News ¢ By the MCS Communications Team
Free online database on Christianity in Asia launches
T
he Dictionary of Christian Biography in Asia (DCB
Kampong Kapor Methodist Church); Ho Seng Ong, a
Asia)—a free online database of stories related to
former principal of Anglo-Chinese School Penang and
the growth of Christianity in Asia—was launched
first Asian minister in Wesley Church in Melaka and
on 17 April 2022.
Kuala Lumpur; and Khoo Oon Soo and his wife, Loh Siew Lan, who pioneered The Boys’ Brigade and The
A collaboration between Seminari Theoloji Malaysia
Girls’ Brigade in Malaysia.
(STM) and Overseas Missionary Fellowship (OMF), the database includes biographies of Asian, non-Asian,
Contributors to this inter-denominational database
and indigenous Christian church leaders and laity from
will come from different spheres, including academia,
various denominations, who have made an impact
church, and mission agencies. Seminaries in the region
on the growth of Christianity in Asia. It also contains
are likely to play an important role as participating
historical accounts of religious movements, churches
institutions and Dr Tai envisions a significant number
and Christian communities around Asia.
of contributions to come from seminary students.
This project was born out of the recognition that while
It is DCB Asia’s prayer that the core team will eventually
Christianity in Asia has a rich history, very little has
comprise an international team of Asian scholars and
been documented about Asian Christians, who have
others. “We want to welcome the involvement of more
played significant roles in its growth on this continent.
seminaries, churches and Christian organisations to be
Towards the end of 2020, Founder and Executive Director
part of this exciting project ,” Dr Tai told Methodist
Dr Tai Kim Teng met with Bishop Emeritus Dr Hwa Yung
Message.
(Methodist Church in Malaysia) in Seremban, and discussed the possibility of starting such a database. “God’s story in Asia is a rich tapestry, woven together by the many remarkable men and women who have shared the gospel, built churches and become pillars of the faith in their regions throughout the centuries,” said Dr Tai, sharing how he saw a need to preserve these Asian stories. The database
aims to
contribute to
a
scholarly
understanding of Christianity in Asia by providing a library of research for scholars and seminary students, ensuring that each story is researched and fact-checked before publishing, while making these stories readable to inspire Christians. Some of the biographies include well-known Methodists such as Goh Hood Keng, who
To visit the website, scan the QR code >>
pastored the Straits Chinese Methodist Church (now
or go to https://www.dcbasia.org/
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METHODIST MESSAGE May 2022
