01 Jan 2014

Mene, Tekel and Parsin

Source/Author: By Bishop Dr. Ong Hwai Teik

SCAC Ordination Service 15 Elders 7 Deacons Ordained

It was an evening of much expectation for the participants as well as the clerics. Thanksgiving, love, blessings, assurance, cheers were in the air and dancing in the brand new sanctuary of Sing Ang Tong Methodist Church. Yes, the Ordination Service of the 38th SCAC was held at the new, modern and spacious building of Sing Ang Tong, the first Methodist church in Sibu.

On this memorable evening of 27 November 2013, seven pastors were admitted as Deacons while 15 deacons were ordained Elders.

The new Deacons are: Wong Poh Fong, Lu Ai Lin, Nguang Ung Soon, Wong Ling Kee, Ling Nguok Sieng, Nicholas Tan Chung Kiat and Wong Yiik Tshing. On the other hand, Chieng Puong Kui, Wong Mee King, Wong Ling Kwong, Debbie Yet Yung Choo, Chua Siew Chen, Hii Siang Cheng, Pau Kiew Chung, Yong Shee Ing, Koh Nien Chu, Ling Ong Chu, Wong Teck Hiong, Samuel Law Ning Seng, Tiong Cheong Lai, Tang Kah Hie and Tie Teck Siing are our new Elders.

To the newly ordained, Bishop Ong Hwai Teik exhorted them to be agents of change when ministering in a season of rapid change.

“There are still lessons we can learn in times of rapid change,” said the Bishop. Taking his text from Daniel 5, Bishop Ong explained how Daniel led his life and ministry after he was out of favor of the Babylon King and being “put in the freezer” for years. He pointed out 4 lessons:

Rapid change
1) Creates initiative and opportunities.
2) Sharpens response.
3) Exposes characters and core values.
4) Promotes forthrightness.

Take the “Allah” issue in our country for instance; the incident has challenged us to value God’s word more. Meanwhile it also initiated a joint collective prayer meeting called by CCM and the NECF which gathered churches of various denominations to pray in one accord and bless our nation. The Bishop thus urged us to learn to give thanks for thorns that have roses as many a time we are not called to serve within our comfort zone.

Secondly, our response will be improved and sharpened. In the above situation, we saw many youths and churches awakening and making their clear stand.

Thirdly, one’s character and core values will also be exposed, for good or for worse. Daniel has set a good example for us as he demonstrated noble character though being forgotten under the regime of Belshazzar. He did not take it negatively nor grumble against God; instead he continued to trust fully in the Lord. Even if he was asked to make known the interpretation of the writing on the wall, he did not do it for the rewards.

Fourthly, in the days of rapid change, we should be able to tell the truth when necessary. Like Daniel, at the risk of sounding rude, bluntly interpreted the writing on the wall to Belshazzar, speaking the truth. However, the Bishop reminded that God does not want us to be porcupines, but to learn to speak the truth in love.

In wrapping up his sermon, Bishop Ong urged us to remember the interpretation of the writing on the wall. God has numbered (MENE) our days and we have been weighed (TEKEL) in the balance. We surely do not want to be found wanting and divided (PARSIN). How then shall we live and minister in such a time of rapid change in Malaysia? “We ought to be an AGENT of CHANGE,” concluded the Bishop.

To the clerics who would soon be appointed
and posted, Bishop Ong exhorted them to do all they can in the parish where they will be sent. When it is time to leave, be ready to leave, for our days are numbered. Secondly, the true standard of measure is the life of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Bishop urged the clerics to read one of the 4 Gospels at least once a year if not more. Last but not least, let our hearts be whole-hearted in God and not be divided.