December 2009 Update
Alan Yu
As I am writing this there is only less than 5 hours left for the year
2009. It has really been an eventful year. Academically, I finished
my doctoral program this year at the Institute for Worship Studies by
completing my thesis on worship discipleship; and has started the
Doctor of Ministry program at Fuller Theological Seminary in spiritual
formation. Ministry-wise, I have realigned my ministry at AFC and
focused a lot more in restoration ministry and personal work than in
program production. I have also started working part-time at my home
church, Westside Baptist Church, and have determined to pursue full
time pastoral ministry at a local church in a long run. I have also
started writing a column for Christian Times, a renowned chinese
Christian newspaper in Hong Kong. And I have also started hosting 2
short segments on two different radio programs, both aired during
prime time, at AM1320. Spiritually, I have been profoundly renewed at
a prayer retreat in Hong Kong and gained a revitalized passion for
prayer. Personally, I shred over 20 lbs and started exercising
regularly to restore my health. And finally at home, we are expecting
our third child (a boy, again).
As you can see there has been many changes. But as I reflect upon my
journey in the last few years, it has always been full of changes. I
guess change has become one of my themes. I am not afraid of changes,
because I am certain that God is holding my hands and leading me. I
consider all these changes adventures in life where I can grow in
Christ. As long as I am useful to His ministry, any change is ok with
me.
But I understand that it may be tough for my family, especially my
wife Constance, who tolerated many days without me at home or days
with unstable income or days with soaring expenditures for me to
pursue those "changes." I consider it grace from God that He has
granted me with a wife so sacrificial and supportive. Therefore, I
urge you that as you pray for me, pray also for her, as the challenges
that she faces are nothing shorter in size than those I take on.
I can foresee more changes coming in 2010: my plans to take 3 courses
this year at Fuller, the plan to spend more time on the ministry at my
home church, the completely realigned (including many new) ministries
at AFC with many new staff members joining, and the arrival of our
third boy in April. I hope that it will continue to be a fruitful
adventure as it was in 2009.
Blessed New Year.
In Christ,
Alan Yu
Alan's Engagement in January:
Jan 2: leading prayer meeting with all AFC current and ex-staff
members
Jan 3, 10, 17, 24, 30: teaching sunday school on "Spiritual
Disciplines" at Westside Baptist Church
Jan 3, 17: leading worship at Westside Baptist Church
Jan 10, 24: preaching at Westside Baptist Church
Jan 30: leading workshop on prayer and scripture reading at AFC's All
Hands Training Day