposed and waited for 17 months before the joining a local Seminary. One fellow pastor told me that “Pst Tony kamu harus tenang-tenang di sana”. He wished that I could settle down there but in less five months I had given my notice of resignation. 

At least for my current place, I waited more than 13 months, before deciding to resign. Many things could have swayed my decision one way or another. I could have stayed on another year (end of 2026), but various incidents happened in the past four months (since Oct 2025) that I could no longer turn a blind eye. 

Some people expect their pastor to keep quiet, let the elders lead and administer. Well and good if they could do so, but alas even the very low standards that I have set, they had not succeeded. 

I began to realise that much time and energy was wasted in second guessing or not knowing when the next meeting or often last minute events held or that I would have organised at least 2 months ahead of time so that we could better prepare and church members encouraged to come. 

No wonder, we struggle with a short fall in church income, my first time that I had experienced such a thing. All three previous churches experienced financial blessings even the last one during the pandemic, church income increased and the church did not suffer financially during my time as pastor. 

God’s economy is different from men. Maybe some may need RM1 million or RM2 million for retirement, but I reckon if I have God on my side, I shall be fine. It is the end times, prophets are not welcome in their own country, not respected by family and relatives, even those closest to him, treat him with disrespect, not knowing the person is sent by God Himself.