Asian Beacon Volume 45 Issue 6 Dec2013-Jan2014 by Steven Teo

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Editorial Editorial Board Ms Mok Shi-Lynn (Editor) Ms Jhong (Sub-editor) Dr Lim Poh Ann Dr Wong Lock Jam Ms Goldie Chong Advisors Pas Dr Chew Weng Chee Rev. Loh Soon Choy Mr Wong Young Soon Mr Eugene Yapp Pas Dr Daniel Ho Legal Advisor Mr Steven Fung Sales & Marketing Manager Mr Steven Teo Administrative Manager Ms Chanice Chong E x ecu t i v e Commi t t ee Chairman Mr Goh Khoon Seng Vice-Chairman Dr Wong Lock Jam Hon Secretary Mr Lee Poay Keong Hon Treasurer Ms Loke Che Ching Committee Member Mr William Tan Ms Charmain Sim Mr Robert Mah Publisher Persaudaraan Asian Beacon Malaysia P O Box 240, Jalan Kelang Lama, 58700 Kuala Lumpur An inter-denominational Christian magazine, Asian Beacon is published six times a year by Persaudaraan Asian Beacon, a non-profit Christian society. http://www.facebook.com/AsianBeacon S A L E S & M A RK E TING OF F ICE Persaudaraan Asian Beacon Malaysia 19-C, Jalan SS 22/19, Damansara Jaya, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia Tel: (603) 7725 4109 Fax: (603) 7726 1740 Hp: 012-3931 453 Email: aboffice@asianbeacon.org asianbeacon@yahoo.com Website: www.asianbeacon.org Sabah Representative Jessie Chong- Email: jessiecly08@gmail.com Singapore Representative Adrian Ngooi- Email: ankb74@gmail.com Perth Representative Tek and Goldie Chong - Email: tekchong@iinet.net.au Melbourne Representative Ms Lucy Yap, P.O. Box 3113, Wheelers Hill, Melbourne, Vic 31 50 Email: asianbeacon@optusnet.com.au

hen r e searching t he topic of

migration, I came across a news article online that highlighted key points from the 2011 World Bank report on brain drain in Malaysia. The scores of comments following the article offered insight on not just the ‘whys’ people leave, but more depressingly, how the commenters felt. We know that discrimination, racism, corruption and injustice at many levels of society are the main causes that drive people to flee this country. But statistics do not convey the stress and emotional aggravation experienced by those who feel they have no choice but to pack up and leave their homeland. Many described feeling sad, angry, hurt, betrayed and unwelcome. Christians are not immune. In fact, Christians comprise a significant percentage of skilled Malaysian emigrants. As followers of Christ, what should be our response to the migration phenomenon? How should we begin to think about this issue? Hopefully, the stories in the following pages will offer some guidance. Politician Yeo Bee Yin was a chemical engineer who was swiftly climbing the career ladder overseas when she chose to return to Malaysia. Find out why in The Path Unexpected. Eye surgeon Dr Choong Yee Fong had to bear with numerous disadvantages (including a massive pay cut) when he returned to Malaysia. Read his story in Home At Last. Two young writers, both having studied in universities in the UK, offer differing perspectives on the issue in Going Home or Staying Put? and Returning to Reality. If you’d like to see things from the point of view of a Malaysian who is now residing in Australia, read Seeking Their Greener Pasture. In some respects, Jesus Himself was a migrant. As we prepare to celebrate Christmas, read The Greatest Migration of All to appreciate the significance of our Lord’s departure from the heavenly realms to dwell amongst fallen mortals on earth. May you have a blessed and joyous Christmas, wherever you have chosen to make your home.

Shi-Lynn

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To help readers understand contemporary issues in the light of God’s word and to apply it to life’s challenges. To testify to God’s love and power in transforming lives, families and communities. To contextualise biblical principles within the Asian culture. To be an agent of change in making our world a better place.

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contents

12 C OV E R S T O R I E S

FEATURES

12 16 18 22 24 28 30

34 Insights from D.A. Carson By Michelle MY Chan

Pendatang Wanted By Ong Kay Jen

Home At Last By Ong Juat Heng

The Path Unexpected By Charmain Sim

Seeking Their Greener Pasture

By Mok Shi-Lynn

Should I Emigrate? By Dr Lim Poh Ann

Returning to Reality By Ong Kay Jen

Going Home or Staying Put? By Joshua Teng

REGULARS

22 7 News 38 The Greatest Migration of All By Rev Dr William Wan 40 Dear Goldie By Goldie Chong 42 m o n e y m a t t e r s To Leave or Not to Leave? By Rajen Devadason

a s i a n b e a c o n 5 December 2013 - January 2014

46 m a k i n g s e n s e o f s c r i p t u r e s Navigating the ‘Master-Slave’ Relationship From Project Barnabas

Vol 45 No. 6

CORRECTION In the article titled Finding Nipah on page 16 of the last issue, Prof Dr Tan Chong Tin is the Chairman of Malaysia Bible Seminary, and not Malaysia Bible Society. We apologise for the error.

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News Asian Beacon enters bold new phase

Asian Beacon is a non-profit inter-denominational Christian magazine, established in 1969, to encourage readers towards a deeper walk in their faith and to share the good news of Jesus Christ. With the rapid advancement in digital technology over recent years, Asian Beacon responded accordingly in order to remain relevant. In September 2013, we kick-started our digital strategy with the launch of two digital initiatives – an electronic version of the magazine through an e-publication platform and a freshly revamped website. Through the use of electronic media, Asian Beacon has been made more accessible via different platforms in order to reach a wider spectrum of readers, without the restraint of borders or logistical challenges. Readers can now search three years of articles in our online archives, and we aim to have all 45 years of Asian Beacon content available online in the future. Commencing January 2014, our bi-monthly printed magazine will be distributed to all interested parties without any charge or subscription fee. In addition, there will be no advertisements in both the printed and digital versions of the magazine. This step was taken after much prayer and deliberation, and in consultation with church leaders and our advisers. Asian Beacon remains committed in being a full-fledged literature ministry in support of churches and Christianbased organisations to reach out and testify to God’s love and power in transforming lives, families and communities. The magazine is currently serving a readership of 15,000 across Asia, and we aspire to raise this figure to 50,000 with the rollout of our digital strategy. As Asian Beacon moves into the digital arena, our goals have also expanded – we seek to be more than just a magazine. Our revamped website aims to be a central hub for Christian resources. With the following services provided free of charge, we seek to be a collaborator among the Christian community: E-Magazine Publication Platform: E-newsletter (Churches and Christian-based organisations), magazines,

books and other Christian publications Events: Listing of Christian seminars, conferences, workshops, camps, concerts, etc Classified: Listing of services and needs Vacancy: Job listings from Christian-based organisations We are very grateful to all our supporters, such as donors, subscribers, churches, advertisers and distributors, for their contribution and support to the Asian Beacon ministry over the past many years. We are also thankful to our advisers for their godly counsel and encouragement in our new direction. From 2014 onwards, with our new direction for the ministry, we look forward to the continuing partnership of our supporters to bring this ministry to greater heights in serving the Christian community. Once again, thank you for your support and prayers. Executive Committee, Asian Beacon Online Articles and Archives: www.asianbeacon.org E-magazine and e-library: www.asianbeacon.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/AsianBeacon

Vacancy Available Full-time Kindergarten Teacher and Day-Care Teacher Wanted • • •

Minimum qualification: SPM Experience: Minimum One (1) year in the Kindergarten. Preferably bilingual, English and Mandarin.

For those interested, please submit your application to: The Principal Taman Midah Lutheran Church (Tadika Mighty Kidz) Address: 10-12, Jalan Midah 10A, Taman Midah, Cheras, 56000, Kuala Lumpur Email Address: tdkmightykidz@gmail.com Contact: 03-9132 2012 (Ms. Denise Gan)

News Church’s ‘Debt’ Cancelled At Efcm Jubilee Celebration By Ong Juat Heng The Evangelical Free Church of Malaysia (EFCM)

demonstrated words in action when it cancelled the RM82,600 loan from one of its member churches at the EFCM 50th Year Anniversary celebration on Oct. 26. The surprise announcement, made by EFCM Chairman Pastor David Low at the dinner event, was received with thunderous applause by the 750 attendees but none was as happy as the members of Malacca Life EFC – the beneficiary of the ‘cancelled debt’. Before making the announcement, Low said in his speech: “In the Old Testament, at the start of the Year of Jubilee, the people were commanded to release their slaves so that they could return to their own lands and families…The Year of Jubilee provided a new beginning for the released slaves.” Earlier, he revealed that EFCM had a Revolving Fund which provided interest-free loans Debt cancelled… Malacca to its 15 member churches for Life EFC Chairman Then Chee Kong receiving the the purchase of church premises. letter of release from Churches who had borrowed EFCM Chairman from the fund had fully paid back Pr David Low. except for Malacca Life EFC. Low also announced the establishment of the Medical Fund, which was initiated by the late Rev. Eddy Ho, EFCM’s first and only executive secretary from 1983 to 1992, to assist EFC pastors. Low disclosed that a donor had contributed RM30,000 to kickstart the fund. The Jubilee dinner was held in Kuala Lumpur and attended by representatives from all the 15 EFC churches in Malaysia. The guest speaker was EFC’s first missionary to Malaysia, Rev. Allen Tunberg, who flew in from the US to celebrate the grand occasion. In his message, “Three Qualities That Make You Shine” based on Eph. 4:1-16, Tunberg reminded the attendees of the three qualities needed to produce long-term endurance and growth for a fellowship of churches – love, unity and teamwork. Following his message, past EFCM chairmen and longservice ministers were presented with special awards in recognition of their service. The dinner ended with prayers of blessing by Emmanuel EFC former Elder Dr David Gunaratnam and Rev. Jim Phalen, the first full-time EFC missionary and pastor to Malacca EFC – the first EFC church planted on Nov 17, 1963.

Earlier during the day, EFCM held a Jubilee seminar featuring two renowned Singaporean speakers –Rev. Edmund Chan and Rev. Dr David Wong. In his message, “When your dream is yet unfulfilled”, Chan admitted that everyone had Rev. Loh Soon Choy unfulfilled dreams. He then drew (left) receiving his longservice award from EFCM three principles from Zechariah Chairman Pr David Low. 4:6 to help resolve the unfulfilled dreams: 1) Make sure your dream is from God; 2) Make sure your confidence is in God; and 3) Make sure your timing is of God. Wong’s message, based on Leviticus 25:1-17, revolved around the jubilee celebration. He reminded the attendees: “In the Year of Jubilee, we give back what does not belong to us, and Prayer of blessing by Rev. we take back what belongs to us.” Jim Phalen, Malacca EFC’s all other photos by eugene khoo.

first full-time missionary and pastor in 1963. (Photo by Reuben Liu)

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1st Floor Rental RM 3,000 2nd Floor Rental RM 2,500 Celebrating 50 years of God’s faithfulness to EFCM.

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News

News UPCOMING EVENTS

Course on Foundations of Expository Preaching The Centre for Expository Preaching will be organising a 12-session course on the foundations of expository preaching. Brought to you by KVBC Trust – who also organises the highly popular Klang Valley Bible Conference – the contents of the course include: • Why we preach: A theology of preaching • What we preach: Faithfulness to God’s Word • How we preach: Practical steps in developing an expository sermon, from text to sermon • To whom we preach: Being relevant and issues of orality and persuasion • The preacher: The qualities and character of a preacher • Practice: Opportunity to preach and receive feedback

Course: Facilitator: Dates: Time: Venue: Cost:

Foundations of Expository Preaching Rev. Dr Paul Barker Tuesdays, February 11 – April 29, 2014 8.00pm CCM Ecumenical Centre 26, Jalan Universiti, Petaling Jaya (opposite Hospital Universiti) RM200 per participant

Please note that numbers are limited and participants will be asked for a recommendation from their church leadership. The Rev. Dr Paul Barker is Adjunct Professor of Old Testament at the Myanmar Evangelical Graduate School of Theology and Visiting Scholar at Seminari Theoloji Malaysia, where he teaches Old Testament, Biblical Theology and Preaching. He served as Senior Minister at Holy Trinity Anglican Church Doncaster, Melbourne until 2009, and was for nearly 20 years Visiting Lecturer in Old Testament at Ridley College Melbourne. He has taught regularly in China, Myanmar and India, and is a facilitator with Langham Preaching. He has authored, edited and contributed to a number of books and articles, including Serving God’s Words: Windows on Preaching and Ministry. For more information or to register for the course, email info@ kvbctrust.org. a

News RunNat 2013: Persevering for a Better Malaysia By Natasha Kim

There was a sense of completion as another year of Run for

the Nation (RunNat) came to a close. This year, the marathon saw 754 participants running throughout the Klang Valley to finish at Luther Centre, Petaling Jaya. It is a marathon that truly stands out from the rest as the runners prayed while traversing their routes. Runners in groups of three to five ran pre-selected 5km routes that passed by homes, schools, commercial areas, government buildings, religious sites and other places of interest. The aim was to cover as much ground as possible, relay style. One group would pass the ‘baton’, in the form of prayer cards, to the next group of runners. In addition, the event also raised funds for charity. The runners started arriving at the finish line as early as 9.30am. Flag bearers and shofar blowers stood by to celebrate their arrival. After all the runners had crossed the finish line, everyone proceeded to the hall for a worship and thanksgiving celebration. The crowd cheered as flag bearers marched through the hall to pounding drumbeats performed by Drummers for Christ. There were also lively worship performances by the renowned Juwita Suwito. Daniel Lee, Missions Coordinator for RunNat, talked about RunNat GRACE (Greater Run and Community Engagement). The target this year was to raise RM143,000 to give to 19 families and beneficiaries which had been identified earlier. Lee also congratulated all involved for proclaiming the year of the Lord’s favour. “We are called to proclaim the Good News, bind up the broken-hearted, proclaim freedom to captives and release from darkness. As we run, pray and believe, we know we are called to be the change and to make a difference,” he said. At the end of the celebration, RunNat founder Victor Chua shared a message of perseverance before closing with prayer. “There is so much more that we as Christians can do,” Chua said. We want to continue the journey to run, pray and believe because we trust You, Lord, for a better nation.”

For more information on RunNat or to participate in future events, go to www.runforthenation.com. The original version of this article by Christianity Malaysia can be found at christianitymalaysia.com.

cover story

Pendata Wanted

photography by kevin thomas

igh cost of living. Poor

quality education. Lack of career prospects. Social injustice. Economic and political instability. We’ve all heard the reasons that 10% of the skilled Malaysian population migrate, but to former Bishop of the Methodist Church in Malaysia, Rev. Dr Hwa Yung, the matter lies much closer to heart. “According to the 2001 census of Australia, at least 35 percent of Malaysian immigrants to Australia were Christians. “What a shocking statistic,” he said, shaking his head. Things haven’t improved since those days. The latest World Bank report states that the number of skilled Malaysians living abroad has risen 300 percent in the last two decades – a good part of a demographic (urban, middle-class professional nonMalays) which encompasses Malaysian Christians. Unexpectedly, besides all the valid reasons that appear on the World Bank report, Hwa points out that being a Christian could be a major factor that draws Christians away from their homelands. “A Christian in the West would be very comfortable – in a sense, even more comfortable than a Buddhist or someone

B y Ong K ay J en

“For many people, the emphasis of the Church should be on saving the soul, while the body is not important. So long as you know your soul is saved and you can get to Heaven, you can happily drive a Mercedes there and let the world go to hell.”

who worships at a Chinese temple, for example,” he explained. While conceding that Western culture is becoming increasingly secularised, he observed that culturally, the West is deeply rooted in Christianity. “A lot of things that fit comfortably for Christians overseas are unconscious. Things like gender and racial equality, democracy, human rights... these things are deeply rooted in Christian culture, although we may not be conscious of them.” Hwa is no stranger to matters of migration, having spent years abroad himself. He studied in Australia under a government scholarship from 1967 to 1971. After completing his government bond in Malaysia, he went on to complete his theological studies in the United Kingdom. Besides that, he also took a sabbatical year in the United States in the early ‘90s. The reverend also worked for Singapore Trinity Theological College from 2001 to 2004 and, because he insisted on being based in Malaysia, had to commute between the two countries on a weekly basis. He made the decision to return to Malaysia in his final year of university in

Australia. “Even my parents told me, ‘Don’t come back!’ But during my time at university the Lord taught me many things, helped me to grow up, and called me into ministry – and with that call, He said, ‘Go home.’” Since then, Hwa’s heart has been committed to this nation. Positioning our priorities While acknowledging that seeking comfort is a natural human response, Hwa believes that one must live the Christian life by sorting out one’s priorities. “If you put academic success, financial advancement or human security first, naturally you would aim for certain things. If you start with that perspective, then why come back to Malaysia? I mean, to be frank lah, there’s not that much to offer here,” Hwa pointed out. “Firstly, we have to realise that our security in this life can only come from God. Those of my generation who immigrated to England and the US are doing well materially. But who wants to live in New York when 9/11 is always around the corner? Who wants to live in Europe when it’s going to be so difficult with the economy in long-term decline? “The second thing to realise is that

life’s final fulfilment is not found in material comfort. When you really begin to seriously take up the Christian walk and God’s call, then there is a dimension of sacrifice involved.” He quickly added that he wasn’t one to believe that Christians should live life pulling long faces in suffering and penance. “I’m simply saying that there ain’t no free lunch in this world! If you want excellence, you have to slog for it.” The principle applies in the Christian life. He gave the example of ministering to young people: to witness lives changed, one must pray for them, hang out with them, go on Facebook with them. Transformation costs time and energy – it drains you. “It’s no point merely complaining about Malaysia if I’m not prepared to put in my effort!” he exclaimed. The third and most important thing to grasp is the question of God’s will in our lives. “I don’t want to sound judgmental. I think of a man like (biotech entrepreneur) Kim Tan in England. The Lord has blessed his ministry and he’s used his wealth to fund missions, to look after the poor. “Now who am I to tell him it was wrong for him to migrate? He probably could not have reached the heights he’s reached if

he’d stayed in Malaysia. But that’s God’s will for his life, and God’s will for my life is different. I sensed a very direct call to Malaysia and that’s where my calling has been.” Migration factors Providing some insight to the exodus in recent years, he said: “When you look at it historically, there are three major factors that contributed to the migration of so many people. One was internal – the racial factor, especially after the May 13 incident. “The other factor, surprisingly, was the Communist threat. In the ‘70s, a lot of people left the country because they expected what we called the ‘Domino Effect’ – Vietnam fell, Cambodia fell, and they expected Thailand and Malaysia to follow. “In the ‘80s, the Communist threat was gone, and the racial factor was alleviated as the government began to liberalise, although there were still restrictions. But a third factor has become an increasing problem: the Islamisation factor. “So historically there were these three factors, one after the other, and the Church has a key role to play in addressing each of them,” he said. “Unfortunately, it has been weak in its response.

“Christians have got to be taught to live holy lives. For example, politicians might want to change, but if Christian businessmen keep paying bribes, that’s not going to solve anything.” “For a very long time, the Church has been locked into what I call a ‘conservative evangelical theology’. For many people, the emphasis of the Church is on saving the soul, while the body is not important. So long as you know your soul is saved and you can get to Heaven, you can happily drive a Mercedes there and let the world go to hell.” He paused. “I’m sorry, I’m putting it very crudely. But I stand by what I said: many people just think that it doesn’t matter. If they can make their money here, they’ll make it. If they cannot, they’ll go to Australia, USA, Singapore. What’s settled is that their souls are saved.” Hwa noted, however, that he has seen a change in the last 30 years: the Church waking up to the fact that our future is at stake and we need to take responsibility for it. “What I see is a big swing which was clear in the last general elections. Christians were all up against a corrupt government. Why? Because we think that if we change the government, everything is solved. We have jumped from one extreme to the other – thinking that everything can be solved through politics. “What we don’t realise is that if you bring someone into a position of power in politics, within five years it’s quite likely he will start becoming corrupt. That’s historyproven. In fact, many Christians who have gone into politics have become just as corrupt as others,” he said. “Politics is important, and I’m glad that Christians are becoming more involved. I have a lot of respect for them – people like Dr Ron Tan, or younger ones like Hannah Yeoh. “Ultimately, however, changing politics will not change the world. The underlying culture and value system have got to change. To change values…” he paused here, selecting his words carefully,

“I say this with all sensitivity – people’s hearts have to be changed. “More than that, Christians have got to be taught to live holy lives. For example, politicians might want to change, but if Christian businessmen keep paying bribes, that’s not going to solve anything. If everybody is only interested in making money, then we’re never going to sort this out.”

“The Bible talks more about walking in the will of God and being a blessing where He sends us.” A blessing to your communit y Historically, Christians have been on the forefront of a compassionate society – building orphanages and schools when there was need. If Christians begin by leading these changes, others will follow our example. “After all,” he said, “the plainest thing to say is that we are the salt of the earth and light of the world.” Interestingly, he pointed out that the Bible has nothing to say about migration as we understand it today – what it does tell us concerns God’s purpose for individual lives as well as groups of people. “We must not forget also what God says to Abraham in Genesis: ‘I will bless you...and through you all the nations will be blessed.’ It isn’t even, ‘I will bless you,’ period! “Do you remember the passage in

Jeremiah 27, when the exiles in Babylon felt that life was so hard and they wanted to go home? What did God say to them? ‘Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile...for in its welfare you will find your welfare’.” So, he pointed out, the Bible talks more about walking in the will of God and being a blessing where He sends us. “The question I therefore ask is this: if you immigrate to Australia, how are you going to bless Australia? Or if you don’t migrate, what’s God’s call for you? It is to be a blessing to Malaysia.” He added, “There are those who say, ‘We (Christians) are not welcome here.’ But when Abraham was called to Canaan, he wasn’t exactly welcomed there!” The reverend also pointed to the story of Isaac in Genesis 26, who had a confrontation with the Philistines, and finally said that he would move away. “In the end, what happened to Isaac? The Philistines came and told him, ‘We want to make a treaty with you, because we can see that God has blessed you.’” Even clearer is the story of Jacob and Laban. When Jacob worked for his uncle, Laban cheated him “left, right, and centre”. After 20 years when Jacob finally wanted to leave, Laban said, “Please don’t go, because I discovered by divination that God has blessed me because of you.” “Now, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were not welcome. They were pendatang (immigrants). And yet God used them to bless the people to whom they were sent,” Hwa said. His voice trembled with emotion as he said: “I think this is the message that Malaysians have forgotten: that we may not be wanted, we may be treated like pendatang, but God has called us to be a blessing. “And I do not care what you think of me, I’m going to be a blessing!”

cover story

HOME AT

LAST B y Ong J u a t H eng

r Choong Yee Fong contemplated the scenario before him. He was 33, had a flourishing career as a consultant ophthalmic surgeon at University Hospital of Wales Cardiff, UK, and an active church life over there. If he returned to Malaysia, he would have to take

an 80 percent pay cut to work at a government hospital for the first three years and start afresh in a church. Then there was his wife – Dr Hera Lukman. She too had a fulfilling job as a lecturer in psychology at University of Wales Institute Cardiff (UWIC). Would she be able to get employment in Malaysia? Settle into a new environment? What about him? Would he be able to fit back into Malaysian society? After all, he had been away from the country for 18 years. Despite the not-so-glowing prospects, Choong and Lukman soon packed their bags and headed home. 16

“The most important thing to consider is not about having the best quality of life on earth but to fulfil God’s desire.”

H o m e a t la s t

Outstanding student Choong left Malaysia at the age of 16 to study in Singapore under the ASEAN scholarship. After four years on the little island, he went on to study medicine under the prestigious British High Commissioner’s Award at the University of Leeds, UK, where he graduated with numerous academic awards, including the prestigious University Crabtree Award. He was conferred Fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, London, and was awarded the Certificate of Completion of Specialist Training (CCST) upon completion of the higher specialist training in the UK. His extensive work experience at various leading institutions in the UK later included subspecialty training in Paediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus at London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children and King’s College University Hospital. In the UK, Choong had all the opportunities to maximise his potential without the threat of discrimination. So, why did he come back? “When I left Malaysia, I’ve always wanted to come home. Why? I don’t know. But I’ve always had the sense that Malaysia was home. It’s funny because my formative years were spent outside of Malaysia. I guess God had instilled that ‘home’ in me and I just had to come back,” he shares. Nevertheless, it was a struggle to take that step to return because it was “against conventional wisdom” and everyone was questioning his decision. “Everyone was saying ‘you’ve been away for 18 years, are you sure you can adapt here? Are you sure you want to take an 80% pay cut?’ It would have been so easy to stay but the nagging feeling to return home was always there,” Choong recalls. Growing conviction To confirm that the “nagging feeling” wasn’t just a fleeting emotion, God gave them specific signs. The first was the Malaysian government’s returning scheme to draw talents home which granted automatic permanent residence to spouses. “That really helped as it meant employment opportunities for Hera,” Choong says. Secondly, Lukman’s employment. “She couldn’t teach at a public Malaysian university. But then, a lot of private universities were sprouting up in Malaysia at that time. One day, as we were praying, we saw an ad in the British Journal of Psychology inviting psychologists to work in Malaysia. We made an appointment to

Kingdom mindse t Will he encourage Malaysian Christian youths studying overseas to return home? To this, Choong replies: “All of us have different ambitions. There’s nothing wrong to want a better life and sometimes that ambition can’t be fulfilled in Malaysia. It’s not wrong for parents to desire that for their children but how do we decide? “If our priority is about the quality of life, then it’s natural to make decisions based on that. But as Christians, we must have another perspective, one that’s not based on getting the best quality of life but fulfilling God’s desire for us and our family. “The final analysis is that we are pilgrims walking through this earth. This is not our home; there’s an eternity. So, the most important thing to consider is not about having the best quality of life on earth but to fulfil God’s desire.” Active involvement Choong is disturbed by Christians It’s been a swift 10 years since Choong who use God to justify their decisions to returned home in 2003. He was migrate. While it’s not wrong to pursue immediately posted to Selayang Hospital a better life, he feels Christians have to fulfil the compulsory three years’ to be careful not to wrongly attribute government service. Was situations to God. “Be honest it difficult to adjust to the about it. If you want to go, Malaysian way of life? “Well, just go. Don’t say that God “The we had big adjustment issues. has called you. God is a God Christian I had developed a kind of of grace and He will be with open-mindedness encouraged you and grow you wherever witness by Western culture, so coming you are,” he says. in a very back was a culture shock,” he Choong believes that this strategic recalls. “justification” problem could When his service ended be due to how churches talk country at Selayang Hospital, Choong about the issue of migration. like and a few friends started the “It’s a hard issue to tackle Malaysia International Specialist Eye and whenever I preach, I will Centre (ISEC) in Kuala Lumpur try to talk about it because I cannot be where he is now the Deputy feel that the sense of a higher lost.” Medical Director besides being purpose is still missing in a consultant ophthalmologist large parcels in Malaysian and eye surgeon there. Today, churches,” he points out. God has more than compensated for his Any regrets about returning home? initial 80 percent pay cut. “None at all,” Choong says firmly. “I In addition to his commitment at miss things in the UK; not-so-important ISEC, Choong is an honorary lecturer at things like the four seasons, an open Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia society that’s able to discuss issues freely, where he enjoys an active engagement the quality of their press, being able to with the students. He is also a founding walk in the countryside without sweating member of the World Society of Paediatric like a wet dog.” Ophthalmology And Strabismus and a Choong recalled the first time he scientific committee member for the World and Lukman went back to the UK for Congress of Paediatric Ophthalmology the first time after two years in Malaysia. and Strabismus since its inception in 2009. Then, he felt a sense that they had “come Despite his hectic work and home”. They went back again two years professional schedule, Choong manages after that and that sense was gone. to find time for his church, PJEFC, where “We felt foreign again. We knew then he is actively serving as a deacon and cell that we had left UK emotionally,” he says. group leader. They’re home at last. see the people and they wanted to hire her but we couldn’t leave then because I still had some training going on. They then offered to keep the job for her, even if it took two years.” These signs assured the Choongs of God’s direction but they still needed more assurance, which they received at the annual conferences for Malaysian Christians in the UK. “Those conferences talk a lot about what’s going on in the country (Malaysia) and a lot of our love for Malaysia was developed there. I firmly believe now that if you are born in a country, that’s where you should be unless you have a very, very clear conviction that God is calling you somewhere else,” Choong says. “I feel that the Christian witness in a very strategic country like Malaysia cannot be lost.”

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THE PATH UNEXPECTED

Young and unknown in the political world, Yeo Bee Yin burst onto the scene as the dark horse who won by a landslide majority to become the state assemblywoman for Damansara Utama, Petaling Jaya. She shares with Asian Beacon how God has used every season of her life in Malaysia and abroad to stretch her understanding and discover her calling. B y Charma i n S i m

photography by zech chan

t h e pa t h u n e x p e c t e d

eo Bee Yin grew up in

Segamat, Johor; pursued c h em i c a l eng i n eer i ng at Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP); worked in Turkmenistan for two years; and completed her Masters in advanced chemical engineering at Cambridge. It sounds like a classic story of small-towngirl-works-her-way-to-the-top. Except that Yeo chose an unexpected path – politics. It all started in Segamat, the small town that was once Yeo’s only world. “I didn’t know much about the world,” she confesses. “When you’re from a kampung, whatever you learn is from the textbook.” Her favourite subject in school was history, and it was a case of “whatever the history books said, I believed.” Through this simple understanding, Yeo’s love for Malaysia was birthed. It was also during her school-going years when she discovered the love of Jesus Christ. Born into a family that practised ancestral worship, she was 11 when she first stepped into a church. “My sister’s friend invited her to church, and my sister asked me to go along. Two years later, I became a Christian at a youth camp.” She now worships and serves at a church in Puchong with three of her four sisters. “If a family is to serve together, they need to go to the same church. My parents are still not believers, though. We’re still praying for them and the rest of the family.”

Young Girl , Big Dre ams As a young person from a small town, Yeo dreamed of traveling and seeing the world. By God’s grace, her first time out of the country happened when she accepted an internship in Germany during her final year with UTP. There, she met many people of different ethnicities and nationalities. It was through these interactions that her simple idealism of Malaysia was challenged. “One day, my Nigerian friend showed me a map and asked if I knew where the African continent was. I was 22 or 23 years old, and couldn’t answer him. I didn’t even know the world map! I felt so ashamed of myself. I thought I knew a lot because I scored very well in school. But there were so many things happening in the world that I didn’t know,” she recalls. Yeo bemoans that she was but one of many who had been educated with a very narrow worldview. She then sought to learn more. It was helpful that the church she attended, the Rhein River Baptist Church,

had many United States army personnel worshipping there. From them, she began to understand terms and ideologies such as “democracy”, “liberty”, and “patriotism”. Be yond Self While her time in Germany was the beginning of broadened perspectives, Yeo’s second stint overseas laid the foundation for her return. At that time, she had no intention of returning. Personal experiences with unjust treatment had made her very disillusioned and disappointed with Malaysia. She was thriving at work in Turkmenistan. “It was definitely another way of experiencing life. It’s a very authoritarian country. You’ll see the leader’s face everywhere, and all the children have to study the ‘bible’ of their president. In most places, there’s no running water,” she says.

“I hope to be an encouragement to others, to fulfill my role as a leader, and to be a voice for the young.” Employed by an oil and gas company, Yeo’s oil exploration work involved digging holes thousands of feet deep, identifying where the oil was, extracting and examining it. At times, she would work on oil rigs and go three days without sleep. Her work also involved dangerous equipment. She got used to handling radioactive materials, high-pressure machines and even explosives. As a young female in a male-dominated environment, there were additional challenges. “Initially, people thought, ‘What’s this 16-year-old Asian girl doing here?’ ” she laughs. But Yeo wasn’t daunted. “It was challenging but it was the life I wanted. It made me a tougher person.” She was entitled to one month’s paid leave after every two months of work and used her leave to travel extensively. Remuneration was generous. Career advancement was also on the horizon. “The company had just put into effect

a policy that 30 percent of management roles should be held by women. Since there were only a few of us in the field, it was a near certainty that I’d be promoted. That meant I’d get to be transferred to practically anywhere in the world!” The path before Yeo seemed set in stone. The fruitful challenge of her work, the hope of advancement and travel to other nations seemed the logical and reasonable road to take. But there was something else tugging at her heart. She began to wonder if her life was for something more than her promising career, achievements and monetary wealth. Coming Home Then came news of Malaysia’s 2008 political tsunami. “I remember my father telling me about it. I realised then that no matter how small, I wanted to be part of what’s happening. I wanted to make a difference,” she says. Before returning, Yeo had one more dream to fulfil: to study at her dream university, Cambridge. She applied, received the admission offer, and even better, received a full scholarship for her studies and living expenses. “When the time comes, God will give you exceedingly and abundantly more than you ever expect,” she says. After Cambridge, the temptation of greener grass called out to her again. She considered going into investment banking or management consulting “because the money was so good”, but God in His providence closed the doors. So she returned to Malaysia with a ready heart, but with no clue of what to do. After half a year, Yeo started a business in social media marketing and management, despite having no experience in this area. Her first client was the Democratic Action Party (DAP). She took the job willingly in the hopes of making an impact, no matter how small it was. But one day, Tony Pua, Member of Parliament for Petaling Jaya Utara and National Publicity Secretary of DAP, asked if she was interested to run for candidacy. The more he explained, the more she knew that this was her calling. The rest, as they say, is history. Serving People Yeo’s reason for entering politics is simple: to impact lives. She takes what she has and makes the best of it. And it’s because of her background that she is able to bring a fresh

t h e pa t h u n e x p e c t e d

“It’s our responsibility to keep the talents, not the talents’ responsibility to stay.” perspective to policy reform. Due to her expertise in optimisation, she is keen to use her analytical skills in policy reforms that are systemic and will produce tangible results. Like any other occupation, being a state assemblywoman has its ups and downs. The biggest downside is the criticisms, even from Christians. “For example, I’ll return from SS2 to find a comment saying ‘How come I don’t see you in SS2?’ It can be frustrating. If I get affected by all these criticisms, I’ll lose my focus on the big things,” she says. The upside to her position is that she truly enjoys serving people. She explains: “I’m thankful that my position allows me to impact lives. When I worked for money, I dragged myself to work. Now that I work for passion, I enjoy working. I hope to be an encouragement to others, to fulfill my role as a leader, and to be a voice for the young.” Brain Drain Having studied and worked overseas, Yeo confirms that brain drain is a very real problem. The World Bank attributes three factors to brain drain: pay, opportunities for career advancement, and social injustice. “On the matter of salaries, we cannot compete. We need to accept that we’re a developing country, and hence don’t have as good an economy on the global scale. The same goes for career opportunities. Change in these areas is limited,” she points out. She believes the only way to feasibly arrest the brain drain is to address social injustice. “Social injustice is why the best talents choose to go. They say, ‘If I’m going to receive unfair treatment, why should I invest my life here? I’d rather go some place where I know I’ll at least have a fair chance.’ “But this can be addressed. It takes a shorter time to resolve social injustice than the first two factors. Meritocracy is something we need to put back. It’s our responsibility to keep the talents, not the

talents’ responsibility to stay. We need to be able to give the best avenues for talents to achieve their potential,” she opines. As someone who has chosen to return, Yeo surprisingly does not encourage the same path for all. “I won’t say everybody should stay in Malaysia, although I think God has made us Malaysians for a reason. But if you know God has made you for another calling that simply cannot be fulfilled in Malaysia, then go and fulfil it elsewhere. I only ask that you remember that you’re Malaysian. “For those who are called to stay, I ask you not to be disillusioned. Just stay and keep working hard, you’ll see change in time. In 20 years, Malaysia can be very different, and you are the generation that can make it possible.” Home is where the heart is Yeo thanks God for the path she has taken and sees that her experiences have prepared

her for her present calling. She deeply loves her country and is not ashamed to say so. Despite earlier disillusionment and disappointments, her love and hope for Malaysia remains. Will she ever consider migrating? Her reply: “If I leave Malaysia, it will not be because of worsened circumstances or for money. I will only leave if I sense a bigger calling, such as impacting lives at an international level.” For now though, Yeo is very certain where her home is. “I’ve been to probably more than 20 countries, and I still think Malaysia is the best place in the world. When I’m overseas, I miss Malaysia. I belong here. I could have had a very good life in the UK, but that’s not my home and it doesn’t feel like home. I know it’s not perfect here, what with our traffic jams and longkang sumbat (clogged drains). But this is home,” she concludes.

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Seeking Their

Greener Pasture Yvonne Lum, her husband and their four boys moved from Petaling Jaya, Selangor, to Melbourne, Australia, in 2004. In this email interview, Lum shares her reasons for migrating, what life is like in a foreign land and how the move has impacted them.

What kind of work are you and your husband involved in?

Prior to our migration, I was a director in a company secretarial practice in Malaysia. Presently, I operate a franchised education centre providing tuition services to students from preschool to secondary level. My husband was a senior management personnel in a public listed company involved in property development in Malaysia. He retired upon moving to Melbourne in 2006.

Why did you emigrate from Malaysia? What were the factors that affected your decision?

Our second son, Yang, was born profoundly deaf. We were overwhelmed with worries about his upbringing and future. We were advised to seek early intervention in terms of speech therapy, education, and speech training to improve his prospects of overcoming his disability. With better facilities to handle such issues in Australia, we decided that he will be better off if he can have access to such facilities. That is possible if he resides permanently in Australia. Our three other sons were schoolgoing at that time. They would also benefit from the education system (at school and university level) if they were to join Yang in Australia. I should add that it is far more economical for all of them to study there as permanent residents rather than being international students from Malaysia. After a few visits there, we gathered the impression that the quality of life in Australia might be better. Our application for permanent residence in Australia as a family was speedily approved.

B y M o k S h i - L ynn

Of the many places in the world, why did you decide on Melbourne?

Early intervention for Yang included a cochlear transplant operation and a few months of rehabilitation. We chose a hospital in Melbourne which had pioneered this procedure. Being a medium-size city with vast suburbs, it is a pleasant place to live and in many ways, its label of ‘most liveable city in the world’ is justified.

What were your hopes or goals in migrating to Melbourne?

We had hoped that with the excellent support system, Yang would be able to overcome his physical disability and improve his future career prospects. Besides benefitting from a good education, we hoped that our children would experience life in a multicultural environment and broaden their outlook and worldview.

How has this move impacted your and your family’s lives? What about your (extended) family members who remain in Malaysia?

In Malaysia, our whole family was too dependent on foreign maids to carry out household chores. Now we have adapted without such help and are managing well. I have discovered that I love cooking and several of the dishes have turned out really well (based on third party comments!) I believe our children have become more expressive and speak up with less reservation.

Our network of friends is far smaller. However, we still manage to keep ourselves busy. Back in Malaysia, we used to have frequent family gatherings with our siblings and their children. But with the ‘tyranny of distance’, these gatherings are now limited to annual visits. However, telecommunication technology has helped us keep in touch with each other more easily.

How different do you think your lives would have been if you had remained in Malaysia?

It is difficult to speculate, but the one thing that’s certain is that we would have spent a lot more money on our children’s education overseas. For me, I think I have learnt to be more independent as I am forced to do many things on my own in Australia because of the high labour costs of getting work done.

Did the Bible or your faith play any part in your decision to relocate?

We would not want to embark on any venture that is against the will of God. Having checked as best as we knew how, and with much prayer, we moved bearing in mind that we are to “Trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding: in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

What kind of questions did you ask yourselves when considering the move?

Financial – Do we have enough funds to finance our activities into retirement?

S e e ki n g Th e ir Gr e e n e r P a s t u r e

Yvonne and her sons on a family road trip to Sydney: (from left) Yang Kin, Yvonne, Wen Kin, Juan Kin, and Eu Kin.

Social and spiritual – Will we be able to settle into the community? Will there be any discrimination? The weather – Can we get used to the cold winters? Separation from extended families, friends – How shall we cope with it? Church – Can we find a church that the family can settle in?

Are you settled in a church in Melbourne?

We worship regularly at a Melbourne church and attend a life group in the church.

So far, would you say that your expectations or goals that you had hoped for in the beginning are being met?

I believe all our children have benefited from the move. Firstly, for Yang who did not speak a word of English before coming to Australia, he is now speaking relatively well. At the end of this year (2013), he is graduating from university with an accounting degree. Our third son is also in university and our youngest is in secondary school. However, our eldest

son, having graduated in Australia, has decided to return to Malaysia to start his career. I believe that there is a lot of truth that we enjoy a ‘better quality of life’ here in terms of the environment, air quality, personal safety, sporting and leisure facilities, traffic conditions, and so on. Striving for work-life balance and giving everyone a ‘fair go’ are also very commendable Aussie values that are practised.

How does your outlook toward migration differ now from when you left Malaysia nine years ago? Are you glad you left? Are there any regrets?

My outlook has not changed in the sense that I will still be keen to emigrate if I had not done so nine years ago. I am glad that I was able to come to Australia, especially considering how my children have benefited from the education system and learnt to be more independent from a younger age. My regret is in not being able to spend more time with our extended family members.

Do you identify yourself as a permanent resident of Australia or do you still feel Malaysian? How often do you return to Malaysia?

We do but we are still very much Malaysian at heart. We try to visit Malaysia at least once a year.

Do you miss anything about Malaysia?

We miss the variety of Malaysian food. Although there are several excellent Malaysian restaurants here in Melbourne, it is not the same. And of course we miss our friends and families back in Malaysia.

Any words of advice for those who are considering emigrating from Malaysia? This is a difficult one. Of course, one is to pray hard and do lots of homework. It would certainly help if you have a relative or friend living near your chosen location to show you around. And be prepared for the many household chores. It seems never ending.

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SHOULD I

Is the grass greener on the other side of the fence? DR LIM POH ANN provides a biblical perspective of emigration.

igration is as old

as the hills. Hard times drove our forefathers from distant shores to our nation. Many landed here with just the clothes on their backs. And we are grateful to them that we can find a place under the Malaysian sun. Today, the migratory wave continues, albeit for different reasons. Various push and pull factors have caused Christians to contemplate emigration. Some are unhappy with the way our country is being run while others bemoan the declining standard in schools. And so these bright professionals, businessmen and entrepreneurs leave the country, thinking that a more comfortable lifestyle and other benefits – social security, better jobs, educational opportunities and healthcare – await them in a foreign land. Many feel that God has called them to settle in more advanced countries such as Australia, the UK and the USA. Why? Is God less compassionate towards poor countries such as Laos or Myanmar? Though we can serve God anywhere, there must be a reason why God destined us to be born in Malaysia (Acts 17:26). We should be grateful that we live in a multiracial society with a rich culture. Our beaches, hill resorts and delectable array of food draw tourists from all over the world. Seldom hit by major natural disasters and endowed with abundant natural resources,

our country is indeed blessed. Let’s allow Scripture to percolate through our minds as we consider the issue of migration. Why people move Migration is a recurring theme in the Bible. Abraham obeyed when he was called to go to a land of promise. By faith, he left home, unsure where he was going. Jacob and his family moved to Egypt because of famine. Joseph fled for safety to Egypt with Mary and the child Jesus, having been warned by an angel of Herod’s evil intentions. When Jerusalem fell, Daniel was taken captive to serve the king in Babylon. Persecution caused believers in the early church to be scattered, thus advancing the cause of the Gospel. Unless relocation is a response to a definite call of God, as in Abraham’s case, or it has been forced upon us due to famine, persecution or other extreme factors, we

If we perceive our nation is going downhill, shouldn’t we be part of the solution instead of running away?

really need to think hard before uprooting ourselves. Are we facing famine like in North Korea? Is our economy in shambles like that of Greece’s? Are we anywhere close to a banana republic or war-torn Syria? In my opinion, we should maintain the status quo – stay back – until God calls us or extreme factors push us. The question “Should we stay put or emigrate?” should be replaced by something more basic: “Do we sense God’s definite calling to relocate?” Kingdom values Turning to the Lord’s Prayer, we find that “Thy kingdom come” precedes “Give us this day our daily bread”. Let’s seek to advance His kingdom first. Let’s commit our fears and anxieties to God for He knows our needs and promises to meet all of them (Matthew 6:33, Proverbs 3:5-6). Why be so anxious about our future? Isn’t making life choices about honouring God? We have to let God lead. We are no longer in the driver’s seat: “LORD, I know that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps” ( Jeremiah 10:23). Some believers even advise their children not to return after completing their studies overseas, thinking they have a brighter future there. When we allow various push (such as crime) and pull (such as educational opportunities) factors to cloud our

EMIGRATE? thinking, we are starting out on the wrong footing. Neither a knee-jerk response to adverse factors nor a desire for greater comfort and security should drive us to emigrate. Is blessing e very thing? Though obedience often comes with blessings, the path He would have us tread is not necessarily one marked by blessings. The ultimate determining factor is not blessings but God’s will (Luke 9:23, Luke 12:15). When Lot surveyed the land, his physical senses told him he should move to a well-watered, productive area (Genesis 13:10). But what seems appealing to the eyes may not reflect the Spirit’s leading. And those led by the Holy Spirit are the children of God (Romans 8:14, Acts 16: 6-9). Moses cherished God’s presence – even more than blessings – in all his endeavours. If God’s presence did not go with him, he would not advance towards the Promised Land (Exodus 33:15). Pros and cons It is wise to discuss the pros and cons of emigration with those who have relocated or returned home after a stint overseas. If possible, spend a month abroad to experience what it means to live in a foreign land where we would have to make new friends and adapt to differences in culture, climate and cuisine. Problems at home might be replaced by other challenges in the new environment. Do you have any qualms about letting your children watch adult content on TV? Can you live with laws against child abuse which forbid spanking your children? Think

The grass often seems greener on the other side of the fence. Truth be told, the grass is greener wherever we choose to water it. you have been unfairly treated at home? Be prepared for discrimination of a different kind. A financial controller in Malaysia had to become a bookkeeper overseas. Are you used to having maids and gardeners at home? Be more self-reliant when you move. Where the need is gre ater Besides God’s calling, need is another important consideration whenever the issue of relocation crops up. Though a need does not necessarily constitute a call, we should honestly ask ourselves whether the needs are greater at home or the place we intend to relocate. If we perceive our nation is going downhill, shouldn’t we be part of the solution instead of running away? As agents of change, we can slow down or halt the slide. It’s encouraging to note that many believers have joined NGOs, activist groups and political parties to make a difference in this nation. Believers who emigrate often hold key leadership positions in church, universities, politics and government. As such, our country will not only be facing a

brain drain but a shortfall of leaders. If the dearth of leaders in urban areas is bad, the shortage in rural areas is even more acute. However, this doesn’t imply that believers aren’t called to relocate to more advanced countries. A nuclear physicist interested in research may have to emigrate because of lack of career opportunities at home. A missionary might be burdened to share the Good News in developed but spiritually dark nations. Flourish where planted The grass often seems greener on the other side of the fence. Truth be told, the grass is greener wherever we choose to water it. “If it is to be, it is up to me.” We can make it good in life wherever we are. Just take root and flourish wherever we are planted. Remember the Malaysian CEO whose catchy company tagline is “Now everyone can fly”? But then again, if we believe we are strangers and exiles on this earth, we are not just thinking how we can be high fliers. Our thoughts are primarily focused on a heavenly city rather than a far-flung, manmade city where life is perceived to be more secure and comfortable (Colossians 3:1-2, Hebrews 11:13-16).

Dr Lim Poh Ann, a medical practitioner, is the former editor of Asian Beacon. Though he appreciates the value of overseas tertiary education, he is happy to call Malaysia his home. He can be reached at his blog, Porridge for the Soul.

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RETURNING TO REALITY B y Ong K ay J en

“T

his

blows,”

I ’m

honestly thinking as I sit here and type this. At the time of writing, I have listlessly ambled into my fourth week of unemployment since coming back to Malaysia. I’ve left behind a little dystopian student church back in my small town of Hatfield, UK, and exchanged it for an old ministry riddled with new cares and challenges. Our family’s smaller apartment in Kuala Lumpur seems almost cagey after the freedom and semblance of independence I knew as a student living alone. Worst of all, most of my closest friends have left for overseas studies, and I feel oddly isolated after experiencing real community life in my UK church. Make no mistake, guys, if you choose to come home it will be hard. Fortunately, I’ve never had to question in the past month why I didn’t try harder to apply for that job in London, or stay a little longer in hopes of picking up some overseas work

experience – I already know. People find their calling through different ways – spiritual gifting, laying on of hands, prophecy, special affinity with a certain Bible character, etc. My call to come home was a lot more logical and calculated. Firstly, there was the question of job prospects. Things may not be so pretty in Malaysia, but I assure you 10 times over that they’re so much worse over there. Secondly, I felt the need of a ministry here in my home church calling out louder to me than the needs of my beloved UK church, who always makes up for lack of resources by much laughter and love to share anyway. So home I came, leaving behind a peaceful and simple life to return to the fray that is KL, and no amount of cynicism could have prepared me for hitting such new lows ever since my return. Rough sailing In hindsight, I can admit that when I landed on home ground, I had expected smooth sailing thereafter – a job and ministry to keep my mind busy and productive, and what about that “peace of God that transcends all understanding”, eh? Am I not entitled

R e t u r n i n g t o r e ali t y

to at least that much when walking in the will of God? Pondering this, I realise that a lot of my disillusionment stems from viewing such a pretty picture that is often painted of following God’s calling for us. Growing up in a Christian culture, how many times have I heard “God’s perfect plan for my life” preached at me? It’s even packaged and preached as part of the Gospel, you know: “Jesus Christ died on the cross to redeem you from your sins, and God has a special plan just for your life!” Not to forget the much-quoted Jeremiah 29:11 – thrown out liberally at college graduations, youth camps, prophecies, birthday parties, that sort of thing. Hey, I’ll be the first to admit that it’s exciting to receive a calling. To me, it’s a perfectly natural thing for people to want to figure out their purpose in life – especially at my age, when the seeker in question has just finished his or her education and is on the brink of ‘starting’ a life. I even see it in secular culture all the time – hundreds of articles picking apart and spooning out liberal advice for the Terrible Twenties – “Things You Must Do in Your 20s”, “Top 5 Reasons to Travel in Your 20s”, “20 Mistakes to Avoid in Your 20s”. It’s supposed to be a “crucial” and “defining” stage of our lives. It’s a time to figure out what we want to prioritise in life, and many naturally desire to please God and put His will at the fore. What follows, of course, is to figure out His plan for our life direction. No wonder people in my demographic are obsessed with God’s “perfect plan” for our lives! We’re swept away by lofty stories of those who have been walking in the perfect path God has charted for them, achieving unimaginable things “by the power of the Spirit”, and reporting total contentment in whatever situation God has placed them in.

means peace, effectiveness in ministry, and ultimately fulfilment. However, I’m also told that the Christian life must involve denial of the self, and that self-sacrifice surely will be painful for wilful, rebellious humans (like me). It might mean long periods of waiting, disappointments, and doors slammed in our faces. And I’ll be honest – that’s what I’ve experienced so far. It’s what many people in my situation have experienced. It makes no sense to preach peace to me, when I’ve only understood restlessness! I don’t want to belittle the experiences of those who walk before us. But I do think that our walk with God, when viewed through retrospective lens, looks a lot rosier than when we actually have to walk it. I had a chat with an old friend who’s been back for a few months now after living in the UK since 2008. He’s left behind even more memories and comfort than I have, albeit grudgingly at first. When we met over the Christmas break in Bristol, he expressed fear and reluctance to leave behind a lifestyle that seemed so perfectly suited to him. Le arning patience Fast forward 10 months, and we meet up in KL once again. Now, on the outset, he seems well-settled with a good job, new friends, and a ministry with a need to fill. I hoped that he would have something optimistic and positive to encourage me with, having ‘been there, done that’ only a few steps ahead of me. Instead, he confided that getting

through each day was still a struggle for him. “Yeah, it sucks, and I know the feeling of waking up every morning and being pinned down with the weight of everything you’ve left behind, and struggling every day not to hop on the next plane back to England. It doesn’t get much better, not for me anyway,” he told me matter-of-fact. “Well, that’s disappointing,” I respond silently. “But through all of this, one thing I have been learning is patience. Things may not turn out the way you expect them to, but it all boils down to what you’re doing this for. Yes, I believe God plans things for you, but at the end of the day His plan for you is not only for your benefit, but to give Him glory, to bless people. “That is why we should be the ones seeking His plan and adjusting ourselves to it.” It’s true, and this experience has forced me to sit down and reconsider what God’s “perfect plan” (doubtful as I am of its existence) means to me. Is it just a stepping stone to my own personal fulfilment in life? Or am I willing to sacrifice everything – everything – to let Him use me in whatever way He deems right? Ong Kay Jen is a fresh graduate in Mass Communications. Towards the finishing of this article, she received a call from a company that wants to take her on as a full-time copywriter. She really loves the little blessings God sprinkles along her path to encourage her to trudge on, and gives thanks and praise to Him who provides!

Waiting Often when I ask how one might realise his calling, I get a reply along the lines of, “You just know. You have this peace about what you’re doing...” (which is conveniently vague, my cynical mind is inclined to add). “It’s not a future I pictured for myself,” one friend tells me. “It’s even better than I could have imagined.” Here’s logic that does not line up nicely for me: people tell me that God has a tailor-made plan for my life – and to find it

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o… are you returning to Malaysia when you graduate?”

This question is probably one of the most common, yet heartrending, questions I’ve ever been asked as a Malaysian Christian studying abroad. It breaks my heart because my honest answer to the question is that I simply don’t know yet. On the one hand, I have relatives who urge me to stay on and pursue the ‘good life’ that can be found abroad. On the other hand, it has been presented to me that the default position of any ‘good’ Christian is to return to his home country to serve God there, particularly through nation building. Neither of these responses is particularly encouraging to me as a person earnestly seeking what to do with my years post graduation.

GO I NG H O M E O R ST A Y I NG P UT ?

there is no preference as to where or to whom we ought to witness to, so long as our witness is genuine and directed universally.

Fal se Presump tions Is nation building and the idea of nationhood really that central to Christianity? While I am no expert in this area of theology, it does not seem that the idea of nationhood has been emphasised outside that of the covenant nation of Israel to whom the law was given. In the time of the New Covenant, this privileged position is, of course, extended to the spiritual seed of Abraham (Gal. 3:29), that is, all Christians through unity with Christ. The nation of Israel was a display of God’s glory and they were to be a testament to His nature, and this was done within the context of their nationhood. Today, the rightful witness to His loving and gracious dealing with mankind is found in His Church. By saying this, I do not mean to vilify or discredit any efforts related to nation building. That work is good and is for the glory of God and furthermore, it is our duty to be salt and light (Matt. 5:13-16). But there is no preference as to where or to whom we ought to witness to, so long as our witness is genuine and directed universally. We are called to set our eyes on the things which are unseen (2 Cor. 4:18) and to store up treasures for eternity (Matt. 6:20). For those who do not know God, the search for meaning beyond themselves and for a greater cause to which they can dedicate their lives can adequately be found in nation building. We have a greater calling – to make disciples of all nations – and a greater hope in Christ. Our attention should be drawn to His Church, which will most assuredly persist for eternity as the Bride of Christ. National identities (as some might want to argue for in Revelations 7:9) and nationhood will not persist into the next age, and the verse can be more correctly understood as revealing the glorious extent of God’s salvation which will reach all nations. Christ reminds us that if we are to be His disciples, we are not to hold any human relationship above our relationship with our Lord (Matt. 10:37; Luke 14:26). I think it biblically sound to extend such a principle to include patriotism and even nationalism, for these are in many ways extensions built upon the foundation of familiarity and human relationships. Therefore, I think that a Christian

ought not to be surprised if God leads him/ her to any place outside his/her nation. If such a calling shocks our conscience and calls for an explanation, then our minds may well be operating under unbiblical principles and there is a need for renewal and reorientation. After all, are we not thankful that God in His wisdom led many faithful Christians out of their own lands to bring the Good News to us in Malaysia? Biblical Wisdom There are greater, eternal things that we ought to work for. Consequently, these considerations ought to weigh into the calculus of our decisions, especially one as big as this. as long as we seek him with all our hearts and follow where he leads, we need not think ourselves guilty for not having the conviction some of our peers have for our homeland.

If there is any doubt that we ought to work for things of eternal value, we need look no further than 1 Cor. 3:10-15 where Paul shows us that the quality of each man’s work will be tested by fire. This not only reminds us to be careful of how we build (people’s lives) but reveals to us that the work of building has eternal consequences, for what is destroyed by the fire can never be recovered. This sentiment is echoed in Matt. 7:19 where a tree that does not bear good fruit suffers the consequence of being cut off eternally. So what are the things that are really important to God? Jesus teaches us through His Word that we are to love the Lord our God, and our neighbours (Luke 10:27). He commissions us to share the Gospel to all people (Matt. 28:18-20). The apostles remind us that we have been given the ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:1820), that the church of the living God is the pillar and foundation of truth (1 Tim. 3:15), a witness to the peoples of the earth. We need to carefully examine ourselves and consider whether these things are the priority in our lives. The call of Christ is to carry our crosses and follow Him (Luke 14:27). Therefore, if we are to be Christ’s disciples, then the most sensible thing to consider in making

sense of the question “where is God calling me?” is to also ask ourselves “where and how can we best serve God?” Se arch Our He arts There is a great deal that could be said about what to consider when making such decisions. Whatever the inclination, there is a need for sheer honesty and careful introspection of our intentions and motives. We need to be candid and open before the God who knows our very thoughts and desires. As it says in Psalm 139:23-24: “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Beneath the dilemma must be the desire to please God, the willingness to admit personal sin and selfishness, and the discernment to know the will of God as expressed through His revealed Word. Seek His Ways If we have opportunities to serve and grow at home, it does not mean that we should not leave to pursue an education abroad. I believe that we have to trust the Lord to open and close doors for us, and remember that He works for the good of those who love Him in conforming us to the likeness of His will in every circumstance (Romans 8:28-29). I, for one, am very thankful to be among God-fearing, Gospel-minded churches here in Cambridge (UK) which preach the Word faithfully. And I know that this is a part of God’s greater plan to ground me in His Word. I do not think, therefore, that we ought to be pressuring our youth to return to Malaysia. There is definitely a place for encouraging us to consider the needs of our homeland and to honestly examine our motives for remaining abroad. As long as we seek Him with all our hearts and follow where He leads, we need not think ourselves guilty for not having the conviction some of our peers have for our homeland. Our God is one who works in mysterious ways – His ways are above our ways, and His thoughts above our thoughts (Isa. 55:9). Seek His ways. Joshua is a third year law student. While he spends most of his year studying in the UK, he cherishes the little time he gets to spend at home and with his home church.

VACANCIES IN SPECS SERVICES BERHAD

SPECS Services Bhd, an affiliate of an international Christian mission agency with its office in Klang, Selangor, is looking for suitably qualified born-again Christians desiring to serve God in full-time ministry capacities, to fill the following vacancies in the regional team: 1. COUNTRY MANAGER (MALAYSIA) Role Summary Oversee the field operations in Malaysia. Key Responsibilities • Set and implement strategic priorities and/or long-term direction for the work in the specified country, based on regular needs assessments; • Identify and conceptualize new projects and programmes and supervise the implementation of • approved projects/programmes; • Put in place effective monitoring and evaluation systems for project/programme management; • Identify, establish, build and strengthen strategic and critical partnerships, networking and/or collaboration that will enhance operations; • Facilitate continuing research and monitoring of significant developments affecting the church as well as country operations. Competency Guide • At least a college-level graduate, preferably with a Master’s degree; • Minimum 5 years’ work/ministry experience, preferably in project development, management and administration, with basic exposure in theological studies; • Knowledgeable about project development, management and administration as well as designing and implementing training programmes, with an understanding of the situation of the church and her needs; • Possess teaching, facilitation, networking and partnershipbuilding, project management, planning and strategizing, capacitybuilding, supervisory, motivational, report-writing, communication and monitoring skills; • Willing to take risks, serve, travel to challenging frontline areas, persevere and develop good interpersonal relationships.

2. FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION OFFICER (REGIONAL) Role Summary • Oversee the financial and administrative operations and functions of the field operations bases under the South-East Asia region, including receipting, data processing, and management of information systems, facilities and human resources; • Ensure that the Mission’s financial practices conform to generallyaccepted accounting principles and that all corporate financial affairs comply with management and board policies, in addition to the requirements of statutory agencies; • Compile financial data, process journal entries; reconcile reports; establish systems for financial controls for purposes of financial analysis, planning and budgeting; • Relate with financial institutions; perform strategic planning and budgeting as well as treasury functions; coordinate risk management; handle legal and related staff matters.

Competency Guide • • At least a college-level graduate, majoring in Accountancy; • • Minimum 5 years’ work experience in accounting and corporate systems and other related fields; • • Knowledgeable about accounting principles, policies and procedures; auditing procedures and techniques; internal control principles; strategic planning; and organizational development; • • Possess analytical, supervisory, managerial, planning as well as good oral and written communication skills; • • Able to work well with numbers; make sound financial judgment; meet tight deadlines; prioritize work; handle pressure; make dayto-day decisions; develop, monitor and maintain management information • systems and procedures.

3. RESEARCH & COMMUNICATION EXECUTIVE (REGIONAL) Role Summary • • Provide regular research output that will aid in strategic planning for the region; • • Assist the Regional Director in setting up long-term direction and strategies for the Research & Communication Department; • • Design and establish efficient systems for communication from the field to the regional office and converting raw input from the field into a variety of write-ups; • • Conduct evaluation of on-going projects/programmes for purposes of enhancing their efficiency, effectiveness and impact. Competency Guide • • At least a college-level graduate with a degree in Social Science, Research, Communication, English or Journalism; • • Minimum 1 year’s experience in research, writing and/or editing and in project management; • • Strong command of English; able to write in both technical and creative styles; able to conduct research, good biblical foundation with basic exposure in church and mission studies; • • Possess analytical, interviewing and basic editing/writing skills; proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint; technically adept with multi-media equipment; preferably with good teaching and public speaking skills; • • Resourceful; a voluminous reader; demonstrate sensitivity and patience, especially in cross-cultural situations; • • Willing and able to travel to challenging frontline areas; good team player; adaptable, flexible, people-oriented, disciplined and able to meet tight deadlines. Suitably qualified and interested persons may submit their applications via email to the HR Manager at jobs@ intcoment.net, along with a comprehensive resume, a scanned recent passport-sized photograph, scanned copies of relevant certificates/documents and contact information. Closing date: 31 January 2014

INSIGHTS FROM D.A. CARSON By Michelle MY Chan

o stranger to Malaysian churches, Prof. Dr Donald A. Carson has spoken in the country several times under the invitation of the Klang Valley Bible Conference. A prolific writer, speaker and theologian, Carson has written over 60 books (and counting!) while maintaining a busy travelling and speaking schedule. Beneath his forthright and serious demeanour, the Research Professor at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School also light-heartedly described himself as â&#x20AC;&#x153;a missionary to the Americansâ&#x20AC;?. He shared snippets of his life with Asian Beacon. 34

“ Y o u hav e t o hav e a firm , e x e g e t i c all y r e s p o n s ibl e g ra s p o f wha t t h e B ibl e s a y s t h e G o s p e l i s . ”

AB: What’s your background and how does it influence your life and ministry? DAC: By birth, I am a Canadian reared in French Canada. My father was a church planter and I was brought up in a Christian home. There were family prayers and teaching of the Gospel from when I was young. I have maintained French and English to this day, so I can take English notes to the pulpit and preach in French. AB: How were you ‘called’ to ministry? DAC: My first degree was in chemistry and mathematics. I worked in a research laboratory for the federal government in Ottawa, Canada. I discovered that most of my fellow chemists were either old people waiting for retirement, or young hotshots dreaming of getting a Nobel Prize, and I was in neither camp. I enjoyed the work, but I wasn’t old enough to look forward to retirement. At the same time, chemistry was not ‘god’ for me either; I was already a Christian. On weekends, I devoted time to helping a brother who was starting a church in Ottawa. In terms of interest and imagination, the church demanded more of me than chemistry. I could remember a chorus from Sunday School, “By and by when I look on His face, I wish I had given Him more…” At that point in my life, chemistry seemed too small a response. Then I heard a man preach from Ezekiel 22: “I sought for a man to stand in the gap before me for my people, but I found none.” The Lord used a number of experiences over a period of six to eight months to turn me gradually from chemistry towards ministry. Eventually, I went to seminary in Toronto and was in church planting and pastoral ministry for many years before I went to Cambridge, England, to do a PhD in Biblical Studies. There wasn’t a single, dramatic moment; there were a number of things that the Lord used to redirect me.

In terms of spiritual discipline, I’m probably not disciplined enough. But I laid out my ideal practices in prayer, Bible reading and the like in my book A Call to Spiritual Reformation: Priorities from Paul and His Prayers. AB: How important are spiritual disciplines? DAC: Certain kinds of disciplines can actually lead you in the wrong direction. You can be so “disciplined” that you connect your spirituality to your disciplines without seeing that in the first place, your spirituality comes from Christ pouring out His Spirit on you. In other words, trusting your disciplines for your acceptance before God actually becomes a kind of religious moralism. I’m not saying you should not have the disciplines of Bible reading and prayers but they should not drive you to think that you have an inside track with God because you tried harder. After all, 1 Cor. 4 finds Paul saying, “What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?” So, if the disciplines you have were inherited from your parents, you are still a recipient. It is not as if you brought something to the table which would otherwise not be there. I’m happy to talk about the disciplines, but never in the context where they are determinative of the outcome or make you fundamentally acceptable before God. In other words, the disciplines themselves ought to be a function of gratitude, joyful trust and obedience before God, rather than the means of getting there. AB: What kind of books do you read? DAC : A huge diversity. In connection with my work, I read

AB: What happened after Cambridge? DAC: After several years, I went back to Vancouver, taught at a small college there and planted another church. After that, I was asked to teach at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois. That was the first time I lived in the United States. AB: You like to refer to yourself as a “missionary to the Americans”. DAC: I love to say that in the US and watch what they think. They would go “oh…yes, yes… I suppose we need it!” (Laughs) AB: What roles are you currently holding? DAC: I essentially wear four hats at the moment. My formal job is as Research Professor of New Testament at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. I’m also the President of the Gospel Coalition. Apart from that, I spend quite a bit of time writing, and then another large chunk of time lecturing or preaching around the world. My time is divided mainly in those four ways. A B : How do you maintain spiritual vitality with your schedule? Is it true that you read three books a day? DAC : Well, I’ve reduced it to about two recently. There’re different kinds of reading… there’s some reading where you read every single word and it takes a while to get through a book. Then there’s reading where you read just enough to get what the argument is about, which you will then file into your note-taking system and won’t read the book again unless you need to retrieve the information.

Capernwray Bible School 2014 at Harvest Haven, Gopeng, Perak

iscovering the Risen, Living and Indwelling Lord Jesus Christ and appropriating Him in your life on a daily basis. Come and invest your life in one or two months of Bible School! Learn what it is to be available to Him and experience His sufficiency in your life. Meet students from other parts of the world!

Module 1 (January 2, Thursday – 28, Tuesday, 2014) Module 2 (February 10, Monday – March 8, Saturday, 2014) Mission trips to Orang Asli work and Campus Ministry in Kampar.

Enroll Now! Limited Scholarships available for needy students.

Visit our website at www.capernwray.com.my or call 05-3593255, 012-4884708 Email: harvesthaven@gmail.com

The new tolerance has a different set of definitions from the old tolerance and it has become wrong in many parts of the Western world to say that in religious matters, any other person is wrong.

commentaries, theological studies and such. Then there are works in the broader field of Christian understanding such as missions, spiritual life, homiletics, understanding culture, cross-cultural communications and so on. In addition, I read a lot of biography and history. With my science background, I read some science books and books on mathematics. I also read some whodunits, novels and literature. AB: If you were to indulge yourself, what kind of book would you pick? DAC : Any of the above, depending on mood or energy. For example, a book on philosophy may be very gripping, but if it’s written in a dense, complicated fashion, I would want to read it when I am fresh and not too tired. On the other hand, it may be an enjoyable way to pass the time on a 15-hour flight across the Pacific (laughs). So it just varies. AB: You’ve written about 60 books. Which is your favourite? DAC: I don’t have a favourite. The books I’ve written are pretty diverse, like the books I read. Some are technical books for scholars, textbooks for students, evangelistic books for outsiders, commentaries, social criticisms, postmodernism. There’s one biography on my father, and so on. These books were written for different needs and purposes for different readers at different times and places. I have no idea how to compare them.

AB: What are the pressing needs today that Christians need to pay attention to? DAC: They are either perennial things that are needed by all Christians everywhere at every time, or they are shaped by local circumstances. The pressing perennial needs are holiness, knowledge of God’s Word, evangelistic zeal, prayerfulness, conformity to Christ. If you ask what the distinctive pressing needs are, then there are some that will be true to a particular place. Some of the distinctive pressing needs among the underground church in Iran aren’t the same as the ones faced by Christians in New York City. In a place like Malaysia, you have many pressing needs shaped in part by the peculiar circumstances in Malaysia – a highly mixed-race nation with one sector distinctly Muslim and bound by Syariah, another sector that is a mix of Buddhism, secularism and nominal Christianity. The perennials are still the same, but the distinctive flavours are varied. This morning, I talked about the changing face of tolerance in the world. The new tolerance has a different set of definitions from the old tolerance and it has become wrong in many parts of the Western world to say that in religious matters, any other person is wrong. But when I am speaking in Dubai, nobody thinks that’s what tolerance means. I’ve spoken to university students who are a mix of Hindu, Muslim, Zoroastrian, secularists and a few Christians, and they are not raising questions about whether there’s such a thing as truth, or “what is true for you may not be true for me” – all of which we face in universities across America. There, they all agree there’s such a thing as truth; the question is, which is it? In other words, the ministry you’re engaged in is partly shaped by the culture you’re living in and confronting. The apostle Paul had one gospel, the book of Jude speaks of the faith “once for all delivered to the saints”, but nevertheless, exactly what Paul said when he was evangelising in a synagogue in Pisidian Antioch in Acts 13 looked a bit different to what he said when addressing total biblical illiterates in Athens in Acts 17. If your ministry eventually gets you to cross-cultural borders, part of your responsibility is to understand the culture in which you live so as to engage wisely without ever domesticating the Gospel because of it. You have to have a firm, exegetically responsible grasp of what the Bible says the Gospel is. There are parts of the world which are desperately poor, while other parts are filthy rich. Exactly how you apply certain chunks of the Gospel to these places will look a little different.

The Greatest Migration of All B y R e v . D r W i ll i am W an

igration is the movement of people from one location to another for temporary or permanent living. It is a worldwide phenomenon at the local, regional and international scales. As an enduring theme of human history, its narrative is varied and includes migrant workers and their families, students, refugees, asylum-seekers, internally displaced persons, stateless persons, victims of human trafficking, and others. One writer considers the Bible an ultimate handbook for migrants. It opens with the migration of Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Spirit in the early chapters of Genesis and ends with the apostle John in exile on the Isle of Patmos writing Revelation. Between those two events, the Bible narrates and legislates for the protection of migrants seeking sanctuary in various contexts and circumstances, the most famous of which is the story of Exodus. 38

The preparation for the salvation of God’s people began with the migration of Abraham. The patriarchs’ move Indeed, the preparation for the salvation of God’s people began with the migration of Abraham. The Lord said to Abraham: ‘Leave your country, your relatives, and your father’s home, and go to a land that I am going to show you. I will give you many descendants, and they will become a great nation. I will bless you and make your name famous, so that you will be a blessing’ (Gen. 12: 1-2). With that call, he and his family landed in Canaan with his entourage of servants and camels. Subsequently, Abraham migrated again, leaving Canaan for Egypt because of famine in the land of his adoption. In Genesis 15:13, the Lord said to him, “Your descendants will be strangers in a foreign land; they will be slaves there and they will be treated cruelly for four hundred years”. That was prophetic as Abraham’s descendents, beginning with Ishmael and Isaac, continued their migrating patterns (Gen. 21 and 26). And there was Jacob who travelled to another land in search of a wife, was forced again to flee because of his sons’ violence and ended up in Bethel, and then settled back in Canaan again, ‘the land where his father had lived as an alien.’ (Gen. 37:1). The story of Joseph (Gen. 37-47) is a story of involuntary migration, having been sold into slavery by his brothers, and transported to Egypt. When famine struck again in Canaan, Joseph’s father and brothers, their families, flocks, and all they possess had to leave Canaan for Goshen in Egypt where there was food. (Genesis 37-47) Of course, Exodus is a powerful story of the leadership of Moses leading God’s people out of Egypt into the Promised Land. It is a poignant story of an uprooted people whose God protected and provided for them. And that story continues throughout the Bible as the Israelites went into exile time and again because of their disobedience. The narratives are recorded in Kings, Chronicles, and Esther. Great prophets like Jeremiah, Isaiah, Ezekiel and Amos ministered God’s word to them in painful circumstances. Jesus’ migration Now, what do these migratory stories have to do with the Christmas event? There is

a strong link because the promise of the coming of Jesus completes God’s promise to Abraham in Genesis 12. The promise to Abraham in Gen 12: 1-2, “I will give you many descendants, and they will become a great nation. I will bless you and make your name famous, so that you will be a blessing” is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Jesus was born in Bethlehem to which his parents travelled because of the census and taxation. His parents Joseph and Mary settled for about two years in Bethlehem, until an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” In obedience, Joseph took him and his mother by night, and went to Egypt and remained there until the death of Herod. Even in this short narrative, there are two prophetic fulfilments. His birthplace was prophesied in Micah 5:2 where the prophet had declared, “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are of old, from ancient times.” And his flight to Egypt was predicted by Hosea in chapter 11 verse 1, “When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.” Effectively, the holy family became ‘asylum seekers’ in Egypt. But more significantly, the Christmas event is about a much greater migration. John 3:16-17 declares that “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” It is clear that Jesus came from another world. Effectively, he migrated here from there to save our world – the people of our world. Jesus said this very clearly at his trial before Pontius Pilate when implicitly accused of trying to rebel against the Roman government by allegedly declaring himself ‘king of the Jews’. In response to Pilate’s question “What is it you have done?” ( John 18:35), Jesus responded, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place. You are

right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth” ( John 18:36-37) Jesus, of course, was referring to another kind of kingship which is not of this world. It is a spiritual kingship that rules over the lives of all who respond to the love of God, the God whom he often addressed as his “Father in heaven” or “heavenly Father” (Matt 18:10,19, 35). In fact, in the discourse on the “bread of life” the Jews understood him to have said “I came from heaven” ( John 6:42). Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, makes the point that Jesus was from the heavenly realm. The text reflects an early hymn (Phil 2:6-8): “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled himself, And became obedient to death – even death on a cross!” The Christmas story is about Jesus who is no less God from heaven, who for the love of humankind on earth, chose to migrate from heaven to earth, to suffer and die for the salvation of earthlings like us. This is the core of the Christian Gospel that celebrates the incarnation of God. And so at Christmas we proclaim in carols, “Christ by highest heaven adored, Christ the everlasting Lord, Late in time behold Him come, Offspring of a Virgin’s womb. Veiled in flesh the Godhead see! Hail the Incarnate Deity! Pleased as Man with men to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel.” Dr William Wan, a retired lawyer and pastor, was a pioneer member of the Asian Beacon Editorial Board in the late 1960s. He is the General Secretary of the Singapore Kindness Movement and Chairman of Prison Fellowship Singapore. A granddad of three teenagers, he is an ambassador for active aging and is on the board of several nonprofit organisations. He is a published author and speaks and preaches regularly.

Dear Goldie Dear Goldie, My family has been contemplating migrating for various reasons but we cannot come to an agreement about when and where to go, whether my wife should go with the children (I still have my business here), how to release our church responsibilities (I’m a cell leader), and other family responsibilities (I’m partly supporting my parents). It seems such a big decision, so where do we start? Apprehensive

Migration – How Do You Decide Dear Apprehensive, Let me share how we faced the same situation in the 1970s and from there, draw some principles to help answer your questions. At that time, Malaysian registered doctors could get registration in Australia without taking any exam, so Tek registered and applied for permanent residence. The approval took longer than expected. Meanwhile, he was offered work and training in psychiatry in Hongkong, something he had longed to do. It seemed the door was open to Hongkong but we needed to fulfil four conditions before we could leave Malaysia: 1) someone would take over his clinic; 2) a new editor to take our place in Asian Beacon; 3) someone to take over the Christian bookroom we ran; and 4) people to take over his responsibilities in the church leadership. All four conditions were met, so we were at peace to leave. We lived for eight years in Hongkong by which time Tek had started his own private practice. I was involved in a business and the children were keen to further their education in the US. It was getting troublesome to meet the requirement of making entries into Australia every four years and we had to decide on whether to give up the visa or take up residence in Australia. My parents advised, “You have put

down your roots here for eight years, are you going to start from scratch?” The family generally felt we should not go to Australia. It was a big decision, and discussing the pros and cons did not seem to help much. So we agreed as a family to ask God to give us the answer. In our individual prayer time, God spoke through Gen. 12:1 – Then the Lord told Abram, “Leave your country, your relatives, and your father’s house, and go to the land that I will show you.” We were convinced God’s instruction was not to go back to Malaysia (Tek’s country) or stay in Hongkong (my father’s home ground) but to go to a new land: Australia. So against natural feelings, logic and advice, we were convinced God had spoken clearly to all of us and we would obey. As we look back on the 30 years since, we see God’s leading was the best, and we’re all happy with the outcome. Some general principles The question of migration is sometimes sensitively attached to the question of loyalty to a country. No doubt God calls some to stay to ‘fight for justice’ for their people. But He may also call some to move like Abraham. So ultimately, we must seek God’s will for ourselves because He has a good plan for each of us.

We can pray for God to open and close doors for guidance. Husband and wife and children who are of age should be able to confirm they have heard God correctly. We agreed not to send the children to study in Australia while we stayed in Hongkong to continue our careers. We believed the family should stay together. When there is unity, God’s blessing comes. We must not irresponsibly drop everything and leave but be conscientious to discharge our responsibilities and see that they are taken over properly. In summary, this is our guideline: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will direct your paths.” Prov. 3:5-6.

Goldie Do you have an issue you need advice on? Write to Asian Beacon’s Goldie Chong at aboffice@asianbeacon.org for her godly counsel. Selected questions may be featured in this column. If you leave an email address, you will have your question answered, whether it’s published or not.

MONEY MATTERS

To Leave Or Not To Leave? av e l To

t o le av t o n r

s pat e

e, t hat RE A L LY is t he que s t ion!

c h ur c h

burnings in Malaysia a few years ago, the Malaysian court decision on the ‘Allah’ issue, the skyrocketing crime rate, the non-inclusive statements made publicly by some leading politicians, and the falling standards of public education in the country over the last 43 years are five of numerous reasons more and more Malaysians are emigrating each year to the seemingly greener pastures of Australia, Britain, Canada, New Zealand, Singapore and the US. Are Christians justified in leaving the country of our birth in search of a better life or are we expected to always sit tight and fulfil our roles as localised salt and light? In my work as a financial planner to non-Christians and Christians alike, the bulk of my consulting is done to help hardworking adults in Malaysia – both citizens and expatriates – retire well. Another sizable chunk of my time is spent helping clients construct portfolios to help pay for their children’s future

B y R ajen D e v adas o n

university education. Interestingly, the vast majority of the people I help to build their retirement nest eggs plan to retire in Malaysia. Seemingly for all its faults – and there are many – there’s no place like home! Three secular reasons for staying are the weather, the food, and our unique blend of cultures that makes “Malaysia Truly Asia” (to borrow an excellent description from our national tourism board). For the children’s sake Some of those adults who plan to retire in Malaysia covet granting their children a wider scope of life choices by sacrificing personal consumption to fund tertiary education options in popular education destinations such as Australia, Britain, Canada, New Zealand, Singapore and the US. There’s a perfect match between that

list and the countries I put forward earlier as those Malaysians appear most eager to immigrate to. If the hopes of a better life for their children – one marked by equitable meritocracy, non-racist government policies, and a decent chance to compete on an even playing field – jumpstarts another mass exodus or diaspora of talent from Malaysia to the rest of the world, then the country and the Church in Malaysia will be commensurately weakened. In a 2011 World Bank report entitled Malaysia Economic Monitor – Brain Drain lead-authored by senior economist Philip Schellekens, the following three points made about the previous exodus of talent are worthy of attention: 1. “The Malaysian diaspora is large and expanding. Our conser vat ive estimate puts the worldwide diaspora at one million people in 2010.” 2. “The diaspora is geographically

T o L e av e Or N o t T o L e av e ?

As a financial planner I have learnt it is increasingly important for wise investors to diversify geographically and not to excessively concentrate their investment assets in one country, even the one of their birth.

concentrated and ethnically skewed. Singapore alone absorbs 57% of the entire diaspora, with most of the remainder residing in Australia, Brunei, the United Kingdom and the United States. Ethnic Chinese account for almost 90 per cent of the Malaysian diaspora in Singapore; they are similarly overrepresented in the countries of the OECD. 3. “About a third of all migration is brain drain. Malaysia’s rate of brain drain is elevated: the skilled diaspora is now three times larger than two decades ago. Migration has increasingly become the preserve of the skilled.” How are Christian parents supposed to react? It is not uncommon for Malaysian pastors to preach against emigration from Malaysia by insisting the Church here must retain our best young people if the gospel of Jesus Christ is to be made known across the length and breadth of this land. From a financial planning perspective, the decision should be made by each young adult after scrutinising the doors that have swung open for him or her and the relative economic benefits of staying or leaving. As for a family head who struggles with the decision of whether to pick up and move his whole family to a new land in search of a better life, it is essential to detect God’s specific direction. For those seeking additional guidance on relevant Christian principles, let me share two recent interesting conversations with well-grounded Christian leaders who know Scriptures well. The first was with a lay couple who live in Kuala Terengganu and the second with two married pastors in Ipoh. The convergence of their thoughts was startling!

He aring from God The Kuala Terengganu lay couple pointed out that just because things appear better outside Malaysia, it does not mean they really are. They added that apart from what appears best for children’s education, there is a greater consideration: What is God’s specific call on the life of the family in question? The Ipoh-based pastors believe the general principle is that God has placed us in whatever land He causes us to be born and He will bless us there. Personally, I draw daily comfort from God’s promise in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future…”

There may be specific callings to emigrate from a home country to immigrate into a new land. I was astounded, though, when one of the pastors said the context of that promise of blessing was the prophet Jeremiah’s letter from where he was in Jerusalem to the Jewish leaders in exile in Babylon! Jeremiah 29:5-7 gives sound advice that appears to be a core component of God’s general advice to His people, wherever they may have been born: Stay put! Study those three verses for yourself: “Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease.

Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” I have lived and worked in the UK, the US and Singapore, and cherish the experiences that each different country afforded me. But – for me, at least – Malaysia is the country I was born in 49 years ago and where, if Jesus tarries, I hope to prosper in for at least another 49 years! However, as a financial planner I have learnt it is increasingly important for wise investors to diversify geographically and not to excessively concentrate their investment assets in one country, even the one of their birth. In Genesis 9:7 God told Noah: “As for you, be fruitful and increase in number; multiply on the earth and increase upon it.” That instruction was never repealed, which tells me that for some people – perhaps those whose parents have managed their finances well enough to grant them the capacity to experience life in other lands – there may be specific callings to emigrate from a home country to immigrate into a new land. If you are so specifically called, then as a financial planner, my core advice would be for you to ensure you build up – during a lengthy preparatory stage – sufficient liquid funds in savings and investments to tide you over at least the first three years of the stressful resettlement phase unless, of course, you have a job waiting! © 2013 Rajen Devadason Rajen Devadason, CFP, is a Securities Commissionlicensed financial planner, professional speaker and author. Read his free articles at www.FreeCoolArticles. com; he may be contacted at rajen@RajenDevadason.com.

MAKING SENSE OF SCRIPTURES

NAVIGATING THE ‘MASTER-SLAVE’ RELATIONSHIP In his writings, Paul describes how masters should treat their slaves and vice-versa (Eph. 6:5-9; Col. 3:22, 4:1). In his letter to Philemon, Paul did not ask Philemon to free Onesimus. Instead, he appealed to Philemon to, “in love”, make his slave a brother! What were the implications of this change of status? How can we apply Paul’s teachings in following the letter of the law regarding the treatment of subordinates by applying the spirit of love? B y P r o je c t B arnabas

hile

p r i s on

around AD 61, Paul wrote to Philemon, a Gentile believer in Colossae. Philemon’s slave, Onesimus, had robbed him and run away. Later, through Paul’s witnessing, Onesimus became a Christian. In the Greco-Roman context, slavery ranged from voluntary indentured servitude to outright ownership of humans captured as war booty. It was based on economics and birth, and with this background, we gather that Onesimus had no basic rights 1. Philemon had the rights to crucify him for running away, not to mention for robbing him. Paul wrote the letter to ease Onesimus’ return to his master and to ask Philemon to accept him as a brother in Christ and not merely as a slave. Paul used his privileged position as Philemon’s spiritual father to

initiate a new way for believers to relate to one another – as brothers even when not of the same blood. If Philemon agreed to Paul’s request, he would not only incur an economic loss (since Onesimus was his property) and be responsible for Onesimus’ upkeep, but he would also face the disdain of other slave-owners. As a brother, Onesimus could even claim Philemon’s personal property upon his death, thus impinging on Philemon’s own beneficiaries. Paul used this logic: When an owner can refer to a slave as a brother, the legal title of “slave” is meaningless. Paul did not attack slaver y directly, but he laid the foundation for a new relationship between owner and slave – as brothers (v16). Paul, as

Philemon’s spiritual father, chose to appeal to Philemon even though he could have in his capacity ordered Philemon to accept Onesimus as a brother (v14). Free will is essential in genuine love, and the absence of free will on Philemon’s part would have jeopardised any brotherhood Paul was trying to encourage. This is a direct reflection of God’s covenant of grace (transcending the law) which allows both master and slave to fellowship in love on equal grounds in the body of Christ. Equal in God’s family By treating our Christian subordinates as members of Christ’s body, our position as “master-slave” or even “employeremployee” is purely related to earthly functions, bearing no significance spiritually. As Christians, we ought not to view our Christian employees as stepping stones to our ambitious pursuits, but as brothers and sisters in the Lord. Consider the backgrounds of these three men: Paul: A rigorous Jew of the Dispersion Philemon: A wealthy Asiatic Gentile Onesimus: A runaway slave These three were united as Christians and gave fresh meaning to Paul’s teaching to the Galatians (3:28) that in Christ, “there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus”. This does not ignore the nationality and culture of the Jews and the Greeks, or the gender identification of males and females, or even the socioeconomic and political realities. But we can still treat each other as equals without blurring the distinctions that make us different. It is not a call for homogeneity, but a call to rise above the social structures imposed by human acculturation. By recognising our accountability to God and duty to love one another, the divisive line of status will gradually erode. 1

How to Read the Bible Book by Book, pg. 388 (Gordon D. Fee)

Project Barnabas is a global online programme to study every book of the Bible in the context of its genres, intended messages and applications for our lives today. It is divided into two 20-week semesters a year and is suitable for individual quiet time or cell group studies. For more information, go to http:// www.actministry.org/project-barnabas/

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