I N S E PTEACHERS’ CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP MALAYSIA | CONNECTING HEARTS AND MINDS | 2014 VOL 26 ISSUE 1

PP6303/09/2012 (030561)

We rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know

that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; character, hope.

Romans 5:2-4

ContentsEditorial 1

My Best Teaching Memories 2

Schools – What Do Students Want? 3

My Journey 4

My Nobelian Experience 6

School Transfer: Good Idea or God’s Idea? 7

A Monologue: Unpark Those Negative Feelings 8

Temporal or Eternal Goals? 11

God Works In Mysterious Ways, His Wonders To Perform! 12

My Home, My Mission Field 13

In Partnership

IN STEP • 1

Editorial

Editorial CommitteeIndyrany KannaiyaLiew Nyuk LanDaniel GanGoh Hai Bee Lee Sok YanDebbie YeongSim Kwan HoonJenny Loh Kee Ai Anita Wong

PrinterYH Print Enterprise

Creative Layout & DesignPetrix Trading & Service AgencyE-mail: petrixad@gmail.com

TCF OfficeUnit C10-00-05, Blk C10Apt Subang Perdana Goodyear Court 3Jln Kewajipan, USJ 747630 Subang JayaSelangor.

Tel / Fax: 03-5637 5623E-mail: tcfmy@pd.jaring.myWebsite: www.tcfmy.orgFacebook: TCF Malaysia

IN STEP is a non-profit Christian newsletter published four timesa year by the Teachers’ Christian Fellowship Malaysia (TCF). It is dedicated to Christian educatorsand issued FREE to TCF members.

Views expressed are the writers’ and donot necessarily represent those of TCF.

2014 VOL 26 ISSUE 1

It is another year! I would like to wish everyone a blessed 2014!! May 2014 be a year of blessings, abundance and joy as we continue our labour of love in this mountain of education. May every educator continue to leave footprints in the many lives that we come into contact with this year.

In this issue, we have compiled a series of articles on character formation. Our business in school is not merely to inject knowledge. Developing the quest for life-long learning and character formation are even more important. “Schools-What Do Students Want?” shares with readers from a student’s perspective of what they think schools should be.

As the saying goes “The heart of education is the education of the heart”. Teachers are called to inculcate values that will sustain the students through life. In this journey of character formation, teachers are also tested by our Master teacher in our personal journeys of character transformation. “School Transfer” and “A Monologue” depict these struggles and victories.

What makes teaching so challenging and rewarding? It is because we are almost always asked to perform tasks beyond what we were trained for while in universities or teacher training institutes. “My Best Teaching Memories” shares how a teacher has to venture beyond her comfort zones to discover the joy of seeing breakthroughs in the midst of challenges. Furthermore, “God Works in Mysterious Ways” is a gentle, much needed reminder to all of us that God is Sovereign and He is our Miracle-Working Saviour. He is always encouraging us to take a leap of walking-on-water kind of faith journey with Him.

Retired teachers are much needed in many private and international schools. “My Nobelian Experience” documents the first year journey of a re-tyred and re-wired teacher who continues to make an impact in her new sphere of influence.

Teachers are not just called to push students towards academic excellence and character transformation. Spiritual destiny is pivotal in God’s eternal plan. “My Journey” depicts the spiritual seed sown while in school can bloom and grow into a strong tree that brings nourishment to many others (Psalms 1). The struggle of being first a Christian then a teacher is seen in “Temporal or Eternal Goals?”

Interestingly, we are not just educators when we step into a building called ‘school’, “My Home, My Mission Field” is an inspiring story of how a teacher made her home a place where she responded to God in obedience and reap a harvest of souls.

I am reminded once again that as Christian teachers we are first and foremost a Christian, then a teacher. May we continue to allow our Master Teacher to form our character and inner lives so that His love and light will shine forth through our beings, besides our many doings.

Let’s make 2014 a year of adventure with our Master!Kwan Hoon

Kwan Hoon is an educator who still gets the thrill when she sees students being groomed and in turn bloom into God’s wonderful workmanship.

2 • IN STEP

My Best Teaching Memoriesby Karen Pang

School One I had my practical teaching experience in SMK St. Bernadette’s Convent. During one Biology experiment one of my students suddenly shouted “Fire! Fire!” I turned around and saw the Bunsen burner lying horizontally on the table. The girls and I were petrified when we saw the fire spreading on the table. Luckily, there was a nearby sink. I rushed to take some water to put out the fire. It was a teacher to the rescue! No need for fire brigades.

School TwoNext, I was teaching Art in SK Seri Saujana while waiting for my posting. There was an Art exhibition and students were required to showcase their masterpieces. For three days, I guided the adorable primary school students to decorate the plants together with their creative artworks. One of the teams from my class won first place. It was one of my proudest moments as I did not expect myself to be guiding students in a subject (Art) which I dreaded the most. However, as I was learning the techniques to teach Art, I became more comfortable with the subject.

I remembered a student, Leon in Year 2 in my Art class. He is paralysed and he relies on his mother to push his wheelchair. He brightened my day with his cute smile as he drew and coloured. He remained happy and positive despite his disability. Sometimes, he would borrow my

colour pencils when he forgot to bring his colouring set. He happily received my advice when I gave him ideas to draw and colour. Indeed, I was inspired by his positive and cheerful attitude. This has encouraged me to be an effective teacher no matter what subjects we are given to teach.

School ThreeTeaching in different schools brings different memories! These memories had taught me to give of my best to educate my students holistically. I need to be there for them when they need me and to set a good example for them. Education is not only for the mind but also for the heart. Currently, I am teaching at Methodist Boys’ Secondary School. I am sure there will be more teaching memories to come and they will remain in my heart forever.

I thank God for His protection, guidance, grace, mercy and many blessings in my life. Teachers may feel tired at times. However, we have a faithful God who strengthens and sustains us.

Psalms 55:22- Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.

Karen Pang is a biology teacher in SMK Methodist (L) Kuala Lumpur

IN STEP • 3

Schools – What Do Students Want?

In the modern society that we live in, the pursuit of education has become increasingly valuable. This is especially so in the suburban and rural settings where the privilege is less easily available. The field

of education itself has become a spinning business that requires much specialization and professionalism. A few decades during my parents’ generation, one could become a successful breadwinner without the aid of any academic qualifications. Those days are long gone. Nowadays even a degree would not guarantee one a stable job in this competitive economy. In this article I will be writing from the eyes of a fresh Form 5 graduate. I want to share why I strongly believe in the resounding notion that going to school and obtaining a proper education is an imperative, preparatory stage before becoming an adult.

The thought that first comes to mind when the word ‘school’ is mentioned is usually related to academic development, or in layman terms “studying”. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that mindset, because the purpose of learning institutions should primarily be aimed at academic excellence. By “excellence”, I don’t mean straight As. Rather, I mean students trying their best to score at their subjects. I am not an extremely studious person who is devoted to my books. However, after being in a school system for the past eleven years I finally feel that it is of grave importance to give priority and attention to one’s academics.

For obvious reasons, getting good grades is important in order for us to gain admission into good colleges, get scholarships and possibly elevate the chances of us getting hold of a good job in the distant future. But it still

doesn’t guarantee success. What I can say I’ve learnt from studying is that hard work and determination will bring anyone far. Perhaps I may never actually apply the formula E=mc² in real life. Or conduct an electrolysis process that will revolutionize the field of Science in epic proportions. However, learning to develop an interest in the content of my textbooks, forming the discipline to clock in gruelling hours revising and getting my priorities right have given me a certain degree

of maturity as an individual. It taught me that being good at something is really not that easy. These life-long lessons are encrypted in the act of religiously studying and paying attention during

lessons in school. As a student, I think the importance of the process of studying

far outweighs the results of studying, but they are undeniably still interlinked as the former will be a reflection of the latter.

“Study hard; get good grades so that in the future you will secure a good job and a happy life.” These words are commonly heard by children and teenagers, especially in the Asian region where a high intelligence quotient is admired by the society. I am not saying there is no truth in the above statement. It’s just that as a young adult I feel that there is more to life than just studying. The school environment provides the four walls for a student to develop a social life, experience how to handle infatuation, learn how to communicate effectively and seize leadership opportunities outside their comfort zone. All of the aforementioned elements are necessary to equip a child with the social skills for the long life ahead of them. As a student, one thing that kept me zealously waking up each morning (especially the mornings when I wanted to fling the alarm clock out of the window and crawl back into my nice, warm bed) was the friends I was looking

forward to interact with in school. I graduated from secondary school with a smile not because of academic achievements but because I know I had built friendships with people that would last.

Lastly, school would not be complete without the growth of character which I believe is much needed in the world

by Joel Anthony

4 • IN STEP

My DestinyMy Dad applied for a school transfer for me from Kelantan to Kuala Lumpur in 1979. The school that I applied for was full and I was given a place at St. Mary’s instead. It did not make sense as the school I wanted to go was an inferior school but it was full. Instead I was given a place at one of the top girls’ schools in KL, namely St Mary’s. Looking back, it was nothing short of God’s divine intervention. It was in St. Mary’s Christian Fellowship meetings and through my friends that I first heard of the gospel.

I had a few friends then who never gave up on me. One of them was Mary Lum. Mary Lum and my best friend then always pulled me aside to share and encourage me to attend CF. I told my friends that I was comfortable being a non-Christian. As a non-believer, I loved attending the CF

as it was the only time I got to see a different side of my school principal. She was a very good pianist, singer and storyteller.

Three years later, events took place that changed my life. One afternoon I had a knock at the door of my house. I was then staying with my brothers. My parents were living in Kelantan. A complete stranger whom I had never met before knocked on my door and was looking for my

classmate, Mary Lum. Perplexed by such a request, I told her that my friend did not live there. She was very convinced that God had sent her there and spent some time sharing the gospel with me. I refused to make any commitments. Upon leaving, she gave me a gospel tract and requested that I should read it later.

“If you board the wrong train, it is no use running along the corridor in the other direction.”

- Dietrich Bonhoeffer

we currently live in. Where I was educated, character was taught during lessons and in theory. We learnt to reflect and make goals. We were inspired and motivated to be better people. We were also reminded of the importance of values and virtues. In terms of practicality, I believe the manifestation of ethics and moral values can be shown in extra curriculum involvement. The way we treat others when we engage in a sport, the willingness to work together during a performing arts session, the dedication shown towards the public during community service, all these encompass real life lessons that build character. I am thankful I came from a school which gave me such opportunities, especially in the area of giving back to the society. Serving food to the underprivileged and seeing them happy without the need of material goods opened my eyes to how superficial money can sometimes appear to be. It is because of my education and upbringing in school that make me want to grow up to be someone that has the capacity not to amass a great amount of wealth

for myself but to be able to contribute where I can and make a difference to others in my humble journey.

To conclude, Martin Luther King Jr. made a splendid quote about this topic. He said,“Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education”. I am a firm believer in life-long learning and that all of us could learn something until the day we draw our dying breath. From my perspective, the importance of school is not so much for us to learn new things. School is the place for us to learn how to learn so that education does not end when we step out of a big building but goes on for as long as we live.

Joel Anthony has just completed his A levels in a private college in Kuala Lumpur.

My Journeyby Petrina Shee

IN STEP • 5

My Turning PointI was disinterested. I shelved the track in a drawer of my study desk. Not once did I read it! Mid-year was fast approaching and I was scheduled to return to hometown. That year there was a stirring in my heart. There seemed to be a hunger for God, I told myself that I would get home and ask my Mom to buy me a talisman pendant. I could not recall what happened, and why I did not get one. However, I remembered one of the nights at home, I had a strange encounter with the devil who insisted that I gave my life to him. I argued and fought him back in my dream and woke up the next day feeling weird and afraid.

Then I returned to KL months later and I was mainly focusing on my academic studies. One evening, as I was concentrating on my Maths assignment, I felt someone coming into my room. The door was fastened and there was no sign of it being opened. The presence of this someone was very real. I could not see him and yet I knew he was there. He walked over to my bed and sat on the side of it. By then, something came over me, for reasons that I could not explain.I had an epiphany (sudden revelation)

that I was a sinner in dire need of a Saviour. Tears began to flow down and I was in deep sorrow. I turned around and knelt down in front of Jesus, asking profusely for forgiveness. I remembered asking Jesus to forgive me for I had mistaken others to be God. I felt so wrong. From that

day onwards, I knew without a shadow of doubt that He is God and He is my God. In tears I asked Him what I should do. He told me to read the tract which I kept in the drawer. I had completely forgotten about it. I found the tract. He then told me to turn to the last page and I found the sinner’s prayer. In tears and sorrow, I read the sinner’s prayer.

Instantly, a real deep sense of peace flooded my soul. Immediately my tears dried up. My burdens were lifted. I was relieved. That day I made a commitment to serve Him for the rest of my life.

If I had not gone to St Mary’s, I am unsure if I would be a Christian today. God has never failed to guide me every step of the way. I am so pleased to know Him, a merciful God, who loves me unconditionally.

Petrina Shee is the Principal of Dignity For Children Foundation, Kuala Lumpur.

6 • IN STEP

1st contactThe sweet, soft-spoken voice at the other end of the line calmed my anxious feelings. Mind you, this is the first time I applied for a job after 30 over years of working as a government teacher! Later, I found out it belonged to a nice lady called “Rubee.” Indeed, she is a “ruby” to Nobel. She

gave me my first Nobelian experience of a friendly school.

1st immersionAs I stepped into the school compound on the first day of work, an overwhelming feeling of inadequacy swept over me. “Hey! This is so different from where I came from. Can I cope? Can I survive? Why can’t I just stay at home and enjoy my retirement?” Then, I heard my husband’s voice droning in my ears… “Honey, do something with your life…stop playing computer games….you’re getting nowhere with it….you’re still young…go and make a difference out there!” Well, I’m not ashamed to say, most of the time; he acts as my “catalyst”, to propel me out of my “comfort zones.” In fact, he was the one who enquired about this job for me!

1st paradigm shiftThe principal has a very friendly disposition. I felt so ashamed of myself. I remembered those days – how grouchy I was that no one dared approach me without first checking my mood temperature first! Oh God! Please forgive me.

The vice-principal is the epitome of patience and strength. She is medium-height and small-built but never underestimate her. She reminds me of an anchor that stays the ship, keeping the ship in place. I remember, once I was so stressed up, I literally burst into tears whilst chatting with her. She remained cool and calm and impossibly patient listening to my “woes”! She reminded me of the story of Jesus calming the storm.

My first group of students gave me the ultimate paradigm shift! They challenged me to dig deep into my resources. They taught me to listen more. By listening more, I knew them better; in knowing them better, I could handle them effectively.

1st year completedI came away from my first year feeling I had persevered. I had not given up though tempted to do so many times. I realized God has put me there for a purpose! The school’s mission statements on character transformation, commitment, being creative and innovative, to be courageous and have compassion affected me deeply. Now, I see things differently. I see my students as individuals to be loved, respected and accepted. I see my colleagues as colourful people with different “flavours” to be enjoyed and appreciated. This new awareness of my role and participation as part of God’s plan for the school keeps my adrenaline flowing. This school has made a DIFFERENCE in my life! Physically, it may be small compared to other schools, but this school has a BIG HEART!

In conclusion, I believe fulfilment is not in what we do but in being where we are in God’s plan.

Joyce Mah is living her second half-time with a renewed sense of purpose and calling.

My Nobelian Experienceby Joyce Mah

IN STEP • 7

My PrayerI was in Penang when I received a call from my school telling me that there was a meeting in the education department for me to attend the following Tuesday. Thinking it was just another meeting with the Director of Education, I went on the stated day – 10 December 2013. There I met a friend who is also a GKMP (Head of Department). She told me the objective of the meeting was the “Reshuffling of GKMP” in the Federal Territory. Being called for this meeting meant I must be involved in this exercise. I was shocked and speechless! Never once did I imagine I would leave SMK St Mary in such a manner. I whispered a prayer: “God, if you want to take me out of St Mary’s, let me get a school near my house. Otherwise, spare me this headache!”

The Director of Education handed us the letter of transfer one by one, on stage. I took my letter, returned to my seat. I opened it slowly, hoping for a school somewhere in Cheras. To my dismay, it was a school that I was not so keen on going. I asked God if it was really His will.

That Sunday in Penang, we attended a church service where the pastor spoke on “Is it a Good idea or God’s idea?” He mentioned that something can be a good idea but may not be God’s idea. I believed that it was not by chance that I attended that particular Sunday church service. That message was really meant for me.

My Personal ReflectionIn his speech, the Director of Education mentioned that the reshuffling of 143 teachers was done with the aim for us to share and to gain new experiences. His idea was indeed good. However, I need to know if that was God’s idea. I told God that I will go if it is His idea. When the school shifted to the present premises 15 years ago, I asked God if I should request for a transfer. God told me to stay on UNTIL He moves me. So, is He moving me now? I eventually phoned my principal. It is a blessing to have a Christian head who will encourage you in perplexing times. She contacted the chairman of the school’s Board of Governors. He agreed to speak to the Director of Education. Three days later, the other GKMP Bahasa (Head of Languages) expressed in writing that she would like to reject the lateral transfer, citing her

application for early retirement in 2014. It took three weeks for the Director to finally agree to the appeal made by the chairman of the School’s Board of Governors.

I believe God has His purpose in the delayed answer. Truly, God’s delay does not mean God’s denial. I am glad for the chance to experience His waiting period which was not a wasted period. The lessons learnt are indeed precious.

My Learning Points1. Know your enemy When God does not answer immediately, it could be sin, or asking with wrong motives. So I had to check myself that I was not resisting the transfer for the wrong reasons. I had to come clean before the Lord. I realized that the devil was hindering the work that I was to do in the school. When we know the reason for the hindrance, it is easier to pray against it. I remember Daniel in Chapter 10:12, 13 where God did not answer him immediately. God had heard Daniel’s prayer the first day he prayed but the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood the angel of the Lord twenty-one days. Just like Daniel, I was “mourning” for three weeks before the answer came (I also believe He heard me the first day I prayed). The devil will hinder the work of God. As in Daniel’s case, I did not give up. God is saying to me not to accept the norm. I can do more for Him. In the midst of the waiting period, someone gave me 2 Thes. 1: 11, 12 and hoped that God would count me worthy of His calling of me.

2. God sees me as a woman of valour

“And the Lord said to him, “Surely I will be with you and you shall defeat the Midianites as one man”.

Just like Gideon, I lived in fear. In fact Gideon was so fearful of his enemies that he threshed wheat in a winepress at night to hide himself and the wheat from the Midianites! Before he fought and prevailed against the Midianites, he insisted that he was the weakest and least able of all the men in Israel (Judges 6:15). Amidst the uncertainties of my transfer, I was reminded by God that there were many times when my principal talked to me about taking the leadership role. I told her I am inadequate. In my quiet

School Transfer:

Good Idea or God’s Idea?by Amelia Tan

8 • IN STEP

time, God told me once again, that as He has seen Gideon as “a mighty man of valour”. He too has seen me as a woman of valour to continue to serve Him in the field He has shown me.

3. It is not “if I’ll wait” but “how I’ll wait”I have learnt that before God moves, I will have to wait upon Him. Waiting for answers is a fact of life. All of us go through that daily. So the question is not “if I will wait” but “how I will wait”. I learnt that the how determines the how long.

As I waited for the letter from the Director of Education to arrive, I was torn between going to the new school to attend their staff and panel meetings or to stay put in St. Mary’s to attend ours. My colleagues were very encouraging and told me not to go but to stay on. A non-Christian colleague

said, “Tak payah pergi lah, mesti dapat balik ke sekolah ini,” and those words made me realize that I had to wait expecting it to happen and

with faith. I also realized that my colleagues, Christians and non- Christians, were watching HOW I wait. Was I waiting with faith or was I waiting in doubt? It is when I waited patiently and expectantly with faith, God answers!

I finally received the letter from the Education Department on the 4 January. All glory to HIM! I am glad to be back serving in my school. I know God wants me to feed His lambs here. May what I do glorify His name.

We really can’t hurry God but He will be on time!

Amelia Tan is currently the GKMP Bahasa of SMK St Mary,Kuala Lumpur.

A Monologue:

Unpark ThoseNegative Feelings

The CaseMr Phang sat in front of his laptop, heart dejected and head heavy. An episode with a student had spoilt his day thoroughly. He switched on his laptop and proceeded to express his grievances.

Dear Madam Principal,Last Wednesday, while I was in my class and after the recess bell had gone, a student librarian, Xiu Kin, entered my class to speak to one of my students. I asked him to go back. Instead, he went over to the next class and spent quite some time there before returning to his own class.

A stickler for school rules, Mr Phang could not tolerate students walking around after the recess bell had rung. Any non-curricular matter was to be settled during recess time or after school hours. Neither did he like interruptions to his lessons. He would always punish truants and late-comers. He was annoyed that the teacher next class did not send Xiu Kin back.

by Daniel Gan

IN STEP • 9

A few minutes later, he came out again and I called him over. I asked him why he was out of class again. He said something about going around to see all the librarians because that was the last day for him to get answers from them. Then he said something like if I didn’t like it, he couldn’t help it. And with that he turned his back on me and walked away without waiting for my reply!

At the time of the incident, Mr Phang did not blow his top though he was infuriated. He had come across such rude students before and had learnt to mellow down. Actually, he would have granted Xiu Kin permission if only the boy had pleaded or asked nicely. However, the boy had shown his rebellious streak. Action would have to be taken. However, he would not run after or scream at the boy. He let the boy walked away.

I reported this matter to the Discipline department and I have spoken to the library teacher. But I understand that Discipline teacher has not spoken to him yet because of the present on-going exams. I think neither has the library teacher done so because of her load of responsibilities.

The AngerIt was the season for school examinations. Disciplinary action has taken a back seat. However, Mr Phang was seething with anger as he tapped the keyboard forcefully and furiously.

But today after school, he saw me and he said, “Pang, Pang” and made the sign of a gun as he blew the smoke from the barrel, just like James Bond! The scoundrel was making a play on my name, I tell you! This, coming from him, when he has already defied me before, is very hurtful. (From any other friendly student, it would have been just being playful.)

The brat had touched Mr Phang’s nerve too often. Anything Xiu Kin said or did was interpreted negatively.

I confronted him seeking an apology. But the rascal stared daggers at me as if I had falsely accused him, as if I was just trying to find fault with him, as if I had an axe to grind with him. His fist had clenched. Fortunately, another teacher defused the situation by leading him away.

Mr Phang had stared back at the boy, fire burning in both their eyes. It was a staring competition to see who would back off first. Mr Phang was not sure now if then he was just acting authoritatively or simply being foolhardy. The boy was big-sized and loomed large over him. He could have simply swung his fist and Mr Phang would have been sent flying.

I am very upset over this ruffian’s disrespect and defiance. Action delayed has made him behaved like this. I could have minded my business last Wednesday and didn’t bother about school rules, and I wouldn’t be upset now. Delaying action because of exams or because the Discipline department is busy (I don’t blame Discipline nor HEM) is not being helpful.

The HurtMr Phang tried to explain why he felt very wounded. For being considerate towards delinquents and deferring action, the matter had worsened. For upholding school discipline, this misadventure had befallen him. He wanted the school to stand with him on the issue. He wanted to issue an ultimatum for immediate action but thought better of it.

Teaching has been my life but this incident has made me think of throwing in the towel. If there’s one thing I cannot stand, it’s obnoxious students. Please do whatever you think proper. Thank you.

Yours sincerely,Mr Phang

Having finished the email, Mr Phang’s anger subsided a little. He deftly moved the cursor over to the Sent button on the top left of the laptop screen. Instantly, his finger paused momentarily over the left mouse button. He hesitated to forward the email. To click or not to click? Something seemed to hold him back. He withdrew his hand and slid back in his chair.

10 • IN STEP

Disparate thoughts clamoured for attention in his head. He wanted justice and justice was his right. He deserved justice because a student just cannot challenge a teacher and get away with it. To be honest, he wanted some form of hurtful penalty exacted on the wrongdoer, so that the boy would learn a lesson he would never forget. He felt he was not asking for something unjustified.

After all, school rules are there to maintain order so that things can get done and teachers can carry out their lessons. Furthermore, school rules also benefit students because they help provide a good environment for students to study in. Rules are necessary because

even the Bible says, ‘Spare the rod and spoil the child.’ And when there are rules, they have to be enforced. Otherwise, you might just forget about having rules. Are rules meant to be broken? No, they just get broken, because everyone, including students, has a fallen human nature.

Perhaps really, Xiu Kin was telling the truth when he insisted that he was not poking fun at Mr Phang. It could just be a case of misunderstanding. However, Mr Phang found it difficult to let the boy off. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. He shut down his laptop. He would decide the next morning.

That evening, Mr Phang tended to his lawn pulling out weeds that had sprouted everywhere, spoiling the tapestry of his green carpet of grass. It was a tedious, monotonous job which he did regularly throughout the year to keep his lawn well-manicured and trimmed. He has really poured in much tender love and care into his garden.

As he was yanking one tough weed out, it suddenly occurred to him that he did not give half as much care and attention to his students. Don’t they deserve more? He was quick to find fault with his students and reprimand them harshly. He was impatient towards them. He often called them names and belittled them.

Mr Phang did not sleep too well that night as his mind churned over the matter. As a teacher, standing on high moral ground, he should respond in kindness and forgiveness. It did not matter who was right or wrong.

In a broader perspective, there is punishment for those who reject the cross and there is also God’s love at the cross. Love seeks repentance and not punitive punishment. Mr Phang will give Xiu Kin the benefit of the doubt. A lost world needs Christ. ‘Lost’ students need good teachers. Teachers cannot quit. Mr Phang will not quit either.

The next morning, Mr Phang picked up his laptop and opened his email account. He retrieved the email he had written the day before. He deleted the email. There was a satisfied smile on his lips as he did so.

IN STEP • 11

Temporal or Eternal Goals? by Joseph Tan

My PastBefore I gave my life to Christ in Australia, I was taking my English degree with the hope of improving the standard of education in Malaysia or something along worldly pathways which focuses on temporal living. After discovering my sinfulness, I repented. My life’s mission completely changed. Seeing then God’s eternal purpose was to gather his elect into the kingdom, I wanted to live my life in complete obedience to our King and Saviour, bringing all glory to Him whenever I could wherever I am.

So I told God, “Use me, Father, however You will, send me Father, wherever you will.” One year later, I am involved in Teach For Malaysia (TFM). Teach For Malaysia (TFM) is an organisation that is dedicated and driven to end educational inequality in Malaysia. I first knew about it when my father sent me an article about it regarding its mission and vision for Malaysia, and how it would transform the Fellows (teachers) who joined them into professional leaders. With a prayerful and Christ-centered heart, I applied and was accepted. The expectations of TFM are very high. A Fellow is sent out and required to make “transformational impact” on lives and communities. As such, it demands a great deal of sacrifice from us, namely, the sacrifice of time.

My PresentI have been sacrificing my time with God. There was no time for devotion, prayer, or even church. It is just work, work and more work! As a result, my relationship with God suffered severely. I have become more focused on the world rather than the gospel. Instead of seeking to bring the gospel of Jesus through the Word and deed

to the unreached peoples, I find myself being drawn deeper and deeper into the spiral of never-ending professionalism and excellence, along with its worldly mission. I have lost sight of the gospel and all I think about is just completing work and delivering excellent results. Originally, my impetus for doing so was to glorify God by being honest and hardworking (1 Cor. 10:31). I have forgotten the more important verse to follow: “to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” (Mt. 6:33). It is easy for those in the workforce to be committed to upholding professional expectations. However, the more difficult and important thing to do, is never to forget who we are in Christ and our most important mission: to live in loving and meaningful relationship with Him and His people. As I reflect during my normal working days as an ordinary teacher, I am reminded of why I go to work every day. It is not only to love my neighbour, the world, or end education inequality. Rather, it is to “give my best every single day, upholding God’s greatest commandments and remembering the reason why I do what I do daily; that I may be found a faithful and God-glorifying witness. Besides, it is to witness to and have evangelical conversations with those whom God places within my sphere of influence, and achieving all of them through perseverance, discipline, diligent prayers, being filled with His Word, and being vigilant guarding against daily sins through humble repentance.” By His amazing grace, God has shown me that it is time to pause and return to Him. It is time for me to stop teaching for Malaysia, and start teaching for Christ. “Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Mt 6:31-33)

Joseph Tan is currently teaching in a school in Padang Serai, Kedah.

12 • IN STEP

God WorksIn Mysterious Ways,His Wonders To Perform!

In private mission schools, the number of students means a lot to us. We cannot compete with the giants of the industry, with their strong funding and impressive infrastructure. Many parents,

anxious for their children to get a head start, transferred them to international schools. Our enrolment dipped at the end of last year. Our hearts sank. However, the last two months, God repeatedly reminded me to trust Him. He will never fail me or the school. The following cases are testimonies to His faithfulness. He literally brought these students to our doorstep!

Case 1Student Y was unhappy with his school. The teachers do not care about him. He aspires to progress in his studies but no one was willing to walk alongside him and show him the ropes. He pestered his mother to find him a better school. But which school? His aunt, who has nothing to do with Wesley Methodist School, Ipoh, recommended our school. Together the mother and son checked our website. The Mom was attracted to photos of our annual year-end Thanksgiving Service. She thought it is great for a school to teach students to be thankful. She wanted her son to be with us. Her son was excited to see the varied activities that our students enjoyed throughout the year. In his previous school, only students of a particular group were chosen to represent the school. Both mother and son decided to register for our entrance assessment

in November last year. He tried the first time but was disappointed that he did not make the grade. He was asked to re-sit for those subjects he failed in. Again, his marks were below our requirement. He was downcast. On hearing his story, I decided to reward him for his ambition to improve himself by giving him a place in our school. Case 2Student T’s parents passed by our school daily. Mom, who has a Catholic upbringing in the Philippines recommended that her Hindu husband put their son in our school to learn Christian values. However, for one whole year, he refused. Finally, upon his wife’s persistence, he relented. He is now convinced that a Christian upbringing would give his only son a head start in life. Once again, God was at work behind the scenes, directing the footsteps of the couple to our school! Case 3Being a middle child in his family, Student W is unfortunately sandwiched between two high-flying siblings. Like Punchinello, the character in Max Lucado’s book ‘You Are Special’, Student W feels he is a failure, looking longingly at his siblings’ achievements but no way he could measure up to them. In fact, he has long given up trying. When he came to sit for the Entrance Assessment for Form 1 three years ago, he could not qualify. His mother appealed over the phone for a place but I had to decline her because we do not have specialist teachers to deal with slow learners. Three years later, she came to beg for a place. Her lovable son is still the same, not willing to do any school work and she is concerned for his future. She has done her homework, having checked with parents of our students and decided to try our school as a last resort to help her son. She was told by other parents that many of our teachers are Christians who are caring. After hearing her story, I just felt compassion for the son and decided to help him. So, I gave him a place but gently reminded the over-protective mom to let us do things our own way. I believe, with Christian care, prayers and the Word of God, God will help Student W to reach his potential.

by Goh Kai Lian

IN STEP • 13

Case 4Student E is the only child of his parents. His mother is a teacher. The mother has made a pact with him. He would study in our school only in Forms 1 and 2. This year, he has to transfer to his Mom’s school where she can monitor him closely so that he would be a high flyer in the SPM examination in time to come. So, Student E left our school with a heavy heart, having to honour his promise to his Mom. On 9 January 2014, when I was in KL for a medical check-up, I received a call from the school office, informing me of the Mom’s desire to send him back to our school and seeking my approval to do so! I immediately replied that we would be happy to have him back. Apparently, the parents

discovered a note written by him that he was unhappy in his new school. Upon knowing this, they were troubled and decided that his happiness should take precedence above all else. Again, our wonderful God was at work!

Goh Kai Lian, from Kuala Lumpur, has been in the Father’s business in Wesley Methodist School, Ipoh for the last 5 years. She believes that when Christian teachers and administrators present their lives as a living sacrifice, offering only what is excellent and being filled with the compassion of God, they will be able to provide that quality education that parents are looking for.

“Lily, I need to talk to you.” My husband then voiced his heart’s desire one day in July 1972. We were then two government school teachers in Kuantan whilst his parents and five younger siblings were in Kuala Lumpur. He felt that as long as his parents and siblings stayed in Kuala Lumpur and we in Kuantan they would never ever get to know our wonderful God and Saviour Jesus Christ. How do we share Christ with them when we are so far apart? “Furthermore”, he continued “the main support of the family, my sister Siew Chin would soon be getting married and even if we were to send half our salaries to them, it would still be insufficient to support them in the long term.”

My heart sank. True, we had been sending a little money back monthly but it was just not enough to support such a large brood. Kok Keong reasoned that if his whole family were to relocate to Kuantan, two families could live more cheaply under one roof and we would have the chance of introducing them to Christ; and that we would do this at the beginning

of the following year. “The choice is yours, Lily, please consider and pray about it.” What kind of choice was that?”

My Home,My Mission Field

by Lily Tan

14 • IN STEP

Cold shivers went up and down my spine. We had been married for four years, had two lovely daughters, and happily settled in Kuantan. Suddenly I was confronted with the prospect of having my husband’s parents and five siblings staying with us in six months’ time! We would be responsible for them for years! All sorts of imponderables and many unthinkable scenarios went through my mind:

v Two families under one roof (my nuclear family and Kok Keong’s parents and siblings – the youngest brother only ten years old!)

v Thirteen individuals staying in the same house. Where are they going to sleep in our small rented house?v Our small salaries going to support this large brood for years to come!v The language barrier: I speak no Cantonese. My parents-in-law speak no English.v Culturally, my in-laws and I were worlds apart.

All my friends, even Christians, warned me against such a move. Yet I knew I would hurt my husband if I said ‘No’. Above all, I really wanted to do God’s will. Could this be His will? As I prayed and agonized over it, moving from a position of “No, Lord, please no, I can’t take it” to eventually coming to the point of saying “Not my will, but yours be done. Only show me Lord, if this is your will.”

Looking back, making the decision to obey God was a defining moment in my life as a Christian. So, in early January 1973, the Yap clan moved to Kuantan.

A verse in the Bible, Ecclesiastes 11:1 stood out so clearly:

“cast your bread on the waters for after many days you will find it again. Give portions to seven, yes to eight: ….”I knew God was speaking to me through it. It is funny, this verse means little to many but God was speaking through it to me. “Cast your bread on many waters …” I had been lamenting inwardly that supporting Kok Keong’s family of seven members would absorb a lot of our income. We had started out with nothing and were just beginning to build our home. Our meagre monthly salaries going in to support this family was just like throwing money into the seas – ‘casting bread on the waters’ – without hope of return.

Here, God was asking me to do just that. There was of course the promise that I will be rewarded - “for after many days, you will find it again.” The words “give portions to seven, yes to eight” became much clearer later because there were seven members in Kok Keong’s family and later on, his brother, Kok Weng was to ask if his girlfriend, Siew Mui, could come from KL and stay with us to help in the florist shop which he had started. I readily consented, feeling this too was in His will. At that time, I only wanted to do His will, believing that if it was in God’s perfect will, He would cause all things “to work together for good”. This also played a major part in causing me to offer to his newly married sister, Siew Chin, and her husband Lee Kin to stay with us that first year they were in Kuantan.

Thus, when Kok Keong and I visited his family in Kuala Lumpur during the December school holidays, he invited them to move over to stay with us in Kuantan. Kok Keong told his mother in no uncertain terms that she was not to bring the kitchen and household idols and gods to our home as we belong to the God of the Bible. Of course his mother was most upset and said that in that case they would remain in KL. God overruled. When she informed Kok Keong’s father, a man of few words, that night, he merely said “Just put the idols in a temple and pay temple people to house them there.” The problem was solved.

IN STEP • 15

A week later, at the Teachers’ Christian Fellowship Conference, the speaker Mrs. Kuhn, asked us to write down one big thing we would do for God and also one big thing that we would ask of Him. We were to write this on a piece of paper, which would be mailed back to us exactly one year later. I wrote:

“Father, the hardest thing for me, the biggest sacrifice I ever have to make is to take Kok Keong’s parents and five siblings into my home. It is not only the costly financial burden, Lord. It is also the loss of my privacy. You know I am such a private person. I dread having his mother stay with me. She talks incessantly, on such trivial inane matters and worse, I don’t even understand Cantonese and she speaks no English. Also I can see his Dad is going to be a big problem. And so this is the one big thing I am doing for you. And the one big thing I ask of you, Lord, is that by the end of this year, the two youngest siblings, Kok Leong and Wai Lin will accept you as their Saviour.

A peace came into my heart, my struggle was over and I know that my precious Father was pleased with me.

We had rented a bigger house with four bedrooms. Kok Keong, our two babies and I shared one (I loved this room. Here I had wonderful privacy when needed, spent precious time with my daughters, prepared my school lessons, etc), Kok Keong’s mum, his two sisters and Siew Mui, shared another, His father, and two brothers shared the third, and the married sister and husband shared the fourth room. Thirteen people in all to start with, but the numbers gradually lessened through the years.

The first year was the hardest. Two strong-willed women should never share a kitchen. My mother-in-law believed in the traditional Chinese systems of beliefs (including many superstitious ones) and ways of doing things. She had expected her daughter-in-law to be respectful and obedient to her. But I was western-educated, and financially supporting the family and knew my own mind. I also loved to cook and bake. Sparks fly often but we also made peace often. My mother-in-law was just 50 then, rather hot-tempered but also forgiving. I often thought I ‘tamed’ her for the later daughters-in-law! Kok Keong was wise enough not to favour one over the other! I often felt so sad too for my babies ( 3+ and 1 + years old) feeling unhappy that they had been neglected in that big household.

In that year too, I felt I had “lost” my husband to the many concerns not only of school but also of the extended family. In the past, there was just Kok Keong, our babies and myself. However, with nine extra people, his attention was diverted elsewhere. He had to help them settle in, and adjust, especially his mother who was so used to having her own way in everything. Kok Keong had established his role as the head of the home and many hours were spent counseling his mother in particular and helping his brothers to get a decent start in life. I generally attended to managing the affairs of the household and guiding the two youngest siblings in their studies.

Those were stressful years but they were worthwhile. All the small sacrifices paled into insignificance as all the nine in our household came to know and accept the Lord Jesus as their personal Saviour.

The first two were Wai Lin and Kok Leong at a Gospel Campaign in Kuantan Gospel Chapel at the end of 1973. It was exactly as I had asked from the Lord! Praise Him! The next three – the mother, Wai Kuen, the second sister and Siew Mui had been going regularly to the Chinese Baptist Church. At various times, they too accepted the Lord. My mother-in-law had come a long way from her idolatrous beliefs and superstitions. However, I think what finally clinched it in her mind and heart was an event that took place in 1978.

After Kok Keong had gone on a British Council scholarship to the UK, she was fearful. Though she never voiced her fears – that with the son away, the daughter-in-law would reveal her true colours and treat his parents and siblings badly, namely the theme of many Cantonese dramas. However, when she saw that I remained the same - normal and loving, her faith in the Christian God increased. One day she brought all the ‘fu’, the charms and other ‘sacred’ objects that she had smuggled into our home years ago, and asked me to destroy them. I took them outside my house to do so while she peered fearfully from the bedroom window. As the weeks passed, and nothing bad happened to us, the strongholds’ were dismantled in her mind. After that, she used to pray faithfully to the Christian God for each member of her family.

16 • IN STEP

The next two to come into the Christian faith were Siew Chin and Lee Kin. When they returned to Taiping on transfer in 1975, I was so sad as I felt the opportunity to share Christ with them was lost. Years later they were both to become Christians. Lee Kin’s mother also accepted the Lord; and Lee Kin was responsible for bringing some of his relatives, the Lee clan, into the Christian faith. So the love of Jesus grew to claim more lives. Lee Kin shared much later that he was influenced for Christ when he stayed with us, seeing the way we lived. I felt humbled by this. To God be the glory!

In time Siew Mui influenced her husband, Kok Weng for Christ. Then years later, the last of the Yap clan, the stubborn father, came stumbling into the Kingdom. Then, there was one more. God presented in a bonus to the Yap family.

One day in 1969, just one year after our marriage, Kok Keong came home one day with a skinny boy walking sheepishly behind him and declared that he would be staying with us for two years. I was taken aback. Yong Nin had passed the Form 3 examination in a small town. His father had passed away and out of poverty he had to drop out of school. Kok Keong came to know about him, sought him out and found him working as an apprentice in a Chinese medical shop. So Yong Nin stayed for two years until he completed his fifth form. He was extremely hardworking and studious. He learnt English staying with us. Best of all, Christ found him and he became a Christian. Wonder of wonders how the Lord worked. Somehow many years later, after his studies in New Zealand, he met and married Wai Kuen. Today he is an elder in his church. The wonderful thing is that all of Kok Keong’s siblings married good Christian men and women and from them, we have five strong Christian families.

After I graduated, I wondered if the Lord was calling me into full time Christian service. In 1967, I went to an OMF missionary conference and I told the Lord that if he was calling me, please make it clear at that conference. Well He did not. I was a bit disappointed then. Now looking back, that moment, when against all common sense and all my personal disinclinations, I said “Yes” to Kok Keong to bring his family and the extended family to stay with us, opened the door for God to express his love and salvation to many more. This indeed has always been the Heavenly Father’s desire. He did not send me to the mission field but brought the mission field into my home. God is amazing and awesome! His ways are perfect! Praise Him!

God’s will is PAINFUL sometimes.God’s will is PERPLEXING oftentimes.God’s will is PERFECT at all times.

Lily was a former afternoon supervisor (Penyelia Petang) of SMK Ave Maria Convent, Ipoh.

IN STEP • 17

2014 Confirmed Events1. Formation Retreat for Educators (FULL)

Date: 30 May – 1 June Venue: The Methodist Bungalow, Fraser’s HillSpiritual directors: Dr Chew Tow Yow and Ms Ng Wai Ling

2. TCF HolidayDate: 1-3 JuneVenue: The Methodist Bungalow, Fraser’s HillContact person: Indy at 03-5637 5623 or 012-355 3997

3. Kuching Teachers’ Day Celebration Date: 3 May

Time: 6.30 – 10.00 pmVenue: Mandarin RestaurantSpeaker: Dr Low Guat Tin

Contact person: Dr Tan Ming Tang at 016-977 2720

4. Penang Teachers’ Day Date: 10 May

Time: 3.00 – 6.00 pmVenue: Berjaya Georgetown HotelSpeaker: Mr. Phua Seng Tiong

Contact person: Mr Lim Boon Chye at 016-488 7854

5. Klang Valley Teachers’ Day Date: 13 May

Time: 10.00 – 12.30 pmVenue: St Paul’s ChurchSpeaker: Ms Khoo Seok Lin

Contact person: Ms Goh Hai Fong at 03-5637 5623 or 012-287 7566

6. Sibu Teachers’ Day Date: 28 June Time: 8.00-12.00 pm

Venue: Wei Kuok HallSpeaker: Mr. Phua Seng Tiong

Contact person: Mr Paul Chuo at 012-811 8879 / Mr Tang at 019-888 3106

7. Miri Teachers’ DaySpeaker: Mr. Phua Seng Tiong

Date: 5 May Time: 6.30 – 10.00 pm

Venue: Dynasty Hotel or Imperial HotelContact person: Mr Mee Chang Tuie at 013-835 2181

8. Graduate Christian Fellowship (GCF) Conference on Education 2014Date: 21 June 2014Venue: Council of Churches Malaysia,No 26 Jalan University, PJTopic: “National Aspirations and the National Educational Blueprint”Contact person: G Nanda Goban at 012-234 3297

9. Sarawak TCF ConferenceDate: 26-27 JulyVenue: Lawas, SarawakSpeaker: Cheli Tamilselvam(Those travelling from Semenanjung can fly toKota Kinabalu and then travel by van to Lawas)Contact person: Dr Tan Ming Tang at 016-977 2720

10. TCF Mission Trip to CambodiaDate: 15-20 SeptemberVenue: Baray and Phnom PenhSpeaker: Cheli Tamilselvam

Contact person: Indy at 05-5637 5623 or 012-355 3997

11. Seminar in TawauDate: 4 OctoberTime: 8.00am – 3.00 pmVenue: Vision School, Tawau.Topic: “Ways of Wisdom”Speaker: Dr Jacob LeeContact person: Ms Chew Lee Ping at 013-885 7360

Wrong jobs for the right people or wrong people for the right jobs unquestionably impacts productivity and creativity in any organization. Imagine all the time wasted by people doing jobs they are not cut for or passionate about!

TCF as a 53-year-old organization has come to another crossroad and watershed in our existence. Indy, our present General Secretary has served TCF fearfully but faithfully for 19 years since 1 February 1995! Three TCF ex-co members will be retiring (mandatory retirement) in 2015. TCF

serves mostly an aging population.

Hence, discerning and identifying the right people with the right spiritual gifts and attitudes at all levels of TCF ministry is an urgent prayer matter for all our members. Undeniably, staff talent is a valuable asset for an organization, whether corporate or spiritual.

Nonetheless we are reminded, “God’s work, done in God’s way will never lack God’s supply/provision.”

So, like the great man of faith, TCF can only echo: “When I cannot read, when I cannot think, when I cannot even pray, I can trust.”

Our membership has been hovering around 900 plus members for many years despite various strategic and tactical plans being discussed and attempted. Some of our points of concern are:

• IsTCF/In Step still relevant today with less and less Malaysians who are conversant in English?

• Howcanwe“retyre”thegreypowerinourlifemembershipforanewseason in their lives?

• Inourskillsaudits,whoareGod’scandidatesforsuccessionplanning,leadership change management and future development?

Again like Hudson Taylor, we can only take comfort that “All God’s giants have been weak men who did great things for God because they reckoned on God being with them.” Let us pray that God will raise, call and equip His chosen ones to carry on His work in the future that is only known to Him alone.

Indeed, “There are three stages to every great work of God; first it is impossible, then it is difficult, then it is done.” TCF was started by God’s people and He will sustain it through the days and waves of uncertainties that lie ahead of us.

Therefore, the pressure is great for us to have a glimpse into the future of TCF! However, “It does not matter how great the pressure is. What really matters is where the pressure lies -- whether it comes between you and God, or whether it presses you nearer His heart.”

We welcome your feedback and responses as members of TCF and readers of In Step.

Goh Hai Bee is the vice-chairman of TCF who believes God is still on the throne & He will remember His own.

In Partnership

DISCERNING GOD’S WILL AND FUTURE FOR TCF

James Hudson Taylor