Asian Beacon Ministries by Steven Teo

4 5

A n n i v e r s a r y T h a n k s g i v i n g C e l e b r a t i o n t h

A u g u s t

1 0 ,

2 0 1 4

s y a s o Wh s g n i h t d o o g ? e e r f t â&#x20AC;&#x2122; n e ar n

y p o c r Get you

o c a e B n a i s A f o

E G R A H C F O REE

Uplifting stories, inspiring

testimonies.

Website: www.asianbeacon.org E-Magazine: www.asianbeacon.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/AsianBeacon

SUBSCRIBE NOW!

Asian Beacon 45th Anniversary Thanksgiving Celebration

August 10, 2014 | JW Marriott Hotel Kuala Lumpur

Programme 6.30pm

Cocktails and Arrival of Guests

7.00pm Welcome by MC Mr Adrian Ang Worship Mr Patrick Leong and team Opening Prayer Rev Loh Soon Choy Welcome Address by Chairman of Asian Beacon Mr Goh Khoon Seng Words of Encouragement Datuk Paul Low Prayer of Thanksgiving for Dinner Mr Eugene Yapp 7.50pm

Dinner is served

Musical Presentation Ms Doreen Tang Appreciation of Former Chairmen and Editors

Launch of New Vision, Mission and Logo

Invitation to Support Asian Beacon Mr Goh Khoon Seng and Mr Rajen Devadason Prayer Pr Dr Chew Weng Chee Video Presentation Message Rev Wong Kim Kong Prayer for Future Endeavours of Asian Beacon Pr Dr Daniel Ho Musical Presentation

Tenors for Christ (Mr Joshua Lee, Mr Victor Chua, Mr Tom Tan)

Fundraising Auction Mr Rajen Devadason Musical Presentation Ed & Pae (Pr Edmund Smith and Ms Paecy Wong) 10.10pm Prayer of Blessing and Closing Dr Chong Kwong Tek

C H A IR M A N

Goh Khoon Seng

45 th anniversary? In fact, why do we celebrate in the first place? These questions were running through my mind when I received the answers one Saturday morning at a prayer meeting in SIBKL. I quote my pastor, Lee Choo: “As we celebrate the past, we’ll know what God wants us to do in the future!” hy celebrate the

Yes, the Lord has led us into a Bold New Phase in 2014! We took two bold steps: 1. After 45 years of charging for the magazine and soliciting advertisements, we decided to go totally free – free to readers and free of advertisements 2. We went digital to be relevant and current We made yet another bold move: in June 2014, the Exco and staff reviewed the vision and mission statements. The current vision and mission statements are about 10 years old. After much discussion and prayer, below are our new vision and mission statements: Vision: Collaborating with the Christian Community in the Media Ministry to make known His Glory. Mission: •

To help our audience understand contemporary issues in light of God’s Word through all platforms

•

To network and cooperate with Churches and Christian Organisations for a more impactful Media Ministry

•

To be the resource hub for services to the Christian Community

•

To equip and develop local talents to serve in the Media Ministry

The Christian Community consists of all churches – we are totally interdenominational, no preferences whatsoever. We’ll cooperate and support all Christian organisations as long as their statements of faith are sound and Biblical. Along with our new vision and mission, we will also be launching our new logo at the 45th anniversary dinner. Our vision is to be a collaborator to all churches and Christian organisations – not just in Malaysia, but in Singapore and the rest of Asia. We have moved from the humble magazine started by Rev Ben Sawatsky 45 years ago to the bigger picture of the media ministry! The AB Exco and staff are very excited at what the Lord is doing at Asian Beacon. We thank the Lord for His 45 years of faithfulness. We thank you, our faithful supporters, for allowing yourself to be used by God to sustain and contribute to this media ministry.

With these extended roles, we will need to increase our staff strength (we currently have three full-time staff), our infrastructure in terms of IT and office, possibly a bigger office space, preferably on the ground floor, and even a van to deliver the magazines for promotional events. As we prayed for a promise or guidance from the Lord, we were led to Psalm 105:1-3. This passage reinforces and sets out what we have been doing and should continue to do: “make known His glory to all nations of what He has done and of His miraculous and wonderful acts.” In light of this call, Asian Beacon’s aim is to make known His glory through “story-telling evangelism”. We were also given Philippians 4:67 to hang on to as we serve Him. We are not to be anxious but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present everything to God. Then we will experience God’s peace. In our service for Him in Asian Beacon we are to “experience God”. It’s useless for us to just serve Him with our strength alone. Once again, our sincere and heartfelt thanks for collaborating with us in this media ministry. God’s abundant blessings to you and your family.

Goh Khoon Seng

A D VISER

Rev Loh Soon Choy The Unchanging Word in Changing Times and Strategies

A sian B eacon the faith fulness of God is a constant. The testimonies, passion and sacrifices until today of our AB leaders, staff, writers, distributers, supporters, prayer partners, etc show this. Even with its many limitations including those of print media in the face of changing times, it is available almost Malaysia-wide and has blessed a spectrum of readers young and old. It has blessed participants at its writers’ seminars, roadshows and theological ‘GAPS’ classes. n

His faithfulness has been anchored to the transforming power of His Unchanging Word mediated even through a humble magazine. But it also compelled us to constantly seek His new directions during our monthly meetings, annual and periodic evaluations, retreats, seminars and anniversaries! Thus, at our 34th anniversary held on Nov 29, 2002 at Eastin Hotel, Dr. Ong Hwee Keng in his Chairman’s message in the souvenir programme declared that “not wanting to lag behind, AB has set up its own website... a new development in (our) history!” Similar concerns or challenges were shared by Exco member Elisabeth Chong and the five advisers then: Revs Wong Kim Kong, Peter Young, Dr (later Bishop) Hwa Yung, Lee Chee Loi and myself. The twin concerns of ‘the Unchanging Word and the Changing Times’ were captured by phrases like “a powerful tool and legacy”, “in the

computer age”, and “for reflective reading in an age when almost everyone was going for 30 second sound bites”. These strategic concerns could not be louder at our 40th anniversary held on Sep 6, 2008 at Corus Hotel. Our chairman, Mr. Teoh Cheng Hock, led an “AB Strategy Seminar” that day in the hotel followed by his and the advisers’ messages in the evening’s souvenir programme –such as “future expansions” and “new heights of glory”! We were also further motivated by testimonies from our pioneers: the Sawatskys, Palmers, the Chongs and Dr Ong, and past editors Poh Gaik, Peter Soo, Andrew Loh, Timothy Wong, and Koh Joo Fung. Appropriately after visiting a few months earlier Tan Sri Dato’ Francis Yeoh’s Starhill Gallery’s hallmark event (like a ‘world cup’) for the horology industry (the science and art of time measurement), themed A Journey Through Time, I could add more boldly and specifically

my ‘new directions/technology’ bit (without forgetting the proven old values which indeed must still be held in AB’s journey of faith, passion and creativity). “We need not only faith, passion and calling but also cutting-edge professional competency. Not only old-fashioned hard work and team work but also ‘smart work’. So AB is open to the concept of an e-magazine!” The rest (as said sometimes) is, or is going to be history with the leadership of our current Chairman, Mr Goh Khoon Seng, the Exco and the staff under the Lord. But not without also YOUR prayers and support as His people! For Asian Beacon, trusting in God’s faithfulness and guidance is in its early stage of going fully digital!

Rev Loh Soon Choy

The New Asian Beacon Branding and Magazine Masthead. The colour amber represents God’s glory in Ezekiel 1:4; 1:27-28; 8:2 (KJV), it is chosen here inline with AB Ministries’ vision to make known His glory.

A D VISER

Eugene Yapp

L ord for Asian Beacon and the ministry that has been established for the past 45 years. For various reasons, literature ministry in Malaysia has never been easy and for Asian Beacon as a literature ministry to continue to exist and develop to what it is right now is a testimony of her resilience and more importantly the grace and favour of the Lord. e thank the

This is especially so given that in the past few years, Asian Beacon has undergone her own “transformation” to feature more articles and essays on contemporary issues within Malaysian society as it affects the church. This to my mind is a right step in the right direction. Many have come back and say that this new facelift of Asian Beacon is much more relevant and enlightening. The church in any given season must always be a beacon of light shining as luminaries for the good of all in justice and righteousness. Such a role must never be forgotten as the church in times past and present have a mission to play in building the nation or nation-building, as some would have it. However this form of witness and mission should not be assumed and taken for granted. It requires education and conviction, and we are thankful that Asian Beacon has seen fit to embrace this part of the ministry for the good and benefit of the Christian community. As with all forms of ministry and pioneering emphasis, it is usually fraught with many obstacles.

But given that the Lord has been faithful to Asian Beacon these past 45 years and that we are here for the celebration of God’s faithfulness and goodness, Asian Beacon can certainly call on God’s grace and His faithfulness to see her through whatever challenges and obstacles. We are confident that in the days to come, Asian Beacon may continue to further the ministry of educating the Christian community through well written and inspiring articles in contemporary Malaysian life issues so that the church may continue to possess the mind of Christ and be a real witness of the redemptive grace of God in all aspects of human life and interest. Lastly, in this celebration, it would be in order also to thank the staff and board of Asian Beacon for the sacrifices and their personal contribution to this ministry. I’m sure the Lord’s richest blessings and favour will be upon the staff and board members of Asian Beacon. We look forward to greater contributions and efforts in Asian Beacon in the days to come, all for the glory of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ. God bless Asian Beacon!

Eugene Yapp Secretary-General, NECF Malaysia

A D VISER

Pastor Dr Chew Weng Chee

‘40 years’ is the timespan of a biblical generation. The fact that Asian Beacon has been in existence for 45 years is highly commendable. It has therefore served more than a generation to the Christian reading public. This must also be a record of sorts for any magazine in Malaysia let alone for a Christian magazine. The reason why Asian Beacon could achieve this milestone is a testimony of the goodness and faithfulness of God. t is widely accepted that

Throughout the years, the carefully written and edited articles in Asian Beacon have challenged the minds and hearts of Christians and non Christians alike in Malaysia. It has left no stone unturned in stretching boundaries and pushing frontiers to provoke and stir the hearts of Christians to think through their faith and to love The Lord more. Many lives have been touched and even non Christians brought to the faith by just reading the magazine. That’s why God has kept it alive and thriving for 45 years! To God be all the Glory! I am very confident and totally convinced that Asian Beacon would go from strength to strength in the coming years especially under the wise and courageous leadership of the current Board members and Editorial committee. They are all chosen by God, anointed for the work and fully committed to the cause that the magazine has been entrusted with. I sincerely believe that what God has started, He will surely bring to completion.

My wish and my prayer for Asian Beacon is that it will continue to live up to its name as a beacon of light to enlighten the Christian mind and to light up the way for darkened minds for many more years to come.

Pr Dr Chew Weng Chee Senior Pastor, SIBKL

Cover story: AB 46:2, Pg 6 lIfE Is a song

CovER StoRY

Life is a

Song

CarEEr, drE aM or drE aM CarEEr? I began my personal journey of discovery just over 13 years ago. Like most young people, I was faced with the dilemma of what I wanted to do after high school. Growing up to accept that a conventional career path was the only option, I nevertheless remained the idealistic dreamer. I always believed that I could reach for the stars and chase the dreams in my heart. As a teenager, I discovered my passion for music and song-writing and I would spend hours in my room listening to music, singing and writing songs. I found such joy and fulfillment in music and song-writing, and nursed big dreams about making a difference in the world through my music. However, when I began to talk about my dreams with my parents and peers, I soon found myself drowned by the many voices, including my own, of disapproval and discouragement. 1

Does the thought of going to work each morning make you feel like dropping back to bed? Well, you have company.

Lots of it. According to Deloitte’s Shift Index survey in recent years, one in eight people are either unhappy or unfulfilled at their jobs. And according to a study of workplaces in over 140 countries from 2011 to 2012 done by US-based Gallup, 87 percent of respondents are “emotionally disconnected from their workplaces and are less likely to be productive”. 1 It sounds like an exaggeration, yet these statistics point to an alarming reality. They stir up questions about what we do and how we invest a huge chunk of our daily lives doing “nine to five”. We can see that too many have yet to discover their destiny and live out their full potential in the life for which God created them. Would things be different if we sought to discover our passion and purpose in life when pursuing a career? Need our education and vocation be completely separate from pursuing our dreams and calling? This seems to be a topic for hot debate especially among the younger generation today. More and more, we are encouraged to “pursue your dreams”, “do what you love” and many other similar inspirational quotes. Likewise, there is an increasing awareness and hunger among Christians to find their true calling – that special niche in the Kingdom that God has planned for their lives.

BY GRACE SNG

re you a TGIF person?

“How can you make a living by doing music?” “You won’t make any money pursuing your dreams.” “Better choose a stable job lah.” “Not many people make it, only the lucky few.” a squarE PEg In a round holE After much pressure and perspiration over my future, I was resigned to the fact that ‘bread and butter’ had to take priority. So I chose to do a degree which I was mildly interested in – Accounting and Finance. Before long, I was feeling unfulfilled, dissatisfied and frustrated. I often felt inferior to my peers who seemed to have such a head for financial discussions on the FTSE 100, GDP and financial reports while I persistently scratched mine in confusion and agony at almost every lecture and tutorial.

I believe that god has called me to take ‘the road less travelled.’ I began to seek God and ask Him about the struggle that I was facing. I wrestled over what it was that God had in mind for me to do. It made sense to me that if I were to invest a large proportion of my waking hours in a job, then it ought to be something that I would enjoy and thrive in. As I drew closer to God’s heart and asked Him to speak to me, I began to discover more about His calling for my life. I was reminded that He grants everyone unique gifts, talents and dreams for the purpose of being a blessing and bringing Him glory. Struggling through my roller-coaster years at university, meeting defeats and victories, I learnt that the only way to live a fulfilled life is to follow His plan for my life. I continued to be faithful in completing my degree and excelled by God’s grace and wisdom. Meanwhile, I served in worship teams and youth ministries and continued to write songs. Later, I spent a few years working in finance but I knew that it was not the vocation or direction that God was calling me to. I was often inspired by stories about men and women who stepped out in faith to follow God’s will. lIght at thE End of thE tunnEl Eventually, God opened the door and provided for me to further my studies in music, vocal training and song-writing

http://www.gallup.com/strategicconsulting/164735/state-global-workplace.aspx

in the UK and Canada. Because of God’s favour and faithfulness, doors opened for me to serve in areas of music, song-writing, worship and ministry in different parts of the world. God has a purpose for every person’s life and when we walk in it, we find great joy and fulfilment. It also takes courage and trust to step out in faith, holding on to God’s truth and promises. When things get tough, we do not allow disappointments and obstacles to paralyze us. God placed the right people – pastors, mentors and friends – around me who would inspire, encourage and support me along the way. Over the years, my Dad, especially, has encouraged and supported me in my pursuit of God’s plan for my life. It is so important to know that you are not alone on this journey. Pursuing your dream job, especially in the creative arts, may seem impractical and almost impossible, especially in our materialistic world today. Stories abound of determined people overcoming great odds stacked against them when chasing after their dreams. When you attempt to live in the fullness of what God has for you, your dreams may often seem so out of reach. Such was the life of Joseph in the Bible. From the time God gave him the dreams about his future, he went through numerous challenges. Yet, he remained faithful to God. In due time, he was entrusted with the mission of his destiny. I believe that God has called me to take ‘the road less travelled’. But many are called and given the passion to climb the more conventional corporate ladder. Therefore, it is important for each to know God’s unique and individual purpose for his life, and to work for it whole-heartedly. Is it true that ‘it is better to travel hopefully than to arrive?’ This journey of following our dreams is not only about the end result but also a journey that builds our character and faith, and enlarges our vision and perspective in life. It’s about living for the cause of Christ and making a difference in the world. singer, song-writer, writer and vocal coach, grace released her debut single, “let love find You”, in 2011 on radio stations across Canada, as well as a 3-song EP. her songs were finalists and semi-finalist in the 2011 uK song-writing Contest. she was a composer and lyricist for sIbKl’s award-winning musical “Everworld”, which won four awards at the boh Cameronian awards in 2013. grace’s ultimate passion is to lead people into encountering god’s presence through worship and ministering through song. she can be contacted at gracesng@gmail.com. a

A D VISER

Pastor Dr Daniel Ho Whither communication?

G od of silence . He communicates and He made human beings to communicate with Him and with one another. Even when the first pair of human beings was trying to run away from Him God called out to Adam, “Where are you?” od is not a

Asian Beacon has been in the business of Christian communication for the last 45 years and this is no mean feat for the Christian media in this region. With the proliferation of media communication in tsunamic proportions just in the last decade or so, it behoves us to ask ourselves again the two important questions: “What are we communicating?” and “Why are we communicating what we are communicating?” The challenge of “What are we communicating?” must continue to provoke us to deep thought and constant re-examination. It is not just communication for communication’s sake or talking for talking. With the vast array of social media networks at our fingertips nowadays it is so easy for us to say anything and watch these being carried to multitude of people even in the far flung corners of the world. Consequently, it is important to examine again or remind ourselves what we are really communicating through these media channels with its vast reaches. As Christians, I believe it is not because we have to say something but that we have something to say. This must always, in my view, be the plumb-line to guide our

conversations and communication. That whatever we say is correct, appropriate and meaningful. It means that communication must be the truth and about truth. And if it is the truth then it must correspond with both fact and reality. It is only in that manner that our communication carries authority and authenticity. Jesus is that perfect communicator who embodies both. Truth that we claim we communicate must therefore align with the Word of God because Jesus says “Your word is truth” (John 17:17). Hence the Bible must be the benchmark on which we base our communication and everything we write and say must be tested against this plumb-line. More than communicating truth, we must also think in terms of relevance. How can our communication promote life, wholeness and well-being? If our communication promotes doubt, dissension and division then we must be wary in what we say. We must seek to build and not tear down, to heal and not to hurt. If our communication causes us to ask fundamental and philosophical questions like “Who am I?”, “Why am I here?”, “What is life for?”, “Where do I belong?” and “Where am I going?” then we have succeeded, I believe, in communicating the deeper meaning and purpose of life. It is being able to answer these philosophical quests of the human heart that we have answered the second question about why we communicate. I believe Asian Beacon is seeking

to fulfil these dual roles of what she is communicating and why she is communicating what she is communicating over the decades. It is truly a herculean task to process the humongous materials that are available and to decide on what is being presented and why it is being presented. For this onerous task the editorial boards over the years deserve to be commended.

Dr Daniel Ho Senior Pastor, Damansara Utama Methodist Church

pa s t

c h a i r ma n

Dr Ong Hwee Keng These 45 Years…

A sian B eacon commemorates its 45 th anniversary , the words of Caleb to Joshua came to my mind: “And now, behold, the Lord has kept me alive, just as he said, these 45 years since the time that the Lord spoke this word to Moses…” (Joshua 14:10 ESV) s

God spoke to the founders of Asian Beacon some 45 years ago to start this literature ministry. One thing is certain – that these 45 years God has kept Asian Beacon alive, even though at one point in time, Asian Beacon appeared to be in danger of being closed down. It was more of a rest before moving on. It all points to God’s faithfulness and it is in this we celebrate. Perhaps it is now time for Asian Beacon to ask God for “that hill country” or “those fortified cities” as it moves on to a bold new phase. To God be the Glory, Great Things He has Done.

Dr Ong Hwee Keng Chairman, Asian Beacon, 1998-2007

AB46:1 Cover picture. Wall Art by Ernest Zac harevic

pa s t

ed ito r

Kwong Tek & Goldie Chong

R ev B en Sawatsky, the young missionary of Evangelical Free Church who in the midst of his busy ministry of planting churches started Asian Beacon as a tool for evangelism. e admired

Goldie was invited to start a column in 1970 to give teenagers advice on skin care. Soon she received letters asking about boy-girl relationships. When Ben and Morrie Palmer had to leave Malaysia in 1973, Ben asked if we could take over the magazine. Enthusiastically Tek, who had no experience besides doing his university newsletter, said yes. He had myriad ideas and banked on Goldie who majored in English to carry them out. Initially we had to write most of the articles under different pen names. We had to produce the magazine from start to finish: edit, do the mock-up copy (literally cut and paste with a knife and glue on top of Tek’s X-ray film screen box – there was no computer then), convince folks to write, draw, design, advertise, distribute, sell, buy, deal with printers (we seriously considered buying our own printing press as we were having so much stress with the printers), pack, post, etc. Gradually, we got a bigger team of writers, artists and volunteers (we didn’t pay them – they considered it a privilege to get their work in print). We had fun learning together by trial and error. It was hard work, with sweat and tears, but it bore fruit:

many of those young volunteers are now respected church leaders. We also often meet ex-readers who told us reading AB has helped in their family relationships, marriages, parenting, etc. Many young believers in places where there were no pastors, guest speakers, conferences or Christian bookstores testified that they were strengthened in their faith because they read AB. Many expressed gratitude to their Christian teachers who gave them copies of AB. We realise the privilege of the exposure we had as AB editors when many doors were opened to us to speak and minister all around Malaysia and overseas. One open door was being invited to co-author a book with Mr and Mrs Chua Wee Hian, called Lovers For Life, on marriage from an Asian perspective and context. Our passion and focus on the Christian family ministry stemmed from then and continues to this day. When we left for Hong Kong in 1977, by God’s grace, AB had reached 8,000 copies per issue. The editorship was handed over to Ms Goh Poh Gaik. Our connection with AB loosened after we settled in Australia. It was at the 35th anniversary dinner which we attended in KL when we reconnected with AB when Goldie was asked to resume her column Dear Goldie. Now, 10 years later, we thank God to see Asian Beacon stepping into another stage of adventure online

with another batch of dedicated, self sacrificing servants of the Lord. May the baton be passed on to many generations to come, beaming God’s message further and wider.

Kwong Tek & Goldie Chong Editors, Asian Beacon, 1973-1977

pa s t

ed ito r

Goh Poh Gaik Lessons Learnt along the Way

s a schoolgirl ,

‘WRITER’ topped my what-do-youwant-to-be list. When I first joined Dr Chong Kwong Tek and Goldie to work with Asian Beacon in Melaka, it was like God was taking a schoolgirl’s heart-stored dream and making it into a ministry reality.

Malaysians love their nasi lemak and char kueh teow and the vast array of local delights, and in a sense, you could say that Asian Beacon plays a part in wokking up an appreciation for local fare – home-grown writers, that is! On one occasion, in the 1980s, I was in a Christian book room with the American writer we had invited to teach at an Asian Beacon writing workshop. She excitedly greeted her friends on the shelves, “Oh, he’s here!” and “She’s here too!” Then she turned to me and lamented, “But where are the books written by Malaysians?” Asian Beacon gave me my first opportunity to work with local writing talent, and through the years, I have had the privilege to work with more local Christian writers. I was editor of AB for slightly over a decade. Two lessons learnt along the way stand out: 1 | Name and Fame AB was a small outfit in my days; it wouldn’t impress at class reunions and would likely elicit a curious, “Asian what?” In a period of discontent, I left for a short stint to work in a bigger setup but very quickly realised I had stepped out of the Lord’s leading. I repented and

returned. Fame strays, faithfulness stays. Stay where you are and serve faithfully. The Lord will let us know when it’s time to leave. 2 | Heart and Tongue I remember praying and telling the Lord regularly, again and again, that Asian Beacon belonged to Him: it was His to direct and to do as He willed. It was there for His glory. It took a long time for the Lord to get me to see the subtle wickedness and greed of my own heart. While my lips said the words, my heart harboured its own possessive agenda: “This is mine.” The temptation in ministry is to lip-declare His Lordship, and then to ditch time to listen for His counsel and correction and to run on the prowess of the flesh. On this joyous occasion of Asian Beacon’s 45th anniversary, I join you to celebrate God’s faithfulness in sustaining AB. I would like to acknowledge the faithful men and women who went ahead of me, the faithful colleagues and Board Members who worked with me, and the present team of faithful men and women to whom the AB baton has been passed. I would like to pay special tribute to Dr Chong and Goldie and Rev Loh Soon Choy – their steadfastness and faithfulness inspire. I would also like to thank the distributors, donors, writers, churches and all who have played a part in the AB ministry. And to all our readers, an extra big Thank You. All glory and praise to the Lord.

Goh Poh Gaik Editor, Asian Beacon, 1977-1987

pa s t

ed ito r

Dr Lim Poh Ann

45 th anniversary cel ebration of Asian Beacon (AB), Malaysia’s most established inter-denominational Christian magazine, marks an important milestone in its history. his

I count it a great privilege to serve God in this media ministry for almost three years from 2008 to 2011. It was a most challenging but rewarding period as I had to learn how to juggle my varied responsibilities as a medical doctor and editor. Editors come and go but each share the same vision – to communicate Christian values and impact lives. By sharing real-life testimonies – depicting struggles as well as victories – the magazine has been a source of encouragement to many. Besides sharing the Good News, it also promotes critical thinking by providing a biblical perspective to contemporary issues. We are grateful to God for His faithfulness in sustaining Asian Beacon these past 45 years. We are also indebted to past and present executive committees, editorial committees, marketing and administrative staff and various supporters for their tireless efforts and unflinching resolve in keeping this beacon of truth aflame. In the coming years, I foresee that one of the challenges facing AB will be the task of finding and developing human capital. How do we encourage and train budding talents so that there will be

competent people in the editorial committee? How do we instill in them a sense of calling for a strategic media ministry such as AB? How do we inculcate a love for writing, editing and communication among the young? In this age of multi-tasking, information overload and mobile technologies, skills such as meditation, critical thinking and effective communication have been given low priority. Furthermore, a highly exam-oriented education system – where students are programmed to score as many A’s as possible – has its drawbacks. It does little to nurture creativity, originality or independent thought. Though my stint as editor with AB is over, my passion for communication and writing has not abated. I have been inspired to continue sharing my thoughts through my blog, Porridge for the Soul.

Exciting days lie ahead for AB, now that the hard copy of the magazine is made freely available and its digital version enables it to reach a wider audience. I’m sure many of you – well-wishers and supporters present here tonight – will continue to support AB through prayer and donations so that this beacon of truth will continue to impact many lives. I wish the present and future AB committees all the best in their endeavour to disseminate sound Christian values. May God bless them as they strive to be an agent of change in society.

Dr Lim Poh Ann Editor, Dec 2008 – Oct 2011

Meet the Team

Executive Committee Goh Khoon Seng

Dr Wong Lock Jam

Khoon Seng is semi-retired after being in the healthcare industry for 35 years. He is enjoying his new phase of life as a ‘datuk’ since four months ago. He is very excited about what God is doing with Asian Beacon and to Malaysia.

Lock Jam is glad to be directly associated with Asian Beacon since the turn of the millennium (1999). Though sad to wave goodbye to the lighthouse logo of 45 years, he is most excited to embrace the Bold New Phase and the new logo that reflects AB’s new vision: “to glorify God”!

Chairman

Lee Poay Keong Secretary

PK joined the AB Exco about two years ago after his retirement from work. He and his family enjoy worship and fellowship at SIBKL. He is excited to know the Lord more daily and make Him known.

Robert Mah

Committee Member Robert is married, has a daughter and two grandchildren. He worships at PJEFC and has been a cell group leader for the past 10 years. He has been on the board of Asian Beacon for the past 17 years.

Charmain Sim

Committee Member Charmain is a freelance writer long involved in youth work and missions. Although based in Malacca, her husband and she often travel due to work and ministry. She’s been part of the AB family for five years, and is keen to see Asian Beacon grow in reaching the next generation.

Vice Chairman

Loke Che Ching Treasurer

Che Ching (also Mrs Yau Chin Chong) has just retired from government service. She started as a distributor for Asian Beacon in the early days, then as auditor, and has been the Honorary Treasurer for a good number of years.

William Tan

Committee Member William is still a faithful Singaporean with PR status in Malaysia. He has been married for 39 years and has two boys who are overseas, one daughter in Malaysia, and one grandson. He still works part time. He has been in Asian Beacon for about 15 years and worships at PJEFC.

Staff Steven Teo

Cheng Suet Lai

Steven worships at DUMC, and is active in Full Gospel Business Men Fellowship. Before serving full time in Asian Beacon, he was in the ICT and education-related sector. This is his third year in Asian Beacon and he is excited about the new vision and mission of AB Ministries.

Suet worships at PJEFC. She has been serving in Asian Beacon since 2008, handling the finance and administrative work of AB. She is married to Teng Wu and they have two teenagers.

Business Manager

Finance and Administration

Mok Shi-Lynn

Goh Bee Lee

Armed with a law degree which she has never officially used, Shi-Lynn has instead been in Communications for more than 10 years. Daughter to an Elder and a Deacon (and sister to a smartypants brother), she is a proud member of Doulos Presbyterian Church. She has been with Asian Beacon for over two years, and wishes there were more hours in a day to get things done.

Bee Lee worships at Gereja Grace Batu Pahat. She has been blessed both by reading AB for many years and by being associated with its production since 2007.

Editor

Sub-Editor

Chan Shiong Gau

IT and Communications Manager Shiong Gau entered into ministry five years ago when he left the ERP software industry and joined Alpha Asia Pacific as IT manager. He is married to Fong Teng and is a proud father of four precocious children. He is excited about the future direction of AB Ministries.

A Brief Asian Beacon’s first local editor, Dr Chong Kwong Tek, at his clinic in Malacca. Dr Chong’s wife, Goldie, started a Q&A column called Dear Goldie, which is still popular among readers today.

sian Beacon was started in 1969 by Ben Sawatsky, an American missionary with the Evangelical Free Church. Originally, it was the inhouse magazine of the EFC and Sawatsky was its first editor. Morrie Palmer, a fellow missionary, took over the running of the magazine when he arrived in Malaysia in March 1971. In the middle of 1974, the baton was passed to Dr Chong Kwong Tek when Palmer left the country. Dr Chong was the first Malaysian editor-cum-chairman and he and his wife Goldie took editorial responsibility for Asian Beacon. Magazine production moved to the room above Dr Chong’s clinic in Malacca. Taking whatever time could be squeezed from his clinic and her beauty parlour, they canvassed for advertisers, promoted the magazine, persuaded people to be distributors and gave talks in churches. They also wrote articles themselves where necessary, wrapped the mag-

azines for mailing and carted them to the post office. By the time they left for Hong Kong in 1978, Asian Beacon had achieved a circulation of 7,000 to 8,000 copies per issue. Goh Poh Gaik then took over as editor and Ngoh Peng Teck became chairman. It was at this time that the magazine expanded its scope and coverage to cater to readers from the less traditional churches. When Poh Gaik left in 1987, production ceased for the next nine months. Fortunately, Jordan Tang was there to continue the work, but by then circulation had nose-dived to 1,600. Since Kluang was Jordan’s hometown, Asian Beacon was produced from there. Many Kluang Christians joined hands to help with the magazine and among them was Dr Ng Kian Seng, who was chairman. In 1992, Peter Soo became the editor but the ministry was still struggling financially. Thank God for touching the hearts of many Christians who became partners with Asian Beacon and donated generously.

It was in 1995 that a consensus was reached for the ministry to move back to Kuala Lumpur. In 1996, Phang Sow Yoong came on board as a well-wisher and took the magazine to another milestone with her initiative to revamp it from a blackand-white publication to an almost full-colour product fit to rival any glossy secular magazine. Dr Ng and Jeswant Natarajan were co-editors for a while before Andrew Loh took over from 1996 to 1999. In his first two years, circulation touched 3,000. God’s timely provision was again evident, for the generosity of well-wishers, donors and partners kept Asian Beacon going. By the time the baton was passed to Timothy Wong in the later half of 1999, circulation was 2,400-2,600 copies per issue. Dr Ong Hwee Keng became chairman in 1998 after Dr Ng resigned because of ill health.

riefhistory of Asian Beacon

Founder and first editor of Asian Beacon, Ben Sawatsky, with previous chairman Teoh Cheng Hock.

In 2002, Rev Koh Joo Fung became editor. Asian Beacon had a circulation of 3,000 but it was still far from the breakeven figure of 5,000. (This was an achievable target as there were more than 700 churches in Malaysia at the time, and if 250 churches took up 20 copies each, it would amount to 5,000 copies.) To harness the cooperation of the churches, Asian Beacon Executive Committee (Exco) members including Oliver Ho, William Tan and Robert Mah, and Asian Beacon staff made 5-10 minute presentations in a number of churches. Chew Ru Ju was invited to be guest editor for a year when Rev Koh Joo Fung left in 2006. In 2007, Dr Ong resigned as chairman after serving for 10 years. Vice-chairman Teoh Cheng Hock became acting chairman and later, chairman. Goh Bee Lee came on board as editor in 2007, working from Batu Pahat. With professional input and financial support from Christian businessmen, Asian Beacon began to print 10,000 copies in 2008. The

1n 1971, the second editor of Asian Beacon, Morrie Palmer, took over from Ben Sawatsky. Pictured here with his wife, Judy.

magazine achieved a breakthrough when it was sold in MPH outlets and major public bookstores throughout the country. On Sept 6, 2008, Asian Beacon celebrated its 40th anniversary with Ben Sawatsky, Dr Chong Kwong Tek and Goldie as special guests at Corus Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. In conjunction with the 40th anniversary, the magazine was given a revamp. The design and colour scheme were updated while editorial guidelines were revised; steering away from the previous highly theological or intellectual stance. 2008 was also the year when the Asian Beacon office moved from Old Klang Road to its current location at Damansara Jaya. Thanks to a generous Christian businessman who provided the premises, Asian Beacon has a convenient and central location to call home. In December 2008, Dr Lim Poh Ann took over as editor of the magazine.

In 2009, the Asian Beacon team started discussions about harnessing electronic media to further the ministry. Asian Beaconâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Facebook page was started in October 2010 to test the waters. It wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t until early 2012 when the first blueprint for a comprehensive digital strategy was drawn up. Asian Beacon organised a series of lectures called GAPS (God Awareness Programme) in 2011. Conducted by notable lecturers, these free classes covered theology, culture and contemporary Christianity. Eight sessions were held in 2011, with topics such as modernism and postmodernism, the environment, art and more. Four more lectures were held in the first half of 2012. When Dr Lim resigned as editor in October 2011, the ever faithful Rev Loh Soon Choy stepped in as acting editor assisted by Joanna Sze as working editor. Eventually, Ong Juat Heng took on the position of editor (Dec 2011) while Goh Khoon Seng took over the

The very first issue of Asian Beacon.

From the left: Oldest to the latest issue of Asian Beacon.

role of chairman (Mar 2012).

growing stockpile of undistributed magazines which was causing storage issues. Moreover, it was hoped that more readers would access the digital version of the magazine instead of relying solely on the hard copy.

Mok Shi-Lynn came on board as editor in July 2012. In October, the staff of Asian Beacon attended a magazine publishing course in Bangalore, India. By this time, under Goh Khoon Seng’s leadership, the push to ‘go digital’ had gained momentum and other radical changes were lined up. Starting from the Feb-Mar 2013 issue, only 5,000 copies were printed (compared with 10,000 copies previously). This was due to increasing printing costs and also a

completely free (its sale price had been RM5 per copy for many years) and also doing away with advertisements. It was a big leap of faith as it meant relying purely on gifts and donations to sustain the ministry.

In September 2013, Asian Beacon revealed its digital strategy at an event to launch its e-magazine and revamped website. Around 120 supporters and partners attended the event.

After the roll out of the digital strategy and introduction of the free model, interestingly, the demand for the printed magazine increased. Recent issues of the printed magazine hit 20,000 copies – another milestone and a first for Asian Beacon.

Beginning in 2014, Asian Beacon entered a ‘bold new phase’ by going

From the beginning of 2014, Asian Beacon has been actively con-

ducting subscription drives and roadshows to promote the magazine. We have distributed our magazines at numerous events and conferences, and worked with many churches and organisations such as the Bible Society of Malaysia, Alpha Malaysia, FGBMF Malaysia, EFCM, TCF, Girls’ Brigade Malaysia, NACC, Pastors’ Fellowship nationwide, Inter-Church Sports Carnival and more. Asian Beacon has also been distributed to clinics, hair salons, campuses, National Service camps, prisons and Christian retreat centres. Thousands of copies of Asian Beacon have even been on OM’s ship, Logos Hope. The digital platforms of Asian Beacon (website, Facebook, e-magazine) are slowly gaining ground, with an active Facebook page that directs readers to our website which has more than three years’ worth of magazines uploaded, and other web-exclusive content such as devotionals and even books in soft copy. The events section is frequently updated to reflect the current activities and announcements of Malaysian churches. All of this would not have been possible without God’s grace and provision, and the support of many churches and individuals who have stood by Asian Beacon. Our thanks also go to the many volunteers who have given of their time, energy and services to this ministry over the years.

CovER Sto RY faIth In thE agE o f soCIal MEdIa

a s i a n

b e a c o n

enjoyed reading

her blog. It almost felt like a talk show every BY KEviN R day – full of surprises oHAN tHoM our daily lives AS with our camera of wisdom. Funny and nuggets And we are and voila, they phones often and attractive, get instantly she wrote really avalanche of effects left gawking at the the well for her age. world to see. Friends uploaded for – good and bad – was hooked on her. I them. And upon your grandmo now know how adults are not exempt ther either. Social media is what you had for looks like on a bicycle, a tool. And as frIEnd of a breakfast (and every tool, our challeng with frIEnd She offered good e is to decide what dinner) and why you weren’t lunch and is good teenage life; she perspect ives on her the line.and bad and where we should draw Sunday. Social media apps at church on looked great in like Social or Friend Connect media has indeed and once in a while, photos, altered geograph Spotter alert friends of she would post videos the ways in which we connect of her creative projects. with others Scary, ical location when you go your and the world around I didn’t know online. isn’t it? You have us. personally. She was nowhere to hide! a friend of a friend…her a friend. But it seemed of Infor sharE , lIKE and family member like I knew her life In the MatIo n E xPlos Ion , follo W The countless number how they looked s. Well, at least I knew dictionapast, encyclopaedias, newspap of YouTube videos, ers, like from the pictures ries, posted of them. she brainy peopledocumentaries, libraries and the heavy stream of artistic photogra on Instagram, were the sources phs One day, I was witty informat of posters good ‘memes’ known as on superma rket and walking in the Giant ocean ion. Today, the internet is a vast creativit Facebook are some of the ways filled with all sorts y is expressed shopping. I recognis I saw her parents breaking of data. on social media. From ed them immedia news and almost felt tely media makes to how-to videos, social Users applaud your creativit y like saying hello. by hitting some buttons: it easy for you imagine the But Like, Follow, conversation going: can be shared. We can googleinformation to Subscribe Retweet , or Share them “Hi, Uncle and or search for anything from A on their own networks. In the to Z. meet you in person. Aunty, it’s nice to past, of lot of practice, it would take a whole blog daily… Oh, I read your daughter ’s Instan t ConnE CtIvIt to get recognised effort and connections on the internet a blog is like a journal Snail for Y ... Yes, she wrote mail is now looked the tools to promote our talents. Today, all you… No, I’m about to be oneself to an audience actually treasured. Young upon as antiquity are at your just follow her daily.” not her friend. I know fingertips. people no longer what a stamp looks like. When This is the age of technol ogy Social Media. It information sharing, takes and scarce, was limited, expensi ve ConCE rns about soCIal friendship-makin MEdIa With the landscap informat ion took community and e of communication longer to network personal security g, transmit . There was and ing on whole new dimensio little to a to reply n. urgently. Today, expectat ion areas of concern social media, legitimate In my ministry you can call, are beginning to message, video conferen among The surface. fear some my church with youth, I am privilege anyone, anywher ce and play games media is undeniabparents have about social e, at any time. If with young people. d to meet regularly did not le. “What are my you looking at?” reply at once, children I recognise how important friendsh “Who are they of as busy, unintere you might be thought etc. But what is perhaps talking to?” etc, sted or upset. to teenagers. Like ips and community are more grown-ups, they alarming the lack of critical belong and connect need to World thinking that ought is WIdEW Eb go into carving to crave acceptance with their peers. They Our a healthy social social and media among teenagers. constantly looking affirmation; they are the people network s were once confined Some of the concerns diet to for encouragement. we knew. Today, are: Given that each we are able to connect not only teen is unique, they >> junk and with our to express their creativity and share want their friends, and even friends, but with Not all data Funk to Debunk talents with others. with strangers (or on the internet their strange of expressing himself Each has his own way requiredpeople). Friendship-making once Hence, not everything sharedis reliable. and eagerly seeks the ritual of smiling, on social media is necessar to fit in. ways icebreak y, greeting accurate and Some are ing. Now, we just merely sensatio and truthful. It is exactly these add friends or nal and satirical – only meant to needs that social unfriend them by clicking a button. media platform entertain. conversations used Phone s like blogs, YouTube Recently, a post to happen Faceboo k, Twitter, , Snapcha t and two people. Now we can have between pastor who disguised went viral about a WhatsA pp are himself as multiple conversa engineer hard to find a teenager ed to meet. It is people tions concurrently, with as many man and visited his own churcha homeless as we like on to gauge the members’ receptio in modern society who is not a PR and devices we have.the many applications people. n towards homeles in s As it turned cool spaces via all one or more of these kinds of gadgets. him with respect. out, they did not treat vIral albuM a chord within While this story strikes s thE soCIa l us, In the past, our photos MEdIa tsuna fake. Many shared the story was actually Before we even were only shown MI it on Faceboo family and friends know it, social media to verifying its when they came invaded our lives source and reliabilit k without has and thumbed to visit and that of our children y. through Social media has made our photo albums . while sipping it possible for people to chip tea. Today, we in their document on any subject. While two cents’ worth some arguments a s i a n

Old meets new magazine layout.

b e a c o n

And now, digital.

www.asianbeacon.org

Transformed Transformed Lives Lives Thanks to the power of God working through the written word in Asian Beacon, lives have been changed for the better. Over its 45 year history, Asian Beacon has inspired, encouraged and even transformed its readers. Non-believers have come to the faith, others have changed their lifestyles and behaviour, some found jobs through our vacancy listings, and advertisers have seen increased interest in their business. Here are two stories of how Asian Beacon helped readers change the course of their lives.

Thank You! In our last issue, we thanked our generous advertisers, distributors and supporters of the past three years (2011-2013) for their partnership in the publication of Asian Beacon. For their faithful support, we wish to also convey our appreciation to the following:

CalvarY booK CornEr CaPstonE booKstorE (Kota KInabalu, sabah) EbEnEzEr booKland sdn bhd glorY florIst (Kota KInabalu, sabah) MCKl booK CornEr PustaKa logos (Kota KInabalu, sabah) sKs booKs WarEhousE (sIngaPorE)

Published in Asian Beacon Vol.46 No.2 (Apr-May 2014)

Published in Asian Beacon Vol.37 No.4 (Aug-Sep 2005)

Match Made in Heaven

Did you know that Asian Beacon once played the matchmaker? one of our long-time readers found her “happily ever after” through our magazine.

Published in Asian Beacon Vol.9 No.1 (Feb-Mar 1977)

BY NELLY LEE ore than 30 years

ago, my sister gave me a copy of Asian Beacon. I saw that there was a penpal section. I was a shy 20-year old and didn’t have many friends, so I hoped to make more friends through the penpal column. I also prayed that God would bring me a life partner through this column. I asked my sister to help me put my name in. I included a condition: I only wanted those who spoke Mandarin. I received several replies and, as it happened, chose a man named Lee Kok Yin. He wrote in English and because my English was not good, I asked my sister to help me reply. At the time, I lived in Telok Intan while Kok Yin lived in Kuala Lumpur. I knew he was a Christian because he told

happy family: nelly, her husband, their two daughters and the husband of the elder daughter.

me he was active in the Lutheran church. We corresponded for about a year before we met face to face. When I went to KL to attend a wedding, we arranged to meet for the first time at a bus station.

I soon moved to KL to work and we courted for two years before we got married. We have a happy marriage and now have two grown-up children. nelly and Kok Yin both work at damansara utama Methodist Church, Kuala lumpur.

1. What do I like about As ian Beacon? I like Asian Beacon because it is a magazine that encourages our faith. Read ing the testimonies has a great impact on my life be cause I get to see that God is working in the lives of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Moreover it is the first Christian magazine in Malaysia.

s g n i t e e r G and he Well-wis

to distribute the bold step ng ki ta r the fo u Thank yo and trusting ee of charge fr on ac Be Asian s. de the finance Lord to provi so because it fort for doing ef ur yo iune d en I comm trust in the Tr ious faith to ac d au s re ui req eds. de all your ne God to provi u on Paul spur yo of the apostle s d or w e th May ork: your good w His u need from pply all that yo su 19 4: ill l. w hi od (P G “My t Jesus.” urces in Chris so re us io or gl Phillips) eds from ly all your ne who will supp t Jesus he is is hr it C t nd ha “A ecause of w b y or gl in his riches LB) us.” (Phil. 4:19 has done for ine which I a great magaz g in uc d ro p Thanks for months. g every two enjoy readin Keep up your

2. How has Asian Beacon encouraged me? My first copy of Asian Beacon was bought at a Christian bookstore in KL. At that time, I was 20 years old and had been a Christ ian for only four years. I wanted to grow in the Lord so after reading the first copy, I continued to buy this magazine. So it’s already been 30 years and I am stil l reading Asian Beacon now. 3. How has the magazin e touched my life? The magazine has touched my life because of God’s presence with Asian Beacon ’s ministry. I have experienced when God used this magazine to minister to me. Sometimes when I nee ded God’s direction, He confirmed through the art icles that I read in this magazine. I was touched by the articles written by mature Christians because I want to learn from their intimate relationship with Go d. Angeline Chan

great work.

Cheers, im Johnson L

Asian Bea con is slig htly older magazine than I am rings a m . The emorable in my he sentimen ar t, espe cially the t umn. I am Dear Gold al note so proud ie colof the cu who has rrent tea brought it m in AB to the ne the good xt level. K work and e ep up continue memorie to bring s for man beautiful y more g eneration s to come Blessed 4 . 5th Anniv ersary. Pr Victor Wong

honoured to be invited Veronica and I are very ly, l occasion. Unfortunate to this very, very specia , 10 st gu Au d the gala on we are not able to atten it ine ag im I . wish we could although we very much d an ers ne pio reunion for the would be like a family their families. g with Asian Beacon, havin I have kinda grown up ng thi no is late ’70s. It read my first copy in the has traveled so far and AB t short of amazing tha to st surely be testament reached so many – it mu ide ab to ess man’s willingn God’s faithfulness and in Him. d accounts from people It would be so cool to rea by touched or challenged who have been helped, uld wo re the rs. I imagine AB’s articles over the yea ch rea to y wa re were a be quite a few, if only the to share. God willing, m the e them and persuad some will come forward. AB est wishes to the whole Please convey our warm for g vin mo e of AB continu team. May the essence r. the Fa the glory of God the Best wishes, Lincoln Wee

asian Beacon

photo

gallery

After 45 years Asian Beacon now looks beyond magazine publication. We move into the digital era and expand the scope of our ministry driven by a new vision and mission. The printed magazine enters this bold new phase with a brand new logo.

Welcome to Asian Beacon Ministries

Our Vision: Collaborating with the Christian Community in the Media Ministry to make known His Glory.

Our Mission statements: • • • •

o help our audience understand contemporary issues in light of T God’s Word through all platforms To network and cooperate with Churches and Christian Organisations for a more impactful Media Ministry To be the resource hub for services to the Christian Community To equip and develop local talents to serve in the Media Ministry

T h a n k Yo u

THANK YOU!

God Bless you all!

sian Beacon wishes to express its grateful thanks to all these individuals and groups who have contributed, either financially, materially or by giving their

time, to help with the numerous aspects of our 45th Anniversary

Thanksgiving Celebration. We are also grateful for the contributions made by the Advertisers in this souvenir book.

The organisation of this event has been a major undertaking involving many people, and we sincerely apologise to anyone whose name may have been omitted.

Asian Beacon Advisers

Dato’ Mark Yeoh

Mr Eugene Yapp

Mr Patrick Leong and team

Mr Wong Young Soon

Rev Loh Soon Choy Pr Dr Chew Weng Chee Pr Dr Daniel Ho

Mr Adrian Ang Ms Doreen Tang Mr Joshua Lee Mr Victor Chua Mr Tom Tan

Former Chairmen Dr Chong Kwong Tek Dr Ong Hwee Keng Mr Teoh Cheng Hock

Pr Edmund Smith

Former Editors

Ms Paecy Wong

Ms Goh Poh Gaik

Datuk Paul Low

Mr Peter Soo

Rev Wong Kim Kong

Rev Loh Soon Choy

Mr Rajen Devadason

Rev Koh Joo Fung

Mr Kevin Rohan Thomas

Ms Goh Bee Lee

Ms Agnes Lee

Dr Lim Poh Ann

Mr John Lim

Ms Ong Juat Heng

Orange Events Sdn Bhd

and

Khusbu Digital Video

All the volunteers and helpers who have generously contributed in various ways

Management and Staff of JW Marriott Hotel Kuala Lumpur

WithCompliments HAVIL International School

Organising Committee of the Asian Beacon 45th Anniversary Thanksgiving Celebration Chairperson Members

: Ms Loke Che Ching : Mr Steven Teo : Ms Cheng Suet Lai : Mr Goh Khoon Seng : Mr William Tan : Ms Ong Juat Heng : Mr Fong Voon Seng : Dr Chen Fang Seng

Sept 2014 and Jan 2015 Intake Now Open for Registration. +603-2276 3338 | +6016-4105140 w w w. h a v i l i n t e r n a t i o n a l . e d u . m y w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / h a v i l i n t e r n a t i o n a l s c h o o l 21 Jalan Sultan Abdul Samad, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Bibles Books Music Gifts

Congratulations to

Asian Beacon on your

45th ANNIVERSARY

CONGRATULATION ASIAN BEACON 45th Anniversary Thanksgiving Celebration August 10 .2014

Participating Churches 2010 - 2014 Canaan cGHall CornerStone DUMC Eagle Point FGA Grace A GTPJ M.Tabernacle NCRC NLRC PJEFC PPBC SIBKL St. Thomas More

GLAD SOUNDS SDN BHD (25817-A) eternal difference!

wishing Asian Beacon

o mak

e an

Congratulations

you t

Equip

ping

LUTHER CENTRE 03.7958 7188

1 UTAMA 03.7710 5188

SITE W !! E N V E ! m.my I L is s.co

........

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1019, Jalan Semangat, 46970 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia Tel : 603.7956 2901, 7956 3753 Fax : 603.7956 0528 Email : gladsounds@yahoo.com

...... hiny.. s r u o .

ound s d a l g www.

TAIPAN 03.5632 4122

LOT 10 03.2142 4688

‘The Preferred Panel’ Seven International Sdn Bhd Tel: +603 – 6272 2877 / Fax: +603 – 6272 3977 Website: www.sevenbond.com Email: info@sevenbond.com

retirement planning incorporating the tax efficient Personal Retirement Scheme (PRS) please drop me a line at rajen@RajenDevadason. com (and also cc a backup copy to rajendevadason@gmail.com). If your staff will benefit from my corporate speaking events, please check out my content and professional speaking fees at http:// rajendevadason.com/contact/ Some of my more popular programmes are:

• Key Financial Planning Lessons from Shakespeare, Dickens and Star Wars! • New Retirement Realities • Building Your Financial Fortress – How To Stop Worrying About Your Money and Start Focusing on Your Life

i! I wish everyone at Asian Beacon’s 45th anniversary celebration event a great time. To recall the words of a song we sang in the 1970s: “Jesus is the answer for the world today; Above Him there’s no other; Jesus is the Way!” That’s desperately true today. So as we look back at the legacy of Asian Beacon these last four and a half decades, I am convinced our best days are ahead of us!

I urge you, therefore, to grow your careers or your businesses to elevate your capacity to support this magazine’s thrust into the future. Such growth will hinge upon how to better retain talented individuals who are able to help us further our goals even as we help them further theirs. In that context, you might be interested to learn that in my day-today work as a Securities Commissionlicensed financial planner I find business owners and high ranking executives across the length and breadth of Malaysia struggle to retain talent. What I have also discovered is that those senior stakeholders who care enough about their staff to grant them extracurricular guidance in financial planning and retirement planning during company work hours through seminars and workshops nurture the most resilient organisations.

I suggest you learn the basics of financial planning (Christian or secular) so you may better act as guides to those who invest their lives in building your businesses! For instance, each sound personal financial plan addresses three areas: Wealth Protection, Wealth Accumulation and Wealth Distribution. Also, an understanding of the four dimensions of investment risk, which I shamelessly refer to as the DEVADASON W-A-N-T model (please Google it!) – namely a person’s Willingness to accept investment risk, his Ability to do so, his Need to do so, and the Time available to toil toward achieving a financial goal such as retirement or children’s tertiary education funding – will benefit all responsible adults. If I may ever help you with holistic life planning, financial planning and

• Asia’s Looming Retirement Crisis – What We Should Know About It & What We Can Do to Help Our Fellow Asians Prepare for It Finally, enjoy the FREE learning and reading resources on personal finance, goal setting and time management I have developed for my readers at www.FreeCoolArticles. com/giftcentre.htm Thank you. Enjoy your evening and, if possible, give sacrificially to support Asian Beacon’s onward journey for Jesus!

Rajen Devadason CEO RD WealthCreation Sdn Bhd

Rajen Devadason has been a regular contributor to Asian Beacon since early 2009. His column, Money Matters, offers sound, practical financial planning and personal finance advice complemented by the wisdom and truths found in God’s Word.

HYBERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY CENTRE, HOSPITAL SUNGAI LONG

What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is an efficient medical treatment of transporting oxygen to cells throughout the body. When you breathe oxygen at normal atmospheric pressure, it is transported by the haemoglobin in your red blood cells. Under pressure, however, oxygen dissolves in the plasma, cerebrospinal fluid in the brain and spinal cord, lymph and other body fluids. In this way, extra oxygen can reach all of the damaged tissues and the body can support its own healing process. The increased oxygen greatly enhances the ability of white blood cells to kill bacteria, reduces swelling and allows new blood vessels to grow more rapidly into the affected areas. It is a simple, noninvasive and painless treatment

How HBOT can benefit you?

• Promotes new blood vessel growth (angiogenesis) • Increase your body’s ability to fight infection & illness • Reduce swelling and inflammation • Stimulates brain & nerve cells during recovery from injury (hypoxic penumbra) • Boosts immune system function • Helps your body eliminate waste and toxins • Heals injuries much faster

Apart from conventional medical care, HBOT may be an excellent adjunctive therapy that to help patients speed up the healing or recovery process: • Acute coronary syndrome • Anti-aging , Health and Wellness • Autism disorder and Cerebral palsy • Brain injury /Traumatic injury (TBI)/Concussion • Cellulitis • Cardiovascular disease • Liver disease • Orthopaedic surgery & Sport injuries • Stroke recovery Wound Care • Diabetic ulcers and • Burns • Other complication • Bacterial infections of the skin • Lower leg ulcers • Non-healing wounds • Pressure ulcers • Radiation tissue damage • Surgical wounds Other conditions that can benefit from HBOT • Air/Gas embolism • Infections • Carbon monoxide poisoning • Crush injury • Limb salvage/Amputation • Severe anaemia • Decompression sickness

How do I get started? Call us today for an appointment Miss Chriis Lau HP No: 016- 6402172 / 013—3313 313 • HSL Tel. No.: 03– 9010 3788 Ext 149 • Email: hbothsl@gmail.com Hospital Sungai Long The Wellness Centre, 1st floor Pt21147, Persiaran SL1, Bandar Sg Long, 43000 Kajang, Selangor Darul Ehsan

Perkhidmatan Komuniti Sempurna (Sempurna Community Services) 4-2B, Block A, Johbase City Square, Jalan Lambak, 86000 Kluang, Johor Tel: 012-7618288 / Email: hewillcomebacksoon@hotmail.com

Congratulations! â&#x20AC;&#x153;Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vainâ&#x20AC;? (1 Cor 15:58)

From: Peter Soo

(Editor, 1992-1995)

NATURAL GOODNESS OF COCONUT Exported to more than 40 nations across the globe â&#x20AC;&#x201C; from Europe, the Middle East and South East Asia to Hong Kong, China and Australia â&#x20AC;&#x201C; RASAKU products are processed from selected ripe coconuts in compliance with international food safety standards, with approximately one pack sold every second !

MS 1500:2009 1002-04/2005

Free of G.M.S.

No Preservatives

Free of G.M.O.

Cholesterol Free

PhillipCapital

An Asian Financial House with a Global Reach Leverage on our comprehensive suite of financial products and services including fund management, managed accounts, unit trusts, insurance planning, regular savings, contracts for difference, exchange traded funds, investment research, equity financing, property; and broking in bonds, securities, futures, foreign exchange, precious metals and commodities. With global presence in 16 countries, we are adding new clients, new accounts and new assets everyday.

Singapore ● Malaysia ● Cambodia ● Indonesia ● Thailand ● Hong Kong ● China ● Japan ● India ● Sri Lanka ● UAE ● UK ● France ● Turkey ● Australia ● USA

Talk to us. Talk to Phillip. www.phillip.com.sg | (65) 6531 1555 | talktophillip@phillip.com.sg