Well, I got my fish products packed and well frozen. Bags are ready, ticket in place, passport ok! I’m ready to go home. what a wonderful feeling! Gonna see May Chin and Gareth … wow!
The last session on “Contextual Issues” was enlightening. Now, I know why a particular individual reacts so strongly to claims in healing and other Charismatic phenomena. There’s a story behind it – story of pain, desperation, betrayal, and disappointment. I became for symphathetic towards him compared to yesterday … the story he shared with tears drew me into his reality. Every statement of conviction we have spoken or unspoken has a story or multiple stories behind it. And I’ve learnt that we need to go beyond the statements people make into their stories in which these “conclusions” or convictions originally emerged.
Dr. Thu’s comment on Witness in our Pluralistic Society” in Malaysia (and in his case Sabah specifically) struck me as wisdom refined from years of missionary experience with the Orang Asli’s (Natives), then as a Pastor then Bishop and now Principal of STS. I agree with him, so often we center on our efforts, and our energies and what we do. But, listening to him I’m drawn once again to really trust God . And allow the Spirit to guide me and patiently discern his movements in especially those who are genuinely convicted in their religious faith. That is the posture that I hope to operate from. The picture again and again is to build bridges … of understanding, conversations, friendship, common causes, (add to the list)… and even love (in my case the love revealed in Christ!)
Thank God I managed to pull through the message today … it’s quite a feeling speaking before dunno-how-many Doctors of Theology, Masters holders, experienced pastors, and theological students …. what an audience. But, we are humans aren’t we? we are all children of God! So, I just spoke as a fellow child of God fumbling with words to share what I believe to be God’s Word for us today. The whole experience of getting ready to speak was quite a roller coaster ride (in short scaredlah!). Survived! All thanks be to you …
well, next to me is my constant companion when I’m using the STS internet facilities … a Roman Catholic computer technician, nice, jovial Kadazan guy … and his name is VALENTINE … I thank God for him too …