Feb 2015 Report

Feb 2015 Report

Posted by admin, Category: Reports,

Feb, 2015

Faith@Work Fellowship
through
Asia Seminary for Ministry
(Seminary without borders)
Training Nationals for Nationals

Hi friend, 

Training Nationals for Nationals in integrity and skills (Psalm 78:72)

LIKE SHEEP

(Isa 53:6)  “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.”

God chooses to use the metaphor “sheep” to represent human beings.  The behaviour of sheep and us is similar in many ways.  Our fears and timidity, our pride and stubbornness, our self-absorbing and self-promoting ways, all these are parallels.  To understand the nature of sheep is to understand the nature of mankind and vice versa.

Dr. John Davis in his book “The Perfect Shepherd” notes some characteristics.  There may be some good sheep that stay and enjoy the selected pasture.  They will be others that wander away to a newfound grass of inferior quality.  Yet others are belligerent, causing unrest as they desire and fight over a small tuft of grass.  Some are sensitive and thus are attention seekers.  Others are explorers but are not knowledgeable of the situations. 

The Holy Bible notes that we are like sheep that have gone astray.  We have the propensity to wander, get lost and sometimes lose our way and life.  Turning to “his own way” simply means doing what we want, doing what I want.  I feel free to assert my will and fulfil my desires, in spite of warnings.  Here are some Bible examples.

 (Gen 3:6)  “ … she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.”  The first sheep on earth asserted their will and desire.  Eve, in her disobedience and self-will,  took the fruit and then gave it to Adam.  She turned to her own self and then turned Adam to her own way.  Thereafter, sin came to all mankind and death through sin.  All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.

(Gen 9:20,21)  “Noah … planted a vineyard:  And he drank of the wine, and was drunken; and he was uncovered within his tent.”  Noah misused and abused the fruit of the ground and caused problems with one of his sons.  How we have misused the gifts of God!

(Gen 12:11, 13)  Abraham “said unto Sarai his wife, … Say, I pray thee, thou art my sister: that it may be well with me for thy sake; and my soul shall live because of thee.”  The self-preserving husband sold a lie and his wife to save his skin, not just once but twice.  The wife was forced into this farce.  Many marriages are broken because of self-indulgence.  The Messianic line would have been broken, if not for God’s protecting care.

And the stories go on with Jacob’s deception (Gen. 27:21), Moses’ rash speech (Psalm 106:33), David’s adultery (1 Kings 15:5) and so on, even with us, with me, with you.  Surely, we all like sheep have gone astray.  We have created unrest to our own souls and to others.

Praise the good Lord for the His everlasting love and care.  Jesus, our Good Shepherd, came and died for His sheep.  (Joh 10:11)  “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth His life for the sheep.” Yes, “the LORD hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.”  (1Pe 2:24)  “Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.”  We are loved by Jesus’ selfless love.  We are bought and brought back by His precious self-sacrifice on the Cross.  We are protected, secured, sustained and satisfied by this Great and Chief Shepherd.

May we ever be grateful and may we stay close to this wonderful Shepherd so that we have His life and life more abundantly (John 10:10)!

GREAT TIMES IN YANGON, MYANMAR (23-25 Jan. 2015)

Some 400 from the Fellowship of 30 churches from all over Myanmar arrived at Yangon for (1) 34th Spiritual Conference, (2) Graduation of 28 pastors and students, and (3) 10th Anniversary of the Yangon Church.

The Fellowship, under Rev. James Biak Lian, meets once a year for fellowship, prayer and great preaching of the Holy Bible to further equip the pastors and leaders for the year ahead.  This brings unity of purpose and vision.  This also keeps the Fellowship alive, refreshed and revived.  The meeting place is rotated around the country.  This year, it was held in Yangon, so as to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the church in the fast-growing urban city.  The Fellowship also trains pastors and leaders every November.

The Graduation was a great rejoicing time.  8 graduated with Graduate of Theology, 10 with Bachelor degrees and 10 with Master degrees.  Included were pastors in ministry.  They took time off to attend modular classes.  It has been our privilege and joy to be training Nationals for Nationals.

Praise the good Lord for many that have given in so many ways for the success of the Conference.  Some contributed funds; others, ties, scarfs, shawls, medicine, Bibles and so on.  Above all, your prayers were most appreciated.  God is truly great and good!

TRAINING SESSIONS OF ASIA SEMINARY FOR MINISTRY 2015

1.  MEDAN, INDONESIA

23 - 27  FEBRUARY

15 - 19  JUNE

21 - 15  SEPTEMBER

16 – 20  NOVEMBER

2. KATHMANDU, NEPAL

1 - 5  MARCH

6 – 10  SEPTEMBER (with Graduation)

3.  MYANMAR

4 – 12  NOVEMBER (PASTORS’ WORKSHOPS)

The good Lord willing, we are continuing to listen to the still small Voice of our wonderful Lord of the Harvest and will update you further of His precious will and abundant blessings ahead.

Thanks again for your prayers and support in so many ways. Please visit FaithatWork Facebook or our blog, for further news at http://faithatworkfellowship.blogspot.com/.  Now the new website is: https://faithatworkfellowship.orgThose desiring to know about Asia Seminary for Ministry can also check in at faithatworkfellowship.org.

If we can be of any help to you, please let us know. The good Lord bless you and all yours! 

Yours always in Christ and for Christ,

Rev. Goh Seng Fong

(John 12:24) 

Yangongrad15

Yangon012015