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INSIDECHILDREN’S CORNERCONNECTING WITH CHURCHESSTAFF MATTERS

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BERITA SU

Bible literacy in the Christian community today is not as strong as it once was. Given this, the Bible Engagement (BE) ministry at Scripture Union (SU) is keen to help address this decline by encouraging people of all ages to be actively engaged in meaningful daily Bible reading, allowing God to speak to them and transform them. This vision may be ambitious but the BE team believes that God will make it a reality as He does His transforming work.

Reaching the NEXT Generation with His Word

The Vision: Encounter God and be Transformed!

Christopher Cheah, Ministry Director at SU, puts it this way, ‘I hope to see the Bible become a part of the everyday life

of Christians; that it is a natural routine for Christians to spend time each day reading and reflecting on Scripture.

More than that, that Christians will meet God personally and experience Him. I hope they will be enlarged in their understanding and absorbed into God’s design and purposes for His whole creation.’

This encounter with God through His Word has indeed changed the life of Joel Wong! Joel from the BE Ministry shares, ‘Growing up in a Christian family, I was familiar with many Bible stories, but I didn’t study the Bible diligently. Instead, I viewed it as a moralistic religious self-help book. I truly thank God for leading me to a Bible-teaching church during my college years.

The pastor there showed me how to engage with Scripture. I finally under-stood and found assurance of salvation in Christ! God is still changing me to be more Christ-like through His Word.’

Joel Wong conducting the DIVE DEEP seminar.

What an encouraging testimony that the Bible IS His Word to man, to us! Imagine God, the Creator of the universe, writing a letter to us and wanting to communicate with us on a daily basis! In response, we should not merely read the Bible in a cursory manner but instead be actively engaged and DIVE DEEP into it! This involves interacting with it, reading with ‘the mind and eyes of the heart’, meeting with the person of God, growing in our relationship with Him, applying Biblical truths in our lives and hence, being progressively transformed! The Bible then comes alive! It becomes real food for the soul that satisfies (Isaiah 55:1-3) and the source of life, growth and transformation (Psalm 1:1-3, 2 Timothy 3:16-17). The Word becomes relevant to life on earth, guiding us, giving us hope while helping us understand God’s purposes.

The SU Reach...SU is thankful for the many categories of people it can reach for BE - School Christian Fellowships (CFs), campers at SU camps, Boys’ and Girls’ Brigades, Postal Quiz participants, fellow-Christians in East Malaysia, youth in churches, CF and church small group leaders, and children.

Bible Reading ResourcesTo help Christians engage with the Word, SU has been producing resources like ‘The Daily Bread’ and ‘Encounter with God’ (EWG). These resources are unique as they are systematic, covering the entire Bible in 4-6 years. Also, they are interdenominational, written by a team of writers while readers read using the SU methodology (of Pray, Read, Ponder and Respond) and learn from

the text themselves. Other resources available include ‘Tumbuh Dalam Firman Tuhan’, Luke and Exodus for the Postal Quiz and CF resources.

We recently had the chance to ask Amanda Oei, a new subscriber to EWG. She said, ‘I think EWG is great because there are days God speaks to me directly. I like how it explains very thoroughly about the passage we are reading. When it is more difficult to understand, EWG explains with great depth and applies Biblical truths to life.’

With the evolution in technology, resources online include ‘Christ is Greater and Better’, a 22-day reading plan on the Book of Hebrews on YouVersion and WORDLive on the SU website. Like Joel and Amanda, let’s DIVE DEEP into His Word!

Dive Deep SeminarDo you find diving into the Word a challenge? Would you like to find out how you can actually DIVE DEEP in? Well, you can! By attending the DIVE DEEP Seminar! Conducted in an interactive manner, the Seminar incorporates activities, videos and discussions to help participants embark on an adventure of engaging with the Bible. At the August 31, 2015 Seminar conducted at Institut Pendidikan Guru Kampus Ipoh, Joel Wong shared on ‘Why read the Bible?’ and ‘How to engage the Bible?’ Joel highlighted that the Bible is

God’s big story, with each of us playing a part in His story! The challenge was put forward to the participants to make Bible Engagement a part of their life and to be prepared to teach the Word to their students in future.

Youth Bible ConferenceAn exciting initiative next year will be the ‘SU Youth Bible Conference’ that will be held on June 25, 2016 in Petaling Jaya. Dr. Wong Fook Kong, Professor of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament from the Hong Kong Baptist Theological Seminary, will be speaking on the book of Judges. An art competition is planned prior to the conference, with an art exhibition during the conference and post-conference Bible readings to encourage continual learning from the Word.

Other InitiativesOther initiatives are the annual ‘Bible Knowledge Postal Quiz’ and ‘WORDAlive camp’. For the Quiz conducted in the English language in April for about 4,000 students, new features next year will be the short-term reading plan comprising pre-quiz readings on selected chapters of the books of Luke and Exodus, and 2 mini quizzes are to be conducted by the co-ordinating centres prior to the quiz. Meanwhile, the ‘WORDAlive camp’ encourages youths to experience God through His Word, empowering them to build a closer relationship with God.

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SU remains committed to the cause of greater engagement with the Word within the Christian community for spiritual growth and transformation.

As expressed by Collene Lee, project staff with the BE Ministry, ‘An adventure awaits us… Engaging with the Word is exciting! God will do His work of life transformation as we encounter Him

in our everyday lives. Let’s DIVE DEEP into His Word!’

CHILDREN’S CORNERKepong Gospel Centre Children’s Camp (Jun 10-12, 2015)

True love conquers all. That age-old adage tells us about the power of true love. Marianne Liaw shared from Romans 5:8 about ‘True Love’ to more than 40 children at a Children’s Camp that was held at the Kepong Gospel Centre from June 10-12, 2015. True love was shown by God to sinners like us who are saved through the death of Jesus Christ, the King of kings. Apart from the talks, the children enjoyed the games, craft, cooking and praise and worship sessions. It was wonderful to see the children responding to the message of the Gospel and many were visibly impacted by it. Most of the campers were non-Christians and it was truly a joy to share the gospel with them.

SUPA English Camp (May 30 - Jun 2, 2015)

Emily Dass spoke from John 8:12 to 68 children at the SUPA English Camp that was held at the SU/FES Campsite, Tapah, from May 30 to June 2, 2015. She shared about Jesus, the light of the world, who transformed the lives of those He encountered on earth. Apart from the talks, the children enjoyed the singing, games, craft, devotional, small groups and night hikes sessions. The children were very excited to be a part of the camp and the volunteers gained invaluable experiences and skills as they led the children during the camp.

CONNECTING WITH CHURCHES Sharing the VisionIt is always a delight to be invited by churches to share on the vision and mission of Scripture Union. Building up the body of Christ is what SU ultimately aims to do through our ministry with children and youths in schools, and in Bible engagement.So, we are thankful for the number of churches we have been able to visit this year. Some of these were long-time supporters

of SU; others were newly made contacts – from Kulim in the north to Kluang, Yong Peng and Batu Pahat in the south. It is also encouraging that SU is known across the denominations with their churches sharing a common desire to reach the next generation.We are thankful that a number of our staff – Koh Earn Soo, Christopher Cheah, Richard Chen, Marianne Liaw, Lue Jun Yi, Edwin Khoo and Collene Lee – could take on the church deputations.Contact us if you would like us to visit your church. We will be most happy to do so!

Koh Earn Soo speaking at St. Paul’s Church

CHURCHES BY REGIONNORTHKulim Methodist ChurchTeluk Intan Methodist ChurchTeluk Intan Faith AOG

SOUTH 1Seremban Gospel ChapelTampin Chinese Methodist ChurchMelaka Gospel ChapelMelaka EFCMuar Presbyterian Church

SOUTH 2Yong Peng Presbyterian ChurchKluang Presbyterian ChurchGereja Grace Batu Pahat

KLANG VALLEYSt Paul’s Church, Petaling JayaSt Gabriel’s Church, KLGrace EFC Subang JayaCornerstone Baptist Church, USJLiving Hope Methodist Church, Shah AlamNew Life Restoration Center, KL

STAFF MATTERS

Children’s Ministry Training (Jun 23-24, 2015)

Terry Williams, Consultant of SU International’s Children’s Ministry, conducted a Children’s Ministry Training with the staff in Kuala Lumpur. Among the topics that he covered were ‘Handling Children’s Questions about Life and Faith’, ‘How Children Learn’ and ‘Scripture Engagement with Children’. The training has further equipped staff in their daily ministries.

Staff Retreat (Sept 4-6, 2015)

Staff Consultation (Oct 7-10, 2015)This is an important annual event in our calendar as it is a time for all involved in the ministry to come together to set directions for the coming year. The following are some of the areas of ministry that were discussed.1. Bible Engagement, Children’s Ministry and Youth Ministry2. SU Publicity and Promotion3. Maintaining good relationship with SU volunteers4. Future Programmes that SU is planning to be involved in 5. Pre-evangelism ideas – partnership with churches

JANICE SEK1. My first talk on Romans 5:8 at the SMK Kota Kemuning Christian Fellowship was one of the most memorable moments at SU. I felt very blessed for the opportunity to share despite my lack of experience.2. I will be studying physiotherapy at Mahsa University. I desire to continue growing in my love for God.

NORMAN LEAW1. I enjoyed the times that I got to spend with my colleagues! I also enjoyed going out to serve in various ministries, especially when I was given the opportunity to share my testimony, as the preparation motivated me to read the Bible more.2. My future plans for now would be to work in the secular world and reach out to non-believers with the gospel. After that, I would ideally want to enter full-time ministry.

CHARIS TAN 1. My passion to serve in the youth ministry led me to join SU.2. I’m looking forward to see God’s kingdom advancing as the next generation responds and rises up to His calling.

JOEL WONG1. I grew up in a Christian family but I didn’t fully understand the gospel until I was in college. Working in the Bible Engagement Ministry at SU gives me the opportunity to reach out to the next generation with God’s Word.2. I’m looking forward to study and grow in God’s Word together with our team at SU and the students we serve.

Questions:1. What made you join SU?2. What are you looking forward to in your ministry at SU?

Questions:1. What were some of your memorable moments at SU?2. What are your future plans?

1. What were some of your memorable moments at SU?Each SU camp moulded me as a person and meeting with children and volunteers from different kinds of background was truly a joy. I would like to thank all the wonderful people at SU and FES who made my journey at SU a memorable one.2. What are your future plans?To be a counsellor for children and families.

National School Christian Fellowship Leader’s (Nscfl) CampLeaders and potential leaders in the School Christian Fellowship must not miss this camp. The teaching activities will help equip campers to be salt and light for Christ in their schools.

d’ MissionTo forge a NEW generation of YOUNG THINKERS through the Training and Disci-pline of the HEART, MIND and SPIRIT.

National Bk Postal QuizScripture Union conducts an annual National Bible Knowledge (BK) Postal Quiz for School CFs and Church YFs throughout Malaysia under the sponsorship of the Malayan Christian Schools’ Council.

Youth Bible ConferenceDive Deep into Judges! Youth Bible Conference 25 June 2016. This is our inaugural one day conference to get youths excited about the Bible. More details to come!

DATES CAMPS / EVENTS AGE GROUP LOCATION Nov 23-28, 2015 NSCFL Camp Youth STM, SerembanDec 7-17, 2015 d’NA Youth STM, Seremban2016 (Exact date TBC) National BK Postal Quiz Youth VariousJun 25, 2016 Youth Bible Conference Youth PJ EFC

UPCOMING EVENTS

(Halaman 29, Sumber Ibadat, Penerbitan Scripture Union)

Tuhan Yesus,Engkaulah kebenaranku, tetapi akulah dosa-Mu;

Engkau telah menerima kepunyaanku sebagai kepunyaaan-Mudan telah memberikan kepunyaan-Mu kepadaku;

Engkau telah menerima keadaan yang bukan keadaan-Mu,dan telah memberiku keadaan yang bukan keadaanku.

Tuhan Yesus, Kebenaranku

We are thankful for the many individuals and churches that partner with SU and the staff in their ministry. We appreciate the thoughts and prayers brought up to the throne of God for SU. And often the sacrifice in giving to support our mission.

We are also thankful for the additions to the staff team - the full-time and project staff – as well as the steady group of volunteers and facilitators who share our vision and regularly involve themselves in our programmes.

May this Advent Season remind us of the wonderful grace of God who has chosen to be Immanuel – God with us.

Printed by Printmate Sdn. Bhd., 16 Jalan Industri PBP7, Taman Industri Pusat Puchong, 47100 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.

Published by Scripture Union in Semenanjung Malaysia, 386, Jalan 5/59, 46000 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.SEMENANJUNG MAL AYSIA

NEWSLETTER OF SCRIPTURE UNION IN SEMENANJUNG MALAYSIA

YOUTH CORNER ‘Thank you so much for coming to our School Christian Fellowship (CF) to teach and guide us in His Word, even though there are just a few of us… We’re really blessed!’ Those were the Words of Shin Hui, a student at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Assunta, Petaling Jaya (PJ), who is passionate about God and His Word.

This year, Scripture Union (SU)’s Youth Team thanks God for the significantly greater reach in the ministry as they teach the Word of God. Their desire is to raise up, support and empower students with the gospel. It’s simply incredible to be part of the life-changing experiences of so many students!

80 visits to 40 schools in Kuala Lumpur (KL) and PJ, and 20 visits to 10 schools up north, reaching beyond Government schools to private, international and home schools too. The staff also served in chapel services, rallies, leadership training, children’s orphanage events, CF camps and combined CF events. Of

significance were the inaugural one-day combined SCF event in Malacca in August and the inter-school CF day camp in Taiping in June.

It was great to get more connected with the Girls’ Brigade (GB) and Boys’ Brigade (BB), which emphasise on reaching out to youths with the gospel. The increased SU presence was evident in the 30 meetings and 5 camps in KL/PJ, 1 meeting in Seremban and in the Perak BB national training school, junior camp and Christian Education camp. Other new initiatives include SU’s involvement in the All-Girls’ Out Camp and 720 Bible Conference.

The WordAlive camp, an initiative that directly fulfills the SU mandate to ‘Reach the next generation with the His Word’, was held in June. The objective for campers to experience God through His Word was conveyed through lectures,

workshops, games and outdoor activities. A starlight movie and ‘mamak’ session were some fresh ideas introduced!

Volunteers and teachers, committed to growing the students in Christ, have proven to be invaluable partners in the CF work. Partnerships with churches continued to flourish. After the Teluk Intan programme, a youth told Marianne Liaw from the Youth Team, ‘Now I understand more about Jesus after you gave that talk.’ After re-explaining the Gospel to her, she trusted in Jesus as her Saviour and Lord!

NOTE If you would prefer to receive Berita SU in soft copy through email rather than in hardcopy through postal mail, please notify us by email at info@su.org.my.

Raise Up, Support and StudentsEMPOWERwith the GOSPEL!

What a greatencouragementit was to be able to visit more SCFs!

Campers at the inaugural Taiping CF day camp

Lue Jun Yi speaking to the students at the combined SCF event in Malacca