From 25-27 Nov 2017, I had the privilege of attending the 42nd Session of Trinity Annual Conference (TRAC) Malaysia, which took place at the Port Dickson Methodist Centre, one of three resort centres owned by the Methodist Church in Malaysia (MCM). Together with the Rev Derrick Lau, we represented and brought greetings on behalf of TRAC Singapore to our Malaysian Methodist brothers and sisters.
At the Session, we had the opportunity of taking a photograph with Bishop Dr Ong Hwai Teik of the MCM, and TRAC Malaysia President, the Rev T. Jeyakumar. We also enjoyed opportunities to fellowship with other delegates, such as TRAC Malaysia’s Lay Leader, Datin Judy Chin.
Observing the Session, I was struck by the hospitality of our hosts, and the difference in conducting discussions. I also came to realise the challenges for pastoral staff, given Malaysia’s geographical size. Under the itinerant system, a pastor might need to move to another town or city with an appointment change, unlike Singapore which is much smaller.
Although TRAC Malaysia may be smaller than TRAC Singapore, the challenges faced are different. The topic of insurance for possible abduction of pastors was discussed, bringing home the reality of challenges in their ministry. TRAC Singapore’s offer of help with disaster relief for the recent Penang floods was received with great gratitude.
I was deeply blessed by and learnt a lot from this visit, and extend my prayers and well-wishes to our TRAC Malaysia fraternity.
Henry Tan –
is the Associate Lay Leader of Trinity Annual Conference of The Methodist Church in Singapore, and is a member of Wesley Methodist Church.