Thank God for internet access at Sabah Theological Seminary. What an adventure! The camp at CheFoo Methodist centre with DUMC's Campus Youth was a load of fun and I believe fruitful ministry (PTL!) I was tremendously encouraged by some intense & genuine Commitment I saw in some Youth, had great "Conversations" with a number of individuals both leaders and youth, and was delighted with the God kind-of-CHANGE the Spirit was "slow-cooking" (in the words of Pastor Mike Ngui in a thank you card to me).
I managed to skid down from Brinchang Cameron highlands last Sunday to catch the MAS 9:15pm flight to arrive at KK International Airport at about 12am. The Fish & Potatoes was good inflight food while I didn't enjoy the squeeze during the whole flight. Read both Sin Chew and NST because I couldn't sleep.
Ahh ... finally arrived at Sabah Theological Seminary .. cool! They have their own hill ... wow! The accomadations was "surprising" & "Amazing"! One air-con room for myself .. actually a whole small apartment for Pastor Lau and me ... phew! GOD you are so kind to your servant who lacked sleep the last couple of days because of Cameron's cold temperature and lukewarm showers!
Day 1 - still lacked sleep but was delighted to see an old friend, Bro. Thu (whom later gave me a personal tour of KK - hospitality in action, huh?) Rev. Dr. Vic Pfitzner is a great teacher from Luther Seminary, Australia. I love his relaxed Aussie style ... and later found out he's related to Rev. Dr. John Kleinig also from Luther Seminary who taught me a course during my seminary days! The notes he gave were superb, and as usual I've colored, highlighted, mentally engaged in conversation with mini Sivin-Kit-style notes all over the place. Refreshing, nourishing, and plain fun.
The whole afternoon was spent in Bro. THU's Kanchil, catching up while enjoying KK. Had a nice RM3 Ice-Kacang ... and visited Jammie's church Penampang Basel Christian Church. Cool! Took a picture as evidence!
The evening was a special open lecture on "the New Apostolic Reformation Movement" in which Dr. Vic gave a simple intro with comments based on what he says a Biblical test. Overall as a good humble Christian scholar he gave a pretty fair treatment. I observed some inaccuracies as I perceived them (i.e. tying the movement too closely with the prosperity gospel movement which I personally don't vauch for) and later took courage during the Q & A to bring my clarification and comments and asked a question that "what are the redeeming features does he find in the movement?" (because I believe it was important to highlight their strengths to evaluate our weaknesses) Which he rightly emphasized is the whole relational view of authority and the passion for missions.
Anyway, I enjoyed the opportunity to speak up and engage this scholar. Just having fun!
Today's session was good in the morning, but I was a little drowsy and tired. Now. I'm better. I loved the whole exposition on GRACE and the honest realism of our sinfulness .... well, more another time ... Looking forward to go to the Mount Kinabalu foothill in the afternoon. Right now, something more immediate, tea break!!
Posted by sivinkit at July 1, 2003 10:25 AM