SEPTEMBER TO DECEMBER 2020
ISSUE 106
September to December 2020
Message From Senior Pastor 1-4
Ancient Path
Features 5-6
A Mellow Gold
7-10
A Very COVID Christmas
11-14
Navigating COVID
Message From Founding Senior Pastor 15-18
Three Defining Marks
of a Life Well-Lived
DUMC Stories 19-22
There are Angels
23-24
A Letter from Hope
25-28
The Longing of Our Souls
29-30
I Remember My Faith
31-32
My Journey of Building a Prayer Altar
From The Editorial Team: We are living in an era of constant change, and we witness something new every day, to the point that we may be numb to it. Nothing surprises us anymore. With instantaneous information available through social media, and the constant bombardment of “news”, today’s generation can be overwhelmed by what used to be considered “unusual” or “shocking” in times before, and begin to believe that this is “acceptable” and “normal”. But it should not be “acceptable” nor “normal”. Romans 12:2 tells us “Do not conform to the pattern of the world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will.” Floodgates was created to be a vessel, a platform where we can publish articles and testimonies to bless and inspire God’s people towards Godly renewal of the mind mentioned by the apostle Paul, and which will stand out from the daily bombardment of confusing and possibly unhelpful “information”. In Floodgates, we, as a Church, the Body of Christ, can share stories and bear witness to God’s amazing grace and give Him the glory. Also, we can remind ourselves that we are nothing without Jesus, that we would just be part of a dying world and hopeless. On the cover, “G” is at the centre of the title, Floodgates, just as we need to place God at the centre of our all. Our name Floodgates originates from Malachi 3:10 “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”
Damansara Utama Methodist Church Dream Centre, 2 Jalan 13/1, Seksyen 13, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia T +603.7958 7388 E general@dumc.my
F +603.7958 3787 dumcMY
W dumc.my The church office is closed on Mondays.
Father God, may we all, children of God, be blessed when the “floodgates of heaven pour out…” and be reminded that the presence of God in our lives is the blessed life.
Message From Senior Pastor
The
ANCIENT PATH by Chris Kam, Senior Pastor
I
believe the greatest cry of people today is for significance in their lives; for having the integrity to honestly live out their lives in alignment with what they think is good and meaningful. There is an old English idiom that says that “an Englishman’s home is his castle.” It suggests that people are free to do whatever they want to in their own home, and no one should tell them what to do there. The question I am asking is, are we the same man at home compared with the one outside? This is an issue of integrity and someone defined integrity as what you do when no one is watching. Imagine stopping at a red traffic light at five in the morning with no one watching and no car in sight. What would you do? Imagine now what you are at home, with no one watching. The opposite of integrity is hypocrisy.
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Message From Senior Pastor
Jesus has called us to a higher standard of integrity and if you have been reading the Gospels, you would realise by now He had some really strong words to say about hypocrisy. He rebuked the teachers of the Law and the Pharisees, the religious leaders who seemed to hold such a moral high ground. Jesus called them “whitewashed tombs, beautiful on the outside but on the inside full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean.” (Matthew 23:27). What a rebuke! This pandemic has allowed us much more time to be at home and there may be a lot more quieter moments for introspection. This is an opportune time to look deeper into ourselves. We need to allow the Word of God to change us every day as it is key to growth and maturity.
Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. 2There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. 3What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.” (Luke 12:1–3) 1
Jesus says here that as followers of Christ, be on your guard, watch out, that hypocrisy will not be like the yeast that spreads within and corrupts not only you, but others around you as well. Hypocrisy is living a double life and the warning is that you will be exposed one day. We will be held accountable for all that has happened in our lives, including those things done in the dark and in secret. Hence, we are called to live a life of integrity, not that we are perfect, but we are real and humble enough to admit and repent when we are wrong. That is the heart God is looking for. A true life of freedom is when we have nothing to hide, nothing to fear, nothing to lose and nothing to prove. Apostle Luke recorded this story of Jesus: When Jesus entered the temple courts, he began to drive out those who were selling. “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be a house of prayer’; but you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’” (Luke 19:45–46) Jesus was incredibly angry at the misuse of His Father’s house for the purpose of business. People were driven by greed and the poor were exploited. The religious leaders were making money off the system by buying and selling animals for sacrifice, thus making the temple a den of robbers. This was religious hypocrisy at its worst. It was about losing the spirit of what it was meant to be. How easy it is for us to fall into a man-made system and act out of dubious motivation. We may even look religious on the outside, but powerless on the inside (2 Timothy 3:5).
Message From Senior Pastor
Jesus in His anger quoted from two ancient texts: Isaiah 56:7 and Jeremiah 7:11. This is a call to return to the basics and in this pandemic, God is calling us to return, to re-align and to re-calibrate our lives to Him. The call of the Prophet Jeremiah was the same - to return to the ancient path. This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. (Jeremiah 6:16)
This is a call to return to the basics and in this pandemic, God is calling us to return, to re-align and to re-calibrate our lives to Him.
There are three lessons or paths here.
1. The Reflection Path
“Stand at the crossroads and look” Any one of us who has gone on a hiking trip would have come to a crossroad and we would look for a well-worn path, showing that many had gone through that and it is a safe path. Often to be sure, the park rangers would even put a sign to tell us which way to take. When we come to such a path, we are told to look. We could either turn towards God or to the path of self-destruction. Perhaps you are at a crossroad in your marriage, your business, your moral convictions, your career, or a critical decision. Churches are at a crossroad. Our nation is at a crossroad. What are these ancient paths? They are the path of righteousness.
2. The Ancient Path
“…ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is…” Our post-modern world offers lots of new paths. It tends to imply that old is bad. Old does not mean outdated or irrelevant. Prophet Jeremiah told us to stick to the old ancient paths, to the paths and choices outlined by our Creator-God and in His Word. There is a tendency for us to look for something new, something more convenient, easier, when what is needed is the timeless truth that works. What is that old way? It is the way of the Lord in the Scriptures and not 3
Message From Senior Pastor
some feel-good, convenient and watered-down motivational preaching. It may not be an easier way and will require absolute commitment. When we move away from the ancient paths, we move at our peril and God will often stumble us to bring us back. What are these biblical ancient paths? If we were to strip everything down to the basic essentials of what we need to do as Christians and as a church, it can be summed up in two simple mandates.
When we move away from the ancient paths, we move at our peril and God will often stumble us to bring us back. And this is the third path.
3. The Obedience Path
“…and walk in it…” The first mandate is “The Great Commandment”. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ (Mark 12:30-31) The second mandate is “The Great Commission”. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. (Matthew 28:19–20) Anything that does not contribute to these is not worth doing. When we walk in these ancient paths, we will find rest for our souls. Will you take this season to look deep inside yourself to see whether or not you are on the right path?
Features
A Mellow Gold by Debbie Loh Yuin Mei, PJN3
The future, an unknown. A fog wraps itself like cobwebs around old, obsolete dreams A dense overgrown ivy grips and overshadows the castles in the air Casting itself as more beautiful than the wistful ruins that is Tomorrow. But take heart Today brims with a mellow gold And yesterday, a treasure chest of memories and stories, and history, and seeds sown Noble desires long disposed now shimmy up your knee “Perhaps now you have time for me,” Now that the urgencies of the novel have crumbled away Now that the fancies of tomorrow have ceased their clamouring We blow off the dust our yearnings for goodness and God, which is the crown of our species called Humanity. When tomorrow has failed us We have the Ancient of Days The Great Today The Great I Am.
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On October 6, Malaysia experienced our first spike in COVID-19 numbers after a quiet and fortunate lull. We had returned to in-person church services and begun to enjoy being with our friends again, and things were starting to look up. Maybe things would get better for Malaysians, maybe we could start planning concretely for the future again, maybe we could travel again. Maybe. But, as the news reports came in after the Sabah elections, and the COVID-19 numbers in Sabah and Kedah climbed, all such hopes were dashed and the future was once again plunged into uncertainty. It was on this day that I put these words to my thoughts. Here, there is an irony that words meant for old things (cobwebs and overgrown ivy) were used to describe what had happened to aspirations for the new. It is an irony that the dreams of today have gone old and obsolete. But, that is what we face today. The answer is not to invent new dreams, but to hold on to what we do have – today. Today is what we can behold to make right decisions and live a life towards God. Today is what we can change because we can do things differently. We also have behind us a treasure trove of history. As someone with a keen interest in history, the past is not obsolete, but holds but gold. The Bible is historical, yet it is alive today. We can see the hand of God work in our lives in retrospect if only we would slow down and look back. Perhaps, now that our pursuits have reached a grinding halt, we can return to what we have always wanted to do deep within us: to spend time with God, our loved ones, and the things God is calling us to do.
We can see the hand of God work in our lives in retrospect if only we would slow down and look back.
Perhaps it is a blessing that the future is uncertain, because now we can finally turn our faces to God, who is with us today as He has always been through the corridors of history. And once our faces are cast upon Him, He will lead us on to tomorrow.
Features
A Very
Christmas by Alex Tung, PJN1
When news of the COVID-19 pandemic
first made its rounds at the beginning of the year, we could not have imagined that its effect would last this long. Yet, as we approach the end of the year, reports of the pandemic’s impact remain on every news outlet’s headlines. From governments and economists to schoolteachers and chefs, everyone’s life has been turned upside-down and nothing is left the same. Nonetheless, it is perhaps only in these last couple of months that it has occurred to us that the pandemic is also going to significantly change Christmas this year. Perhaps it is due to the uncertainty or perhaps it is simply because we remain exhausted from the year that has been, but it is only in these recent weeks that supermarkets, high street retail chains, travel companies and F&B outlets have started to report that they are bracing for their worst Christmas season in decades. What would have, in past years, been the highlight of annual sales is now looking grim and bleak. For these
businesses, Christmas this year is hardly about surpassing last year’s sales target, rather it is about pulling through this season without going into bankruptcy. For many, this is hardly the season to be jolly. Hymns and carols, if they be sung by a choir this Christmas, would not sound the same from masked carollers standing six feet apart. Christmas this year is indeed going to be a very different one. The church is likewise not spared from these changes. For starters, attending Christmas worship and celebration will likely be a fully virtual affair. Any Christmas productions, musicals or skits would also be similarly enjoyed in front of a screen rather than in person. Church attendance which would typically see a surge during Christmas would remain a flat line as most churches remain closed. With such a bleak outlook for the next few months, it unfortunately seems like Christmas this year would be an unprecedentedly inconspicuous event. Christmas, after all, is not meant to be a quiet affair – or is it?
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THE ORIGINAL CHRISTMAS – A QUIET AFFAIR Lest we be sold to commercialisation and view Christmas only as a celebration of retail therapy, big-budgeted productions and year-end bonuses and vacations, let us be reminded that the first Christmas – yes, the very first Christmas, the Christmas when Jesus was born – was not filled with all the festive trappings that we associate with Christmas today. Instead, the very first Christmas was a very understated and humble event. The event of Jesus’ birth was not attended by a congregation numbering thousands and there was no elaborate worship band playing in the background. No, that first Christmas was an inconspicuous affair, attended by only a handful of people, and observed to celebrate only one thing – the birth of our King. The global economic slowdown might very well be the catalyst we need to re-examine our own expectations of Christmas. Perhaps with this quieter Christmas, we have the opportunity to re-establish what Christmas truly means. With this Christmas season looking less boisterous, let us take the opportunity to quieten down emotionally and spiritually, and be reacquainted with what Christmas originally meant. With less Christmassy commitments and errands, and more time on our hands, why not attempt that advent devotional you have earmarked? With less Christmas shopping and meals to attend, organise or host, why not consider giving more of our time and resources to those whose Christmas is significantly bleaker than ours? The point is this: a quieter Christmas this year can allow us more time for introspection and to intentionally move away from consumerism. With less noise, we can choose to tune in more directly to God’s whisper into our lives and seek Him more diligently. And with more time and resources, we can opt to be a greater blessing to others, whether monetarily or through our investment of time.
AN OUTWARD-LOOKING NON-NARCISSISTIC CHRISTMAS If our main discontent with Christmas this year remains the fact that we cannot celebrate, have fellowship and revel as we did in past years, then be reminded that we are having it good. As joblessness and pay-cuts are on the rise, many in our midst are bound for a much worse Christmas season than us. For those who are more badly affected than us, their discontent is not about giving their favourite Christmas roast gathering a miss, rather it is how to continue feeding their families for the foreseeable future.
Features
Even within our church, as badly as our English and Chinese congregations have been hit by the pandemic, the situation is likely more dire in our minority-language congregations – think, for example, our Myanmar congregation. Many of them in the construction industry have lost their jobs and are tightening on an already penny-pinching budget. Have we considered their hardships, or have we been too selfabsorbed grumbling about not being able to take an overseas vacation this year? My hand is up, I find myself inexcusably guilty of this. Notwithstanding that, and difficult as the circumstances and living conditions may be for our Myanmar brothers and sisters, at least they have some measure of spiritual comfort in Christ. What then about the Shepherd-less beyond the walls of our church, those who are suffering and do not have Christ to turn to? As multitudes upon multitudes are growing more desperate for comfort and solace, it is at times such as these that Apostle Matthew’s words “the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few” ring most true. Suddenly an offer for salvation and answers to life’s difficult questions would be met by droves of willing patrons. Suddenly evangelist outreaches do not require us reaching out too far.
DESPERATE TIMES, AVAILABLE MEASURES Recent months have reignited the truth of the old chestnut that the church is not made up of brick and mortar, but rather by its congregation. This truth is made more poignant with the emergence, popularity and availability of virtual meetings. Terms like “Zoom”, “Teams”, “Meet” and “live stream” which were unheard of a year ago are today discussed in just about every engagement. Live streaming and virtual meetings are here to stay for the conceivable future whether we like it or not, and whilst these alternatives can never take the place of a physical church’s corporate worship, it can nonetheless go to places we never imagined. Today, our worship sessions, sermons, prayer altars, ministries and cell group meetings are reaching further than Petaling Jaya, Puchong and Ipoh, they are also reaching Australia, Cape Town and the Scandinavian regions.
...the church is not made up of brick and mortar, but rather by its congregation.
That said, this “online stuff” (as my mom calls it) is understandably not the most easily accessible – this is especially so for those more senior in years such as our Golden Club members. Frustrated as we may be in not being able to attend church or meet friends and family in person, it would be even more frustrating for those who want to meet virtually, but do not know how. Beyond family members, perhaps this is a ministry prospect in itself. Perhaps we should mobilise our youth, a generation of naturally tech-savvy brothers and sisters within our congregation? Would not such a ministry be a godsend to those who are struggling with staying connected virtually? Whilst the church doors remain closed to physical meetings, would it not be a delight to find our Golden Club ministry continuing to meet online and perhaps even attending celebrations together virtually on a watch party? For many of us, attending watch parties with our cell group members and having virtual cell meeting are a given. But for those who find 9
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this “online stuff” a challenge, this might be the most helpful measure to help them to endure this pandemic healthily. It is fully conceded that such virtual alternatives are no real replacements to the bond that is formed when meeting in person. As comforting as online fellowship may be, it can never replace the comfort of a warm hug – that is something the virtual realm simply cannot duplicate. Nonetheless, this pandemic offers us a unique opportunity to make the most of these virtual means to reach out to those who would otherwise be left out of our gatherings due to physical distance. Suddenly, organising a virtual Christmas get-together with relatives staying in Penang, Johor, Singapore and New Zealand, and with cousins studying in Australia, Hong Kong, UK and USA does not seem too remote an idea. This opportunity to see everyone’s faces, and come together to worship, pray, update and perhaps even have a meal together, simultaneously, from all over the world might very well be our year’s highlight – and if our grandparents are blessed to be part of this virtual gathering to see everyone’s faces and hear everyone’s voice, this Christmas will likely be their most memorable one yet. Let us remember Apostle Paul’s Epistle to the Hebrews where, in Hebrews 10:25, he reminded us to not give up meeting together but instead to continue encouraging one another. It is possibly by divine providence that Apostle Paul’s words here (and as it is translated across all major versions of the Bible) do not suggest that this meeting mandatorily only refers to physical meetings. So, whilst virtual meetings do not replace physical meetings, given the present circumstances, let us nonetheless utilise these virtual means to fulfil Apostle Paul’s reminder. Done right, this year’s Christmas will not be reminisced as the Christmas which the pandemic wrecked, rather it will be remembered as the Christmas which was celebrated on the grandest scale with loved ones across the globe coming together in worship of His birth.
A DIFFERENT CHRISTMAS IS NOT A BAD CHRISTMAS The coronavirus will most certainly change Christmas for us this year. What we have grown used to and expect from Christmas will almost entirely be thrown into disarray as the pandemic disrupts what would otherwise be our staple, usual and predictable Christmas set up. But one thing this pandemic will not do is it will not cancel Christmas. The 25th of December will inescapably come and go, and it is up to us to choose a response. A different Christmas this year may not necessarily be a bad thing. Approached properly, this year’s different Christmas may be exactly what we need – a break from our templated Christmas traditions, to become the most exceptional, memorable and spiritual Christmas we have ever had.
Features
Navigating COVID
by Sarah Lye, PJS2
E
veryone can testify to the same – the highlight for 2020 will be the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic which has affected not only our health, our emotions, our physical being and mental health but also the way we do things and/ or see things! All that we had planned at the beginning of the year - vacations, dreams, desires - have all been thrown out of our lives. We feel sad, disappointed, angry and frustrated because all our plans have been dashed! Some of us may even feel dejected, tired and exhausted as we go through the cycles of controlled movement again. This is because at this point of writing, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Selangor are undergoing the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) for another two weeks. And, this means that it has been already one month of CMCO! Schools, kindergartens, day-care centres, colleges and universities are not allowed to operate in order to flatten the curve of the third wave that has hit our country.
over us, we have been robbed of social interaction as we are not able to meet in person with our friends, family members or relatives. In the past, we loved to spend time talking and chatting with our friends over a meal. However, now most of the time, we only connect digitally via Whatsapp or Zoom, Google Meet, Skype or Wechat and other digital avenues. Even office meetings are being conducted online! We do not get to eat with our colleagues or talk to them face-to-face in person. We lose the human touch although we are created to have fellowship with people around us. Because of the pandemic and restricted movement, we have to work from home, and we limit our movement in order not to contract the deadly virus. This is all affecting our thoughts, our minds psychologically and socially!
How then do we overcome these negative emotions that we may be facing or feeling? How do we navigate through this situation? How can we as children of God with a great destiny respond to these challenges? First The pandemic has also caused negative and foremost, we must turn our eyes to consequences on the economy. Many Jesus and not look at the storm around us. companies and small businesses and We have to be intentional to entrepreneurs have closed down or are on We have to be intentional fix our eyes on God alone as the verge of closing to fix our eyes on God alone God alone is our hope and down. They are trying as God alone is our hope security. Psalm 121: 1,2 says: “I lift up my eyes to the to stay afloat amidst and security. mountains – where does my the uncertainty of help come from? My help comes from the COVID-19. Sentiments of frustration, Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth”. hopelessness and lamentation are widely seen in or expressed by many people. Those Proverbs 18:10 says: “The name of the Lord who have lost their jobs (and maybe their is a strong tower, the righteous run to it and sanity!) are trying their best to survive. are safe”. When we put our trust in God They are not able to have food on the table alone and not on the situation around us or a roof over their heads. People all across or our finances or job, God will help us the board are going through some kind of overcome our challenges. It may not be depression and making huge adjustments easy but by God’s grace and strength, we as they try to cope with the challenges and can pull through because of His love and the uncertainties of COVID-19. grace over us. Our basic being is that we need the personal touch. With COVID-19 looming 11
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One thing that we can thank God for is that the pandemic has taught us how vulnerable and fragile life is. As such, we are to make space and make time to connect with God even more. We need to make time to listen to Him more and reflect. We need to slow down and listen to what He is saying to us. We need to slow down and reflect. We need to breathe in His life and depend on His grace and love each day. John 15:5 says: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me— put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Hence, to move forward despite whatever the wave of COVID-19 brings, we must place our hope and trust in God alone. We must not be fearful and give room to fear. It is natural to be fearful of the unknown. Isaiah 43:1 says: “But now, this is what the Lord says, he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel, ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name, you are mine.”
We need God every moment of our lives. We need His grace even more than before God is our Firm Foundation and our during this challenging time. His grace is Security. The future is so uncertain but sufficient for us as we battle through our we have this only hope in Jesus! And Christ negative emotions. His is more than enough! God holds ever-sufficient grace will We need His grace our future in His loving hands. help carry us through. We Jeremiah 29:11 says: “For I know even more than are to rely on His grace the plans I have for you,” declares before during this the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not depend on our strength or our intellect. challenging time. and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”. There is also a great need for us to connect to God in prayer. Besides praying for Isaiah 26:3,4 says “You will keep in perfect protection for ourselves, we also commit to peace those whose minds are steadfast, the Lord the medical front-liners who have because they trust in You. Trust in the Lord been working day and night for the past forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the eight to ten months. We also pray for Rock eternal.” Those who trust in the Lord healing and recovery for those who are will be saved. Lean on God’s peace. being treated for the disease. We also pray that people will continue to be vigilant in How assuring is the Lord’s promise that obeying the SOPs that have been set up by when we put our trust in Him, no matter the authorities. We need to ask for God’s how difficult the challenges may be, we can intervention to handle the pandemic. We experience His peace and sense a glimpse ask for God’s mercy to heal the economic of hope. We hold on to the promises of situation of our country. Only God can turn God in the Bible and God will never leave the situation around as He alone is us nor forsake us. We can trust in God’s sovereign. faithfulness and His Word! Proverbs 29:25 says “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, We need God’s supernatural peace as we but whoever who trusts in the Lord is kept face the pandemic storm. The Bible in safe.” So, let us not be faint-hearted or Philippians 4:6,7 says “Do not be anxious fearful of the future because God holds about anything, but in every situation, by our future in His loving hands. Let His prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, supernatural peace saturate us to be present your requests to God. And the overcomers! Let us be courageous as peace of God, which transcends all children of God and ride above the storm understanding, will guard your hearts and of COVID-19 with God’s grace and strength. your minds in Christ Jesus.” We need God’s peace around us, taking care of all our concerns and worries. And we are to focus on what is right, true, and excellent. Philippians 4:8,9 says: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about
Message From Founding Senior Pastor
THREE
Defining Marks of a Well-Lived
LIFE
by Pastor Dato’ Dr Daniel Ho, Founding Senior Pastor
M
any studies have been conducted and a plethora of literature is available today on how to live well and age well. The common denominator in all of these is the need to belong to a healthy community. A community of people who relate to one another in a deeply meaningful and highly enriching manner. Members who love, care and support one another. And this is what the Church of Jesus Christ is truly designed for and Christians, of all people, are immeasurably blessed. In this article, however, I would like to look at a life well-lived from an individual’s perspective. What is needed at a personal level if we are to live life well and age well too? There are three defining marks I would like to suggest.
What is needed at a personal level if we are to live life well and age well too?
Firstly, one’s life is marked by humility. It is a quality that attracts God’s mercy and favour. In two passages of Scripture, the Bible repeats the exact same words: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5). The latter passage further commands us to clothe ourselves with humility towards one another and to humble ourselves under God’s mighty hand so that He may lift us up in due time (1 Peter 5:5, 6). What an affirmation and a promise! In fact, there are dozens of verses in Scripture that talk about humility or being humble.
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Message From Founding Senior Pastor
When we are humble it means we are teachable. That we want to learn, grow and mature. Growth and maturity is an endless life-long process. This is such a needed posture of the heart and an important trait in life. When we are humble we will treat every person with dignity and respect. We will never look down on, abuse or take advantage of any person. This is important for us as Christians because every human being is created in God’s image and is therefore endowed with worth and dignity irrespective of their background. A humble person will take time with people and make time for people. There is a personalness about him or her with people. A humble person shows deference to people and speaks well of people. He or she always has a positive and encouraging word for others. This is supremely exemplified in the life of Jesus. No one is too unimportant, too small or insignificant for Him. Jesus made time and conversed with the Samaritan woman at the well when no Jew would wish to have any contact with a Samaritan, much less a Samaritan woman (John 4:4-15). Jesus spent time with the hated tax collector Zacchaeus (Luke 19:5-7) and called for blind Bartimaeus when everyone was trying to put him down and shut him up (Mark 10:46-52). Jesus had children brought to Him so that He could lay His hands on them when even His own disciples were trying to shoo them away (Matthew 19:13-15). When we are personal with people and pay attention to people we reflect so much of Jesus in our lives. That’s how we touch hearts and change lives.
When we are personal with people and pay attention to people we reflect so much of Jesus in our lives.
The Good News Translation of the Bible further says, “He (God) has no use for conceited people, but shows favour to those who are humble” (Proverbs 3:34). We oftentimes think that a humble person is a pushover or could not be of
Message From Founding Senior Pastor
much use. This cannot be further from the truth of Scripture. It is the proud that God cannot use. A humble person has inner strength, is steady and secure. He or she is never pushy, domineering or controlling. Such a person is rested, contented and enjoys God’s favour and bides His timing for the blessings. He never clamours for His favour but it will come. God has great use for such people.
Secondly, there is a need for accountability if a person wants to have a well-lived life. It is often the lack of accountability in life that gets us tripped over. The result is we do not live life well nor finish well. Apostle Paul writes, “Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody” (Romans 12:17b). He further writes, “For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men” (2 Corinthians 8:21). So, the lawyer’s dictum we often hear: “We must not only do what is right but also be seen to be doing what is right” comes right out of Scripture. In fact, everything about life and living comes from Scripture and if we live by its teaching we will live meaningfully, attractively and powerfully.
It is often the lack of accountability in life that gets us tripped over.
Besides holding ourselves accountable to God, we must also hold ourselves accountable to people whom we respect and honour around us. These people can ask us anything and everything about our life and living. For example: “How is my walk with the Lord like? Am I spending time in the Word of God and in prayer each day? Am I learning and growing? What about relationships with my family members, loved ones, friends, colleagues, classmates and others? What about my relationship with the church and my involvement in the life of the church and cell group? How am I spending my time, what am I reading and watching, where do I go, who am I hanging out with and how am I using my monies, gifts and resources? How am I taking care of my health and what am I doing with regard to serving, reaching out and being a blessing, influence and impact to people around me?” These are accountability questions we should be asking of one another. This is not to act just as a check on us but more so to encourage and inspire us to make our life and time count for Jesus. Scripture says, “Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15, 16).
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Message From Founding Senior Pastor
We want to ensure that we maximise our life, time and opportunities on earth. Hence, we are to act not so much as watchdogs ready to pounce on one another for our mistakes but rather as eagles to help and inspire one another to soar in the Lord together.
The third and final defining mark is to
be ever grateful throughout life. A life of gratitude and thanksgiving is so crucial for all of us in life. Scripture commands us to “give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). We are not to give thanks for all circumstances but in all circumstances. In the midst of pain or struggles we can still give thanks. It is to do with the attitude and posture one adopts in life. We mature more through pain and struggles than through comfort and ease when we adopt a right attitude in life. And we are what we are today all because of the grace of God and His grace is truly sufficient for every occasion (cf. 2 Corinthians 12:9). A grateful person is never grumpy or grouchy. Such a person is always filled with peace, joy and thanksgiving. Such an attitude and demeanour would often be infectious too. What a wonderful atmosphere a grateful person creates and cultivates! Grateful people are not only lovely to be with but even better still to live with. May we all reflect such attitudes and attributes so that not only our life is well-lived on earth but it is also life-impacting and life-transforming to people around us.
We mature more through pain and struggles than through comfort and ease when we adopt a right attitude in life.
DUMC Stories
I
t has been nine months since I started serving in Cambodia. It was a step of faith and an adventure that only became possible when I stepped out. Cambodia welcomed me with her blazing sunshine and natural sauna of 38°C to 40°C. Being a gung-ho and driven person, I went about my responsibilities at full force. I was not wise; I forgot to take into consideration the weather and the environment. Many people call it the “oppressive heat” season. In the first four months, I lost 4 kg, and fell ill three times, lying flat on my bed with fever, gum infection and dehydration, and unable to eat or do anything. I visited three provinces: Kampong Cham, Kampong Spue and Svey Rieng for my ministry and work. I began journeying with two lady entrepreneurs who had won awards on Women’s Day! I attended my 1st Investment Seminar in Phnom Penh and met the ambassador from the United Kingdom. In addition, I hosted the 1st Business for Transformation Zoom Business Fellowship.
THERE ARE
ANGELS by Vera Tay, Missionary to Cambodia
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DUMC Stories
In Cambodia, as at 31 October 2020, there have been less than 300 COVID-19 cases and no deaths. There were some travel restrictions for one week and a ban on gatherings of more than 10 people. The wearing of masks is the norm here for protection from the dust. Therefore, I do not know what it is like to go through an MCO or CMCO. Despite the low number of infections, the Coronavirus pandemic brought economic devastation to the country. Many Khmers have been hit hard by the crisis. Almost 300,000 Khmers lost their jobs. This has caused many to return to their villages, with no money and no food. The vulnerable groups such as the poor, the elderly and young children are most affected. Amidst this scenario, I started a new project Farming God’s Way with Andre, a French missionary in Cambodia. Farming God’s Way uses biblical principles to equip and empower the poor to put food on the table while taking care of the land. Our pilot project was started in Somrong Church. In the meantime, I met and spoke to many people who were trying to keep their business afloat or to re-define their business. I spent time praying, building friendships and providing consultations for their business. Progressing on into my eighth month, it was time to move to a new place somewhere that fitted my budget which had to be below market price, convenient for me to meet students and entrepreneurs and most importantly, it had to be clean. So, I sent word out. A young Malaysian was returning home and she wanted to give up her studio apartment quickly or she would have had to pay a penalty for the unused contractual period. The apartment was at the location I wanted – Toul Tompung 1 near the famous old Russian market. It was a mixture of old and new buildings, safe, ideal for meeting people, with lots of cafes, local and foreign-run eateries, a Khmer market, banks, etc. So I prayed and decided to take it up.
DUMC Stories
The landlord only wanted a one-month deposit instead of two months. When I went to pay and collect the agreement, the landlord informed me that ‘my friend’ had paid for the deposit and I only had to pay the rent. So I did and he gave me a receipt for double the amount that I had paid. I then contacted my friend and asked if she had left her deposit behind. She said she had not done so. She had offset it with the last month’s rent. Someone had paid for my deposit! I had not given anyone the address. I did not even remember the address. I only knew it was behind Cafe Amazon. There is an Angel out there looking out for me!
There is a joy and satisfaction that can only be found when you are in the centre of God’s purpose for your life...
I will declare that God is good and I am at peace here. I am sure of my calling to be in Cambodia. There is a joy and satisfaction that can only be found when you are in the centre of God’s purpose for your life and I pray for you and every Christian to have the opportunity to experience this. You do not have to be a missionary; you just have to be obedient to God’s call. However, if God has called you to GO to a Nation, then GO. It has been so exciting to obey and serve God in the country He has called me to. If you would like to receive regular updates and pray/partner/sow with Vera’s ministry in Cambodia please go to this link http://bit.ly/PrayGiveCareVera .
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DUMC Stories
A Letter from Hope Dear DUMC Family,
Greetings from Santiago City in the Philippines. My name is Hope B. Salvador, and I pray that all of you are safe. By God’s grace, we are all safe here as well. Although many things are affected here in the Philippines, I am thankful we are doing well. I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour way back on 13 February 2008, when I was staying with the Kam family. In the beginning, I did not understand much about Jesus, but in the 10 years of staying in the Kam household, I learnt a lot about who He is. When I took my first vacation back to the Philippines in April 2010, I introduced Jesus to my family. My mom who was a very religious traditional Catholic cried as I led her to accept Jesus as her Lord and Saviour. I also had the privilege to lead both my husband and daughter to accept the Lord. As I continued working in Malaysia, my niece and my daughter found a church called Cornerstone Church. Ever since then, they attended this church, and as I came back permanently to the Philippines on 8 February 2018, I also joined them to attend this church till today. I am currently working at a health centre in our community and as I am writing this, we have just completed a round of polio and measles vaccinations for the children in our community. This pandemic came into our lives unexpectedly. But for me, it has made me grow closer and deeper in the Lord. Although we still have our ups and downs, (i.e. problems, struggles in life) God reminds us that no matter what, He is always with us. Recently, my daughter told us that her second choice of achieving her dream is to become a pastor; the first dream was to become a nurse in the military. This also came unexpectedly to us, but we would definitely support whatever she wants. Please also pray that we will all be baptised soon as a family. I would like to take this opportunity to express my biggest thanks to Pastor Chris and family because without them, perhaps I would never know who Jesus is. Thank you to the Cornerstone CG and Filipino Group who helped me grow in my faith. A special thanks to Teresa Wong who would sit beside me during Sunday Celebrations in DUMC and share with me about Jesus. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you and keep safe everyone. Hope B. Salvador
DUMC Stories
Footnote by Ps Chris Kam : Hope joined our family in 2008 as a domestic helper from the Philippines and she was with us for ten years. She was a good worker; conscientious and responsible, to whom we could completely entrust our three boys and our home. My wife and I had from day one told her that she came to live in our home not as an employee but as a family member of our household. Our boys are not permitted to treat her like a maid but to regard and call her “姐姐”, a colloquial term for “big sister”. She followed us to church and within a short time, she wanted for herself what she saw in our faith. We had the privilege of leading her to accept Christ as Lord and Saviour. Her growth was sure and steady as she attended church celebrations, Equip classes and the cell group in our home. She would often ask us about things she did not understand about the Bible and we saw a hunger in her for the Word of God. On her holiday trips home, she had the opportunity to lead her family to the Lord. She was an active member of our Filipino fellowship when it was formed and we know for certain that she would miss DUMC very much when she had to return home. In fact we encouraged her to go back because her daughter was growing up and would need her mother. Today, we still keep in constant touch with her. She and her family will regularly come on our celebrations via livestream. It is amazing to see how her own family has grown in faith and our prayer is that she will continue to be a witness for Jesus where she is right now. We thank God for the privilege of discipling her in the ten years she was with us.
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DUMC Stories
Longing
The
of Our Souls By Yeoh Beng Keat, PJN5
The first four verses of Psalm 63 read: O God, you are my God Earnestly I seek you My soul thirsts for you My body longs for you In a dry and weary land Where there is no water. I have seen you in the sanctuary And beheld your power and your glory Because your love is better than life My lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live And in your name I will lift up my hands. But how would a 21st century person write Psalm 63? How would a 2020 person describe his heart’s cry for his earthly or Heavenly Father? My father succumbed to illness when I was five years old. I was his favourite child, being the youngest and only son of three children, and he would take me on his bicycle wherever he went. Every day, when he, a school teacher, returned from school, he would ring the bell on his bicycle to indicate to me that he was back. Upon hearing the bell, I would run down the stairs of our government quarters and jump onto his waiting arms. My daddy would then carry me up into the house. One day when I heard the bicycle bell, I ran down to meet my father. In my excitement, I missed a step and tumbled down the stairs. I remember how my daddy ran to me and held me tightly in his arms, assuring me “It’s OK, it’s all right.” As a five-year-old, I could not understand the enormity of my father’s death. As the days and months passed, my mother noticed that I would play a particular song quite often - a song titled “O my Papa” - and would be in tears as I listened:
DUMC Stories
O my papa, To me you are so wonderful O my papa, To me you are so good. But after some time, she noticed that I had stopped listening to the song. She wondered whether I could have come to accept the reality of my father’s death and was on the road to emotional recovery. The truth was very different. I had stopped listening to that song because the pain in my heart grew more unbearable each time I listened to the song. Up to this very day, I would tear up upon listening to the song “O my papa.” As the years passed, I grew up and fathered two precious children of my own. As they grew older, I aged too. My son who worked in Melbourne for five years after completing his Master’s degree in Business Administration at the University of Melbourne, gave up a lucrative position as the Strategic Director in the largest digital agency in Australia to return to Malaysia in 2016. He returned because his parents “were getting on in age.” His return was a rushed one as he was wrongly informed that I had dementia. My daughter was sent to the United Kingdom by the Lord to be His missionary there, together with her family. Her calling to serve the Lord there is so evident that her supposedly “one-year stay” looks as though it will be much longer. In the meantime, I came across a song sung by Paul Anka entitled “Papa.” I found myself drawn to it repeatedly after listening to it once. It was like the resurgence of “O my Papa” and almost replaced it. It stirred a deep longing for my late father but, more than that, it somehow also stirred up a longing for my Heavenly Father, who became my “de facto” father after the loss of my father. So, in 2020, these two songs would come very close to echoing Psalm 63 in my life. The words of these two songs may not replace adequately the words in Psalm 63 but the sentiments and emotions stirred up by the two songs do adequately reflect my heat’s cry:
“....My soul thirsts for you My body longs for you in a dry and weary land....” As I pen the words of my reflection, I am reminded of some of us who do not have a father experience that could be, in any way, described as “awesome.” Someone could have gone through the pain of losing a father to illness. Another could have lost a father to another family, while still another could have had a father at home but one that could not relate to him or her as a father to his child. Finally, some could have had fathers that instilled terror, fear and hatred in them rather than peace, love and security. Whether absentee or hated fathers, a deep unfulfilled cry has been created in our hearts: 23
DUMC Stories
“Daddy, O daddy, The daddy I never had. Daily I seek for you, My soul thirsts for you, My body longs for you.” It is in times like this that our Heavenly Father calls out to us, assuring us: “....I understand your pain my child. I saw your tears, my precious child. I collected every tear from your eyes, every tear from your heart and brought them to my own heart. And it is for those tears that I died. It is for that pain that I have come to you.” “....No more fear, no more pain. My arms have been stretched out all this time waiting for you. My arms are aching for you. Just come into my arms and rest your head on my bosom. Don’t go through life alone in fear and pain. I am your security. I will protect you.” “ I love you dearly. I am your daddy and I will be your daddy forever. Take hold of my hand as you walk through the journey of life. We will walk together, we will walk hand-in-hand, your hand in mine and mine in yours, my child, my precious child.” “Whisper into my ears when you grow tired walking. And I will carry you all the way to the finishing line, my child, my precious child.” “Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28 New Living Translation) These are the links to the songs referred to in this article “Oh! My Pa-pa” by Eddie Fisher https://youtu.be/SHOrMmz1Nbg “Papa” by Paul Anka https://youtu.be/unE8E581RMc
DUMC Stories
I Remember
My Faith By Faith Tan, PJN2
A
s I listened to this song, “Remember” by Lauren Daigle, the lyrics resonated very well with me and strangely warmed my heart. Before I knew it, it was as though God was taking me down memory lane with Him. Everything became crystal clear. I remembered all the three occasions that God had healed me miraculously. Yes, “I remember, I remember” just like the lyrics of the song, “You have always been faithful to me”. Hence, it is only apt that I should testify of His faithfulness and goodness to me.
FIRST MIRACLE: HEALING OF A SINUS PROBLEM When I first moved back to Malaysia in 2003, I suffered chronic sinus infections for the first time in my life. I consulted numerous ENT specialists in Singapore and Malaysia and was told the same thing. I was allergic to dust from the air-conditioners, carpets, curtains and fabric furnishings. The problem recurred as often as once every two weeks. It affected my sleep, my work and overall quality of life. Besides feeling unwell, I also suffered rejections from my colleagues who avoided coming near me and even gave me the nickname “germs”. For about two years, I was given antibiotics every two to three weeks to clear the infection and inflammation in my nose. I was subsequently given antibiotics every two months for another four years. For many years, I had to use a nasal spray and anti-histamines for maintenance. I went for all kinds of tests. Thankfully, my ENT specialist in Singapore did not
prescribe any surgery. He told me that there was nothing wrong with my nose. He said, “You just have a sensitive nose!” I cried out to God for His healing. Eventually, He answered me - after six years. I have been healed from sinusitis infection. Since 2009, I have not had the need for any antibiotics to clear any sinus infection. Hallelujah!
SECOND MIRACLE: HEALING OF MY THYROID In July 2012, I experienced sudden weight loss. I had a racing heart beat and also had trouble sleeping at night. There was a lump in my thyroid gland. I went to see the ENT specialist who is also a relative. After some tests, she diagnosed me as having an overactive thyroid. As my mother and all her three sisters have thyroid problems, she felt that my problem was hereditary. It made sense as my three aunties have had 25
DUMC Stories
operations while my mother is on thyroid medication for life. I prayed earnestly for healing. I cried out to God to be spared of surgery as I could not bear the prospect of a scar on my neck. Thank God, my thyroid scores were normalised after one month of medication. The doctor decided to stop the medication and monitor my condition. Clearly, she had more faith than me. For the next six months, I went for periodic blood tests. My thyroid scores stayed normal and the lump in my thyroid gland was gone. I have been going for yearly blood tests and God has completely healed my thyroid. Hallelujah!
THIRD MIRACLE: HEALED OF INTERSTITIAL CYSTITIS In 2015, I was told by a Gynaecology and Urogynaecology consultant that I had interstitial cystitis (IC), which was a chronic condition causing pressure and pain in the bladder and sometimes the pelvis. Whenever an IC episode struck, I would suffer excruciating pain and, occasionally, have difficulty in breathing. As I was advised that there was no cure for IC, I was overwhelmed by fear and distress. My social life, sleep pattern and ability to work were adversely affected. When I flew, I would make sure I had an aisle seat near the toilet. Whether I was in church or at any function, I had to have a seat nearest the toilet. I carried a range of pain killers to be prepared for any IC episode. For four years, I cried out continuously to God. Eventually, the frequency of the episodes started to reduce gradually and I am pleased to testify that I have not had
a single episode for the past one year. I believe God has healed me completely of interstitial cystitis. Hallelujah! As I remember how God had answered my prayers and healed me of my three chronic conditions supernaturally, I can only shout endless “Hallelujah” to the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. What I have learned from these health situations? In my darkest hour and in times of greatest pain, I have learnt to keep my faith (Hebrews 11) and keep believing that God’s ways are higher than my ways and His thoughts higher than my thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-8). I have learned to pray earnestly, keep knocking on God’s door (Matthew 7:7-12) and cling onto His promises that He will heal all my diseases (Psalm 103:3 and Isaiah 53:5); these verses have given me hope and strength. Learning to surrender my issues to God (Galatians 2:20) and choosing to focus on His unfailing love towards me (Isaiah 54:10 & Romans 8:37-39) also helped me to cope and move on. Today, as I walk down memory lane, I am reminded that no matter what the doctors say, our mighty God is sovereign. It is He who has the “Final Say”. Yes Lord, You have always been faithful to me!
Yes Lord, You have always been faithful to me!
DUMC Stories
My Journey of Building a Prayer Altar by Annie Ng, PJN5
IT all started with one question, “Why does it seem that
I cannot trust God?”. Even though I had been a Christian for more than 20 years and had been consistently attending celebrations and CG meetings, I still found it difficult to trust God completely whenever I had struggles in my life. There were a couple of times when my CG members told me to trust God, but these two words did not resonate in my heart. In the end, I would still solve my life problems with my own strength and stress myself a lot until my body broke down.
“Why does it seem that I cannot trust God?”
Then, as my CG started a series about the Importance of Building Prayer Altars, I learned a Prayer Altar was all about spending time with God and drawing on His Presence. It got me to read this book by John Mulinde and Mark Daniel entitled Prayer Altars: A Strategy That Is Changing Nations. Somehow, the Holy Spirit spoke to me – “Do you know why you have difficulty to trust God? It is because you do not know God personally. The only way you can know God is by spending time with Him.” It really convicted me. Therefore, I embarked on my journey of establishing my Prayer Altar. I started my first Personal Prayer Altar on 6 April 2020. The best time to start a Prayer Altar was during this MCO period as I had more time. Mark Daniel recommends in his book to set aside at least one to two hours daily to create the spiritual atmosphere in your heart that will enable you to draw on God’s Presence. I started by reading God’s Word for 45 minutes to an hour, followed by worship and prayer. Honestly, I was clueless and awkward when I started. I also wondered how I could ‘tahan’ two hours in Prayer Altar. It was not perfect but I remembered Mark Daniel’s statement, “when you first begin to build an altar, you realize it is very difficult to come into the presence of God because the altar is in disrepair. Your inner being has not been tended to. There are discouragements, fears, insecurities, sins of the flesh and all kinds of other things that hinder the fire from building up inside you.” Just be persistent. So, I persistently came to the Prayer Altar every morning and gradually, I became more and 27
DUMC Stories
more accustomed to the Prayer Altar routine. As I began to know God deeper through His Word, I could feel God’s heart and amazingly, I could understand why God is God and Who He claims to be. He is really the Great ‘I AM’. Consequently, the praise and adoration just came naturally out from my heart that I had never felt before. I cried so many times and at the same time, I adored Him so much for His love for me, my family and nation as well as the whole human race. I started to look forward every morning to seek His Presence but from Day 30 onwards, I felt there was resistance in my spirit. My heart felt so heavy, discouraged and unmotivated. I was struggling to get up from my bed and was very reluctant to come to the Prayer Altar. I wanted to give up but then I remembered that if you give up halfway it is equal to you not starting at all, and all the effort I had put in, and the time I had spent all this while to build a Prayer Altar would come to nothing. It is almost like giving the enemy a foothold of victory. Thus, I forced myself to wake up and continue to build my Prayer Altar. Then during my CG session, I requested my CG members to pray for me that the fire in my heart would keep burning like the prayer altar during the time in the Old Testament, keep burning day and night, so that I could persevere to build and maintain my Prayer Altar. To my surprise, during the next few days I did not feel the heaviness in my heart anymore to come to the Prayer Altar and seek His face again. I really did feel the presence of God stronger day by day as I faithfully came to the Prayer Altar. My family members commented I have become calmer, more joyful and more patient recently. Guess transformation really does take place at the Prayer Altar.
I really did feel the presence of God stronger day by day as I faithfully came to the Prayer Altar.
The journey to establish a Prayer Altar has not been easy. However, I do not want to give up until there is breakthrough in my relationship with God. I want to reach a level where I am able to trust God completely when he says “Trust Me”.
DUMC Ministries
DUMC Congregations & Ministries CONGREGATIONS
COMMUNITY
FAMILY
ENGLISH Pr Chris Kam english@dumc.my
BREAKTHROUGH DRUG REHABILITATION CENTRE Pr Samuel Krishnan breakthrough.rehab@dumc.my
FAMILY LIFE MINISTRY T C & Jean Lau family.life@dumc.my
BAHASA MALAYSIA Pr Eddy Marson bahasa.malaysia@dumc.my CHINESE Pr Dr Ling Shui Nyuk chinese@dumc.my NEPALI Adrin Sant nepalese@dumc.my MYANMAR Pr Sarah Aye myanmar@dumc.my TAMIL Pr Ravindren Arumugam tamil@dumc.my FILIPINO (Fellowship) Peter Lim filipino@dumc.my
YOUTH CHILDREN’S CHURCH Pr Jonathan Yeoh children@dumc.my NEXTGEN Pr Terry Yeow (Teens) nextgen@dumc.my Pr Sara Leong (Campus) nextgen@dumc.my INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS MINISTRY Thomas & Cynthia Lim ism@dumc.my
CITIZENS NETWORK FOR A BETTER MALAYSIA cnbm@ces.org.my EXCEL TUITION CLUB Yuen Ting Ai excel.tuition@ces.org.my
MARRIAGE Adrian Chen & Susan marriage.course@dumc.my
GOLDEN CLUB Rupert Ling general@ces.org.my
PARENTING (Children) Ronnie & Ivy Khoo Dennis Ngai & Joo Wei parenting.children@dumc.my
FOODBANK Tan Hong Looi foodbank@ces.org.my
PARENTING (Teens) Vincent & Lily Wong parenting.teens@dumc.my
S.T.A.R YOUTH (Ministry for Intellectually Challenged Youth) Tracey Chan micy@ces.org.my
WEDDING PLANNING Elizabeth Lee weddings@dumc.my
STREET MINISTRY (Ministry to the Homeless) Jerry Teo street.ministry@ces.org.my URBAN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Sophy Lim urban.community@ces.org.my YOUTH EXCEL SERVICES (Football Coaching) Pr Samuel Krishnan yes@ces.org.my
FIRST TOUCH
COMMUNICATIONS & MEDIA DEW CREW Huong Yew Yi dew.crew@dumc.my FLOODGATES (Church Magazine) Petulia Lun floodgates@dumc.my CREATIVE ARTS Darren Ong creative.arts@dumc.my RESONATE (Worship ministry) Pr Gilbert Tan resonate@dumc.my
CONNECTORS Pr Alex Tan connectors@dumc.my
ADULTS
SECURITY Pr Adrian Chong security@dumc.my
MEN ALIVE! Pr Chris Kam men.alive@dumc.my
USHERS Pr Alex Tan ushers@dumc.my
WOMEN2WOMEN Stella Hoh w2w@dumc.my
PREMARITAL COUNSELLING Bob & Ruby Chee pmc@dumc.my
MISSIONS
OTHERS FORERUNNERS (Intercessory Prayer Ministry) Pr Chris Manivannan forerunners@dumc.my TADIKA JUARA CERDIK Lily Tan general@dreamacademy.edu.my
CROSSFIELDS Pr Kelvin Yong missions@dumc.my 29
LOVE GOD. SERVE PEOPLE. MAKE DISCIPLES. We are DUMC. A church for all generations —an exciting community of families, senior citizens, young adults, teenagers, and young children, doing life together. Our primary purpose is not to make nice religious Christians. Our purpose is to build passionate disciples of Jesus Christ.
