Sivin Kit’s Garden

Before I sleep tonight, I’m planning to “close the loop” for 2003 with listening to the invitation by Richard J. Foster to the journey of “becoming like Christ” again (oh! how we need to hear it again & again!)

But for now, I hear a “benediction” which started from this morning …

May you now, by the power of the Holy Spirit,
Receive the Spirit of prayer,
May it become, in the name of Jesus Christ,
The most precious occupation of your life.
And may the God of all peace strengthen you,
bless you, and give you joy. Amen.

What a fitting “blessing” for the last day of 2003 from one of my favorite author Richard J. Foster’s book - Prayer: Finding the Heart’s True Home! I pray this “blessing” - benediction will be upon all who read this blog …

Well before I beam off from BlogWorld again (until 2004) …. I should have a look at the little civilization God has entrusted to us as a young family. Again in no particular order of importance … because all are important!

BEST
1. PD HOliday
The last 3 days 2 nights were I think the best one we have so far. We just felt so so blessed and well rested… Good food, great swimming, lots of beauty sleep, time to talk, laugh and enjoy the environment. A wonderful pre-climax (still got one more day for 2003) for all the joy we’re experienced as a family!

2. Gareth’s Growth
He’s growing into quite a unique character with his “mini-temper”, “stunning intelligence”, “fun-loving checkiness”, and I believe a “tender heart” for God to work…. plus he’s good-looking like mummy (& papa). We’re so thankful.

3. Our Growth as a couple
Since starting BLC, we’re been thrown into all sorts of uexpected situations (some pleasant & others painful - what’s new huh?). At times it’s our own journey, at other times it’s the “openness” that other people allow us to journey with them. On both counts, these have been molding and maturing processes … which leaves a deep impression on us!

4. Family & Friends
May Chin’s parents have really “blessed” us tremendously by the loving care of Gareth daily. It has been good as well for us to consciously spend time with my Mom as well (caught Daddy & John when both are not out-station) …

Both old and new friends have really come alongside us … they make the word “friend” really mean a lot to us! It’s also fabulous to have a chance to share in all their joys as well … whether it’s the birth of a new baby, engagement, marriage, a new phase in life, etc. It’s simply great!

The Silver Box with a Golden Ribbon was a wonderful gift to us with “love” captured in words and cards for us … it shows BLC is not a “job” for us but truly family & friends!

5. Needs Taken Care of!
Not too sure about “wants” but our “needs” have definately been well taken care of … and we experience even his abundance financially, socially, spiritually and personally.

WORST
1. “Blockbusters” with my Wife!
Nothing physical …. we’re just learning how to love each other more like the way Christ loves us … so a lot of “speaking the truth” in love … Speaking the truth can be uncomfortable even though it’s for our growth!

2. Juggling Work Pressures
Our “jobs” each have a different expectations … May Chin is alone handling a department right now (which is very tough). I’m the only pastor of BLC (though with two part-time helpers which I’m learning how we can work as a team better.) then there’s other stuff on our “working plate”. Again, a lot of work to to learn a healthy rhythm of authentic spirituality, excellence in our vocation-work and a maturing humanity as an individual!

3. Witnessing Painful-Suffering Experiences of others
On one hand it’s an honor to be invited into people’s pains, on the other hand it’s sad to see our loved ones or close friends awalk a very difficult dark valley in their lives. At times, we feel so helpless & wonder what we can do to help. In times like this, we’re drawn again and again to GOD.

4. I’m glad I can just end at No. 3 … and I will just end at No. 3. Just to remind me that The GOOD God has for us always outweights the BAD we go through …

Ok … Malaysian Christianity maybe too big … not’s let’s take a look at BLC. Again in no particular order …

BEST
1. SonShine Kids
Now we’re getting our ministry to the children a bit more organized with the help of Phoebe, the leadership of Wai Kin (who got us moving), and I’m pretty happy to try and see how we could integrate them more to worhsip with us.

2. Christian Discipleship School
Wai Kin & I managed to get the process and possible programmes in place, now it’s the whole implementation work and fine-tuning especially in 2004.

3. New Members & Friends (Adult & Children)
wonderful to have newly baptized members and others who would like to make BLC their church home. I felt the new member process which included the affirmation of faith to be a good improvement. And I conducted my first water baptism for a child - Darlene!

4. LiFE Groups
2 groups are stable and thriving, 2 other groups have their stuggles and set-backs. But, all are learning and open to learn from the authentic ups-and-downs realities of genuine community building. For that itself, I consider this a best! Plus, I was excited to see guests joining all the parties who are new or old friends revisiting!

5. The Father’s House Renovation
There’s still some stuff not finished yet. Aren’t we all?
Anyway, God supplied the finances and the whole place got a decent and custom-designed facelift which also lifted our spirits and excitement.

WORST
1. Missing People
It’s a tough fact … but with new people we also “miss” other people for all sorts of “reasons”. And in this case, we have tried whatever we could humanly possible to keep in touch. And we also need to examine how we can continue to include those at the “borders” of BLC community life … Pray for our “loving relationships” glue can begin sticking us better not only to one another but more importantly to Christ ….

2. Unexpected Pains
Life is difficult & life is complex. BLC members have not been immune to “painful” events and experiences in life. And they always come unexpectedly! These were truly stuff way out of our control … how vulnerable we are … Here’s where we reconsider our sinfulness as people and our weakness in handling life.

3. Disorganized Private Worlds
Using Gordon McDonald’s kind of phrasing … many admit that there’s a greater need to “live as a called person” (as opposed to drivenness) and I sense in 2004 learning to “order our private worlds” is a must! For survival as well as significant living.

4. Weak Accountability in Discipleship
Apart from sporadic efforts like Godparents, sponsors and classes to strengthen each others walk with Jesus, the ongoing efforts are still weak. This is a primary area I’m praying and thinking about these few days.

5. Unprepared Worship
Integration & preparation is a lot of hard work …. our Worship Gathering has had lots of ups & downs this past year. The Prayer Breakfast is still not well attended by those who are not part of the worship team (hope to include more to intercede for others.) As we try to improve other aspects like Children’s ministry, LiFE Groups, and Learning classes, we’ve neglected our corporate worship life (which i’m glad we’re working on again, thanks to James!) What happens to us as a big group might just be a mirror of how we apporach GOD in worship individually …

In no particular order of importance

BEST
1. Bookstores
A round of applause to …
MPH - for bringing in McLaren’s A New Kind of Christian Series & expanding their Christianity section plus some great value buys!
SUFES - for bringing in excellent stuff from Eerdmans, WJK (got some good Brueggemann stuff Hope for the World plus The Bible Makes Sense)
& IVP (a surprise was Kingdom Ethics!)
Glad Sounds - for bringing in gems from Fortress Press (Ted Peter’s God—The World’s Future, Second Edition: Systematic Theology for a New Era is a good read) & Zondervan (Happy Kimball’s The Emerging Church is on the selves!)
Evangel - for providing treasures hidden here and there. Glad to see McLaren’s the Church on the other side (for an excerpt) in paperback! C. Norman Kraus’ An Intrusive Gospel was one of the nice presents I got myself here!
Equipper - for having a great sale especially for the Message Remix & Renovation of the Heart.

2. Emerging Conversations & Connections (TQ Streamyx)
With a more affordable broadband pricing. My downloads have been much faster. And it makes conversations going on through the internet and blogsphere with friends (especially Jason Clark lately & new friends whom I’m surprised delightfully get connected!) whom have the similar passion, vision & direction in life & ministry much more relaxing without worrying about money! (Still hoping Todd Hunter blogs soon! Miss his insights a lot! For now I’ll just read A Kingdom Christmas)

3. Press Coverage
I’m not too sure about the other languages, but at least for the English speaking papers (cf. New Straights Times & The Star) I do see more coverage from Christians involved in social work as well as the recent Christmas celebrations. Occassionally, insightful articles by Christians get some air-play to (at least in this print form!)

4. Asian Mission Conference
Though it was actually organized in S’pore but we Malaysian’s were pretty much given a chance to be more involved. It’s still too early to see how it has impacted Malaysian Christianity, but it has at least impacted me (For a glimpse of the benefits here’s day 1)!

5. Christmas Card from New Prime Minister
Ok … I got three cards … one to Pastor, the other to Pastor Sivin, then Rev. Sivin. It’s the thought that counts and some effort made to connect with at least 1500 Christian leaders in the country. And it’s the first time!

WORST
I recognize it’s not very “Christian” (apparently to use the word worst), so as a disclaimer I do believe our weak efforts or sinful attempts are still redeem-able under the Grace of GOD! I’ll try to sneak in some good words as well (since it is the end of the year!)

1. Book & Music Publishing
I must admit I’m thankful for the growing quantity of Malaysian Publications both in music and books (check out the loads of new Malaysian produced CDs). However, the quality is still uneven and in some cases need more hard work. My sincere requests :
- please improve the content of writing (cf. more theologically reflective, Biblically informed, and in the case of those already more reflective - please make yourself more accessible).
- please improve on the cover & design as well (cf. here some do better than others!)

special note: An exceptional example to follow is Tan Soo Inn’s Making Sense - a quality book that’s affordable!

2. Conference Overload
It’s an irony some of think the more conferences we organize, the more impact we are making in our nation when in actual fact we may grow “numb” by attending conferences or simply overloaded with information & ideas that stiffles the possibility of genuine creativity that’s already within us. Strange but while this is happening, people like me become very “discerning” (or choosy) in deciding what seminar or conference to go to. So, I got mixed feelings with this. Maybe it’s not the fault of the organizers (we do need resources - I personally benefitted a lot from the Crossways See Through the Scriptures seminar ), it could be our attitude that needs revising (i.e. we need to do the hardwork of creative & constructive efforts too!).

3. Pseudo-Intellectualism (or hidden anti-intellectualism)
There seems to be more and more Christian leaders with a “Dr.” as a title. At times, it’s a genuine one (cf. a theological achievement, decent doctorate of ministy, maybe a medical doctor or from some other academic discipline - all this are good and helpful), sadly a lot of what we have nowadays are Doctorates of theology or even ministry that has the appearance of deep thought (with high flying rhetoric) from minds who’ve skipped the plunge of real hardwork that would truly benefit the Body of Christ in Malaysia in the long term (for more check Free PhD? Short Cut Doctorates?). We leaders are held extra accountable for our teaching & actions! many Christians are mirroring a version of Christianity that might notbe able to out-live, out-think or out-love forces that works against the kingdom of God. Kyrie Eleison …

4. Fragmented Theological Education & Ministry Training
Organizationally, The good news is there’s more opportunities to learn. Bible schools, training centres, even distance learning programmes are beginning to flourish across the Christian community (cf. more organizations). However, we are still duplicating a lot of resources and efforts. There isn’t enough sharing of ideas and resources (cf. networking) that would focus our energies…

STM & Malaysian Care’s joint programme is a good way forward (there’s still a long way to go when it comes to genuine partnership).

Another aspect is our current training either is strong on theological emphasis or methodological emphasis thus another kind of fragmentation. My question is “how can we have some models that bring integration to theological, spiritual & ministerial formation?” (From disicpleship level to leadership level)

Some ideas “bubbling” in my mind …. at least from a local church pastor perspective! Need to talk with some people - sounds like another long term project.

5. Leadership Transition/Succesion Hump
I was encouraged to hear of the vibrancy & longevity of some leaders who in their 50’s or even 60’s are going strong in their service for God in Malaysia and beyond. People like this easily come to mind.

I do also see some potential younger leaders in the late 20’s or early 30’s “hidden” somewhere or “emerging” and doing good work. Sad to say, I can’t see many in my denomination - at least not enough …

And we definately lack “mentoring” even “co-mentoring” …. many feel we maybe walking on our own unless conscious effort is made to be accountable to another person. Organizationally, some efforts might be in place but true transition and succession is very much a relational work! And in our case a spiritual process that needs “Spirit-discernment”…

A bit speechless for this one … more prayer needed!

I’m planning to enjoy my “munchies” while “Gareth-sitting” this Monday morning … got my menu from the Lesslie Newbigin Online Bibliography specifically from this link

2000 Gelwick, Richard
Christian Faith in a Pluralist Society

2000 Hunsberger, George R.
Faith and Pluralism: A Response to Richard Gelwick

2001 Gelwick, Richard
Heuristic Passion and Universal Intent: A Response to George R. Hunsberger

2001 Kettle, David
Newbigin, Polanyi and Impossible Frameworks

BLC - Bangsar Lutheran Church the people never stops surprising me … and May Chin and I (even Gareth) were delighfully “zapped” for a while!

We got a Silver Box with a Golden Ribbon, an up close and personal prayer of blessing and thanksgiving, and a round of love & appreciation! All this made our last Sunday Worship Gathering even more meaningful and pleasant…

Just glanced through the notes and cards written especially for us (we even got origami shaped ones too!), we felt so encouraged by the personal comments which came straight from the heart of every “sheep” that voiced their love for us! All of this becomes an “energizer” for us to continue serving in the capacity Christ has called us into and play our role in His Kingdom Agenda!

This Silverbox with a Golden ribbon is special because of what’s inside - i.e. the personally written cards and notes (& origami + gifts). And the “stuff” is significant because of the lifes that each phrase, each paragraph, each word represents. And some how we’re all put together along this journey … waiting for that day when the Triune GOD Father Son Holy Spirit - Our Great Shepherd opens his “Silverbox with a Golden Ribbon which contains our life-offering” delight GOD’s heart for all eternity.

All these goodies via Jordon Cooper (my regular source for goodies!)

The end of ‘Christianity lite’ is near (This artilce affirmed my decision to say some stuff for tommorrow’s message!) Love the closing …. here it is!
___________

So consider this the last Merry Christmas in the age of Christianity lite. The new century will see a new Christianity which in fact is the old one. And a very different Christmas. Less sugary, but far more real. And it’s about time.
______________

Mars Hill Church :: emergent? (interesting discussion on what emergent means!) and found a recant

This one more by accident … because Alan Creech is on Cooper’s blogroll! Check for Dec 26th on “emerging”.

May Chin, Gareth & I had a refreshing post-Christmas holiday at Port Dickson the last three days & two nights. A much needed time for us as a family to be “made fresh”. Gareth was frowning at the strange sands he was trying to walk on! But, he had lots (I mean lots!) of time at the seaside pool! We got some necessary sleep as well. Thanks to wonderful friends we could spend a wonderful time at Avillion Port Dickson. God truly has blessed us through them!

On a different note and yet in the same spirit, here’s A Call for a Renewal of the Evangelical Spirit from a group of evangelical thinkers & leaders that want us to keep an environment where we can constantly remain fresh in our reflection & action.

_______________

we call all evangelical leaders and thinkers not to reject out of hand constructive theological proposals that are reverently rooted in biblical reflection, even when they challenge aspects of what some consider to be the “received evangelical tradition.” Rather than a sign of decline, constructive theological endeavour and rigorous debate about theological issues are marks of evangelical theological vitality. Premature closure of dialogue and debate by means of condemnations and threats of exclusion, in contrast, disrupts community and often quenches the Spirit who brings new life and leads us toward ever more faithful readings of God’s Word. Therefore, we admonish all evangelicals to resist attempts to propagate rigid definitions of evangelicalism that result in unnecessary alienation and exclusion. And we call all evangelicals to affirm the genuine diversity and fresh reflection, rooted in the authority of the written Word and centred on the Word incarnate, that has always been the hallmark of the true evangelical spirit.
(emphasis mine)
_______________

Well, what a joy for BLC and especially to the Tew Family (Edward, Annie & now big bro. Adam) for the arrival of God’s gift baby boy Eden! Born on the 26th of December 2003. He just looks fabulous with those big inquisitive eyes. I must say the children’s ministry of BLC has grown significantly the last couple of years simply by biological growth (4 babies in 2002, 1 baby in 2003)! Of course, we have those who are new comers as well joining our existing dynamic duo Adam & Eze (both 4years old), they are Khit Yee, Kirsten, and Ryan! All praise to the God of new birth!

I’ll be signing off from BlogsSphere for a couple of days … so before I get “beamed out” from the internet ….

May Chin, Gareth & I wish all friends (including all who visit this garden), relatives and family (including the global family of humans!) –> a Shalom-filled-”Peace-full”-God-Blessed-kind of Christmas.
_____________________

“And this is what will prove it to you:
you will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger.”
(Luke 2:12)

Jesus the Son of Man
by Yu Jiade, China
________________________