Marketplace, Penang

MAY 5 & 6 UEC CONFERENCE

2011-03-30T01:04:00.000-07:00

MAY 5 & 6 UEC (Unashamedly Ethical Conference)

Theme: “Ethics, Values & Clean Living”

According to the organizers, “Unashamedly Ethical is a movement that brings Christians to make a commitment to say “NO” to bribery & corruption under the UE Covenant Campaign that many countries have adopted.

Our nation is standing on a precipice. We are now facing unrelenting issues of bribery & corruption that have infiltrated into every area of our lives. With the future of our nation at stake, we must now come to a unified stand against bribery & corruption.

Coming to Malaysia, the Unashamedly Ethical Conference is for marketplace professionals, leaders in church governance as well as students & graduates to be part of this movement, igniting our social circles and local communities to respond to unethical practices.

CONFERENCE SPEAKERS

DR DION FORSTER is a marketplace minister and academic. He is currently a chaplain to the Global Day of Prayer & the Power Group of companies in Cape Town, South Africa.

STEVE JOHNSTONE is a financial accounting graduate who runs his own training & coaching business in South Africa. He heads the UEC movement.

DATUK PAUL LOW is President of Transparency International. A chartered accountant by profession, he has more than 30 years’ experience in the manufacturing industry & is a former president of the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers. In 1997, he was one of the prominent Malaysians invited by Dr Mahathir to be a member of the NEAC to help the nation battle the financial crisis.

Dr Mark Lovatt is CEO of 3E Energy Sdn Bhd. He is currently the director of Marketplace Studies at the Malaysia Bible Seminary. Before moving to Malaysia, he worked in IT and the energy industry in the UK.

PASTORS & CHURCH WORKERS SEMINAR

Thursday, May 5^th, 2011

9.00 am to 1.00 pm

Venue: Penang Christian Centre

Registration: FREE

Tea break & Lunch will be provided

Please contact Pr Albert Mah 012-4102025 or Pr Jonathan 012-4011417

UEC MARKETPLACE LEADERS’ SEMINAR

For Business Leaders, Managers, Political & Community Leaders

6^th May 2011 (Friday)

Venue: Berjaya Hotel

9.00am to 5.00pm

REGISTRATION FEE: RM80.00

Includes Tea break & lunch

To register, please call

Josephine 012-4785678, Annie Choo 012-4183363, David 019-4458829 or William 012-4732313

UEC NIGHT CONFERENCE

(Open to Public)

6^th May, 2011 (Friday)

8.00 pm

Venue: Penang Christian Center

FREE ADMISSION

APRIL 26 LUNCH MEETING

2011-03-30T01:00:00.000-07:00

APRIL 26 (TUE) @ YMCA

MARKETPLACE PENANG

MONTHLY LUNCH MEET

Our guest speaker is MICHAEL LOKE who is now residing in Melbourne. He is married to Gwen and have 2 sons: Joshua, a church youth director in HK and Daniel, doing his 2^nd year in Monash.

Michael has a Bachelor’s degree from Strathclyde University, Scotland, and master’s degrees from Nottingham University, England and Harvest Bible College, Melbourne. He is a Chartered Engineer.

Presently, Michael works fulltime with Rockwell Automation, as Sustainability Manager for Australia and New Zealand. Previously, He has held various senior positions at Perkins Engines (UK), Delphi Automotive Systems, (Australia, Asia) and Jabil Circuit (Asia).

Michael also serves on the International Board for Bartimaeus Project, under Inter-Mission of Switzerland, working primarily among beggars in the slum areas of India. Together with Gwen, they are advisors of the Alpha course in Australia. He is also a part time lecturer at Harvest Bible College. They attend CityLife Church, Melbourne, a church of about 9,000 and are involved in coaching life group leaders and also serve as facilitators of The Marriage Course.

Michael’s ministry interest include healing/deliverance, leadership development and coaching, church growth and marketplace ministry.

APRIL 8 & 9 TOCT CONFERENCE

2011-03-30T00:59:00.000-07:00

APRIL 8 (FRIDAY) TOCT

Transforming Our City Together Conference

Komplex Masyarakat Penyayang

Western Road, Penang

Ever thought about making a difference in the community around you but have no clue where to start? This conference brings you all the information you need to know in one interactive setting.

600 leaders are expected from all around the country to attend. Join this select group of God’s people to expand your knowledge on the issues of business and commerce, family & education, politics & government, media & entertainment, law & social justice from a panel of ministry practitioners from Malaysia & abroad.

Participate in workshops & forums, and explore exhibitions of current projects by existing communities. You could get involved or network with people who have started making a difference within their community. Come & be inspired to be a change agent for God.

SPEAKERS

GOH KEAT PENG

A graduate in English & Education, he read theology at the Asian Theological Seminary & Loyola School of Theology. Most recently, Keat Peng has served the poor communities in East Timor.

DR KIM TAN

Is co-founder & trustee of TBN, the Transformational Business Network which supports micro enterprises & SMEs in developing nations.

RICK RUSAW

Is the lead pastor of Lifebridge Christian Church, Colorado. He co-founded the Externally Focused Network & co-authored several books on the Externally Focused Church, Life & Quest.

DAVID BOK

Served as national director for Navigators Malaysia from 1983-88.Thereafter, he was in missions & leadership development for Navigators in Asia. Currently, he is involved in interfaith dialogue in this region.

TO REGISTER FOR THE TOCT

CONFERENCE, go to www.toctconference.com. The registration fee is RM80 per person.

TOCT NIGHT OF HOPE

Is a fund raising event for Project Harap which provides quality pre-school education to the children of the poor, providing a strong foundation for a better tomorrow.

APRIL 9 (SATURDAY)

TOCT BOOTH EXHIBITION

Komplex Masyarakat Penyayang

From 10.00am till 6.00pm.

About 50 organizations will be exhibiting and sharing their experiences in reaching out to the community in the major spheres of business and commerce, family & education, politics & government, media & entertainment, law & social justice. Be inspired as you interact with these exhibitors and get to network with groups & individuals with whom you share a similar interest.

Running simultaneously with the Booth Exhibition will be a number of FREE SEMINARS you can participate. For more info, contact Abraham & Irene Gan (016-4428080)

APRIL 1 & 2 CONCERT

2011-03-30T00:56:00.001-07:00

April 1 & 2 – 7.30 pm

@ FGA, Air Itam

Musical Testimony Concert

by Pastor Dong Campoy & Team

The organizers wrote: “This is going to be one of the most unforgettable events of 2011. In the world’s point of view, the disabled are useless and weak. But God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. For the first time ever, all the way from the Philippines, Pastor Dong Campoy are visiting Penang with his Team, most of who are blind. But God has blessed them with angelic voice.”

Abandoned at age of 9 by his father, Pr Dong overcame his polio disability, plus many other ailments and family tragedies to emerge an effective singing evangelist for God. His early days as a child beggar did not obstruct his rise towards an international Christian ministry.

Pr Dong and his musically talented family together with a team of six others who are visually impaired will be ministering in Penang.

Make a special effort to invite the Filipinos you know to this concert. For more info, please contact Selina Tan 012-4992777.

APRIL 1 & 2 CONCERT

2011-03-30T00:56:00.000-07:00

April 1 & 2 – 7.30 pm

@ FGA, Air Itam

Musical Testimony Concert

by Pastor Dong Campoy & Team

Pr Dong and his musically talented family together with a team of six others who are visually impaired will be ministering in Penang.

Make a special effort to invite the Filipinos you know to this concert. For more info, please contact Selina Tan 012-4992777.

Nahum

2011-03-30T00:45:00.001-07:00

WORD @ WORK Supplement

July – September Focus

On Nahum/Habakkuk/Zephaniah

NOTES on NAHUM

By Abraham Gan

“Battling Bullies In The Marketplace”

The Biblical Book of Nahum centers on Nineveh, the capital of the then super power of the 7^th & 8^th Century B.C.

With its lean & mean military might, Nineveh forced its way into global preeminence. Her foreign slaves built a beautiful & sophisticated metropolis with broad boulevards and a 100 feet high perimeter wall which she believed to be impregnable. She attracted a flood of foreign merchants (3:16) trading a splendid array of exotic expensive goods & services.

She had just defeated the city of Thebes (3:8-9) a famous stronghold of Egypt. She had won the world and no one would be able to challenge her paramount position. Wrong.

Nahum prophesied its destruction by a flood (see 1:8) and in 612 BC, when besieged by the combined armies of the Babylonians & Medes, an unprecedented rain storm brought down one side of her city walls and gifted her enemies a clear passage to deal a fatal defeat (3:19) on her drenched armies.

COMFORT FOR THE BULLIED

“Nahum” means “comfort, consolation or relief.” About a 100 years earlier, the people of Judah witnessed the destruction of their neighbour, Samaria or the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Subsequently, Assyria captured several cities of Judah. In the reign of Hezekiah, God gave Judah a temporary reprieve from the Assyrian threat (see Isaiah chs.36&37). The people of God lived in a climate of fear dreading that their turn for destruction would come soon.

But Nahum brought the good news of the soon collapse of Nineveh and the beginning of a new era of peace & restoration (1:15; 2:2)

BE ENCOURAGED!

Are you currently being bullied, terrorized, intimidated or threatened by some huge unfriendly, cruel force? God will visit all arrogant tyrants with His judgment and destruction. The bigger they are, the harder they shall fall!

THE GREATER CHALLENGE

– Battling the Bullies!

When our marketplace is dominated by ruthless & God defying despots working in tandem or under the spell of spiritual principalities (1:14 cf.Eph.6:12),

the well being of our cities and nation is under a grave threat. It is imperative for us to challenge these “bullies.”

If they thrive and triumph, our future and that of our children will be in dark danger. If we allow these terrorizing forces to plunder our God given rights and inheritance, they will usher in an unbridled reign of terror in our marketplace.

There is already an invisible cloud of fear and intimidation squeezing us to conform to its control (see Romans 12:2). People are afraid to go out of their way to care & share.

The sinister mantra of the spirit of today is: Don’t be a busybody. Just mind your own business. Live your own life. Why get into trouble by getting involved with other people’s lives? Concentrate on your business & career. Enjoy your little paradise. Why jeopardize your livelihood and your family’s future by entangling yourself in other people’s affairs. Let the big government and the paid politicians handle the mess.

Are we allowing ourselves to be bullied into just a corner? Perhaps, a cozy & comfortable corner in our little universe while the rest of the people can go to H…? We need to break free from this mockery of the abundant life in Christ. Let us rise up and battle the bullies in our marketplace!

LEARN MORE

In our coming Marketplace Bible Forum

Venue: RGBC, Air Itam

Date: Sat, 18^th September, 2010

Time: 3.00pm – 6.00pm Teatime begins at 2.30pm

Speaker on Nahum: Sis Josephine Yoong , MBA attends Georgetown Baptist. With her family’s support & encouragement, she runs an exciting business catering to kids & parents. Her heart is for prayer & women in biz.

SPEAKERS for Habakkuk & Zephaniah are Bro Kew Chii Shiang & Bro Eddie Ng. We will introduce them in our next Word@Work supplement

MARKETPLACE DISTINCTIVE

In Penang, we have had many good seminars led by renowned speakers. In MP, we are committed to developing our local Marketplace believers into the full potential & destiny of God has for them. Help us to promote: “Buy Penang!” We believe ‘Local Ginger is Hot Too!”

Enquiries: 016-4428080 or Email: abrahamgan@hotmail.com

Marketplace Ministers

2011-03-30T00:42:00.001-07:00

COMMISSIONING MARKETPLACE MINISTERS

“They were lined up expectantly that Sunday morning, dozens of candidates, ready to submit their lives to the Lord as full-time ministers. They believed that God could use them to demonstrate the gospel of the Kingdom in a way that could bring in the endtime harvest. These were business and professional leaders who had discovered that “their businesses were their ministries” and they were committing them-all of them-to God. Seldom have I seen such a serious, radically committed, spiritually pumped group of people in my life.

Seeing these candidates that morning, I realized they were not really a new breed. Rather, they were a newly released group of individuals… who had found God’s call and lived it out in the context of their daily work. Here was a group of men and women who were ready to take on California’s Silicon Valley. They were no longer content to just work; they were going to minister. Their weapons of warfare were intimacy with God, intercession, integrity, moral character, passion for the lost, and compassion for the hurting. They were committed to building relationships with those who needed Jesus, and they carried one additional weapon in their hands – blessing.

The idea for the (commissioning) had come about quite unexpectedly. What I had thought to be a couple of messages to business and professional leaders about making their business their ministry; had turned into an on-going series of messages. In the middle of one of these, I was proclaiming, “You are in the ministry. The call of God is for all of us. God did not call just a select few. He has called you. Your business is your ministry.” My next words were totally unplanned, but I believe they were from God “Since you are called of God into the ministry of business, we should (commission) you.”

But how do you “commission” the business or professional person? And of even greater importance, is it biblical? As I began to study again the biblical concept of ordination, I became even more convinced. Yes, God really does have a very special plan for the business and professional Christian, and it is quite appropriate from a biblical context to set apart those that are answering that call.

As the men and women knelt to receive from the Lord, we sensed something was about to break forth in the heavenly realms. This was – is – a new day, a day in which ministry is moved out of the church building and into the marketplace. The nameless, faceless crowd, like the 70 sent out by Jesus in Luke chapter 10, are coming. They are being released.”

(Adapted from God@Work by Rich Marshall, pp.25-30)

TON OF TNT

2011-03-30T00:40:00.001-07:00

2011 JANUARY

TON of TNT

An exciting movement is gaining momentum in our nation. This is the zeal to see our cities and nation transformed by the Grace of God. There is a ground swell of fervent prayer & bold talk about working together to welcome God’s sovereign move of change & transformation to sweep the length and breadth of our land.

From our observation, almost every fellowship of God’s people in our nation is experiencing the favour of God in unprecedented measures. It is as if a massive supernatural climate change is enveloping our cities and communities.

Leaders, young & old, and believers of all shapes and sizes J are rising up with great enthusiasm. Everywhere, we hear of testimonies of open doors & open hearts to the good news of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Transforming Our Nation (TON) may seem like a tall order and a heavy assignment. But when we cooperate with God & one another in the task of Transforming the Nation TOGETHER (TNT), super natural dynamite is released for the breaking down of personal bondages and societal strongholds. The repentant will be restored to the image of God and the destiny of God for their lives & future.

We invite you to venture together with the growing band of believers in this adventure of change & transformation.

Abraham & Irene Gan

MATTHEW: From Tax 2 Text

2011-03-30T00:38:00.001-07:00

WORD@WORK MEDITATION

BOOK OF MATTHEW

“From Tax to Text”

In the new & significant year of 2011, we are starting a new series of Marketplace Word@Work meditations from the New Testament. This is in preparation of our first Bible Forum in March on the Book of Matthew.

Matthew, The Man

His given name was “Levi” which means “joined, bond” (Genesis 29:34). When Jesus called him, there was a name change to “Matthew” meaning “Gift of God” (Matt.9:9) for truly it is only the grace of God that allows a social outcast to ascend to the exalted rank of apostleship.

Matthew’s Hometown :

Capernaum of Galilee, City of Great Light was the base of Jesus’ public ministry (Matt. 4:12-16)

Whether it was Matthew’s place of birth or where he grew up, it was his chosen place of work. His tax office was prominently positioned at the city gate. Nevertheless, it was not this “state of the art” office that drew the Master’s attention. It was the state of his heart.

Matthew’s Chosen Career

He bought into the tax collection franchise of King Herod Antipas. It was a hated profession greatly despised by his fellow citizens. Over zealous tax agents often overcharged the people to line up their pockets. One author observed that when Jesus called Matthew, it seemed like an act of insanity. But Jesus saw the potential of a “new” Matthew serving God & people in the marketplace.

So, Matthew embraced a challenging career change & joined the apostolic “firm” of Jesus that took him finally to places like Ethiopia & Macedonia where it is believed to be where he ended his days.

Matthew’s Passion

He was an avid student of the Hebrew Scriptures specializing in the prophecies on the coming of the Messiah.

Matthew’s Turning Point

God’s opportune moment for Matthew came that day when Jesus came by his tax booth and issued him the compelling invitation to join his team. Up to that point, it is not hard to guess that he was becoming increasingly disillusioned with his life & career. Though financially rewarding, the life & job of a tax collector was socially & emotionally fatal. The ugly stigma of a betrayer, traitor, and exploiter had become unbearable.

Was it then that in the dark night of his soul, he turned to the consolation of the scriptures and began to yearn for the promised coming of the Messiah who would liberate His people from the yoke of foreign power and the evils of a corrupt system of which he was also a guilty party! “Oh, that the Messiah would come and liberate us, liberate me!”

Matthew, The Marketplace Minister

Banquet Outreach

Immediately after the call of Jesus, Matthew left his hated tax office. He invited Jesus to his home for a grand dinner. He was not about to keep this momentous event under wraps. His dinner guest list probably included most of the R-rated segment of the Capernaum society – “tax collectors & sinners.” But would Jesus attend? According to one commentator, Jesus’ positive acceptance & attendance at Matthew’s dinner was an act of grace & mercy. Jesus cared more for Matthew as a person than for his own reputation! Did this historic event later influence the conversion of another notorious tax collector, Zacchaeus of Jericho?

Media Outreach

Matthew shifted the focus of his pen from figures to facts. His passion for study, research and writing produced an everlasting print tribute to the outstanding life & work of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

Matthew's Gospel has been called "the most important book in the world" (Renan), and "the most successful book ever written" (Goodspeed). (see www.christianity.co.nz/ eye-4.htm)

CLOSING CHALLENGE

In today’s overpowering influence of graphic media, is there place for print media to effect a meaningful impact in today’s marketplace of ideas? The answer is a big ‘YES!” Graphic media is a limited 3-D portal. In contrast, words unbridled is a 4-D experience with a height dimension where our minds stirred & stimulated can soar to lofty vistas & heavenly horizons!

It is interesting that some believe that in the kingdom of God we will travel at the speed of thought not just the speed of light or sound! For 2011, pick up your pen, click on your keyboard and publish the glad tidings of Emmanuel, God is with us!

By Abraham Gan

……read to be wise…write to be precise….

Marketplace Penang

Office: 24 Puncak Bukit Mutiara Satu.

Hosting Residence: Desa Mas #3-8, Pulau Tikus

Email: abrahamgan@hotmail.com

Tel: 016-4428080 (AG) 016-4988447(IG)

MARKETPLACE PSALM

2011-03-30T00:33:00.000-07:00

Marketplace Penang Update

2011 FEBRUARY

A MARKETPLACE PSALM

Psalm 111 belongs to a group of psalms used by the people of God to celebrate the Passover. In this solemn annual re-enactment of the Birth of the Nation of Israel, the three key acts of God to be remembered gratefully are:

Feeding the Nation (v.5)

Housing the Nation (v.6)

Birthing the Nation (v.9)

These three monumental & unforgettable acts of God are woven into the spiritual DNA of God’s people. These will be the benchmarks for subsequent generations of God’s people from which to draw inspiration and direction.

Against this historic backdrop, Psalm 118 paints a 4- D image of God at Work. For me this is an exciting Marketplace Psalm which portrays God’s Work Culture or God’s Style of Working.

SOME GLOBAL STYLES OF WORKING

The Japanese believe in “kaizen” with its focus on continuous change and improving for the better. A major aspect of work culture in the US emphasises similarly on exhaustive & exhausting research and development. The Protestant work ethic is akin to the work ethos of many Asian cultures by promoting hard work & patience. The present day Jewish work philosophy is “chutzpah” or the characteristic of daring & risk taking. For us, our nation claims the slogan, “Malaysia Boleh!”

GREAT WORKS BY A GREAT GOD

God’s works are “great” (v.2) in the sense of their vastness & variety with exceeding height and length. Together, these divine acts are like a loud shout of highest praise to Him our Lord and God!

(re: Strong’s Concordance)

FULLNESS OF GOD

The Revised Standard Version of Psalm 118 gives us an easy-to-remember list of the key qualities of God’s Work Culture:

“Wonderful” (v.4) – Stunning, marvellous, awesome!

“Mindful” (v.5) – Compassionate, considerate, in touch with the needs of the grassroots

“Powerful” (v.6) – For us & not against us in giving us citizenship in His kingdom

“Faithful” (v.7,8)) – Delivering more than He promised

“Merciful” (v.9) – Forgiving our wretched past and freeing us to a glorious future

FULL OF HONOR & MAJESTY

For us, verse 3 sums it up: “Full of honor and majesty is His work, and His righteousness endures forever.”

Picture God’s Trophy Room stacked full, right up to heavenly heights with awards & accolades for flawless excellence & artistry. The angelic “paparazzi” are bursting their pages and screens with superlatives of grandeur and magnificence.

RIGHTEOUSNESS

The works of God dazzle in glorious & majestic splendour because it is not tarnished by hints & tints of corruption & abuse. He is the ultimate “Teflon” professional. You can never find a scandal that will stick and smear His reputation for “Holy is His name!” (v.9). The underlying enduring quality of every act of God is motivated & executed rightly, faithfully & justly (vv.7&8).

To Him belongs eternal praise! (v.10)

Understanding Workplace Ministry

2011-03-21T20:13:00.000-07:00

UNDERSTANDING THE MINISTRY IN THE WORKPLACE
Rev Wong Fong Yang
City Discipleship Presbyterian Church

There is this movement of the Holy Spirit in the world today to awaken the giant within the Church. The movement is about seeing the workplace as the ministry of God. Ministry is not confined to the four walls of the church building when Christians go there on Saturday or Sunday. Ministry is not about 'full-time' ministry carried out by 'full-time' workers. There is ministry in the church and there is also ministry in the marketplace. We do church work in the church but we also do the work of the church in the marketplace. This has nothing to do with nuances or word play. It has to do with sound theology of ministry.

Dick Halverson rightly puts it this way: "There is a distinction between church work and the work of the church. Church work is what you do for the organized institution of the church. The work of the church is what is done between Sundays when the church is scattered all over the metropolitan area where it is located - in homes, schools, offices, on construction sites, in marketplaces."

Majority of the Christians are in the '9 to 5' window working in the marketplace, my hunch is that many are oblivious of the fact that their works there are ministry that God has called them into. Most Christians see their work simply as a career. Few view it as a ministry.

It is a known fact that pastors may know how to equip their members for church ministry but I wonder how many know how to equip them for marketplace ministry.

We commission Sunday school teachers publicly for teaching children in the church but we don't do that to those Christian teachers who are teaching in the schools, colleges or universities out there. Our practice revealed the deficiency of the theology of workplace.

During the reformation in 17th century, theologians had debunked the faulty theology of work. In those days, Christians viewed work in the church as sacred and work in the market square as secular. That is why Christians put 'full time' workers on a high pedestal. It is as if that 'full-time' work in the church as a higher calling while the rest are second class Christians. It is true that church work is sacred, so as work at homes and in the marketplace. Nothing is secular. The residual of the reformers' understanding of work is again brought to the surface.

What are Christians called to do in the workplace? Is it to do evangelism?

Is God's mission in the workplace to be defined as witnessing for Christ?

What is really workplace ministry?

Is it about transforming the marketplace with biblical values? Is showing compassion to the needy in the society through Christians in the marketplace as ministry?

Is doing a job with competency and excellence as a ministry unto Jesus?

Is carrying out social justice and speaking for the voiceless in the workplace a ministry equivalent to leading a worship service in the church?

Endtime Workstyle

2011-03-21T18:36:00.000-07:00

END-TIME WORKSTYLE

A Reflection on Matthew 24 & 25

These are perilous days abounding with political & natural upheavals around the globe. According to the prediction of Jesus, peoples, tribes & nations will be fighting one another whether for right or might. Natural calamities will escalate in frequency and magnitude.

The camp of the faithful will battle the cloud of deception. Today, it is evident that seducing spirits and sensational teachings are polluting and diluting the purity of the saints. A cross-less Christianity is in vogue. Are we surprised that preaching on prosperity and success has replaced the call to repentance, suffering and sacrifice? According to Ray Stedman in his book, What On Earth Is Happening? “We have become addicted to the endless pursuit of new experiences and new pleasures. We have become a people who know the price of everything but the value of nothing.”

Believers will be bullied even to death. Some statistics reveal that more believers have died in our time than in any other century in history (Stedman p.44). As a result, many who profess Christ will fall away whether by pleasure or pressure. In this regard, there is an urgent need to pray for believers in East Malaysia.

FRIGHT? FLIGHT? Or FIGHT?

How should the people of God live and work in these perilous times?

STAND FIRM (Matthew 24:13)

Ephesians 6:13 says to put on the full armour of God that we may stand, withstand and having done all, still to stand! As our friend, Lyle Anderson liked to say: “Keep the flag flying and the heath clean.” Stay & pray. Don’t stray and play. Let us not be surprised when sudden fiery trials visit us. Be strong to endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

TO THE END (Matthew 24:13 & 25:1-13)

How do we persevere to the end? The parable of the10 Virgins points to the oil in their lamps running out. In the Bible, “oil” is often a picture of the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 5:18 exhorts us to keep on being filled (controlled, led, guided, directed) by the Holy Spirit. We need to keep on replenishing our spiritual resources because we live & work in a marketplace that is hostile to the values and ways of God. The technologies of the Holy Spirit include personal & corporate prayer, fasting, memorization & proclamation of God’s Word, solitude & meditation, group study, fellowship, worship, mercy ministry, evangelism and every possible channel where there is life impartation and spiritual transaction.

KEEP WATCH FOR THE DAY OF THE LORD’S COMING (Matthew 24:42)

The Lord’s return is sure. We are 2000 years closer to this momentous event. This inevitable event must always feature in the scheme of our work and the horizon of our hope. Let us keep the Lord’s Return alive & central in our conversation, praying and planning. It’s amazing that even Mr Lee Kuan Yew, the Minister Mentor of Singapore, practises a meditative chant using the biblical word, “Maranatha” which may be translated “Even so, come Lord”. Read I Cor. 16: 22. Mr Lee revealed this in his latest book that this was on the advice of a Christian friend.

BE READY NOW (Matthew 24:44)

Because there will not be time to get ready when Christ returns or when calamity strikes. On 25^th February, 2011, Pastor Christopher K sent us this text message: “Be prepared for the worst. Each of us must prepare an emergency bag at home with can food, candles, lighters, water, purifying tablets. Keep it where accessible. Who knows when we might need it. Oh, and power bars & candy & toilet rolls. A building may collapse. These will sustain us physically and if need to evacuate…grab it & run. Put your passports in a waterproof bag together with other important documents near this bag & a blanket if needed.”

On 311 (March 11, 2011), an 8.9 super earthquake and accompanying tsunami hit Japan. After the 2004 tsunami, a Christian brother said he had a dream in which he saw another tsunami coming to Penang reaching right up to where Mount Miriam Hospital is. When Jesus returns, or when the next big tragedy happens, are we ready?

BE FAITHFUL & WISE (Matthew 24:45-51)

We are all managers of precious resources – time, strength & energy, opportunities, influence plus our money, wisdom, education and much more. We should not hoard up these priceless possessions. Be a river of blessing. Release the flood gates!

The famous Chinese pastor, Watchman Nee told the story of a Christian farmer who had a nasty neighbour who would not water his own rice fields. Often in the night, he would break their connecting rice bunds to divert water into his own fields that were on the lower level. After much anguish in prayer and counsel from his church elders, the Christian farmer decided to water both their fields. This act of charity shocked the unscrupulous neighbour who subsequently became a follower of Christ.

Make a start somewhere. Dare to give to others especially when it costs you significantly. Reconsider how you are directing your tithes & offerings. Are your gifts to God affecting people, places and situations of genuine need?

FINALLY, SERVING & WORKING AS UNTO THE LORD (Matthew 25:31-46)

Colossians 3:23 states: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” At the Great Judgment of God, caring for the poor and the powerless will receive a special commendation on the basis that such help rendered will be considered as equivalent to serving God the King Himself! Let us not be influenced by the value system of the world into thinking and promoting size, speed, strength, style & sophistication as more important than the small, the slow, the simple, the soft and the silent.

CSR (or corporate social responsibility) Jesus-style may be as simple as a meal for the hungry, a drink for the thirsty, clothing for a stranger, or visiting the sick and those in jail. How about a job or a role for the unemployed, under-employed, the unemployable, those never employed before, or now no longer employed?

Abraham & Irene Gan

MARKETPLACE MORATORIUM May 9 to June 9

2008-05-16T10:27:00.001-07:00

Marketplace Penang is observing a “moratorium” of activities from May 9 to June 9. The term sounds morbid and a little like “mortuary.” That’s quite accurate because it presumes a dying of sorts. It is a fast It is a stepping away and perhaps a stopping from the normal mill of activities and programme. This is in response to a message from AW Tozer which is reproduced below:

Prayer: Just Wait on GodBut the Lord is in His holy temple. Let all the earth keep silence before Him. --Habakkuk 2:20I think we are the busiest bunch of eager beavers ever seen in the religious world. The idea seems to be that if we are not running in a circle, breathing down the back of our own neck, we are not pleasing God! When Jesus said, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15 KJV), Peter probably leaped to his feet and, no doubt, scooped up his hat on the way out. He was going to go right then!But the Lord said, "Peter, come back, and 'stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high' (Luke 24:49)."I heard a Christian leader warn recently that we are suffering from a rash of amateurism in Christian circles. Christianity has leveled down and down and down. We are as light as butterflies-- though we flit, flit, flit around in the sunshine and imagine that we are eagles flapping our broad wings.Sometimes I think the Church would be better off if we would call a moratorium on activity for about six weeks and just wait on God to see what He is waiting to do for us. That's what they did before Pentecost. The Counselor, 95."Lord, this morning I'll stop for a while at least to 'just wait on God.' I know You're wanting to work, and I for one am willing to wait this morning to hear Your voice and discover what You want to do for me today. Amen."
Today's "Insight for Leaders" is taken by permission from the book, Tozer on Christian Leadership, published by WingSpread Publishers

OFF THE BEATEN PATH

2008-05-16T10:08:00.000-07:00

Moratorium Journal – Ending 16 May 2008

Just completed the first week of the “moratorium.” Finished reading two books, one on leadership succession by a Singaporean, Dr. Andrew Goh (“How To Pass the Torch without Getting Burned”) and “Generous Giving,” a compilation of stories of believers who mastered money by Andrew Loh from Malacca. But into my third book just now, I am inspired to pass on the following excerpt written by Andrew Murray (1829-1917):

“Take time. Give God time to reveal Himself to you. Give yourself time to be silent and quiet before Him, waiting to receive, through the Spirit, the assurance of His presence with you, His power working in you. Take time to read His word as in His presence, that from it you may know what He asks of you and what he promises you. Let the Word create around you, create within you a holy atmosphere, a holy heavenly light, in which your soul will be refreshed and strengthened for the work of daily life.”

“Found Faithful” by Elizabeth R. Skoglund (p.39)

This brings to my mind the title of a hymn we used to sing, “Take Time To Be Holy.” To be holy is to be like Jesus. Holiness is a 2-part act. It involves a separation from and a consecration to. To take time to be like Jesus begins with taking time to be with Jesus. We stop or step away from our normal routine to step into a “run” with God. We consecrate many ordinary hours of our day to do some extraordinary “fun-things” with the Lord.

Have a Gracious Weekend!

March 29 Bible Forum

2008-02-23T19:19:00.000-08:00

Word@Work Bible Forum
Wisdom for your Workplace from Hosea/Joel/Amos

Venue / Date & Time:
Excel Point Christian Community
Perkaka Square, Taman Perkaka
Saturday, 29th March, 2008

PROGRAMME:

3.00 pm Introduction & Welcome By Pr Sam

3.10 pm Topics & Speakers

“Dealing With Difficult Customers”
– The Hosea Experience
- Josephine Yoong, MBA
Coordinates Women in Biz, Member Georgetown BC

“Coping with Workplace Catastrophies”
– The Joel Perspective
-John Loh, MTh
Project Manager, Member Harvest CC KL

“Justice in the Workplace” – The Amos Report
- Song Choon Beng, LLB
Solicitor, Member Trinity Methodist Ch

4.30 pm Tea Break

Response By 3 Commentators

Response From The Audience

Closing Remarks By 3 Speakers

6.00 pm Final Prayer

No Registration Needed

For More Info: Call 016-4428080

Introducing Marketplace Penang

2008-02-22T02:56:00.000-08:00

EXCITEMENT
EXCELLENCE
EXAMPLESHIP

We are a Christian organization that seeks to motivate believers to excel in their work and business so that they can be examples to their workmates.

We focus on three broad areas:
Career Education
Professional Excellence
Business Enterprise

What Marketplace Penang believes about Workplace Evangelism?

It is more than exemplary workplace ethics. We need to develop other effective approaches or strategies in such areas as:

Enjoying Our Work
Excelling In Our Work
Entrepreneurship at Work
Energizing Our Work

A BRIEF HISTORY

In 1995, after twelve years as senior pastor of a Baptist Church in Penang, Pastor Abraham Gan and his wife, Sister Irene, were led by the Lord to pioneer Marketplace Penang to impact workers and business people. This decision was much influenced by their time in Regent College, Canada where they discovered the strategic role of equipping Christians for the workplace. Abraham & Irene received their early ministry training at the Baptist Theological Seminary in Penang, Malaysia.

REGULAR ACTIVITIES

1. WORD B4 WORK
We continually emphasize the importance of a daily Bible reading habit so that believers will open the Word before they rush out to work. Members are encouraged to focus their reading on the same Bible Book of the month.

A practical guide & journal workbook has been designed for busy professionals who wish to profit and preserve that gain from their daily Bible reading. It has a special section to challenge deeper reflection and application of vital marketplace principles discovered.

2. DINNER SING ALONG
We recognize that many find relaxation in the music of yesteryears. Marketplace Penang organizes a monthly get together to enjoy the golden hits of the 60s and 70s.We provide live music and those who come have an opportunity to sing their favourites including Christian songs. There is free refreshment for those who are not dining. Believers are encouraged to bring their family and friends. Often, we are able to witness and pray for those with needs. Whenever possible, we try out new restaurants and new food.

3. VISITATION TEAMS
are now available to go into places of work and business where we are invited. It may be a simple service of prayer and blessing as proposed by Rich Marshall in the last chapter of his book, God at Work. We believe God’s power is released into a believer’s life and his/her workplace when we proclaim at the place of work and business the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God the Father and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 13:14).

4. MONTHLY FELLOWSHIP
is held every first Tuesday of the month to allow members to keep in touch with each other and to share reports of our team ministries. There will be a continuing training series on how to minister prophetic encouragement and empowerment to the people and places where the teams are invited. We will learn how to draw upon the spiritual resources of God to work and minister in the marketplace.

5. FTZ MINISTRY
recognizes that believers working in the manufacturing sector share a unique work culture and often encounter special workplace challenges. We offer on-site and on-line coaching on issues like work-life effectiveness and work wellness. We organize occasional seminars and other group events.

6. MTV FELLOWSHIP
We have a Monthly Lunch Fellowship for believers in the Travel & Hospitality sector (or MTV Fraternity = Marketplace TraVel Fraternity). Our objective is to provide Christian care and coaching in workplace issues.

7.AMEN is the Association of Marketplace Entrepreneurs. It offers regular opportunity for business networking and training in practical and biblical principles of business entrepreneurship. It seeks to promote businesses set up by believers and to help the Christian community on how to support believers engaged in business.

SOME SPECIAL EVENTS
1. COMMISSIONING SERVICE
Every year on January 1, we hold a Commissioning Service to affirm those believers who have already responded and are active in their calling as Marketplace Ministers. We also affirm those who are exercising a mentoring role as Marketplace Mentors.

2. Our annual CHRISTMAS OUTREACH in the early part of December each year brings together the families and friends of Marketplace members. It is also an evangelistic event.

3. We have sponsored several programme to improve job skills and marketability of the participants. For the past 5 years, we have conducted THE CERTIFICATE COURSE in RESIDENTIAL CHILD CARE & MANAGEMENT in Chiangmai, Thailand. This course is held in October for one week. The students are 2nd-level staff from the many children’s homes and orphanages in Northern Thailand.

4. Month-long ENGLISH IMMERSION COURSE held in Penang. In the last course, we had 6 Thais, 6 Laotians & 2 Vietnamese. We believe Penang provides an ideal environment to acquire good English communication skills. We provide travel subsidy and free board & lodging.

5. BURN AGAIN CONFERENCES
We have sponsored two conferences in 2000 and 2005. We are planning to hold the 3rd conference soon. These conferences have rekindled the ministry passion of many ministers and missionaries serving in obscure roles and places. Our past conferences have brought many from Thailand and the Philippines.

OFFICE, MINISTRY TEAM & FINANCES
Beginning in January 2008, we will have A NEW MINISTRY BASE up on a hill. In 1995, when the Lord gave Pr Abraham & Sister Irene the vision to launch Marketplace Penang, He drew their attention to Psalm 45 and impressed upon them the words, “a mountain in the city.” We believe our new ministry base up on Pearl Hill, Penang will carry special significance in relation to that word.

THE MARKETPLACE PENANG MINISTRY TEAM
We thank God for a wonderful team of Christian brothers and sisters from various churches who volunteer their time and personal resources to support and lead out in the various programs. We honor them as “Marketplace Ministers”,” Marketplace Mentors” and “Marketplace Pastors.” Through the years, these volunteer leaders have developed ability in prayer & worship, preaching & teaching and team leadership. Marketplace Penang has been like a spiritual oasis to them, having found encouragement, comfort and strength. Subsequently, they have also caught the vision of ministering in the marketplace.

HOW IS MARKETPLACE PENANG FINANCED?
The operations cost of our ministry is kept low so that we can release the bulk of the budget for ministry and mission support. We do exercise faith in expecting God’s supernatural provision but we also maintain prudence in spending within our means. The Ministry does not plan to own capital assets. All our activities and programs are financed by freewill offerings.

SOME MARKETPLACE DISTINCTIVES
1. We are devoted to building up second level leaders in the secondary cities of our region
2. We believe often less is more. We promote a style of operation that is minimal organization but maximum participation and minimum cost/investment but maximum value / impact.
3. We believe that we honour our Creator God when we seek to innovate rather than duplicate.
4. We prefer training in the field rather than in the classroom.
5. We believe that in Christian ministry, “tent making” is a more effective option to serving Christ our Lord.

In Marketplace Penang, we promote:

SMALL rather than Size
SILENT rather than Sensational
SLOW rather than Speed
SUBSTANCE rather than Style
SIMPLICITY rather than Sophistication
SUSTAINABILTY rather than Start-Ups
SERENITY rather than Success

We Value Your Prayers & support:
Abraham & Irene Gan
22 Puncak Bukit Mutiara Satu, Tanjung Bunga 11200. Penang. Malaysia.
Tel & Fax: 604-890-8872 / 016-4428080
abrahamgan@hotmail.com