Ling Heu Uh: Play the Role of a Wise Woman

In his speech at the 7th session of Sabah Provisional Annual Conference, President Rev. Ling Heu Uh reminded all Methodist pastors in Sabah that they are ambassadors for Christ. The Message and responsibilities of reconciliation have been entrusted unto them. Therefore, they should be prudent in discerning who are their real enemies and friends. Failing to do so not only brings about disputes and discord within the church but also breaks our God’s heart and jeopardizes His name.

Secondly, to the deacons, Rev. Ling cited Proverbs 14:1 “the wisest of women builds her house, but folly with her own hands tears it down”. To play well the role of “a wise woman”, he urged them to pay special attention to the specific needs of their respective parishes. The blueprint and focus of the church shall then be directed to manifest the love and salvation of Christ and growth in Christ by sharing and meeting their needs.

The identity and characteristic of Sabah Provisional Annual Conference are moving to a new horizon, namely from local state to world level, shared Rev. Ling. Both local churches and annual conference are not independent entities. They are connected bilaterally or multilaterally in expanding God’s kingdom worldwide.

Gazing toward 2011
Looking to 2011, Evangelistic Year as designated in the GC Road Map (the 20-year blueprint of the Methodist Church in Malaysia), BM ministry shall target on three strong points, namely (a) Batu 15, Surundung Laut; (b) Binsulung, Paitan; (c) Keningau. Focusing on new potential developing areas, West District of the Chinese ministry shall exploit Bandar Sierra and Putatan, whilst East District stretches out to Bandar Sri Indah.

In order to elevate the English ministry, the committee would like to recruit a full time director to carry out a comprehensive plan in Sabah.

In the scope of overseas missions, SPAC has been entrusted to work hand in hand with Methodist Taiwan and Methodist Philippines to reach out to the Chinese community in Manila city.

In the wake of the future of the younger generation and the church, Rev. Ling showed much concern on the lack of examples from parents and church elders. He addressed the urgent need of life education and model for our youth and children.

“It is sad but a stark fact that the Gospel of Christ is being pushed aside in this post modern world to a much worrying extent. This could in part be attributed to the fact that we, as a church, fail to act as a servant and watcher of this Age.” Rev. Ling thus urged all churches to preach holistic gospel and give holistic care to a lost world.

“How we plough today determines what we get tomorrow,” Rev. Ling concluded his speech by asking our Commander, Jesus Christ, to navigate the Sabah churches to the right course in the years to come.

The 7th session of SPAC was held at Sy En Methodist Church, Sandakan, from 5-6 November 2010. More than 65 pastors and delegates from 19 parishes of 3 districts, namely East District, West District and BM District, attended this yearly event.

 (Translated by Lee Ling)