Pioneers of Calvary Church KL, We Salute You.

After 47 years since the Lord began the GOOD WORK in Jalan Sayor and after 40 years of worshipping in the beautiful church building we now enjoy each week, Calvary Church has finally acknowledged the pioneering Missionaries and Pastors and the 70 young members who moved over, for their invaluable contributions to the founding of Calvary Church, Kuala Lumpur.

Many church members and friends are finding out for the very first time, the history of our great church in Kuala Lumpur.

Although the church leadership has on October 22, 2008, officially celebrated the 40th Anniversary of Calvary Church's presence in Damansara Heights, Calvary Today salute all our pioneering Missionaries, Pastors, Church Workers and Church Members for keeping to the call of our Lord Jesus Christ, to see to the birth of our Fellowship of Believers which started in Jalan Sayor, Pudu, Kuala Lumpur in 1961. That congregation of believers was then called Calvary Assembly. That was 47 years ago. Yes, our church was FOUNDED 47 years ago.

(Click on photos to view a larger picture)


WHO'S WHO IN CALVARY CHURCH HISTORY...


FROM THE HUMBLE BEGINNINGS...

Photo on top left corner shows Pas. Fred Abeysekera at the stone laying ceremony of the Church building.

The completed church building in 1968.

Photos of the opening ceremony of Calvary Church in Damansara Heights, Kuala Lumpur in 1968.

We thank the organisers of the 40th Anniversary Dinner for putting together a beautiful souvenir book for those who attended the dinner that night. The above photos are reproduced from the souvenir book.

Last Sunday, after a span of 39 years, we finally got to hear the preaching of one of our pioneering Pastors, Pastor Fred Abeysekera from Singapore. Pastor Fred served in Calvary from 1966 to 1969 as a National Pastor, assisting our Missionary Pastor James Jones.

In his sermon, he requested that we, the church members, pray for him & his wife, Rita's up coming trip to Tibet in November to conduct a seminar on the Pentecost. He also requested for prayer for his health as the weather will be minus 10C then. Pas. Fred is 79 years old today but yet, he still preached like one just starting out in ministry.

This is Pastor Fred Abeysekera and his wife, Rita, today.

Click play to listen to Pastor Fred Abeysekera's sermon on 26 Oct 2008.

Title: Moses... The Decision of Faith

Please Say A Little Prayer For CC

Breaking news!!!

This testimony is written by Karen.

Be encouraged and know that our God is indeed a GOOD GOD and He remembers His promises and He has heard every prayer that we have prayed for our church.

Last Wednesday, 22 October 2008, I was feeling discouraged at the whole situation in our church. While driving to pick my children from school, I prayed and cried (with tears) and began to questioned God, "Why? Why does it look like God is not answering our prayers?” He does not seem to be in a hurry to end this saga that we are in.

On my way back home, I was driving along the Penchala Link from Damansara Perdana heading towards Mont Kiara, it began to rain and the most amazing thing happened right before my eyes.
Picture the scene : Behind me, Damansara Perdana, bright and sunny. Before me, towards Mt Kiara, heavy rain. On the Penchala Link ...A BEAUTIFUL RAINBOW.

At this point, the Rainbow's end was right in front of my car.

Bright sun behind...Dark clouds ahead...A rainbow's end in front of my car guiding me home. What a great encouragement this is, for all of us, in this week of prayer?

Psalm 34.

I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.
My soul will boast in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
Glorify the LORD with me: let us exalt his name together.

I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.
This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.

Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.
Fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing.
The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.

Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days,
keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies.
Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.

The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry;
the face of the LORD is against those who do evil,
to cut off the memory of them from the earth.

The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them;
he delivers them from all their troubles.
The LORD is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

A righteous man may have many troubles,
but the LORD delivers him from them all;
he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken.

Evil will slay the wicked; the foes of the righteous will be condemned.
The LORD redeems his servants; no-one will be condemned who takes refuge in him

Posted by CalvaryToday on 28 October 2008.

**************************************************************************

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

A lot have been spoken and expressed by different individuals in this blog. We are grateful to God our Heavenly Father, who has favoured us and have been with us throughout the last few months, constantly guiding us, leading us and giving us wisdom at each step of the way.
"He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honour him. (Psalm 91:15, NIV)

We are now calling on all our Concerned Members, all who have passed by Calvary Church, KL, at one point in your christian walk, friends and members overseas and christian readers, to ONE WEEK of prayer for our church. "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." (Jer 33:3, NIV)

Please write a PRAYER or a SCRIPTURE VERSE for the pastors, deacons, church leaders, concerned members and the saga that the church is in. We need the Lord's intervention and wisdom to know exactly what to do to bring about HIS WILL for our church. Any comments that is not a prayer or a Scripture verse will be deleted in this post.

God bless as we all look to God in Prayer.....
==================================================
To: MY BELOVED CHILDREN
Date: TODAY
From: GOD
Subject: CALVARY CHURCH, KL
Reference: TRUTH, TRANSPARENCY & GOVERNANCE ___________________________________________________________
This is God. Today I will be handling ALL of your problems for you. “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14, NIV)

If life happens to deliver a situation to you that you cannot handle, DO NOT WORRY, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33, NIV)

Kindly put your prayers in the SFGTD (something for God to do) box. I will get to it in MY TIME. All situations will be resolved, but in My time, not yours. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matt 11:28, NIV) So you must ALL, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7, NIV)

Once the matter is placed into the box, do not hold onto it by worrying about it. Instead, focus on all the wonderful things that are present in your life now.

I have seen you struggling, and I say that a blessing is coming your way.


+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

To put down your prayer, follow these simple steps :

1. Click at "__ Comments" at the bottom of the article.
2. Click at "Jump to Comment Form" (if you do not wish to read other people's prayer). If you are following other people's prayer, the "Comment" box is below the last comment/prayer.
3. Type your prayer in the "COMMENT' box.
4. Click 'NAME / URL"
5. Type your "PREFERRED NAME" (you do not need to key in anything in the URL box).
6. Click the orange box, "PUBLISH YOUR COMMENT"
7. Wait for a few seconds for it to appear in the blog.

40 or 47 years old? It is official! by HM

It is official. SP does not recognize the first seven years of our history.

In the commemorative book published in 2002 to celebrate his 30 year ministry in Calvary Church, on the last two pages is the "History of Calvary Church (AOG) Kuala Lumpur" and it starts from 1968. Here is the scanned page.

(To view the scan clearly, click on the image to enlarge)


And on page 2, "Prince and Petrina Guneratnam accepted the pastorate of Calvary Church, Kuala Lumpur in November 1972. Calvary Church was barely 4 years old, having only moved into her own building at No.2, Jalan Damansara Endah in Damansara Heights, Kuala Lumpur in 1968 with a congregation of 70 adults. Pastor was only 27 years old at the time and was the first Malaysian to pastor Calvary Church."

As far as SP is concerned the first seven years do not exist or is unimportant and is not part of our history.

But to say that he intended the Calvary 40th anniversary celebration to be a celebration of his 40th year in ministry is probably not correct.

On page 9, "Prince Guneratnam and Petrina Giaw married on December 2, 1966, the day after he graduated with a Diploma in Biblical Studies from the Bible Institute of Malaya. Together, the young couple laboured to pioneer and establish the Glad Tidings Assembly in Klang in 1967."

This means that he has been in ministry for 41 years and not 40.

WHM
16 October 2008

LET US RECAP AND RE-READ SOME LATEST COMMENTS RELATED TO THIS TOPIC.


I'm 47 NOT 40 said...
Don't laugh at others lest you also laugh at yourself. What a BIG BIG JOKE! SP poked fun at AG Singapore on their birthday when he himself can't count...or is it deliberate???? CC is 47 years old as a congregation (SP has always taught us that a church is NOT a building, but a fellowship of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ), yet he's hoodwinking us (although many of us are obviously smarter in counting than him) to celebrate only 40 years (building age) instead of 47 (fellowship age).We need to uncover and reveal more LIES AND 1/2 TRUTHS.Please DON'T laugh at others when you youself don't know how to count!
October 14, 2008 8:25 AM

Dawn of new era said...
I believe SP's boo-boo is NOT his doing. I'm convinced that the Holy Spirit has confounded him to use the Singapore AG's illustration to poke fun at himself and to show to the world that SP's true colour.Hallelujah. God is mightly and He has used His Spirit to reveal SP's action. TT members, you will all be vindicated, not by your actions but by the Holy Spirit Himself. This is the the dawn of a new era. We will trust Him.
October 14, 2008 8:33 AM

God Deserves ALL the Glory said...
Give God ALL THE GLORY!!! Let's NOT ROB Him of 7 years of His glory? CC is, I repeat, 47 years old. To those who still maintain it's a trivial issue - whether CC is 47 or 40 it does not matter - I solemnly appeal to you that IT DOES MATTER. It's not about the age, rather it's really really about GIVING GOD ALL THE GLORY, not only part of it.

God showed His faithfulness to the pioneers of CC. Remember, SP & SAP are NOT pioneers lest you still think they are, although all of us thank God for their labour in building upon the foundation laid by our pioneering brethren. There are many who have laboured for the Lord in pioneering CC. Let God have all His Glory for their labour of love.

Personally, as a long-time member of CC, I'm really saddened to see recent developments in CC. I first attended CC in 1982 when I was a student in UM. My wife and I were married in CC and my 2 children attended CC when they were babies and subsequently were baptised in CC. All these years, our family have served faithfully in CC. We love this church and we long to see the FULL Glory of God restored in this great church of God.

SP, I appeal to you. Do the right thing. Give God ALL the Glory, NOT just part of it. He really deserves it ALL. This is the cry of my heart, and my prayer for you and our church. To those of you who are attending the Thanksgiving Dinner, my sincere appeal to you is to also thank God for the 7 lost years. Show your gratitude to Him. To God be the Glory.
October 14, 2008 8:57 AM

3 beginnings... said...
It just dawn on me after reading about ROBBING GOD OF 7 YEARS GLORY.

God created the world in 7 DAYS and then, walla, we have human kind on earth for His Glory. Gen 1:1, "In the beginning, God created..."

God used 7 YEARS to bring about Calvary Church Damansara Heights. In 1961, God started a little fellowship of english speaking believers in Jalan Sayor....

However, it looks like someone planned to change Calvary history to read, "CALVARY CHURCH was dedicated to the glory of God on 11 February 1968 through the efforts of dedicated missionaries. Rev. Tan Sri (Dr) Prince and Puan Sri (Dr) Petrina Guneratnam was the first Malaysian couple to pastor the Church."

At a glance, SP & SAP, sounds like the missionaries who started Calvary Church. So this was a planned agenda all along. He has been slowly planting this thought in unsuspecting members/readers minds. So we are really robbing God of his beginning glory.
October 14, 2008 6:05 PM

Anonymous said...
A history lesson from someone who move over from Jalan Sayor to the present Calvary Church at Damansara Heights.

It was our missionary Pastor Jim Jones who challenged and initiated us to purchase land in DH though we were only a small young congregation. He motivated us to believe in God, strived to raise funds (not throwing expensive dinners) but by selling kueh, biscuits etc as small time traders, we even sewed neckties, wash cars etc.

On his part, he roped in Gene Martin from USA to raise funds for us. Pastor Jones and his family of 4 moved to the back of our church to save the rental he gets from his home church, so that we can have some extra funds. We only built what we needed because Pastor Jones did not want to burden his young congregation of about 70 people who moved from Jalan Sayor. Truly God used Pastor Jones to His Glory to affirm if TRULY THE VISION IS FROM GOD, THE LORD WILL BRING IT TO PASS. We move in to our present Church DEBT FREE!!!

By cutting 7 years of history is cruel to our missionaries who never have it so good then compared to what our SP and his family enjoys!!! It was Pastor Jones who invited the Guneratnams to come to preach to us one evening in Calvary Church and then asked for us to vote whether or not we want them to take over when he left!!!! We gave them a chance - they were small time preachers in Klang - rather humble at that time - we gave them a chance. Think they have forgotten their roots, they prospered in Calvary, got world recognition because Calvary Church is their platform. Are they appreciative of what we give them? From what we learnt, it seems not - they choose to keep our offerings for the less fortunate for themselves.

Maybe they need to recall Jesus teaching LAY NOT FOR YOURSELF TREASURES ON EARTH!!! CCC is way beyond our head - if you read what I have written you will be able to decide for yourself whether it is a vision of the Lord or SP's personal vision.When the CCC plans were announced, he just introduced Ken Yeang and slapped it down to our throat. He could have discussed with us before giving to a freemason - yes he knew because I know for sure someone told him.old time believer
October 14, 2008 10:49 PM

Be Grateful to CC Sowers said...
Dear "Old Believer" who is still young at heart (you're our Caleb who still soldiers on for our Lord)

Yes, I agree totally with you that cutting 7 years of CC history is VERY cruel to our missionaries such as Pastor Jones who never had it so good then compared to what our SP and his family enjoy now. SP, please give credit where it's due. Don't hoard it for yourself as it's never meant to be yours in the first place.Others sowed but you harvested. Give credit to the sowers too. It's NOT RIGHT and it's certainly a DETESTABLE thing to do. In fact it STINKS.
October 14, 2008 11:04 PM

26 Years in CC said...
Hi "Old Believer"I thank God for you for your small but very significant part in the Kingdom of God.

I can sense the hurt in you for what SP has done and is still doing, in robbing the 7 years of God's glory in and through the lives of our pioneering brethren.My brother, take heart for God will surely take His right place in CC.Trust in our Lord.
October 14, 2008 11:12 PM

Oldie said...
Yah, I am one of those who were there in Calvary Church for the evening service when Pastor G walked into the church with his wife and two small kids or toddlers.I was also one of them who raised my hand and agreed to him being our church pastor.
October 14, 2008 11:18 PM

Blood, Sweat and Tears said...
It's indeed very naive for those who still think that CC is 40 years old as a church does not spring up just like that. Where did the $$$ come from? What about the congregation? And what about the vision in the first place?There's much BLOOD, SWEAT and TEARS put into the sowing process. Even Paul our great apostle did not take all the credit. He saluted those who sowed for him to reap.
October 14, 2008 11:19 PM

another oldie said...
Our missionary pastors, I hold dear to the fact that our missionary pastors & their wives love us very very much. When I was having my baby I lost a lot of blood and the hospital did not have my blood group - Sis Jones came to the hospital personally and donated blood for me. I have a fine daughter and I am still alive and well. I am very grateful and for this reason I support those messages from the Jalan Sayor immigrants who have great love and respect for the missionary pastors who are really our shepherd in every sense.

There was no division - Pastor was the shepherd, we were the sheep and we were taught fed. One thing I must say they only left because the Malaysian government did not allow any missionaries to hold posts as full time pastors.Regret that some of you, the younger ones have not experienced what I am sharing with you. Yeh, it is good to remember they toiled

1. Pastor Guynes and Sis Guynes are like parents to many of us. They do not have any airs but will be more than happy to join us for meals at side-stalls.

2. Brother Jones and Sis Jones came with their young children; she had a baby when she was serving in Malaysia. They were very sacrificial and they inspired us to buy DH land.

3. Brother Vic Trimmer - he was an interim pastor and remember him with fond memories. Because he was a divorcee, when we came carolling to his home behind the church - in the middle of the night, he gave us AN icecream each. How can we ignore all these good shepherds? They toiled and sweated here without drawing any money from us - they have been all supported from their own church.

another oldie
October 15, 2008 4:52 PM

From The Horses' Mouth said...
Did you hear about the SP special "LOTT" treatment? The one where when SP is not happy with you he will show his disgust by putting his "Legs On The Table". I read about this in another blog, I think it was on Spikeee's blog. It seems this was confirmed by an AP (Associate Pastor) to the TT crew but the AP said that's SP's way of relaxing. Then TT crew said that SP can do the "LOTT" when relaxing in private but SP must put down his legs when someone else comes into the room.The AP answered "the trouble with Asian ...". He was stopped in mid sentence as the TT crew was indignant (i.e. Godly anger) & did not allow AP to finish his sentence. TT crew asked "since when has SP become a Mat Salleh, he is as Asian as you & me.

I have worked for 35 years & I have also served under some Mat Sallehs, I thank God that none of my bosses ever did that to me & neither have I ever done that to anyone. I do not want to hear about SP giving the "LOTT" treatment to anybody henceforth". Btw, this exchange of words was witnessed by another AP, a Deacon & another TT crew member. Believe you me that the foregoing is the "Truth & nothing but the whole Truth" because I have also heard this 1st hand "from the horses' mouth" for confirmation. Don't take my word for it, ask around as quite a few APs, CC staff & Calvarites have kena the "LOTT" treatment from SP over the years.

Unfortunately, no one dared to voice this out & thus SP has grown to be the monster that he now is today. May God have mercy on SP.
October 15, 2008 12:52 AM

Truth Prevails said...
dear '...Horses' mouth' (ahem! please try to keep your names short next time - easier to address, lah!)

That info about LOTT was written by Siew Chyuan & posted on Calvary Today, I think! It's all true. I, too got that LOTT treatment. It was his way to demean his leaders, to show us that he doesn't think much of us.

I felt insulted and intimidated by the LOTT treatment! He 's a monster indeed! No manners at all! And mind you, I was a church leader, of the female gender, and yet he did not show the least bit courtesy that gentlemen should show to ladies! SP is no gentleman and neither is he a good shepherd of God's people. He enjoys lording it over God's sheep!
October 15, 2008 9:31 AM

Ex-staff said...
Yes, "from The Horses' Mouth", I too experienced SP's LOTT treatment too when I was serving full-time. Personally speaking, regardless of whether you're Asian or Mat Salleh or whatever nationalities, etc, etc, LOTT is a PRIVATE AFFAIR when you are alone watching TV, listening to music, reading or relaxing, whatever...In private, you can do it in your office, living room, bedroom, toilet (if it's big enough, otherwise you'll get stuck) or any private confines. Please don't offer excuses for him, whoever the AP is. If it's NOT right, IT'S NOT RIGHT! Period.
October 15, 2008 1:11 PM

Another ex-staff said...
Let me distract you from, "why so long?"

SP & SAP do not walk the talk in the church office. His children also follow them, don't walk the talk. All church staff is compulsory to attend morning devotions and cannot be late or will be fined (money). 3 times absent, meet SP personally. But his children only attend once (1) a week. Our office policewoman dare not even ask them why. I suppose they meet their punishment everyday by seeing their father everyday.

They also can walk in late for work and no one dare to question them. Their daughter in law can walk out of office any time to take care of her children. SAP will always be seen carrying her grand children in the office.

Other church staff have to take leave to send our children and parents even to see doctor. Some staff who got long medical leave from doctors are asked, "why so long leave?" See, the difference is you don't have a G name.
October 16, 2008 11:07 AM

So Cham said...
"Another ex-staff"

My sympathies to all the 'so cham' staff of Calvary! A good thing I was wise enough not to take up a full-time staff position with Calvary - my instincts told me that all was not well with Calvary Church many years ago. The scenario in the Calvary office is like a 'cold war' zone.

Not surprising really...when the CEO, his mah chai, & BOD are not walking righteously before God, the door is opened for enemy infiltration, to cause strife, division, unhappiness, ungoldliness, quarrelling, jealousies, injustice, cliques, suspicions, etc. among the staff and their relationships with each other. It's a "dog eat dog" world there, or the Chinese version, "devil beat devil" world in Calvary Church office!

One of the staff who was pregnant thought that she could also ask for 'morning sickness' leave, on compassionate grounds, for a few hours every morning since the CEO's daughter-in-law was granted such liberty, but to her dismay and disappointment, she found out that such privileges are only for those with the surname 'G' tagged on to them! Cronyism rears its ugly head!
October 16, 2008 11:56 AM

Anonymous said...
or rather, "nepotism".
October 16, 2008 12:00 PM

Nepotism shows its ugly head said...
Dear ex-staff…like tat pun boleh? I guess nepotism is the unspoken law in CC. If you are a direct family member (and I quote direct as family members of son-in-law or daughter-in-law are not included in this double standards ruling), life is easy and comfortable – flexi hours, higher pay, high positions and you don’t need to follow the normal set of rules.

Why the double standards…..if anything, you should have a much higher expectation on your own family members (son, daughter, wife, son-in-law, daughter-in-law) as compared to the other staff. What other staff can’t do or have to do must also be followed by the family members – why the double standards. It’s like CC belongs to the guneratnams and the rest of the staff are all peasants working for this monarchy.
October 16, 2008 12:07 PM

mad said...
i do believe what some of the ex staff claims and had observed as double standard. yes i know it as a fact . any staff involve in ministry has to take leave to be doing ministry work but not the G family. for them everything is church work including going to market and picking up their kids.

SP children and grand children are given the impression that CC belong to them and the rest work there. Even his grand son threaten adults like me.... AL would say i will tell my grand father if he does not get his way. Pastor Susan Tan's saga and she leaving CC was because of his grandchild.

Now about dinner . afters all this talk about those taking part has to pay.The church now has decide to charge RM 50 . and kids RM 25. the church simply don't appreciate the sacraficial of the members. Timothy Ong has 101 reason why the head users were remove. His apology is to justify . Is he a member of UMNO. Actually he is just being consistent . he is constantly indifferent and a story teller. TImothy Ong i suggest you do some soul searching. i dare not do what you do in the corporate world. the different between me and you is you are call to feed his sheep not stumble them. i am just a tent maker.
October 16, 2008 1:21 PM

angry said...
People might say why are we bringing up all this ‘personal’ stuff about sp & his family but I tell u tat it is all interlinked and shows his true self. It all stems from sp being the selfish, ungodly, overly ambitious ceo that he is that resulted in all tat is happening in the church, whether it is money issues or staff unhappiness or nepotism. So again, we are asking now, why hasn’t the person responsible for all this spoken yet? Is it becoz he has no good explanation for all he has done? Speak up I ask of u, sp and be a man.

Let's be focused said...
Let us all forget about answering this "why so long?" and the new comer "reality check". They are diverting our attention from the ex-staff who have shared the inside stories. They don't want to have more ex-staff writing so they are wasting space here with their merry-go-round. Exactly like what they do at AGMs & EGMs.

Ex-staff, please tell us more and the rest stay focused and be self-controlled. Don't waste blogging space.
October 16, 2008 6:00 PM

Unhappy said...
Yes, I agree with "Let's be focused". We must conserve blogging space by not getting entangled in trivial discourse with the unfocused and detractors.

I'm no ex-staff, but I'm very close to CC staff. My sources tell me that SP sacked all the staff of Calvary Printing Press (only 2 by the way) without following proper labour law (immediate dismissal I heard) and ordered PO to change the locks to the premises just in case they came in to remove the printing machine which is old enough to be on display at our musuem.

By the way, one of them has left CC after SP's shameful act. SP stumbled him. The other one is still hanging on.
October 16, 2008 6:17 PM

On behalf of Acronyms said...
Just read this in another posting. Sounds very logical why sp needs to stash away money for retirement.

"SP obviously doesn't walk the talk about one should live in faith. Why does he need to secretly transfer funds of RM 1.9 million from CC to CIM? Is it because he has (as told by SP to BOD) withdrawn his EPF for Junior's house & SP now needs to rebuild his EPF savings?Where is SP's faith? Even if he has diminished his EPF savings (as claimed by him), SP only need to look towards God who is his EPF (Ever Proving Father), as well as ours."

October 16, 2008 8:12 PM

9th Update to CC Members

SP’S ELABORATION OF 40TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER

The previous Sunday at DH, Senior Pastor attempted to elaborate on the forthcoming 40th Anniversary Thanksgiving Dinner at Sunway Lagoon hotel. He started by poking fun at the AG Singapore for celebrating their 80th anniversary this year when they have been in existence for less than 80 years. He explained that when AG was first established in Malaya, Singapore was then part of Malaya. Singapore then separated from the Federation of Malaya and formed their own AG. Therefore if AG Malaysia is 74 years old, then AG Singapore cannot be 80 years old. Yet they chose to "add a few years" and celebrate the 80th anniversary.

SP certainly made a boo-boo with this anecdote because it is a case of the pot calling the kettle black. As you all know, he has mandated that our church celebrate the 40th anniversary instead of our actual 47th anniversary if we compute from the year Calvary Church was “born” which was in 1961.

He encourage the congregation to join the dinner to show gratitude and appreciation for God’s faithfulness to our church for the last 40 years. He is either implying that God had not been faithful in our first 7 years of history or he is saying that God doesn’t deserve any gratitude or appreciation from us for the first 7 years. If you had read Hong Meng’s article in this blog on the history of our church or spoke to the pioneer members like Robert Ng, Jenny Low or Tony Lee, you will know that the early years of our existence were not easy days. The church faced much persecution and hardship but during those 7 years of struggles, our founding fathers led by Dr Guynes and his team witnessed the deliverance, miracles and faithfulness of God.

Therefore, by celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Calvary Church, are we then not ROBBING God of 7 years of His glory? Please consider this before any of you happily join the celebrations. Give God His due Glory and declare to the world that He has been faithful for 47 years!

DECEIT AND HALF-TRUTHS

Deceit #1 – Thanksgiving or Fund-raising Dinner?

SP and his pastors have been promoting the above dinner as a celebration of our 40th Anniversary. If you study the dinner registration form carefully, you will note that all cheque payments for the RM85 per head dinner are to be made payable to the CCC.

The question that comes to mind is – Is this a celebration dinner of the church or a fund-raising dinner for CCC? There is no compelling reason why payments for the dinner should be made out to the CCC unless it is actually a fund-raising dinner for the CCC.

We heard through the grapevine that due to the poor response, our pastors and church staff have been desperately calling all leaders, ex-staff and our outreach churches (including those which are now independent) to join the dinner. One such church told one of our pastors that they don’t feel right joining our anniversary celebration and that church’s pastor was promptly told by our said pastor that it is actually a fund-raising dinner for our CCC!

Some of you may also recall that sometime last year, the CCC fund-raising committee had made mention of this forthcoming dinners on 22nd and 25th as part of their fund-raising program.

What we cannot fathom is why our pastors, deacons and SP have to resort to such deceit?
Or have they come to a point that telling half-truths, lies or being deceitful has become a part of them that they no longer have the conscience or discernment to differentiate right from wrong? Where is their honesty and integrity?

Deceit #2 – Congregation of 3,000 or 10,200?

This is extracted from Calvary Church’s website:-

CALVARY CHURCH was dedicated to the glory of God on 11 February 1968 through the efforts of dedicated missionaries. Rev. Tan Sri (Dr) Prince and Puan Sri (Dr) Petrina Guneratnam was the first Malaysian couple to pastor the Church. From a congregation of about 120 in 1968, the Church has grown, pioneered and established 32 daughter churches. Today, Calvary Church and her outreaches minister to more than 10,200 people.

Note that our church now purports to minister to 10,200 people. There were some debates in our blog on how SP can tell the world that we have 8,000 worshippers. None of our blog mathematicians could arrive at such a number. Now this declaration to the world takes the cake. All of you know that including all our supported outreaches and satellites, at most, we have a regular crowd of 2,500 to 3,000 people only, and the number is rapidly dropping.

At our last AGM, SP tried to explain that it is matter of perception. He argued that the then quoted number of 8,400 people included members of our outreaches which have since become independent. It is an illogical argument, to say the least. When an outreach has become independent and is no longer part of us, we cannot include their numbers to our own. If that ridiculous argument is accepted, then the First Assembly of God church in Jalan Sayur being our mother church will be the largest congregation in Malaysia. Calvary may not even come close to being in the 2nd spot since a few others have overtaken us.

WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?

We know this is on the minds of all of you who are deeply concerned with the current crisis in our church. When we started this blog, we had hoped that in our dissemination of information to you, all of you will respond with your views, comments and suggestions on the various issues raised and how to move forward. This, we must salute you, because you have done well. Of course, in any debate, there is bound to be some strong differing views and comments. Some comments by some of you may appear to be ”malicious” and “personal” but this is arguable. Using the words of our pastors, it’s a matter of perception. However, we believe that some of the indeed malicious comments are, although unproven, the work of certain church staff, deacons or pastors using pseudo names. Their intention is purely to discredit the integrity of the TT supporters. But we are not worried. We believe that all our fellow Calvarites are mature Christians who are spirit-filled and have the discernment to make the right judgment.

Coming to the action plans, the following are what we, either collectively, individually or as a small group, have done or considered doing or proposed to do:-

1. Stop Giving. Right after the EGM, we received many SMSes, emails and verbal comments from members that they will stop giving offerings, tithes, faith promises and CCC pledges. It is said that when church members are unhappy, they vote with their feet (go to another church) or vote with their wallets (stop giving). To this, we say, please don’t leave the church but you may stop giving, if you wish. But as to whether you should stop giving offerings or tithes or CCC pledges, we leave it to you and your conviction. Seek God for wisdom. We know of a number of members who have made themselves ‘Missions directors’ and they are using their funds well and personally touching lives. Of course, if God asks you to continue giving to Calvary, please do so.

2. Report to the Police. Several of us have met and spoken to the police. We have found out the reporting procedures, the investigation and prosecution process. We have been informed that we do have a case to take up but we have not put in a formal complaint. We feel this is an option of last resort and all of us are praying and seeking God for direction.

3. Report to the IRD. Similar to item 2, we have gotten the procedures and are now awaiting for one final piece of puzzle before we act.

4. Report to AG Council, NECF and WAGRA. We have been in touch with these bodies and are now awaiting their responses and debating on our next move.

5. Legal action. We have consulted lawyers on the various options available to us and will take the appropriate action in due course.

6. Publicize our cause. This is akin to “washing dirty linen in public” . There are 2 proposals namely holding a press conference or organizing a placard demo at the dinner venues in Sunway and Prince Hotel during the dinner times on 22nd and 25th October. These are not the most ideal options but may be worth considering. Bear in mind that it was the “washing dirty linen in public” which brought down great but fallen men of God like Jimmy Swaggart , Jim Bakker and many others. God needs to cleanse His church before revival can come .

7. Petition. This involves the gathering of signatures of voting members to requisite an EGM to remove SP and or the deacons. This could possibly be the most “cleanest” and least damaging option available to us. We plan to put this into action next month.

Some of you have expressed concern that the above actions may cause a split in our church. We wish to say that our church is already split and many have already left for another church. But God is the great Restorer, He will not fail us. Anyhow, we need to find a quick solution to the problem and therefore, we urge you to pray along with us and for God’s wisdom and direction so that we will make the right decision and bring an end to this saga.

God Bless.

Questions to Truth Seekers

Obvious said :

Dear Truth seekers

I have a few queries/comments to ask/make : -

1. What is the next move that we need to take to stop this abuse of power once and for all, ie.

• will SP resign?
• will we get a Truth Commission like we so asked for?

I like and appreciate this blog but surely all this has got to end sooner or later? no use that we concerned calvarites keep on blogging and venting our frustrations and SP and his merry men keep on witchhunting and abusing their authority right?

2. CCC - With the current economy situation and the liquidity tightening plus increase in raw mat prices,

• how much do you think CCC's cost will shoot up to?
• Can CC even get anymore donations and financing to fund the completion of this building?
• If not, what will happen to CCC? seized by Alliance Bank?

3. Anniversary Dinner - as much as we love our church,

• I think that those of us who do not agree with what SP is doing etc. should rightfully not go to this dinner.
• I don't understand how SP and the BOD can still go on celebrating when all is not well with the church.

Post EGM - Independent Auditor and Lawyer - Really? by HM

The recent EGM saw an “independent” forensic auditor and an “independent” criminal lawyer telling the gathered Calvarites that there had been no misdeed in the transactions between Calvary International Ministries (CIM) and the Church. Yes, it was probably true that none of the deacons knew these professionals before the assignments. Yes, the lawyer did the job pro bono, i.e. foc. But were they really independent?

The concerned Calvarites had asked for the establishment of an independent Truth Committee. To be independent it was suggested that both sides of the divide nominate two members with the necessary skills and competencies for the assignment. The four of them would then appoint an independent chairman acceptable to both sides. The chairman would be a prominent Calvarite whose stature and integrity would be beyond reproach. This would ensure credibility and acceptability to all Calvarites regardless of their stand on the issues.

For some reasons known only to them the Board refused to involve the concerned Calvarites. The Board did it all by themselves. It is my opinion that in so doing the independence of these professional had been compromised.

They selected the professionals. They made the appointments. The Board briefed them on the background and the issues. The terms of reference for the assignments were given by the Board. More seriously the professionals worked off documents and records provided them by the Board.

They were responsible only to the Board and not the members. They presented their reports only to the Board and agreed with the Board the presentation strategies for the EGM. Moreover their assignments required them to report on transactions which involved the Board collectively as well as some individual members of the Board involved in CIM and the Missions Department.

In the case of the auditor, he was also paid by the Board. Not only were the concerned Calvarites kept out of the appointment and reporting process, until today we do not know the terms of reference for the two assignments. Neither do we know what documents and records were made available to them.

This is most critical as the report from the lawyer was based entirely on the documents and records provided. An additional piece of document or the removal of another could make all the difference. He also explained that he did not interview anyone nor did any investigation to determine the validity of the documents or what the documents say was true. In that case was truth adequately established? Could truth be established purely through whatever documents the Board chose to provide him with?

As his opinion was based purely on the documents he was given, it was admitted that based on the same documents another lawyer could well have another opinion. That is why there are court cases; lawyers with different opinions. Then the judge would have to decide which opinion is legally more valid and acceptable.

In this case, Calvarites were called to be the judge. But they were asked to judge based on only one opinion. Would the Board give us exactly the same documents for us to obtain an “independent” opinion from another lawyer?

The auditor reported only on the accounts of CIM. It would appear he did not look at the transactions from the side of the Missions Department. It is this side that we are really concerned about. In effect he could be barking up the wrong tree. The queried transactions emanated from the Missions Department. By the time the transactions ended in CIM they were already outside of the Church governance processes.

Finally both the reports are not made available to us. What are in these reports that the Board do not wish us to see? Even the report from the Royal Commission on VK Lingam was made available to the public. We can pay for the photocopying but the Board must not deny us access to the very reports that are supposed to exonerate them of any wrong doing.

The verbal presentations by their appointed professionals at the well orchestrated EGM could not be accepted as the broom sweeping clean the mess. Yes they were independent in terms of their professional standing. But were they independent in terms of their appointment and reporting? Could their opinions be in anyway skewed towards the purposes for the EGM?

You be the judge.

WHM
22nd September 2008

Post EGM - Truth, Half-truth or Lie by HM

At the EGM the deacons were asked if there was a retirement age for the Senior Pastor. The answer from a Deacon was that there was no retirement age in the Church Constitution. Absolutely true. We all knew that. We also read the Constitution. But did he answer the question? Was there a retirement age for the Senior Pastor?

There is also no retirement age provision in the Constitution for the associate pastors and the church staff but I am sure there is a Board policy on this. Ask any of the church staff who had retired. Unless otherwise provided for, the national retirement age is 55. Had the Board enacted a policy on the retirement age for the Senior Pastor if it is not 55? This is a very reasonable and simple question.

It is inconceivable that a Board such as ours does not have such a policy. Most of the deacons have extensive corporate and human resource experience in substantial companies and organizations. Could they have overlooked the need for such a policy? Surely in their care for the Senior Pastor they must provide for such a policy. They could not have intended for the Senior Pastor to work till he drops. There must come a point in time when the Board must allow the Senior Pastor to take it a little easier and enjoy the fruits of his labour.

We have heard that indeed there is such a policy, i.e. the retirement age is 60. We cannot prove it because Board decisions are secret and so are the minutes; the sole copy being kept by the Church Secretary. If that is true then why did the Deacon not say so? What harm could possibly come from letting us know?

He was probably constrained by the 7th resolution submitted by the concerned members. If he had admitted that there was a retirement age of 60 years that would mean that Senior Pastor had retired a couple of years ago upon reaching his 60th birthday. Therefore he would have to be reappointed by the Board for him to continue as Senior Pastor.

In that case under Rule XI(1)(a) of the Church Constitution, his reappointment would have to be ratified by a two-thirds majority vote of the voting members present at a General Meeting properly convened for that purpose. The Board did not do that. They did not seek ratification by the members. They could have side-stepped the issue by invoking Rule XIV which makes them the Sole Authority to interpret the Constitution. All the other provisions in the Constitution can be rendered quite meaningless when they invoke Rule XIV. So they could have “interpreted” that the reappointment would not need to be ratified by the members at a General Meeting. We can shout “unfair, unconstitutional and dictatorial”. They just turn a deaf ear and carry on business as usual. They have all the powers.

That being the case the Deacon could jolly well have disclosed the retirement age to us without consequences. Even if we know what can we do? We have no power to insist that Rule XI(1)(a) be complied with. The Board can thump their noses at us and we simply have to take it on the other cheek.

That was what happened to the 7 resolutions submitted for the EGM. The Board had demonstrated more than adequately that they could and would exercise the full extent of their powers as granted them by the Constitution to make sure that they and they alone determine what is to be done in and for the Church.

What is the spirit behind Rule XI(1)(a)? This rule recognizes that whilst the selection of a Senior Pastor for the Church rests with the deacons, the appointment must be supported and accepted by the congregation. The appointment or reappointment must be ratified by at least two-thirds of the voting members. Under normal circumstances the ratification would just be a formality. The members would usually support the decision of the Board. But when there is doubt then Rule XI(1)(a) becomes important.

For a Senior Pastor to perform his pastoral duties effectively he must enjoy broad support from the congregation; at least two-thirds of the membership would be considered representative of broad support. Otherwise who is the Senior Pastor to pastor? I believe that that is the spirit and intention behind Rule XI(1)(a).

By not complying with Rule XI(1)(a) it would appear that the Board was not concerned if the reappointment was supported by the congregation. Should the Board be concerned? Whilst Rule XI(1)(a) seems to say it is absolutely essential, the Board appears not to think so.

Therefore was the answer from the Deacon the truth, a half-truth or a lie? You decide.


WHM
15th September 2008

Follow up on EGM, Letter to BOD by AC

Brother Alan was overseas for the last couple of weeks. He just returned last Sat, & has given us green light to post his letter to the BOD.

From: Alan Chan
Sent: Monday, August 25, 2008 0:32:43
Subject: Follow-up On EGM

Dear SP & BOD,

I am writing to you to follow-up on what I called and requested for during the Q&A session at the EGM. Honestly, I am sadden and disappointed with the outcome of the EGM and this sentiment was and still shared by scores of members who attended the 15 Aug meeting.

In my opinion, the issues are indeed far from over. And I do not think it was right for Pastor David Seah to be asked to announce to the whole church on 17 Aug that the EGM was good and things were now clarified and resolved.

(A) Call To Resign

1. As pointed out, it was such a shame and amazing that the BOD failed to look into the issues relating to CIM for the past 6 years until it was highlighted by the concerned group of Calvarites. To me, the basis for the EGM was not so much to explain to members the legal status of the church or relationship between Calvary, Missions Dept and CIM. It was more of an agenda to cover up something which all of you saw that was not right, either it could be the process or an action. Therefore, the BOD felt compelled and agreed the best way to deal with it was to convene an EGM to rectify that.

2. If I were you, I would examine my heart and conscience. Am I as the BOD doing justice to God and the many members who elected me when morally and spiritually something very wrong was done in covering up the transactions involving Missions Dept and CIM? Let me reiterate my call for each of the BOD to act in a responsible manner in taking the 1st step to resign as deacon/deaconess.

3. I have to also remark about Patrick Wong's denial knowing the "Teh Tarik" group. What a confession in front of close to 1000 members! By so doing, Patrick was seen by many not only as arrogant but also shrewd and deceitful.

(B) Show Proof of BOD Ratifications

1. I requested the BOD to show proof to all present during EGM the approval given by BOD. Instead, I was given a few PP slides showing the chronology of transactions and ratifications by BOD. The whole church heard from the concerned Calvarites that the BOD had no knowledge of the transactions between Missions Dept and CIM. In the many updates sent out by the "Teh Tarik" group, it was stated clearly the deacons and some former Missions Dept Committee members were not aware of such transferred funds let alone approved them.

2. How is it then Edward was able to come out with a PP slide outlining the various ratification from BOD after each transactions? Even the outlines were confusing with differing occasions when BOD first came to know and then ratified it. Quite clearly, to all present this was an after-thought and hurriedly prepared presentation. And it was also an open act to deceive and mislead the members.

3. This was not the proof I was asking for and certainly not something which the members would like to see. I am now making an official request for the evidences, either in the form of minutes of meeting or official documented resolutions for each of the approved transfers. Please let me have access to these records within 14 days of this request.

(C) Moving Forward Actions

1. It was mentioned that CARED will be grouped under Missions Dept as an Extended Ministries. Has this taken effect immediately and how much of the funds from CIM will be transferred back? If not please advise when is the effective date and funds to be transferred.

2. Three other actions were mentioned, ie (i) Improvements in Financial Governance; (ii) Church Constitutional Review and (iii) Improvements In Communication Process. I would like to request for each of these actions the followings :

(a) Milestones for specific progress by 12 Sep 08.
(b) Timeline for each specific progress by 12 Sep 08.

3. I do think it is reasonable for these actions to be completed within 30 days. Henceforth, I would advise the BOD to put up on the Church Notice Board by then and concurrently announce over the pulpit these actions on 14 Sep 08. Please endeavour to show the members the kind of communication process improvements since it was recognised as an urgent need for BOD to communicate on regular and timely basis.

(D) SP Statement

1. SP made a statement at the end of the EGM and I quote "You can ask any questions but do not insinuate or make insinuation remarks".

2. I would like to echo this but on a different ground. I earnestly call on anyone who speaks from the pulpit to do so in preaching the Word of God in truth and dignity. Please DO NOT use the pulpit to criticise and hit out at the members, especially the concerned group of Calvarites. What we have been hearing from the pulpit in the run-up to EGM and thereafter has been unbelievable and shocking.

3. We heard a message linking the mission of the church with extremism. Where is the relationship? Who are those able to gravitate and pull members of the church to their side and be labelled as extremist? If the mission of the church is to reach out to the lost and broken outside, why are we still keeping millions of RM in fixed deposits and seed funds in CIM and other church accounts?

4. I guess there was no need for me to be explicit telling everyone about the messages spoken by Dag Heward-Mills during 10.30 am and 5.00 pm services last week. There were shocking, unscriptural and has caused much emotional & spiritual distress and instill unnecessary fear in the hearts of many members. Members are questioning the timing and truth of such messages and the analogy of snakes was such a mockery.

5. Again I want to implore and ask that you and every invited speaker use the pulpit for its right purposes and for the glory of God.

Thank you.

In & For Our Lord Jesus,
ALAN CHAN