June 2009 Update

[seilamgoh]

Dear Prayer Supporters,

So much happened in June it feels like it is already two months since
I last wrote. Besides leading the June 4 VIIVXX special candle light
service at AFC and hosting a 4-part radio series on teenage sex issues
at AM1470 Fairchild Radio, here are some of the highlights of my
ministry in June:

During the first weekend of June, I had the opportunity to speak at
the Summer Camp of Pacific Grace MB Church, which I have a strong
emotional tie with. About 20 years ago when I was still an non-
Christian (not even a seeker), I was "urged" by my sister to attend
various evangelistic events at Pacific Grace, where my sister was a
member. I know that many brothers and sisters at Pacific Grace had
once prayed for my conversion, which I am still deeply in debt for.
Pacific Grace is the church where I first felt the urge to investigate
the Christian faith as an adult because I was impressed with a drama
production they put on. Even though I ended up at Westside Baptist
and not Pacific Grace (that is another long story), I still feel a
strong emotional tie with them. Some brothers and sisters at the camp
can still remember my sister and brother-in-law (who immigrated to US
15 years ago). When leaving camp, God reminded me of his grace for me
in the last 20 years, and how I have turned from a seeker to a
pastor. I am really grateful for this "homecoming" event.

In mid-June, I took a week off from the office to focus working on my
doctoral thesis. I have already missed 2 milestones that I set for
myself, so I really needed to catch up the work. In seven days, I
finished writing the 40-page theological core section of my thesis.
The voice convincing me that I am inadequate for doctoral work kept
coming back, and I was not satisfied with the work that I produced.
But thanks God, the comments from my professor came as a great comfort
to me. I slowly come to understand that I need a lot of confirmation
from people to feel secure. I pray that I may listen only to the
voice of the Lord and seek only his approval and not any other's. I
still have three more chapters to work on in August. But until then,
I will take a break from my research.

By the end of June I also finished teaching the "Emotionally Healthy
Church" Sunday school at my home church. This Sunday school class was
to me a great challenge. It was challenging because first of all I am
not used to teaching on spirituality and emotions. My strength is in
biblical and cultural studies, and spirituality is my weak area.
Also, the content of the course was very heavy and might sound too
challenging to the class. It took a lot of spiritual strength to
deliver heavy messages as such. But I was compelled by the Lord to
offer this course, and I trusted that He will empower me to do so.
Upon finishing the 3-month course, I will now say that it is not as
effective as I hope it will be in changing people's lives, but I am
also certain that God has started some wonderful works in the lives of
the people. After all, life transformation takes time, and we must
trust the mysterious and miraculous work of the Holy Spirit.

Starting in July, I will be picking up a part-time pastoral position
at my home church due to an emergency health issue with one of my
pastors. Please pray for me as I am adjusting to working 2 jobs and
to pastoral ministry, and please also pray for the staff team at AFC
as they will be picking up a heavier work load while I spend less time
there. Also, AFC is suffering low cash flow during the summer
months. Pay cheques for end-of-June have to be withheld for some
staff members. Please support us with your prayer and financially if
you're able to.

Thanks for reading this prayer letter every month, and thanks for
praying for me. I wish I can better express my appreciation for your
ministry to me. Peace be with you.


In Christ,
Alan Yu


Alan's Engagement in July:
July 5: preaching at Sunday service, Westside Baptist Church
July 5, 12, 26: Sunday School at Westside Baptist Church on "The Ten
Commandments: Manufacturer's Specification"
July 9, 23: leading training sessions for CCF leaders
July 12: leading Worship Discipleship program for the Jubilant
July 16-19: preaching at Summer Camp, Abundance Baptist Church
July 26: leading Restoration Worship at AFC