5th Mission Conference in Sibu, Sarawak

In addition to the focus on missions, the concern for being a united, connected community was a prominent theme in the conference. The main speakers and the plenary topics addressed this theme in one way or another.

In the opening sermon, Rev. Khoo Cheng Hoot, President of CAC of the Methodist Church in Singapore, asked if the gathered Methodists there can be as ‘one man’, willing to put aside all conflicts and disputes and let God bind them together as one body. Just as God can give new life to the valley of dry bones (Ezek.37), He can give flesh and sinews to this body to do God’s work.

The keynote speaker, on the theme: In Mission We Connect and Unite, was Rev. Dr. Lo Lung Kwong, President of the Methodist Church in Hong Kong. With profound insights and humour he drew out the challenge of being in connection and missions.

The mark of disciples of Christ is their love for one another in unity. This goes beyond one’s identification with culture, politics, clans, etc.; we are one in Christ. Disciples are also to bear much fruit as they abide in Christ (John 15). And disciples are sent to the world as Jesus was sent by God. Jesus is the first and best missionary example for us. Therefore, the purpose of connecting with one another is to enable others to believe Jesus, to glorify God and to let the world know the love of God.

The Bible studies, led by Rev. Dr. Ezra Kok, Principal of Seminari Theoloji Malaysia, expounded on the community in light of the New Testament – the Community of Disciples, the Charismatic Community and the Suffering Community.

And finally, the other plenary sessions dealt with the more practical issues of connectionalism. Rev. Dr. Su Chii Ann, President of SCAC, spoke on Connectionalism and Church Development. Rev. Khoo Cheng Hoot dealt with Connectionalism and Modern Church Management, and Bishop Hwa Yung, The Spirit of Connectional Methodism.

The honourable guests of the Conference were Dr. John Barrett, Chairperson of the World Methodist Council and Rev. Bill Anderson, Chairperson of the Birmingham District of the Methodist Church in the United Kingdom.

A new Executive Council (2007-2012) was elected, with Rev. Dr. Su Chii Ann as Chairman and Bishop Enoch Kuey of Taiwan the Vice-Chairman.

Before the closing, Bishop Hwa Yung was invited to give a commissioning speech. He pointed out the potential dangers of the future and challenged the Chinese Christian parents to encourage their children to follow the footsteps of the missionaries in the past. (See page 4 for the full text of the speech.)

The closing ceremony was both a heartwarming and soul-revival experience. Rev. Dr. Tie King Tai, Principal of Methodist Theological School, Sibu, encouraged the participants to be the wise man who chooses to do the will of the Lord. “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 7:21). Rev. Tie later gave the congregation a five minutes quiet moment to pray and commit their lives to God.

At the end, the flag of the WFCMC was passed to the host of the next mission conference, which will be held in Taiwan in 2012.

Winnie Tie