by Steven Chan
On 1 May, 2013, brethren from the various congregations in M’sia and S’pore came together to hear presentations by selected brethren on the theme entitled, “Walk the Talk”. We are thankful to the host congregation, Subang Jaya Church of Christ, for doing a wonderful job of organizing the event such that brethren were well-fed both physically and spiritually – working closely alongside with bro Richard Lee, the Convener of the Seminar since 12 years ago. About 25 brethren from Klang attended the Seminar.
The largest contingent came from Kota Kemuning congregation.
Bro Yeow kick off the Seminar with exhortation on the need to take action just like the four lepers did during the siege of Samaria as recorded in 2 Kings 7:3-5:-
“Now there were four leprous men at the entrance of the gate; and they said to one another, “Why are we sitting here until we die? 4 If we say, ‘We will enter the city,’ the famine is in the city, and we shall die there. And if we sit here, we die also. Now therefore, come, let us surrender to the army of the Syrians. If they keep us alive, we shall live; and if they kill us, we shall but die.” 5 And they rose at twilight to go to the camp of the Syrians…”
Their decision to pick up courage and go towards the camp of the enemy bore fruit in that God had earlier on caused the Syrians to be fearful and they had abandoned their siege of Samaria. But when the lepers went back to relate the incredible story of deliverance to the Israelites, many doubted their story and were unwilling to venture out to the Camp. But eventually some succeeded in persuading the king to allow them to go and see. They were able to confirm the truth of what the lepers had said. The lesson is for us not to be afraid of the enemy or of what lies before us, but to walk by faith and not by sight, trusting God to help us overcome. Bro Yeow recalled what bro Charlie Chan had said many times before: “Do something; something happens. Do nothing; nothing happens!” That explains the theme for this year’s seminar, “to walk the talk”.
Brother Lim Chan Khoon shared with the brethren on how the church at Kota Kemuning has been able to grow from about 20 members to more than 50 members over the past three years. Bro Leow Yew Chong shared on the progress of the outreach at Taman Tun Dr Ismail, KL. Bro Alan Koay from the Ipoh congregation outlined the new effort of starting the work at Kampar among the students of UTAR and the local residents there as well. He requested brethren to refer their friends or family members to them if they are studying at UTAR in Kampar so that they can follow up with them there. Presently, they meet every Thursday night and bro Richard Lee has committed himself to be there to study with those who are seeking for the truth.
Bro Koay Chiang Loong presented the Medical Mission work that he has been involved for the past three years in Cambodia. Working alongside indigenous volunteer doctors and medical staff, they were able to see 1,600 people over the eight days that they were there. This work provides opportunities to study with the local medical staff and also do good to the people of Cambodia.
Bro Richard Lee and three sisters had visited Myanmar a few months ago and had the opportunity to see the work at Kalay at close quarters. He then introduced a Myanmar brother by the name of Stephen Lian who briefed the brethren about the church in Myanmar, the second poorest nation in the world. According to bro Stephen Lian, the churches in Myanmar are growing, with many having been sent to be trained at the school of preaching in nearby India. The hope is that these trained indigenous preachers may be able to return to Myanmar to preach the gospel there.
The church at Subang announced that they have decided to spearhead the effort to evangelize Myanmar and they invite all brethren to join them in this effort. They will sponsor students to study at the Preachers Training Schools in India and subsequently also provide financial support for them in their work among the people in Myanmar. If any one of congregation is interested in joining them in this effort, please contact bro Charlie Chan, bro Yeow or sis Bessie of the Subang congregation, or bro Richard Lee of the Cheras congregation. Bro Richard Lee announced that he is planning a Medical Mission trip to Myanmar in the latter part of this year and he hopes that many brethren will be able to join him in that mission.
We were all much encouraged by the efforts expended by brethren to extend the borders of the kingdom of God in Malaysia as well as in the Asean region. Let’s pray that all these efforts will bear fruit in due season. Let’s resolve to do something for the work of evangelism and church planting so that God may bless our efforts with great and abundant success.
