A Brief Report and Personal Reflection

A retreat for senior clergy was called by the General Conference for all the six Annual Conferences and one Mission Conference of the Methodist Church in Malaysia. This was held from 21-23 June in Kundasang, Sabah. The participants were Bishop Hwa Yung, the Presidents, District Superintendents and members of the Boards of Ministry. Bishop Hwa Yung presented us with the purpose of the retreat, which was to give an opportunity for all the senior pastors to know each other better, and to discuss some important issues concerning our work in the Methodist Church as one body.

In this short retreat much was discussed. The topics prepared by Bishop Hwa Yung included (1) the minimum age limit for taking the Holy Communion; (2) the marriage rules and practices in the Church; (3) the issue on the Holy Spirit and the charismatic movement; (4) the small group ministry; (5) the prayer movement organized by the GC; (6) matters connected with the Methodist Discipline; and (7) the future development of the Methodist Church. There were so much to discuss and share, but by the Spirit of God and the able leadership of our Bishop, we managed to voice out many suggestions and ideas for the GCEC and the various councils for future consideration and decision.

It was a good time of discussion and sharing. In the midst of this, we expressed our diversity in opinions, cultures, styles of ministry, and emphases. However, we also shared much unity in our concerns, such as the need for strong biblical and theological ground, concern for a united spirit as the Methodist family, concern for a genuine pastoral ministry, and more respect and appreciation for each other. Truly, we got to know each other more, all of us under the roof of the Methodist Church in Malaysia.

Other than the serious sessions of discussion, this retreat also provided us a good time and environment for relaxation and fellowship. We enjoyed the cool mountain weather, a beautiful and majestic view of Mt. Kinabalu, the serene surroundings, and the casual chitchat among ourselves.

On a more personal note, I really enjoyed and felt privileged to be in this retreat. Not only did I meet old friends and make new ones, but I was learning much at the same time. During the opening talk by Bishop Hwa Yung, I felt ashamed because I was not aware of the current issues and situation that made me realize how much I have been enclosed in my own comfort zone and become complacent. Praise God for awaking me so that I shall not fall short in His ministry for me. Thank God for His grace and mercy. 

Jesus' words came to my mind while I was writing this piece, "For to every person who has something, even more will be given, and he will have more than enough; but the person who has nothing, even the little that he has will be taken away from him." (Matt. 25:29) Yes, God's grace is always sufficient for us in serving Him and getting involved in ministry, especially in working towards our unity. In Christ Jesus we are one body, but we need to talk, share, discuss and spend time in fellowship so that we shall truly experience unity in diversity.

All praise and glory be to God our Father!! 

Dr.Angela Ting
Lecturer at MTS, Sibu