Source/Author: By Judy Chin

GC Laity Convention News (GCLC) - TRAC

All praise and Glory to God for a meaningful and fruitful time of learning, discussion and fellowship amongst 231 participants comprising the respective Presidents, Conference Lay Leaders, Associate Lay Leaders and a good mix of clergy and laity from seven Annual/Provisional/Mission Conferences. We thank Convention speakers, Bishop Ong Hwai Teik, Rev. Sivin Kit, Dr. Mark Lovatt, Tan Sri Lee Oi Hian, Dr. Sii How Sing and Dato Dr. Alex Mathews for their motivating, insightful, practical, comprehensible and at times humorous teachings on “Nation Building in the Workplace”. We thank the Presidents – Dato' Rev. Su Chii Ann (SCAC), Rev. Hii Kong Hock (SPAC), Rev. Steward Damat (SIAC), Rev. Boh Che Suan (CAC), Rev. Jeyaraj (TAC) and Rev. Dr. Jeyakumar (TRAC) for their supportive presence, participation in prayers and conducting the closing Holy Communion Service. We thank Ms. Jenny Qua, translators and staff of the Methodist Church Office for their invaluable assistance. I thank members of the Council of Laity and all who have assisted in one way or another for their cooperation and unity of hearts, minds and purpose in organizing GCLC 2015. Participants were impacted and left Port Dickson Methodist Center inspired, wiser, encouraged and challenged to contribute towards Nation Building wherever our workplace may be through being missional, loving our neighbors and having Godly values.

Key quotes:
Bishop Dr. Ong Hwai Teck on being missional
1 Peter 2:9 - “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light”

“We as God’s called people in the Methodist Family who belong to Him in the Church of Malaysia, resolve to be sanctified people in our workplace, and to serve His Purpose in seeking the welfare of Malaysia by building this Nation in our generation.”

Rev. Sivin Kit on neighbours
Matthew 13:33 – “The Kingdom of Heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough”

“Address issues in the nation with cool heads, warm hearts and active hands.”

Dr. Mark Lovatt on values
Micah 6:8 – “And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God”

“Bribery is contrary to God’s very nature.”

“Our values are what we value. Our values are what set our priorities.”

Tan Sri Lee Oi Hian on life journey
Esther 4:14 – “And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?”

“To all of us, God gave us different personalities, giftings, social positions, families, friends, occupations and a host of other circumstances for a common purpose i.e. to use our personal influence and power to advance His Kingdom and to be a blessing to others. There is God’s purpose in each of our lives.”

Dr. Sii How Sing on life journey
Psalm 119:11 – “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you”

“Collect stones from ourselves before throwing stones at others”.

Dato Dr. Alex Matthews on the way forward
Deuteronomy 28:47-48 – “Because you did not serve the Lord your God joyfully and gladly in the time of prosperity therefore in hunger and thirst, in nakedness and dire poverty, you will serve the enemies the Lord sends you”

“We complain about what we don’t have, but we should talk about what we can do with what we have.”

Summary of TRAC’s responses from discussions will be submitted to COL for final recommendations towards nation building in the workplace.

Feedback from TRAC Participants

John Cheah of JB Wesley MC
“Wow! What a convention! I have learnt from this convention to seek the kingdom of God and be a blessing to others.”

Yam Hong Leong of Butterworth Wesley MC
“Timely and good. Very glad GC is having this programme and we should have it more regularly even down to local church levels. Forum provide us the ideas and ways where we can build bridges across all races and create an environment where we can share His Love and Salvation to all”

Jonathan Moo of Ipoh Wesley MC
“Great experience for me especially when I have been away from church for quite a while. Real pleasure to meet people from other churches and cultures and hear great talks from professionals and senior speakers.

We pray and hope that this Convention will be the beginning of awareness to Nation Building in the workplace which will develop to methods as all good Methodists will appreciate to have as tools to facilitate follow up action. Let all participants who attended be the initial catalysts to influence the local church, then the District and eventually the Conference in realizing the urgent need to be the salt and light to the nation. The Council of Laity endeavor to compile guidelines on Christian witnessing in the workplace to be used by all annual Conferences.