The Battle Escalates by Vijay

The latter days of Calvary will be more glorious than the former as Christ takes His place as the true Pastor of Calvary Church.

Calvary Church is still on my mind. However, this time the battle is with powers in high places. I am unable to disclose details here but there are those in Calvary Church that know what my recent battles are.

Until the leaders outside the Calvary Community, i.e. Christian leaders in other churches boldly acknowledge "we are our brothers keepers" and respond to the plight of Calvary Church by voicing openly, the battle continues and we need to speak the truth in love.

There are those from other churches who have advised that I "slow down" and be "less vocal", but I cannot. I think of those confused and suffering. Some who have been in Calvary for years - some even as children and now grown adults. What about them?

When Germany invaded Europe, the people of the USA wanted no part in the war. Theirs was a country of plenty and land of opportunity - why get into a conflict with another country across the Atlantic?

Yes, the USA did offer help in some minor ways and gave moral support but none were willing to openly stand with the suffering Europeans. Little did they know that their isolation policy was eating into their moral and spiritual values.

It is only after they have suffered Pearl Habour were they awakened from their slumber - only then was the "sleeping giant awakened".

The same applies to the Christian community and leaders in general. I praise those Christian leaders who have written in the blog but I wished those who were in prominent place of influence could have shown support openly - even make a public declaration of support.

Has any one stopped to think what the congregation is going thru? Has anyone talked to the silent majority who are in pain but unable to articulate their pain out of fear they may offend another because he/she belongs to a different camp? What about friends that were once inseparable but now not in talking terms because they are in a different camp. What about families that are split, wives and husbands, brothers and sisters. Oh! The pain in seeing a church once so vibrant, now split. A church once so admired and a role model, now avoided.

I FAIL TO UNDERSTAND THE SPIRITUAL BLINDNESS OF SOME IN THE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY!

THANK GOD FOR THOSE IN OTHER CHURCHES WHO SUPPORT THE COURSE OR HAVE GIVEN A TEMPORARY HOME.

Nevertheless, praise the Lord, for victory, it will come though it may tarry for awhile. There are many who have absolute faith that Calvary Church will be resurrected and will be one of the leading voice of Christianity in Malaysia.

The Bible says the gates of hell shall not prevail. Yes, satan meant for evil, but the Lord meant for good. Surely the Lord is preparing a new army of Christian warriors through a suffering church.
A church that has gone through the 'dark night of the soul' is a formidable force. The Bible says "Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it abides alone, BUT IF IT DIES - IT BEARS MUCH FRUITS.

Let us all believe, the latter days of Calvary will be more glorious than the former as Christ takes His place as the true Pastor of Calvary Church.

Vijay 


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Date added : 22 May 2010
This is a new Comment written by Bro Vijay who usually uses the pseudonym "Bamboo Conspiracy" when writing to us here in CT & BC.


NOTICE TO BLOGGERS TO AVOID CONFUSION
To readers of the Calvary Today and Berita Calvary.

I noticed an interesting article was written by "Anonymous said - The Famine & The Ass" and signed "Bro Vijay".

I have received e-mails from friends and even the Blog Administrator to verify whether "Bro Vijay" and I are the same.

We are not!

I trust "Bro Vijay" is another Christian who wish to contribute to the blog. All contributors are welcome as we all share the same purpose to see Calvary Church return to its rightful owner!

Nevertheless, to avoid confusion, please note that I write under the pseudonym "Bamboo Conspiracy" and sign off as "Vijay". I hope this clarifies the confusion.

The reason I took the pseudonym "Bamboo Conspiracy" is because when I first wrote in the blog, the Lord taught me a lesson from the Bamboo plant. He showed me the hidden truth about the Bamboo - The Bamboo Conspiracy!.

We all can learn from the Bamboo. A Japanese Proverb says: "The bamboo that bends is stronger than the oak that resists.”

Do you know it takes two to three years for the Bamboo plant to establish its root system, during which time very little bamboo growth happens ‘up top’? The Bamboo hides its true nature. But once the root system is in place, the growth is extraordinary – it can shoot up more than 20 meters in less than four months.

Furthermore, watch the bamboo plant in a storm. The plant bend under pressure from the wind but always return gracefully to its upright or original position after the storm had died down.

When I think about the bamboo plant's ability to bounce back or return to it's original position, the word resilience comes to mind.

And I see the same resilience within the members of Calvary Church that wait to see the Body of Christ return gracefully to her true place.

Satan thought by murdering Christ on the cross, he had won. Satan could not see the Lord's hidden agenda ("conspiracy") when God had predetermined that His Son was to die to save the world.

Similarly, once again satan has failed in his discernment! God's has an hidden agenda (a "spiritual conspiracy"!) in Calvary Church! Though satan appears to be in control now, he does not know that God has predetermined to resurrect Calvary Church to a greater glory. And when it happens, His name will be GLORIFIED!

PS. I hope the reader is mature enough to discern the word 'conspiracy' is used within a positive contact in this article!

Vijay 

Testimony by a Regular Worshipper

It is strange that nowadays, even a believer could not freely give a testimony in church. I could not speak or read this testimony openly in church at the watch night service due to fear of persecution from the leaders and their hardcore supporters in Calvary Church, but I believe God is worthy of all praises, and I want to take this opportunity to share my testimony here and give Him all the glory He deserved. I don’t mind if anyone of you courageous enough to read it in the church. But bear in mind that they who threaten to hurt those concern members after the publish of the articles in the Star, may persecute you right at the spot. The persecution we face within the church today is real.

My testimony begin like this:

Somewhere middle of last year, I felt so upset with the pastors and the leaders of the church. Such frustration is accumulated over many disappointments over several years on what I saw in the church leadership and their hardcore supporters. Their actions, teachings and behavior really tell me that they do not really follow Jesus. I saw all these in their fruit and I was upset to know nothing have been done to address such.

I wonder to myself, “How can such obvious contradiction against God’s Word and His Spirit can be tolerated and even justified in the house of God?” But it seem at that time, every one simply follow along the trend of the church culture, without much check on the Scriptures or even consult the Lord on their direction. I kept the matter to myself, thinking I alone can do nothing about this, and I might as well shut up. But I could not ignore it. Such matter kept arising to my mind. In every church services I attend, every time I pray, and as I study God’s Word, the matter arise in my mind, as though as it matter to the Lord. But as I am upset and confused at why the church succeed in doing wrong, I argue with the Lord, saying, “But You don’t care, else why they who go wrong can still be successful in their wrong ways?” Sometime I argue, “What can I do, when Lord, You let it happen, and yet does nothing for them to repent?”

It was some where in the middle of last year, that I wept in prayer in my car every time I went home from church. I remember one Sunday afternoon, as I wept in my car, while still inside Avenue building, I begin to ask the Lord to intervene. I asked, “Lord, send people to speak to the pastors. Lord, send at least 50 people to tell the pastors that they are wrong and need to repent, as a sign to me that You intervened; and that’s enough for me to believe You care”.

After that Sunday, I did not attend Calvary Church for a year. When I discover the blog Calvary Today several months ago and found out that they are about 50 of them who started it, I was over joy. You see, I am not a register member of the church, and therefore do not attend any General Meeting on church issues (I refuse to be one because of the prejudice scheme of member selection that I saw, and how possessed are some members by the institution spirit and pastor adoration) Due to such, I was isolated and I do not know that God Himself actually already raise up several people to speak His Words or warning to the pastors, and the number of these people is arising.

When I first found the blog several months ago, I felt my burden lifted. I still do not know who they are, but I felt the Lord has intervened through them and has listen to my cry when I was in my car in Avenue building last year. Now I knew how foolish I was, when I complain to the Lord that He does not care; when actually He does and has indeed already prepare the answer through TT&G before my prayer. While I was not a registered member and may not able to do anything about the present situation, I felt that the Lord want me to stand with Him, grow in the ability in distinguishing right from wrong, good from evil (Heb 5:14), for to Him, such attribute in us is much more important than merely getting rich or enjoying luxury life as seen in some church leaders today.

I want to encourage you who have the same concern with me, who may be confused at the contradiction seen between God’s Word and church practices, to take heart for the Lord is the same yesterday, today and forever. The Lord who commanded us not to greed for money and fame, has not changed. His character, virtue, and stature mentioned in His Words remains true. What is right remains right, and what is wrong remains wrong, no matter who tried to preach to sway it or even prophesy to divert it. God want us to think wholesomely (2 Peter 3:1) and that His standard has not changed.

Do not be confused or led astray by all kind of sermons, false prophesy or cunning strategies, but rather stay focus on His Words that penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; and judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart (Heb 4:12). Be discerned and be concern. What you have learned in your walk with the Lord is not superseded. They cannot be superseded. His Word remain true. For the virtue that God has molded into you, the Godly character He built in you through His Spirit and His Word, is a progress of your spiritual growth. It is not to be demolished nor superseded. It matter to the Lord and He will not let people lead you astray.

While the church over-occupied by CCC, God never divert His focus from His people. We are the people of the Lord; we are the apple of His eyes. In this end time, He builds us, His church, not any death structures.

I want to thank the Lord for answering my prayer through CalvaryToday and all those concern members who support TT&G. Through them, God has told me that He cares and listen to the cry of His people. It is easy to build CCC in this fallen world, where with enough money, influence, dirty scheme and deception, evil can prevail; but it takes God’s miracle and a lot of faith in God to speak the courageous words of the season and return truth back to the church today. Thank God for those who dare to speak for truth.

We are the concern members and He is the concern God, not an ignorant one. He cares!!! While leaders merely concern on not abandon CCC, our Lord’s concern is on His people and their spiritual health. Goodness is not when one chase after luxury while ignore the rest. Goodness is when we see the Lord intervene as a response to our prayers. The Lord is good in year 2009 and He will always be.

“Thank you Lord for answering my prayer. May the will of the Lord for His church be accomplished, and His truth set His church free. All glory to the Lord. Amen!!”

Thankfully submitted by Lee.

An Open Reply to an E-mail from Overseas.

CT received this e-mail from someone overseas. We believe that what this brother/sister has expressed may be something that some of you out there reading this blog have in mind also. As such, we have decided to reply this e-mail as an Open Letter to all the followers of CT, who may have similar questions. The e-mail reads like this:

"My name is __________. I attended Calvary Church for many years until I moved to _________ in 2000. I am currently residing in ____________. I have been following your blog and the writings with great interest. I also keep in contacts with current Calvarites.

I don't believe in condoning what is wrong. However, I also believe that what the bible says about "he who has no sin casts the first stone". Also, vengeance is mine, says the Lord.

I am a person of vengeful spirit especially when someone does me wrong. The anger that boils inside me wants me to strike back. Recently, a brother in Christ shared with me and made me realized that anger and pride goes hand in hand. God wants us to be humble and approach everything and every situation with humility. I pray that you would do the same. I also pray that you would not hide behind a blog but be open and reveal yourself. Hiding behind a blog and throwing darts is not helping. Going on our knees in humility and prayers before God will.

God bless you."

Our reply to this e-mail:

It is great to know that God has helped you deal with your anger problem and your lesson on humility.

We, the concerned members of Calvary Church, KL, on the other hand, have been called, led together and have responded to God’s leading to do what we are doing not because we have anger in our hearts for any of our Pastors or the Church. In fact, many of us have been in church for many years and some may even be considered the “pillars” of the early Calvary Church.

As individuals, we are all tremendously blessed by God with good jobs, wonderful families and have a passionate heart for God’s work and many are currently actively involved in Christian ministries. Many are also supporting different Christian organizations financially. We believe God has brought us together to stand up firmly for Him to declare His Righteousness and Holiness in this time and age. We are to be the "salt" and the "light" and to be a “city on the hill” for His Name’s sake. We cannot bend or try to blend in together with any form of unrighteousness and ungodly practices especially in the management of God’s Church and God’s money.

We don’t fault you for not knowing who the TTG concerned brother and sisters are.
CT is only a tool used to disseminate information to interested church members (but now includes others like yourself also) who may otherwise have no access to information about the CC Saga from ordinary church members' point of view. The only information that we have gotten from the church leadership so far have been heavily "sugar coated" resulting in "half truths" information, which by the way, was only privy for church leaders and some selected few privileged members. What is announced from the pulpit are sweeping statements, specially tailored to make us "feel good" as someone said earlier in another post. So, your statement that CT is someone "hiding behind a blog and throwing darts," is wrong deduction. We don't blame you since you are residing half way across the world from us. Just to let you know, the darts that you are referring to are the TRUTH of the matter at hand. Truth, sometimes if not always hurts.

Now as to revealing ourselves, we are a group of no less than 50 people at any one point in time. If you are here in KL, you will know us. TTG have no membership. TTG only have volunteers who feel led by God to contribute their share of expertise as and when needed for a specific task. People respond to God’s leading at the perfect timing, to lend the group a helping hand to fulfill the purpose that God has, to carry out His Will at very specific times, in this journey. TTG have not been in any desperate need to ask anyone for help to get things done. We don't need to because God has always sent someone with the right expertise to do the job that was needed to be done.


To recollect such occasions, we relate to you this incident. When Dr Lum's interview was published, a brother volunteered his help to translate that post into the Chinese language to benefit our Chinese congregation. After doing that, he decided to worship in another church. He was really a man sent by God to fulfill His plan. Then when all the documents were complied for distribution to members at the EGM held on 15 August 2008, another brother volunteered to print the pages for free. Then another brother volunteered some workers to stand outside the church and at the carpark area to distribute the handouts. Everything was done so smoothly because God sent people to do a little part each. No one went out of the way to scout for helpers. People came on board to support the group's effort on their own accord after hearing about the task at hand. TTG have only so far asked for support in the form of signature campaigns during the earlier “teh-tarik” meetings.

We do nothing in our personal capacity but everything is done in unity of spirit among brethren, always being mindful of the Holy Spirit's leading and guiding, even though we are a group made up of many individuals from diverse backgrounds and personalities. It is really amazing to see how God motivates each one of us to move very differently and at different times and yet at the same time, to coordinate so well as a group, is unbelievable. Only God in His great wisdom and understanding, can unite a group of people with such diversity and only God’s people who are responding to the call that God has impressed on them, that the cause for TTG – Truth, Transparency and Godly Governance, can be accomplished and persevered on till this day. When one person completes his task, God calls another one in to carry on the next task, and this has been going on from the beginning. So how do you “reveal” the TTG people? TTG is many brothers and sisters in Christ, called by God, brought together by the Holy Spirit, all with a common love and dedication for our Lord Jesus Christ, so that no one can claim glory for themselves.

As to your exhortation for us to go on our knees to humbly pray, we would like to ask you to read back the past articles in the category of “Prayer & Testimonies” in this blog.
At very important thresh holds of time in this journey, God spoke to us through the "rainbows" that was shared by one church member which gave us encouragement to continue on the journey even though we have no clue what to do next. He has sent many prayer warriors to talk to different individuals which has brought light and understanding to the group when we needed it.


Many in the group also network with Pastors and friends, locally and overseas, who are constantly praying for God’s will to be accomplished in Calvary Church. The most recent word from the Lord which was delivered to us through someone is this: Someone while praying for our CC Saga received a vision of many "tears" as in someone crying. In the last two weeks, different individuals have shared that during their personal devotion and Bible reading time, they were impressed to read Jeremiah. One person read Jeremiah 8 & 9. Another was impressed to read Jeremiah 12 & 13. We hope that you too will read the Book of Jeremiah and allow God to speak to you personally. Ask God to reveal to you, who have cried those tears?


Every “revelation” in this blog, has been timed by God Himself and actually furnished by God Himself too. The different articles written by different individuals were written and sent in by their own accord. Others were already written by members and CT only sought their permission to publish – CT did not ask for it to be written. Including this e-mail of yours which today serves as an Open Letter so that many readers like yourself can have a better understanding of this whole CC Saga and TTG. To the group, your e-mail is by no means accidental. Like many of us, we believe you have responded to God’s soft prompting without even realizing it and CT and TTG give praise to God for that.


CT would like to put on record once again, our gratitude to our Sovereign God and our Lord Jesus Christ for sending the Holy Spirit to be our constant guide in this journey through a very difficult and trying time in the history of Calvary Church. Indeed, without God, CT can do nothing. If you are thankful for the information that you have gotten from visiting CT, please express your "thanks" to God our Heavenly Father to whom Calvary Church belongs to. There is no one you can say "thank you" to, except to God and our Lord Jesus Christ, without whom, CT would have been wiped out long ago. The fact that you, who is residing half way across the world is reading what is published in CT, is a testimony of God's hand and faithfulness to us all.


It will be Christmas time again very soon. CT wish you a Blessed Christmas and God Bless You Too.

Our Merdeka Prayer : Daniel 9

We are thankful to God for all that He has done for us from the very humble beginnings of CT till today where we have past the 200,000 hits mark on 24th August. In 4 days time, on 4 September 2009, we will reach another milestone - The 1st Anniversary of Calvary Today. However, it is not with rejoicing that we write this post . Our hearts are heavy as we read the latest comment by Dr Vijay in the previous post and this is what he wrote,

Dear Friends in Calvary Church.

Some of you have written and asked me some important questions which I believe is also in the minds of others. For the benefit of others here are a list of questions posed:

1 I have put so much of hope in the 19th JUNE AGM to resolve the problems within Calvary but now it is a failure. It has only made things worse.
2."SHOULD I LEAVE CALVARY?"
3."HAS GOD FORGOTTEN US?"
4."PERHAPS GOD IS PUNISHING US FOR WASHING OUR CHURCH DIRTY LAUNDRY IN PUBLIC!"
5."MAYBE CHRISTIANITY DOES NOT WORK. ALL THIS GOD TALK IS JUST A SILLY PSYCHOLOGICAL ESCAPE FROM REALITY!"
6."I HAVE LOST MY FAITH IN GOD!"
7."I AM DISAPPOINTED WITH GOD!"

No! No! No!

Dearest friends, GOD HAS NOT FORGOTTEN YOUR CRY. He is WORKING BEHIND THE SCENE.

I speak from personal experience. You need to understand the WAYS OF GOD - especially the principles of intercession. Study the Bible and you will see that after a crisis event, it often appears the Lord has deserted His people. But KNOW - it is only apparent!

The Concerned Group of Church Members have been in prayer since the last AGM for God's guidance and leading. Many of our local pastors and friends have also expressed that they are continually praying for us. We have also received news from friends that there are 70 pastors in India who have not stopped praying for us, and as such, we Calvarites must continue to labour on in prayer for our Church.

Today, as we join with our nation to celebrate our 52nd Independence Day or Hari Merdeka, we would like to borrow Daniel's Prayer from the Old Testament and make it our own prayer to God for ourselves as we step into a new threshold of maturity in our spritual understanding as we faithfully walk with God. Pay close attention to Daniel 9: 15 - 19 and cry out to God with sincere hearts.

Daniel's Prayer

1 In the first year of Darius son of Xerxes (a Mede by descent), who was made ruler over the Babylonian kingdom—
2 in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, understood from the Scriptures, according to the word of the LORD given to Jeremiah the prophet, that the desolation of Jerusalem would last seventy years.
3 So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes.
4 I prayed to the LORD my God and confessed:
O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with all who love him and obey his commands,
5 we have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from your commands and laws.
6 We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes and our fathers, and to all the people of the land.
7 Lord, you are righteous, but this day we are covered with shame— the men of Judah and people of Jerusalem and all Israel, both near and far, in all the countries where you have scattered us because of our unfaithfulness to you.
8 O LORD, we and our kings, our princes and our fathers are covered with shame because we have sinned against you.
9 The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him;
10 we have not obeyed the LORD our God or kept the laws he gave us through his servants the prophets.
11 All Israel has transgressed your law and turned away, refusing to obey you. Therefore the curses and sworn judgments written in the Law of Moses, the servant of God, have been poured out on us, because we have sinned against you.
12 You have fulfilled the words spoken against us and against our rulers by bringing upon us great disaster. Under the whole heaven nothing has ever been done like what has been done to Jerusalem.
13 Just as it is written in the Law of Moses, all this disaster has come upon us, yet we have not sought the favour of the LORD our God by turning from our sins and giving attention to your truth.
14 The LORD did not hesitate to bring the disaster upon us, for the LORD our God is righteous in everything he does; yet we have not obeyed him.

15 Now, O Lord our God, who brought your people out of Egypt with a mighty hand and who made for yourself a name that endures to this day, we have sinned, we have done wrong.

16 O Lord, in keeping with all your righteous acts, turn away your anger and your wrath from Jerusalem (Calvary Church), your city (church), your holy hill. Our sins and the iniquities of our fathers have made Jerusalem (Calvary Church) and your people an object of scorn to all those around us.

17 Now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of your servant. For your sake, O Lord, look with favour on your desolate sanctuary.

18 Give ear, O God, and hear; open your eyes and see the desolation of the city (church) that bears your Name. We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy.

19 O Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, hear and act! For your sake, O my God, do not delay, because your city (church) and your people bear your Name.

Daniel 9: 15 - 19 (The Message)

15 "'Master, you are our God, for you delivered your people from the land of Egypt in a show of power—people are still talking about it! We confess that we have sinned, that we have lived bad lives.

16 Following the lines of what you have always done in setting things right, setting people right, please stop being so angry with Jerusalem (Calvary Church), your very own city (church), your holy mountain. We know it's our fault that this has happened, all because of our sins and our parents' sins, and now we're an embarrassment to everyone around us. We're a blot on the neighborhood.

17 So listen, God, to this determined prayer of your servant. Have mercy on your ruined Sanctuary. Act out of who you are, not out of what we are.

18 "'Turn your ears our way, God, and listen. Open your eyes and take a long look at our ruined city (church), this city (church) named after you. We know that we don't deserve a hearing from you. Our appeal is to your compassion. This prayer is our last and only hope:

19 "'Master, listen to us! Master, forgive us! Master, look at us and do something! Master, don't put us off! Your city (church) and your people are named after you: You have a stake in us!'

In Jesus' Name we pray, Amen!

SP and BOD divides Church further – Part 3

PART 3

Issue 12 : BOD Minutes of Meetings & Missions Dept Minutes

Concerns Raised
a) The current practice in CC allows for tampering and is a ‘civil offence’.
b) SP has tampered with the minutes.
c) These minutes are deliberately made to appear unanimous as objections and abstentions are not recorded.
Opinions Formed
a) Main CC accounts & Missions accounts data are shredded immediately after each BOD meeting.
b) All minutes are removed after the BOD/MC meeting, locked up and then shredded after a year.
c) Deacons have no access to these minutes.
d) Abstentions & objections are deliberately not recorded in the minutes as per the Robert’s rules.
e) Deacon Bernadette informed the BOD that the minutes written by her were altered without her knowledge.
Church Perspective (BOD’s Perspective)
a) Confidential handouts (bearing in mind the sometimes sensitive nature of church/gospel work) are collected and shredded so that no confidential docs are left lying around and all Deacons are aware of this.
b) Handouts which are not confidential in nature are not shredded.
c) The Deacons themselves shred (a) and Dr Lum himself has done so many times.
d) The Deacons’ personal notes made on separate books are taken back by them.
e) Each Deacon’s minutes are destroyed after a year.
f) The official copy signed off by the Secretary is kept in the Church office. The Deacon can access these any time.
g) The initialing of every page including attachments of the official minutes by the Secretary were undertaken some years ago.
h) Bernadette denies Dr Lum’s allegation about minutes being altered without her knowledge and the current Deacons do not recall her having made such an allegation.
i) Lawrence Mak’s statement April 2009.
“Minutes of the previous meeting are always (sic) out to the deacons prior to the next meeting with ample time for review. Each deacon will review the minutes prior to the next meeting and during the meeting correction, if any, will be agreed by consensus of the BOD before being minuted by the secretary. I hope this will clear the air about the process and integrity of the BOD meeting minutes.”
j) Unanimous Decisions.
1) Issues are fully debated if there are any differing opinions.
2) Decisions made by the BOD are on a consensus basis.
3) Most decisions require either a simple or a two-thirds majority of the Deacons present.
4) Unanimity is only required for one specific item concerning membership.
k) Missions Minutes.
1) A copy of the past Missions Minutes are given to each Committee member at least 1 week before the next meeting.
2) These Minutes are viewed and confirmed at the next meeting.
3) These Minutes are verified and signed by the Missions Director and Missions Secretary.
4) The official minutes are kept in the Missions Department office and the Missions Director and committee members have access to these at any time.
5) Each MC member has their respective file copy which is kept in the Missions Department office and shredded after 1 year.

CT Comments
We reiterate below what Dr Lum actually said followed by our remarks in italics:
a) Dr Lum: Board minutes are taken back after each meeting and none of the deacons are allowed to keep the minutes. The BOD confirms this fact.
b) Dr Lum: The minutes are locked up by the church and destroyed (shredded) after one year. The BOD confirms this fact.
c) Dr Lum: Deacons have no access to their own copy of the minutes after one year. True because it had been destroyed after one year.
d) Dr Lum: The Secretary mentioned at one instance that the minutes appeared to have been altered and SP admitted that he had altered it. The Secretary denies this allegation so it is Dr Lum’s word against her word. SP has kept silent.
e) Dr Lum: The deacons can express their opinions but SP’s views generally supercedes those of the deacons. The BOD did not confirm if this statement about SP is true or false. They side-step the issue by repeating what Dr Lum said, which is that they are free to express their opinions.
f) Dr Lum: Abstentions and objections to certain proposals are not recorded so it appears that the board decisions are unanimous. The BOD did not clarify if this allegation is true or false. But they made seemingly contradictory statements. They said “Decisions made by the BOD are on a consensus basis.” And in the same breath, they said “Most decisions require either a simple or a two-thirds majority of the Deacons present.”


Issue 12a : Senior Pastor’s views supersede the BOD’s – Issue regarding Freemason.

Concern Raised
a) SP’s views generally supersede those of the BOD.
Opinions Formed
a) Therefore the Deacons usually keep silent during BOD meeting.
b) When Dr Lum queried about the CCC Architect being a Freemason and distribute material thereto, SP was furious and none of the then Deacons except Lawrence Mak spoke up.
Church Perspective (BOD’s Perspective)
a) The BOD has total freedom to express their views in the BOD meetings.
b) Decisions in the BOD are made based on the consensus of the Deacons present.
c) An agenda for the BOD meeting is distributed at least 1 week ahead of time to enable the Deacons to prepare.
d) Deacons can add items to the agenda by giving prior notice.
e) Deacons are NOT allowed to introduce new items on the day of the meeting itself as it would be disruptive and unfair to the rest at the meeting.
f) Dr Lum raised a new item at the meeting and distributed material in relation to the topic.
g) The Chairman of the BOD reminded Dr Lum of the order of BOD meetings.
h) All Deacons’ ideas are taken into consideration and discussed at the BOD meeting.
Sometimes the final decision made on these ideas bear no resemblance at all to the original idea put forward as it has been modified, re-shaped etc until it becomes one that the BOD feels is the best one to adopt for Calvary Church.

CT Comments
As mentioned earlier, Dr Lum had said that the deacons can express their opinions but SP’s views generally supercedes those of the deacons. The BOD again did not confirm if this allegation about SP is true or false but they reiterated that decisions made by the BOD are on a consensus basis. They went on to explain that Dr Lum’s raising of the Ken Yeang freemason issue vis-à-vis the Calvary Convention Centre (CCC) at a Board Meeting was rejected because it was not on the Agenda and no prior notice was given by Dr Lum to discuss the matter. This sounds similar to the BOD’s constant rejection of concerned members’ Proposed Resolutions put forward for the last 2 EGMs (despite sufficient prior notice given). Todate, there also has been no response on the 7 Resolutions submitted by concerned members for the forthcoming AGM on 19 June.


Issue 13 : Alliance Bank Loan for CCC

Concern Raised
The legality of the BOD’s decision to take the loan.
Opinions Formed
CC’s members must approve of the loan since CC’s assets legally belong to the members.
Church Perspective (BOD’s Perspective)
a) In the AGM held on 21 March 2003, the membership gave its approval to ratify the amendment to Article IV (4) of the By-Laws to read as follows:
‘purchase of any immovable property requires the specific approval (a simple majority vote) of the members at a General Meeting. The Board of Deacons may borrow money to finance the purchase or development of immovable property of the Church on such terms as it deems expedient. The Board of Deacons may also lease-out or mortgage any immovable property if the Church as it deems expedient’.
b) The purchase of the land for CC was presented to the church members for approval at an EGM on 24 January 2003.
c) A RM10 million term loan was obtained from Alliance Bank to part finance the purchase of the land. In the loan agreement, Alliance Bank asked for a first right of refusal for any future financing that may be required for the construction phase.
d) As there was an anticipated shortfall in the finances for the construction, an application to Alliance Bank was made for a bridging finance for the construction of the CCC.
e) Alliance Bank approved a bridging finance of RM35 million. This will be in 2 tranches comprising of a term loan and an overdraft.
f) The BOD had ensured that CC has the cashflow to sustain paying the instalments for the RM35 million loan.

CT Comments
There is no doubt that the BOD is empowered to borrow money to fund the construction of the CCC. Dr Lum did not say that it was illegal to borrow. His contention was that since all church assets belong to the members, the BOD must not act independently on the decision to take the loan from the bank as the decision is crucial and has legal implications. His opinion is that the BOD should seek the approval of the congregation for the loan.

We are unable to confirm but it is believed that the RM35 million loan from the bank is secured by the CCC land as well as certain properties in DH where our main church is located. If this is true, then there is a real risk that if the church is unable to service the loan, the bank can and will foreclose on our DH properties to recover their money. This will be the easiest route for the bank as attempting to sell the CCC will not be easy or impossible, if it is uncompleted. If such an event occurs, we could lose everything. Every Calvarite should be concerned about this. With the dwindling number of worshippers and inadvertently, the amount of offerings, the Church will be hard pressed to service the loan.

Another matter to think about is that the RM35 million loan plus our existing cash in hand is insufficient to complete the building of CCC which means that we may end up with an abandoned project and a host of legal suits.


Issue 14 : Rule XIV (Interpretation of Rules and By-Laws) of Calvary Church Constitution

Concerns Raised
a) That the powers vested in the BOD are absolute.
b) What was the original intention of SP and BOD in having this provision?
Opinions Formed
a) Rule XIV of CC’s Constitution must be revoked with immediate effect because it excludes the members from ‘Church Governance’ and this is suspect and theologically imbalanced.
b) Any rule that fails to incorporate the BODY OF CHRST (the CHURCH MEMBERS) in the decisions of the Church is suspect and NOT OF GOD. Theologically, the BODY OF CHRIST MINISTRY is of utmost significance.
Church Perspective (BOD’s Perspective)
a) The CC Constitution is in the AOG format and therefore is not unique to only CC.
b) The CC Constitution has been in existence for so many years. It would not be right to demand for any Rule for that matter to be unilaterally revoked without a proper due diligence been carried out.
c) Dr Lum has only brought up this issue in his resignation letter and never at any of the BOD meetings.

CT Comments
The BOD’s justification that our Constitution is in line with AG’s format and has been in existence for many years is just a lame excuse. We need to change with the times and if there are any parts of the Constitution which is autocratic or no longer relevant, it ought to be brought to the members at a general meeting to be amended. This particular section has been used by the BOD to arbitrary reject the Resolutions submitted by concerned members for the last 2 EGMs. In both instances, it was a clear abuse of power by the BOD using this section. This Rule XIV must be revoked or at least amended to prevent abuse by the BOD.


Issue 15 : Nomination Committee (NC)

Concerns Raised
a) That the nomination process is not independent.
b) SP often interferes with the nomination process.
c) SP imposes his choice upon the Nomination Committee members.
d) The propriety of Edward Rajasingam’s appointment as Deacon.
Opinions Formed
a) SP often interferes with the nomination process.
b) SP imposes his choices upon the NC members but makes it look like the NC made their own choices.
c) The propriety of current deacon, Edward Rajasingam’s and past deacon Katherine Lee’s nomination.
d) Edward ought to therefore resign.
Church Perspective (BOD’s Perspective)
a) The existing nomination process is stringent and has many safeguards – refer to Flow Chart for the steps.
b) SP himself is bound by these safeguards and adheres to the same.
c) The nomination documents on Edward and Katherine show Dr Lum’s concerns to be baseless.

CT Comments
The BOD’s presentation of the nomination process and the flow chart does not negate the fact that SP as the chairman has a strong influence on the short-listing of candidates for deaconship.
Many who have served on the nomination committee can vouch that SP arbitrarily disqualifies some of the nominees based on his “personal” knowledge of those nominees. He will say things like “This person has personal problems (or similar remarks) so he is not suitable”. He does not provide any evidence or any basis for his “personal” knowledge.

We do not have any knowledge about Katherine’s nomination or “non-nomination” but we understand that Edward was initially not nominated by any of the nomination committee members before he first became a deacon. His name was suggested by SP and out of respect or courtesy, the committee then accepted Edward as a candidate. Of course, it naturally follows that the committee members’ signatures of endorsement of Edward will then be on the nomination forms. Bro Hong Meng, who sat on the nomination committee for that particular year, will be able to testify to that. If you have read the comments in earlier blogs, you would have also read testimonies of those who have served on the nomination committees and witnessed the interference of SP in the nomination process.


Issue 16 : Appointment of Sr. Pastor

Concern Raised
a) Is Prince Guneratnam’s position as SP of CC valid?
b) Has Rule XI of the CC been contravened?
Opinions Formed
a) Rule XI of the CC has been contravened since there has been no ratification of his re-appointment.
Church Perspective (BOD’s Perspective)
a) Prince Guneratnam was appointed as SP of CC in 1972, even before the Constitution was drawn up.
b) The position of the SP can only fall vacant in specific circumstances (refer to Rule XI (1).
c) The removal of the SP under the CC is strictly governed by the provisions of the Constitution.
- Resignation
- Not re-elected by members if presented for re-election at the request of the BOD.
- Removal or disqualification.
d) As the staff grew, a handbook was necessary c.1992.
e) The retirement age of 60 applies to Pastors meaning associate Pastors.
f) SP does not automatically retire at 60, as evinced by a BOD resolution of 2/10/04 clarifying that the CC’s staff handbook does not apply to the positions of Senior Pastor and Sister Petrina.

CT Comments
The BOD is right that under the Constitution which was established during SP’s tenure, that unless SP resigns or dies, he can only be removed or disqualified under certain circumstances and with a two-thirds majority vote of the Voting members present at a General Meeting convened for that purpose. SP has made it such that it is virtually impossible to remove him. This is the biggest flaw in our Constitution and this needs to be reviewed.

The BOD further clarified that the retirement age of 60 stated in the Staff Handbook does not apply to SP and his wife (apparently as evinced by a BOD resolution in 2004) but applies only to Pastors meaning associate Pastors. There is nowhere in the Handbook that says ‘Pastors’ mean ‘associate Pastors’.

In Section 2: Staff Classification, it is clear that Senior Pastor is the head (and obviously part) of the pastoral and ministerial team which comprises Senior Associate Pastors, Associate Pastors, Assistant Pastors and Ministerial Staff.

In Section 18: Sabbatical Leave, it is clearly stated that Senior Pastor is entitled to 9 months Sabbatical leave for every 6 years of service. Why would the Staff Handbook specify benefits for the Senior Pastor if he is not governed by the Handbook?

How can the BOD argue that SP and his wife are not subject to the Staff Handbook but at the same time, they enjoy the benefits provided therein like Sabbatical leave, annual leave, 13th month stipend etc?

On another note, we cannot accept that SP and his wife who are both past the retirement age of 60, can still insist on staying on and earn the same remuneration (perhaps more?) when they require another long serving church ministerial staff, who wanted to work past her retirement age, to accept a much reduced salary as a condition to continue working. Thankfully, that staff was smart enough to leave and today, she is happily working for another Christian organization.


Issue 17 : Sr. Pastor’s Retirement

Concern Raised
The welfare of the CC congregation.
Opinions Formed
a) SP & BOD must resign en bloc.
b) The CC leadership is responsible for the state that CC is in now.
Church Perspective (BOD’s Perspective)
a) The BOD’s position is that SP did not take any money from the Church that should compel him to return the same and this evidenced by the various independent reports – lawyer, forensic accountant and the internal auditors.
b) The Associate & Assistants Pastors as well as the entire BOD unwaveringly stand by SP.
c) It is the members’ right to vote the BOD and not an individual’s call for the entire BOD to resign.

CT Comments
We cannot comment and do not know if SP took any money from the Church but it has been proven that SP had caused or allowed RM1.9 million to be transferred from the Church Missions Fund to his personal ministry, CIM between 2002 and 2007 without the knowledge of the members. After much pressure from the concerned members and closure of CIM’s bank account following its de-registration by NECF, SP was ‘compelled’ to return the balance RM1.1 million back to Church.

On the call by Dr Lum for the BOD to resign, the BOD must accept that it is not just an individual’s call for the entire BOD to resign. It is the call of many members for the entire BOD to resign.

CT's Concluding Statement.

Looks like we have a God who still sits on the throne above every single person and is above every situation. While the pastors & BOD are now busy meeting with members in small groups behind closed doors, our God Almighty declares His Sovereignty over ALL right out in the open for all to see and be amazed and encouraged. While the pastors & BOD are spending so much time speaking for so many hours almost nightly, trying to justify the actions of the one man they so pledge to be loyal to, our Everlasting God effortlessly, paints a single Rainbow across the sky, to declare His magnificence and power over all.

We thank God for this testimony we received which we now include here as the Conclusion to the 3 part report of the special small group meetings which the church leadership has and is still planning to conduct till the coming AGM.

Karen’s Testimony

In the midst of all these confusion, with no one really having the true picture of what is happening in Calvary Church, the Church members are seemingly plunged into a deep valley. What more with members being called up for these “small group meetings” to listen and are expected to absorb all the explanations in 3 hours and walk out with their doubts all cleared up.

The TTG brothers and sisters met last night (Tuesday) for a time of discussion on the next course of action and to pray for God’s leading and direction. For once, the group was faced with confusion. We were confused not because we have mixed up facts but were confused because we cannot understand the minds of our BOD. On one hand, they quote the Church Constitution to support their actions yet on the other hand, they seem to be blatantly ignoring the Members’ Constitutional rights. I believe CT will elaborate more on this later.

We left last night’s meeting with a heavy heart and we were encouraged to seek the Lord ourselves for specific directions as to the next course of action for the coming AGM. We have done what we possibly can do as a group and we have tried to initiate meetings with the BOD for an amicable closure to this whole saga but we have not made any head-way with our Church leadership. So the question we have in mind now is, “What else can we do?”

Our God is really GOOD. When we do not know what to do, we go home, have a good night’s sleep and wait for God to show the way. I did not expect an answer so soon from God. There’s a saying, “A picture speaks a thousand words” and once again, our God painted His answer in a beautiful rainbow in the sky.

When we are caught in a “valley” situation, God sends a rainbow to remind us that HIS PROMISES are there in the “valley” for us.













This morning (Wed) while driving my children to school, I had the privilege of seeing the rainbow from the NKVE Toll gate right to the Klang / Ipoh split road. My personal interpretation of this is that God is telling us, He was with us from the start and He will guide us and show us the way, even when we come to a junction and are faced with a decision to turn left or turn right. In times like this, we need to be still and know that He is God and follow His Word – The Bible which contains all His Promises.












May you after reading this be blessed and encouraged by God and then move on to stand on His Promises.

Latest testimony added on 30 May 2009.

A sister while driving home after work was pondering over the rainbow photos and the Lord impressed on her to read the following Bible verses. She shared that God reminded her not to look for answers from "the left or right," which will lead us somewhere but may not be where God want us to be. Instead we are to look to the rainbow which is representative of God's promises, which will lead us to where God wants us to be. She shared this with us and after reading her testimony, we were very blessed by it and we hope that you too will be blessed and encouraged by the following Bible verses. (Read her e-mail to us in the Comments below posted by Calvary Today @ May 30, 2009 9:19 AM, the 47th Comment)

Proverbs 4:20-27 (The Message)
"Dear friend, listen well to my words; tune your ears to my voice. Keep my message in plain view at all times. Concentrate! Learn it by heart! Those who discover these words live, really live; body and soul, they're bursting with health.

Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that's where life starts. Don't talk out of both sides of your mouth; avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip. Keep your eyes straight ahead; ignore all sideshow distractions. Watch your step, and the road will stretch out smooth before you.

Look neither right nor left; leave evil in the dust."

Deuteronomy 5:32-33 (NIV)
“So be careful to do what the LORD your God has commanded you; do not turn aside to the right or to the left. Walk in all the way that the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.”

Joshua 1:7 (NIV)
“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.”

A Call For Prayer On May 13

Latest Testimony on 13/5/09.

Prayer Changes Things

In 2 Chronicles 7:14, God says, “ If my people, which are called by My name, shall 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.”

Many were at DUMC last night for an Inter-Church and Inter-Denomination Prayer Gathering for our nation. It was so encouraging to hear that Senior Pastors, Pastors and Church Leaders from various churches from around KL & PJ went for a Prayer Walk along the streets of KL & PJ yesterday (13/5/09), even under the very hot sun.

After a time of worship and a short sharing by Rev Mark Geppert who is known to have done a Prayer Walk for our nation from JB to KB, 8 distinguished Pastors from different denominations, were called upon to lead in prayer for different areas for our nation.

It was most encouraging to see the AG Superintendant, Rev Ong Sek Liang, praying for the Churches, Pastors and Church Workers in Malaysia. Bishop Ng from the Anglican Church and also the Head of the Christian Federation of Malaysia, closed the meeting with a prayer of blessing for those present and for the nation.

Although our Church did not participate in the prayer event, it was encouraging to see a number of Calvarites at the meeting.

Today (14/5/09), is the dawn of a new generation (in Biblical perspective) for Christians in Malaysia. We can expect God to bless us as a nation and as individuals. Let us all be encouraged, be blessed and choose to be the salt and the light for God in Malaysia.

Jeremiah 33 : 2 - 3
"This is what the Lord says, He who made the earth, the Lord who formed it and established it - the Lord is His name :'Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know."

Jeremiah 29 : 11 - 14, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you."

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

THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MAY 13 1969 RIOTS

This coming May 13 marks the 40th anniversary of the darkest hour in the history of our nation of Malaysia.

May 13, 1969 was the day when hundreds of peace-loving Malaysians of various races went berserk and slaughtered one another in a racial unrest never seen before in our land. No Malaysian of whichever race, colour or creed could have imagined that our long harmonious and peaceful co-existence could be shattered in a matter of hours.

But the senseless killings did happen, innocent blood was shed. It did have an impact on the people and on the nation. The course of history did change.

The May 13 incident led to the changing of the guard. The then first Prime Minister wept before the nation, took responsibility (though no fault of his) and stepped down. Tun Abdul Razak took over as the second Prime Minister.

The aftermath of the racial riots witnessed the gradual rebuilding of trust among the races and we thank God that peace among the races has generally reigned since then. The country has developed much in the last 40 years but not without our share of political and economic turmoil, social problems and occasional racial tensions (thankfully non-violent) interspersed throughout the period.

Could our nation have done better if there had not been a May 13 incident? Many Malaysians including Christians think so. Many believe that the shedding of innocent blood in the May 13 incident has in some ways hindered the blessings of God on our land.

This year, we also witnessed another changing of guard. The recent resignation of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi to give way to Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak to become the 6th Prime Minister of Malaysia is no co-incidence. Datuk Seri Najib is the son of Tun Abdul Razak and is the second generation leader. It is also not a co-incidence that immediately after assuming the premiership, Datuk Seri Najib introduced his vision of 1Malaysia, a nation with one identity and with equal opportunities for all Malaysians. This may just be the dawn of a new era for our nation.

In biblical perspective, 40 years is one generation. This coming May 13 completes 40 years since the May 13 incident in 1969.

The number 40 holds great significance throughout the Bible. Below are some of the major events in the Bible:-

When God wanted to cleanse the world with the Great Flood and start over, He caused rain to fall for 40 days and 40 nights. (Gen 7:12)

Noah waited another 40 days after it rained before he opened a window in the Ark. (Gen 8:6)

Moses lived among the Egyptians until age 40 before he fled to Midian. He spent 40 years living as a shepherd in Midian before God called him to save the Israelites from slavery. (Acts 7:23, Acts 7:30)

Moses was on the mountain for 40 days with God (Twice). (Exo 24:18, Exo 34:28-29, Deu 10:10)

The 12 spies took 40 days to search out the Promised Land and bring back fruit. (Num 13:25)

The Israelites wandered for 40 years in the wilderness before they reached the Promised Land. (Deu 8:2) (Exo 16:35) (Num 14:33-34)

Goliath came for 40 days before being killed by David. (1 Sam 17:16)

Elijah, strengthened by one ‘angelic’ meal, travelled 40 days and 40 nights to reach Mount Horeb where he met the Lord. (1 Kings 19:8)

Through Jonah, God gave the City of Nineveh 40 days to repent before God will destroy the city. The people repented in those 40 days and God spared the city. (Jonah 3:4 and 10)

Several kings and leaders in the Bible ruled for 40 years like Saul (Acts 13:21), David (2 Sam 5:4), Soloman (1 Kings 11:42), Joash (2 Kings 12:1), Eli (1 Sam 4:18)

The Israelites were delivered into the hands of the Philistines for 40 years when they did evil in the eyes of the Lord (Judges 13:1)

The maximum number of stripes or lashes allowed for whipping punishment under the Mosaic law is 40. (Deu 25:1-3)

Jesus fasted for 40 days in the wilderness before beginning His ministry. (Mat 3:17, Mat 4:1-2)

Jesus was seen on the earth for 40 days after His resurrection before He ascended to heaven. (Acts 1:3 NIV)

Whether it is days or years, the number 40 in the Bible always relates to a period of testing, trial, probation, chastisement or judgment and consistently ends with a period of restoration, renewal or revival.

Therefore with Datuk Seri Najib helming the nation as the new Prime Minister just before the 40th anniversary of the May 13 incident, we can believe and trust God that there will be coming a period of restoration and renewal for our land. For the Church of Jesus Christ in Malaysia, we can trust God for a fresh revival to sweep across this nation.

But merely believing and trusting God for good things to come is not enough. We need to go back to the Bible to see what He requires of us before He opens the window of heaven and pour forth His blessings.

In 2 Chronicles 7:14, God says, “ If my people, which are called by My name, shall 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.”

Therefore, brothers and sisters, we need to do these 3 things first:-

1. Humble ourselves before God.
2. Pray for God’s forgiveness for our sins and the sins of our nation, and the killings of our fellow Malaysians by our own people 40 years ago.
3. Turn from our wicked ways.

In line with the call by several local churches for a time of prayer on May 13, we, the concerned members (or TTG group, if you want to call us that), wish to encourage all Calvarites and all Christians in Malaysia to set aside May 13, as a special day of prayer and fasting to intercede for our nation of Malaysia. Let us join our hands and hearts in one accord to ask God :

1. For His forgiveness and to heal our land,
2. For His richest blessings on our nation,
3. For His wisdom and guidance on all our ministers and leaders,
4. For justice, fairness, transparency, accountability, integrity and morality to be upheld,
5. For freedom of worship to be preserved,
6. For peace and harmony to prevail in this nation,
7. For a great mighty wind of revival to sweep across this land.

We also encourage fellow brothers and sisters-in Christ overseas who are reading this, to remember us (and our nation of Malaysia) in your time of prayer and devotion. Certainly, we are all one Body in Christ and together, we will see a great miracle for God has something good in store for us in the coming days and in the history of this nation.

So let us set aside some time daily for the next 2 weeks to pray for our land and make a special effort to fast and pray on this coming May 13.

Prayer changes things.

God Bless.

Have A Blessed Easter!

Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ,

Today we reverence God for 2000 years ago, He gave us His only Son, to die for our sins so that we all may have eternal life. Let us all come before Him with humble hearts to remember Jesus' sacrifice on the cross for us and we bring a sacrifice of our worship and thanksgiving to Him.

We received this interesting Obituary written about Jesus' death.

Jerusalem OBITUARIES, 33AD

Calvary

Jesus Christ, 33, of Nazareth,
Died Friday on Mount Calvary, also
known as Golgotha, the place of the skull.
Betrayed by the apostle Judas,
Jesus was crucified by the Romans,
by order of the Ruler Pontius Pilate.
The causes of death were crucifixion,
extreme exhaustion, severe torture,
and loss of blood.

Jesus Christ, a descendant of Abraham,
was a member of the house of David.
He was the Son of the late Joseph,
a carpenter of Nazareth, and Mary,
His devoted Mother. Jesus was born
in a stable in the city of Bethlehem, Judea.
He is survived by His mother Mary, His
faithful Apostles, numerous disciples,
and many other followers.

Jesus was self educated and spent
most of his adult life working as
a Teacher. Jesus also occasionally
worked as a Medical Doctor and
it is reported that he healed many patients.
Up until the time of His death,
Jesus was teaching and sharing the Good News,
healing the sick, touching the lonely,
feeding the hungry, and helping the poor.

Jesus was most noted for telling parables
about His Father’s Kingdom and
performing miracles, such as feeding
over 5,000 people with only five loaves
of bread and two fish, and healing a man who
was born blind. On the day before His death,
He held a Last Supper celebrating the
Passover Feast, at which He foretold His death.

The body was quickly buried in a stone grave,
which was donated by Joseph Arimathea,
a loyal friend of the family. By order of
Pontius Pilate, a boulder was rolled in
front of the tomb. Roman soldiers
were put on guard.

In lieu of flowers, the family has
requested that everyone try to
live as Jesus did. Donations may
be sent to anyone in need.

CALVARY TODAY HITS 100,000

Calvary Today has surpassed the 100,000 hits on its blog pages this morning. For this we have to give our awesome God all the Glory and Honour for indeed He has guided us and given us wisdom since CT's inception to reach where CT is today. "For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourself fighting against God." (Acts 5:38-39)

It has been an amazing run since CT's birth less than 5 months ago. When CT was prayerfully and officially launched on 6 September 2008 in the "Upper Room" in the presence of 40-odd Calvary Church members, little did any one present then, imagined that this humble blog will be read, not only by Calvary Church members but the Christian community within and without Malaysia.

As many of you know, CT was actually born out of necessity. Prior to the start-up of CT by the core TTG members, the church members were kept informed of the developments in church via emails. As the mailing list swelled over time, it became tedious and time consuming to dispatch information through email. This is because the emails have to be sent out in small numbers to avoid ending up in spam folders, commonly featured in email programmes. The idea of a blog was the result of much brain-storming, debates and prayers among the core TTG members. "For the Lord gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds victory in store for the upright, He is a sheild to those whose walk is blameless, and He guards the course of the just and protects the way of His faithful ones." (Proverbs 2:6-8)

Whilst we are aware that the identity and credibility of the people behind any blog is of utmost importance, this was not an area of concern in the case of CT. Many, if not all, of its readers from Calvary Church know who the core TTG members are. Even the pastors and deacons know who they are. They were the ones who spoke out in AGMs and EGMs, the ones who wrote to the pastors and deacons, the ones who held discussions with the deacons and the ones who penned most of the posts (not comments) on this blog. Contrary to CT’s critics, the people behind CT are not unidentified dubious characters but long-serving Church leaders, teachers, professionals and people of standing in the corporate world and above all, people who have nothing personal to gain from all this.

The CT blog has also evolved from a simple amateurish blog in its early days into a seemingly professional website today, all without any professional help. For this, the group gives all glory to God for He has made this possible despite the fact that none of the group members are real IT savvy people.

CT is here to stay and will continue until such time God tells the core TTG group to stop. When the online debates heated up feverishly in mid-December with the publishing of the 2-part interview with Dr Lum, the group started on plans to cool things down to prepare for a peaceful Christmas, followed by a prayerful January.

However, things do not always turn out the way we plan. Thanks, largely to Why So Long and Charles who both came out with their own copycat blogs, CT’s hits counter went ‘red-hot’. All non-followers of CT, who logged into Why So Long and Charles’ blogs, also went into CT to read for themselves “the other side of the story”. This resulted in one of the highest hit rates ever recorded in the 5-month history of CT.

When the two copycat blogs were being publicized via emails, many Calvarites voiced their concerns to the core TTG members regarding the real intentions of the said two individuals, who hitherto, still remains unidentified but who proclaims to advocate transparency! Concerns were whether these individuals were indeed Calvarites or outsiders trying to split our church or some religious guys with sinister motives or merely just a couple of retirees with too much time on their hands. Of course, there were also much talk that they are a pair of siblings working for the church.

Anyway, it does not matter for our God is Great! He certainly knows how to turn a ‘concerned’ situation around for His children. Like PG has preached before, the King has one more move. And so, our hit counter continues to turn.

So has CT achieved its purpose? We leave it to you to decide. But it has certainly played a role in bringing RM1.1m in CIM and another RM0.4m in CARED back to the Missions Fund. It has helped many Calvarites become better stewards of God’s financial blessings and many in the missions field and many poor and needy have been blessed by the generosity of Calvarites who have taken up the temporary role of being their own Missions Directors.

It has awaken many up and coming pastors out there and their deacons as well that they need to keep guard of their own spiritual lives and be transparent in all they do. As someone said, Calvary Church has become a fountainhead church of sorts in that what has happened in Calvary Church, is a lesson to all pastors to be righteous and upright in the area of transparency and governance in their own churches and lives. It is also a reminder to men and women who are elected by church members to represent them that they must execute their duties with integrity, always endeavouring to fear God and not fear the men of God.

For those of you who are wondering where all these is leading to or when this madness is going to end, we want to say that God is in control of the situation in our church. He sees all your hurts and your pain, He will put right where there is wrong, He will restore and heal our church. And His name will be glorified! Ecclesiastes 3 teaches us that “there is a time for everything and a season for every activity under Heaven”. Romans 8.28 tells us that “in all things, God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose”.

For the rest of you who are concerned about the current "quietness" and seeming inactivity on the part of the TTG group, be assured that the group has not abandoned the cause. Several prophecies have been given to the group to "take up the role of Mary and abandon the role of Martha". The Lord has assured the group that this is His battle and we are now to allow Him to take control of the situation for the time being. This is so that when this whole saga is over, all glory and honour goes to God and to no one else.

So, let us just be still and know that He is God! :)

The TTG Group

Be Still and Know...

Happy New Year to all our Brothers & Sisters in Christ,

We have been seeking God for His wisdom and guidance for the past few weeks leading to Christmas and New Year. The Lord has been good and He has been so faithful to us individually.

As we all contemplated and reflected on 2008, we cannot help but be amazed at what our God has done for us and through us in so many ways. We were led to start off the year as a team, with praising and worshipping God for His goodness and mercy upon us throughout 2008. "God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord, is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation...Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name; make known among the nations what He has done, and proclaim that His name is exalted. Sing to the Lord, for He has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world." (Isaiah 12:2-5)

God is so merciful and loving to all of us. He has spoken to us individually and confirmed His Word to us, through different prayer warriors. He is coming soon and He is more interested in us preparing ourselves as individuals to meet with Him. God has allowed our beloved church to experience this unplesant saga as a wake up call to all of us as individual Christians, to seek God with all our hearts, look to Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of our faith, and to depend on the Holy Spirit's leading and direction for our own lives.

We have sought the Lord and cried out to Him for the past few months, like Jehoshaphat who prayed, "O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You." (2 Chronicles 20:12) The Lord's answer to us is, "Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God's". (2 Chronicles 10:15)

In obedience to Him, we have decided to set aside ONE WEEK OF FASTING AND PRAYER to seek to know God more, to love others more through the love that Jesus Christ has first shown us and to be sentitive to the leading and prompting of the Holy Spirit in our lives individually as Christians. So we shall begin our week of fast, on SUNDAY, 11 JANUARY 2009 till 17 JANUARY 2009.

We have put together a simple guide to help us in preparing ourselves to fast and pray.


WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO FAST & PRAY?

1. To fast is to abstain from certain foods and/or drinks for a specific period of time.

2. Fasting is a tool by which we humble ourselves before God, by subjugating the flesh's will to the spirit's will in reverence to God.

3. Having a dedicated time of prayer and fasting is not a way of manipulating God into doing what we desire. Rather, it is simply dedicating ourselves to focus and rely on God for the strength, provision, and wisdom we need.


WHY DO WE FAST & PRAY?

“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?
Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.
Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk…” (Isaiah 58:6-9)

This passage of scripture tells us that we fast to seek the Lord;
1. To loosen the chains of injustice,
2. To undo the strings that tie us to heavy burdens,
3. To let the oppressed go free,
4. To break every bondage,
5. To receive a heart of compassion for the poor and needy,
6. To bring about healing
7. To restore family relationships.


WHAT JESUS SAID ABOUT FASTING?

1. Jesus demonstrated the importance of fasting when he fasted for 40 days in the wilderness prior to facing the devil in temptation. “After fasting for forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.” (Matthew 4:2)

2. He warned us against the abuse of fasting. “When you fast, do not look sombre as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.” (Matthew 6:16)

3. He gave us instructions regarding proper fasting. “But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Matthew 6: 17-18)


WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF FAST?

1. A Regular Fast - means refraining from eating all food. Most people still drink water or juice during a regular fast. When Jesus fasted in the desert, the Bible says, "After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry." (Matthew 4:2) This verse does not mention Jesus being thirsty.

2. A Partial Fast - refers to omitting a specific meal from your diet or refraining from certain types of foods. Daniel 10:2-3 says, "At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over." In Daniel 1:12, they restricted their diet to vegetables and water: "Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink."

3. A Full Fast - usually means no food and no drink. Acts 9:9 describes when Paul went on a full fast for three days following his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus: "For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything."

Esther also called for this type of fast in Esther 4:15-16: "Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: 'Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.'" It is recommended that this type of fast be done with extreme caution and not for extended periods of time.

4. An Activity Fast - Although not mentioned in the Bible, Christians today commit to fasting from other activities as well, such as TV or movies, playing games or surfing on the computer to concentrate on prayer.


HOW TO START FASTING – WHERE DO I BEGIN?

1. Begin by preparing our mind, heart, spirit, and body. It is important to have a clear purpose for fasting and what we hope to gain from our fast.

2. Pray to the Lord and ask Him to reveal the motives of our heart, any unconfessed sin, and areas in our life that He desires to change.

3. To prepare our spirit for our fast, draw close to God through prayer and worship. Let God reveal Himself to us. The key to any spiritual preparation is intimacy with Jesus. John 15:7 says, "If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you."

4. Planning ahead to prepare our body for the fast. A few days before we start, get our body ready by reducing our food intake, eating raw fruits and vegetables, and avoiding foods high in sugar and fat.

5. Decide on the type of fast and the duration of the fast we will be doing. This will help us to adjust our activities to ensure that we will persevere through the fast.

6. Always remember, fasting is about focusing on Jesus, not about abstaining from food.


WHAT ARE WE TO PRAY FOR?

A. God's Sovereign Power & Rule over Calvary Church
1. That truth be revealed and established and all deceit, lies and deceptions to be bound in Jesus' Name.
2. To loose and release the spirit of Truth and Righteousness in the Church.
3. That only Jesus be lifted up in our midst, not anyone else.
4. That God's will be done in our church on earth as it is in heaven.

B. God's Control Over the all Church Services.
1. Pray for the presence and control of the Holy Spirit over the Church services.
2. That all believers will behave rightly and righteously reflecting Jesus in each of our lives and submitting ourselves to the control of the Holy Spirit.

C. God's Restoration for Calvary Church
1. That God will restore and revive Calvary Church to fulfill what God has planned for us.
2. God has called us to humble ourselves before Him - to confess our sins, to repent, and ask for forgiveness from God and seek restoration for ourselves individually and collectively as a Body.
3. That God will convict our hearts to pursue our first love for God again.
4. To cleanse us from all our sins: pride, anger, bitterness, covetousness, self-righteousness, deception, lying spirit, blindness and vengeance.
5. Instead we are to ask God for a pure heart, desire for the truth, honesty, integrity, accountability, love, humility, servanthood, sacrifice, gentleness and godliness.
6. Reconciliation of members in the spirit of truth, honesty, forgiveness and love in Christ again.
7. That once again all His people whether Pastors, Deacons, leaders and members alike, young and old can grow together and to worship with one voice and in unity and harmony again.

As we humbly come before His throne of grace in prayer during this time of need we believe our Heavenly Father, will answer our prayers so that we can once again arise and do the Lord's bidding. Yes, let us unite our hearts and commit ourselves to pray in different times for the items as listed above. You may have more items which the Lord may lay upon your hearts. Most importantly, let us all pray that 2009 will be a year where we all will have a desire to know God more intimately, the follow after Jesus more faithfully and to be attentive the Holy Spirit's guidance more closely.

Our God is Good!


The notes above have been compiled from materials taken from the book, "Fasting and Prayer" by Jean Lim and from http://www.allaboutprayer.org/ and http://www.thecarpentershouse.com/

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ANNOUNCEMENT ON COMMENTS

The recent spate of irresponsible blogging by a few new anonymous visitors has caused much concern to our regular blog readers. The malicious and condemning remarks of these new visitors have irked both TTG and PG supporters. CT has, since, deleted some of the inappropriate comments. As this coming week has been set aside for a time of prayer and fasting, CT has decided to disable the "comments" option for all the previous posts. Only prayers, testimonies and scriptures will be allowed to be posted under the latest post. Any other comments during this coming week will be deleted.

The Importance of This Blog

BREAKING NEWS!!!

Once again, we wish to express our heartfelt thanks to Bro. Vijay, for his invaluable advice to us, which we appreciate very much. Here is his advice to us to COPYRIGHT the contents in this blog, which was posted as a Comment on November 9, 2008. We have since taken heed to his advice and has therefore included the COPYRIGHT clause in this blog. God is Good.

CT
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Bamboo Conspiracy said...

COPYRIGHT THE KNOWLEDGE CONTENT OF THIS BLOG
It is amazing, as a Christian researcher, I have been searching the Internet for sound case study material on Church Governance but never really found such detailed analysis as I found in this Blog. Here you can find a wealth of case study material on Church Governance on the following topics:

1. Church Organisation Structure
2. Church Constitution
3. Church Administration and Accounting
4. Church Staff Handbook
5. Conduct of Pastoral Staff
6. Truth, Transparency & Accountability

I strongly recommend that the Webmaster copyright all the knowledge content in this Blog to prevent plagiarism. This way anybody using material from this Blog must obtain written permission from the Webmaster before it can be published elsewhere. Furthermore, it will save guard the interest of Calvary Church and prevent people twisting the facts contained here for their own purposes.

I reiterate, this Blog has the potential to become the defector research resource for real life case study on Church Governance and the basis for the publication of 101 on Church Governance. All you mature and discerning bloggers could contribute towards this task as part of the Post Calvary Church gift to God’s Kingdom. I strong belief nobody can publish Best Practices Guideline on Church Governance without consulting this Blog.

In fact, any Church Governance publication that does not refer to this Blog has not done sufficient research and such a book would probably be worthless. Please protect the knowledge content of this Blog immediately.

Dr. Paramsothy Vijayan
www.normangrubb.com
November 9, 2008 7:32 PM
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CT & TTG give all PRAISE AND GLORY to our LORD JESUS CHRIST for giving us wisdom and guidance each step of the way since the beginning of this whole saga. We will continue to avail ourselves to our MASTER AND HEAVENLY FATHER, to be obedient and to allow ourselves to be of His service, to see to the fulfillment of HIS WILL AND PURPOSES here on earth. We also like to thank these brothers who have put in their Positive Comments with regards to this Blog.

To the rest of you, whom we have not quoted, we also thank you for your encouraging comments to help us along in this arduous journey. We reiterate our call here to everyone to BLOG RESPONSIBLY with the KINGDOM OF GOD in mind. Let us not be rumour-mongers but be truth-bearers. And do not forget to PRAY because prayer is the key to victory, prayer is the key that unlocks the door for God's intervention into our lives and into our church. PRAYER CHANGES THINGS.

Thank you and God Bless All.

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Bamboo Conspiracy said...

Dear Bro & Sis in Christ.

I am a member of a Christian research commission. I am in deep sorrow in reading of events that has been discussed in the blog regarding an historical church, Calvary Church Malaysia. I too suffer with the church because when a member suffers, the Whole body of Christ suffers with it. I surely don't want to see events that has been mentioned in the blog to happen to any other churches. Furthermore, I also pray that the sole purpose of the blog as mentioned in the purpose and objective statement is strictly maintained. Otherwise, the blog that started positively with clear objectives will lose its perspective and end up in ruin because of comments outside the objective. Those who comment must make sure what they write is within the objective and in the spirit of love, truth and accountability.

THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS BLOG.
As a Christian researcher let me be one of the first to say that, this blog is important - not only to members of Calvary Church but also to others in the Malaysian Christian community. I am all for disclosure in blogs. The blog is after all a neutral tool used for communication. Perhaps the Teh Tarek Group (TTG) never expected this blog to become so important when they first started it and was bold enough to speak the truth in love. As long as what is disclosed is done with the sincere desire to disseminate TRUTH IN LOVE – it will serve its purposes and receive the blessings of the Lord. Furthermore, it also provides a platform for those who are disheartened to express their hurts and feelings - rightly or wrongly.

This blog has done what I have been fighting to do for the past two years - the need for guidelines on Church Governance. There is a lack of transparency in Churches worldwide and in Malaysia. What I had failed to achieve in two years, this blog did within two months! - for the right or wrong reasons! In the past, I have at different occasions called for the need for Church Governance but every time, I was told, "it is a sensitive issue and it is best left for the individual churches to sort out its own internal problems". I kept hitting a stonewall - then came along this blog! It has now become the defector education forum (rightly or wrongly) on church governance and has enabled others to witness firsthand what can happen in a church when there is a lack of transparency, accountability and church governance (perceived or true).

As I said earlier, the blog serves its purpose. This I know because various Christians have approached me from other denomination regarding the issues at Calvary after reading the blog. The happenings in Calvary have become a revelation (rightly or wrongly) and have enabled the members, the BODs and the leaders in other churches to re-examine themselves in the light of events discussed in the blogs and correct any internal flaws that may exist in their present church structure and governance.

Take for example, the CIM Travelling Expenses disclosed in this blog. A cell leader from another church informed that he became very concerned in seeing the CIM Travelling Expenses and reading the blogs and comments. He said, at the next church leaders’ meeting, he is going to advice the church leaders to disclose in detail the church expenses and how it was used to expand God's kingdom. He wanted to make sure that church funds are used not only in travels and attending conferences but also in soul winning.

Similarly, another church member (the treasurer) had informed that he has decided to disclose additional information in the monthly church accounts for greater transparency. These are just two examples I know of how this blog has enlightened (rightly or wrongly) other Christians on the importance of Church Governance, transparency and accountability.

NOTE: I want to congratulate the brother for disclosing his name – that is transparency and accountability. He is willing to take responsibility for disclosing that information in the CIM Travelling Expenses and should be commended. He is willing to be answerable to the truthfulness of the content. This is want I want to see in the blog more and more – accountability.

My one and only concern is the long-term integrity of this blog. The integrity of this blog must be preserved at all cost for the sake of its educational value and the future unity of Calvary Church. Hence, the call for transparency and accountability in all those who blog. Remember, the present problem at Calvary Church WILL be resolved one day - only God knows the timing - but it will happen. THEN STARTS THE HARD WORK of bringing reconciliation, closure and inner healing for all – for there will be those who are hurt in each camp - the ones in support of the TTG and those who may not fully agree with all that the TTG represent (for the right or wrong reasons). Only the Lord knows the outcome.

Our spiritual fathers teach us that God is always of the side of Truth. During the Second World War, Christians in both camps, the Allies and the Axis, prayed but, God is always on the side of Truth and in the providence of God, Hitler was defeated. Then, commence reconciliation and closure.

From what I have heard, there is evidence, the Blog has positively (for the right or wrong reasons) contributed to Christians within and without Calvary Church. Nevertheless, we need to think of the wounded members when in the near future the current issues in Calvary Church are resolved and reconciliation commences.

For this reason alone, this Blog must preserve its integrity and transparency and hence the need for wisdom and spiritual maturity to make sure every comment we make does not return to hound us in the future. An unkind word, a hurtful remark, name calling – once written cannot be retracted. As long as the blog continues to expose SIN in the church and bloggers are willing to be accountable, the blog is on track. Let TRUTH prevail but in LOVE! We cannot run away from TRUTH or FACTS.

I believe that those who display information in the blog are mature and responsible enough to ensure what they report is based on TRUTH and FACT. It is rewarding to see some of the bloggers are willing to disclose their names when financial figures and charts are displayed. That is accountability and transparency.

Vijay
http://www.normangrubb.com/
vijay.newdawn@gmail.com

THESE ARE MY PERSONAL VIEWS AND NOT NECESSARILY THE VIEWS OF THE NECF.

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hm said...

I agree with bamboo conspiracy. We must always maintain our dignity and Christian attributes especially when we are hurt, angry or disappointed. We must not lash out in anger. Others may do so but we must not. Otherwise we would be reduced to their level of unchristian behavior. All my postings are in my name. I have not commented except when asked to respond, again always in my name.

Unfortunately just as I do not seem to be able to influence the BOD or the pastors, I also do not have much influence over the TT members. And I believe most of the extreme comments are not from the TTG because we always remind each other to maintain proper decorum when blogging on this site. The webmaster seems to have removed comments which are deemed unacceptable and I have to trust his/her judgment.

Hong Meng
November 2, 2008 6:36 PM

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Winslow said...
Well said, brother Jay.

You are absolutely right in reminding us that the going-ons at CC have become a revelation and have enabled our fellow brothers in other churches to re-examine themselves in the light of events discussed in CT, and hopefully in the process correct any internal flaws that may exist in their church structure and governance.

At times we Christians are afraid to either reveal the truth or see the truth revealed for fear that it will hurt others, and that it will split the local church. Sure, truth does hurt at times, and we are witnessing this in CC, but if we love God and His Church we need to be courageous to go through it, and if need be, bite the bullet, so to say. Even if we come out of this saga wounded, spiritually and emotionally, and hopefully not physically, it's certainly worth it if God's Kingdom is firmly established in our land. God's Mighty Holy Spirit certainly knows how to heal and restore His church.

Initially I was also hesitant to subscribe to the cause of TTG. By the way, there's no membership roll, and all are welcome as there are definitely no PRIVILEGES at all. But one caution though - be prepared for non-stop criticisms by those on the other side of the divide. But having seen events unfolding and truths being revealed in recent months, I can't help but have a strong witness in my spirit that the cause of the TTG - Truth, Transparency and Good Governance - will not split the church, by this I mean not only CC but more importantly the local Christian community.

I'm convicted that the cause championed by TTG will make the Church of Jesus Christ in this land even stronger as we soldier on to win this nation for our Lord. And having attended CC for more than 26 years and served full-time for more than 5 years, I'm equally sad that matters have developed to this extent. Nevertheless, I'm prepared to play whatever role necessary in ensuring TRUTH, TRANSPARENCY and GOOD GOVERNANCE, to be upheld not only by CC, but more importantly, by all churches and Christian organisations in this land. This, I believe wholeheartedly, is what our God requires of us all if we are to be His witnesses. Our God is definitely on the side of Truth.

God bless.
November 2, 2008 7:11 PM

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Joseph Gerard said...
Hi Bro Vijay, Very well said.

Though many would be hurt both spiritually and emotionally, but at the end of it all, let Truth, Transparency and Good Governance prevail especially in the church. As the saying goes, "Action speaks louder than words." We've been fighting against corruption, mismanagement of funds etc. for the running of our country. But what more as Christians, as a Church, we should show much greater examples within the church context itself.

I've heard from various individuals that the TTG have actually put CC in particular, and the Church in general, to shame when they started this blog. They questioned why must we wash our dirty linens in public. But I believe probably TTG have been pushed to a corner, and that they have no other choice, but to create this blog, Calvary Today. I would also believe that their intentions were to let the Calvarites know the "behind the scenes" (so to speak) happenings in CC. Kindly correct me if I'm wrong my fellow bros & sis in TTG.

I'm glad to hear from Bro Vijay that there are now some churches 'paying more attention' and calling for more transparency and good governance within their churches after reading this blog. This is the way to go. I pray that the Holy Spirit would continue to guide each and everyone of us in our words and actions. At the end of it all, may Truth & Justice prevail, as our Lord is the Lord of Truth & Just.

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you,
and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake." (Matt 5:3-11)

God bless.
November 2, 2008 10:02 PM

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VIJAY said...

It appears there is indeed a split within the body of Calvary Church, Malaysia and there is urgent need for inner healing. Yet, who can bring forth that inner healing that will bring true union once again. The only one who can do this perfectly is the Head, that is our Lord, Jesus Christ and it is my declaration by faith that He will do this. How and when, only He knows.

From my understanding of the ways of God, the events that took place at Calvary was meant to happen. They are not by chance or because of second course etc. They were permitted for a purpose which only He knows, but it will turn out to be a blessing to many so that the whole body of Christ is blessed.

God always means evil for good as nothing can happen outside His predetermined counsel and foreknowledge. (See Genesis 50:20, Isaiah 10:5, Isaiah 53:10-11, Job 2:3, Job 12:16, Deuteronomy 8:5, John 19:7, Acts 2:23, Acts 4:26, 1Peter 2:21, Romans 8:23, Romans 8:36 and Jeremiah 25: 9-12 & 14. (from the Books "God Means Evil for His Good Purposes" and "God Unlimited" Sylvia Pearce and Norman Grubb)

As a member of the research commission, it is my humble opinion that there is a serious need to educate the congregation of churches in Malaysia on church governance. It appears there is a need for a 101 Church Management and Governance guideline provided to both leaders and members on basic function and duties of the the Board of Directors (BOD)the leadership and the rights of the congregation.

It should cover the selection of the BOD and the conduct of the senior pastor and other leaders, treasury function, internal control and audit, management of projects, the remuneration and welfare of church employees, the daily administration of the church etc.

Such a guideline will enable the leadership and the congregation to benchmark their church against best practise. I shall continue to believe that the Lord will bring together the necessary experts that such a 101 can be timely produced and freely made available so that each Christian can benchmark his/her church to the best practice in church management and governance. I humbly volunteer my services.

The word from my dear friend Sylvia for you and your wounded friends is shared below.

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From Sister Sylvia Pearce
"Any church crisis is an opportunity for God to come in and deliver in some miraculous way or another. Instead of fear, and unbelief, we stand in faith and watch God come through in victory. Many ministers and ministries here in America are misusing God's money in the same fashion as some churches in Malaysia are doing. God's church cannot be built on materialism and greed.
Unknowingly these leaders and ministers are leading God's people into bondage instead of liberation. I think the false teaching of "Prosperity" is corrupting many. God certainly wants to prosper or deliver us out of every crisis, but the devil has twisted true deliverance into the lust for fleshly comforts and pleasures.

The Malaysian church in crisis and confusion needs to understand that it is not ours to try to figure out how God is going to use evil for his good in their situation, because trying to analyze the situation will cause more confusion and take them away from simple faith in God. Like Moses, if they will simply sing their songs of victory, the Lord will show them the way.

Doing the will of God, as the Word says, is to be thankful for all things (I Thes. 5:18). And the power of sacrificial praise is well pleasing to the Lord." "Crisis is always our opportunity and an adventure of faith, Our only real danger in a crisis is that we stay in unbelief, resentment, bitterness, unforgiveness and pride.

Keep your inner eye on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, and He will direct our paths. Once we learn God's ways we will have His wisdom on the subject. “Lean not on your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths” God always shakes everything that can be shaken, so that only what is Christ will remain."

"God enabled Moses to overcome many insurmountable difficulties. God called Moses to lead His people out of Egyptian bondage. Moses survived numerous plagues, endured the hostility of his fellow Israelites and faced the vengeance of Pharaoh’s army. How did he endure such hardships?
We are told the secret in Hebrews 11:27: Moses “endured, as seeing Him who is invisible.” He saw through all the stuff to the invisible, yet almighty and ever present God. Moses correctly read the signs. He didn’t go by what He saw, but rather what God said. He got God’s instructions and then followed God’s leading. Therefore God enabled Moses to courageously face opposition, overcome obstacles, and endure hardships."

Sylvia D. Pearce
http://www.theliberatingsecret.org/

Submitted by Vijay
NOTE: THESE ARE MY PERSONAL VIEWS AND NOT NECESSARILY THE VIEWS OF THE NECF, MALAYSIA.
October 28, 2008 8:37 AM