The Religion and Culture Centre of Methodist Theological School is now officially opened. During the inaugural service, the Bishop of the Methodist Church in Malaysia, Rev Dr Ong Hwai Teik, reminded Christians not only to be disciples, but to be disciples in the world.
“We used to believe that as disciples we should be above and beyond this world. Then we can escape the conflicts and temptations of the world. But this idea is incorrect. Disciples should not be out of this world, but in the world, if only because we are living in the world.”
The bishop said that from the recent GE14 in May, we could see that Christian values had made an impact in the world. Therefore Christian values need to be even further disseminated, not distanced from the world.
According to a survey, 75.3% of Malaysia is urbanized. This means that of the 32.4 million people in Malaysia, 75% live in cities. Urbanization is not a bad thing, but for some racial groups who are unable to catch up financially, urbanization will only make them more lost, thus creating problems in society. This requires the church to be in the world, to provide help in skills and life, which will help to minimize problems.
Bishop Ong revealed that the General Conference in West Malaysia had already opened a “Hope Vocational Centre”. It focuses on teaching West Malaysian bumiputras and Indian students to repair refrigerators and air conditioners. Not only are they able to learn a new skill, but also they are trained to be better workers who in turn will help to decrease the amount of electronic waste. This school is an example of the church’s effort to be in the world, a hope to bring some change to the world.
As for the government change of “509”, Bishop Ong believed that while God opened a door, we could not become complacent.
As we continue to be salt and light in our country and society, we must not be careless in our actions. “All the churches need to continue to be united, not fall apart. We need to be the flavouring salt and also the effective salt.”
The bishop also exhorted Christians not to give up easily. In the face of a reality of sin and darkness, we need to be steadfast, because Jesus did not come for the righteous, but for sinners to repent.
When reflecting on “509”, Bishop Ong said that he saw the wonder of prayer, the power of the kingdom of God, unity and cooperation, forgiveness (Anwar and Tun Mahathir), the people becoming aware, persistence of the people, and a future full of hope.
The inaugural service for the Religion and Culture Centre, commissioned by the General Conference of the Methodist Church in Malaysia, was held on May 19. In coordination with the opening of the centre, MTS also held a seminar on religion for one and a half days on May 18 and 19 at Wesley Methodist Church.