One Hundred Days
Sam Ang reflects on his 100 days as NECF Malaysia Acting-Secretary General.
1) What were your initial feelings about the great task ahead when you first accepted the responsibility? After 100 days, has there been a change?
Like Paul said in 1 Cor.2:3 "in weakness and fear, and with much trembling." Each time when I meet someone in public, they would often remark, "You are sitting on the hot seat." It is indeed a hot seat when taking over from someone who has been over 10 years on the job and has done an excellent work.
What NECF Malaysia is today is attributed to Rev. Wong Kim Kong (former Secretary-General and now Executive Advisor) and the staff. We have grown by leaps and bounds, thanks also to the support from the member churches. Without the NECF Council Members' support, I would not have dared taken up this responsibility.
Over the last 100 days, it has been nothing but hectic. Some of the things, we have worked on together are:
- Realigned our focus on the 'main thing' of NECF, that is strategising on 'transforming the nation through the local church.' I believe we are on track in 'nation building' and we are working on involving the grassroots in nation building;
- Incorporated NECF Samaritan Sdn Bhd to provide microenterprise services;
- Explored community projects inter alia community clinics and setting up educational centres;
- Met key relief organisations to help coordinate training in relief work for 2009, so that the evangelical church can quickly and meaningfully respond to local and overseas crisis;
- Reactivated the Evangelism Commission and planned COHM 2 so that we can share God's love this Dec.;
- Kicked off the search for a new Secretary-General;
- Consolidated the various prayer rallies for 2009, incorporating the Global Day of Prayer and 40-day prayer and fast; and
- Planned a National Pastors and Leaders Conference in August 2009 with the theme, "fathering the nation" - this is going to be a significant event as we encourage and recognise spiritual fathers of the nation to father the nation.
2) What do you think you have contributed or have started to contribute towards the work of NECF during this short 100 days?
I have been blessed to work with a more proactive executive committee. I don't see it as "my work" - the new season before us is going to require team effort and partnering with the local churches is not an option.
I would like to see the new NECF Council Members play a more active role in the NECF activities and build better working relationship with staff and commission members. And as half of the Council Members are located outstation, we would like them to increase the deputation work by sharing the NECF work in their respective areas.
We encourage them to take the lead in the pastors' fellowships. The NECF Executive Members will be traveling to get feedback from member churches.
3) What do you hope to accomplish within the next two years?
I would like to see a strong foundation laid for the eight things we initiated in the first 100 days. Essentially, nation building is a long-term process. The next two years is going to be a vision-casting and foundation-laying season. We would like to see all given an opportunity to be involved. For instance in the area of microenterprise, medical and education, our role is to facilitate churches and individuals to join together in undertaking these projects.
I also hope that the staff team would strive for efficacy, and stay relevant with the times. We hope to build a strong staff team that would meet the coming challenges, for the next Secretary-General to take NECF to the next level.
4) Any other observations/ comments about these 100 days?
I read a commentary about Nehemiah who was described as a vigorous administrator, a calm crisis manager, a fearless initiator, a courageous decision maker, and a persevering leader. Those qualities propelled Nehemiah to complete rebuilding the walls in 52 days.
Our 'present walls' may not be obviously broken down, but we are definitely going through difficult and trying times. Resources seem limited and the window of opportunities is uncertain. I covet your prayers to have the qualities of Nehemiah and also to take heed what Jesus said in John 9:4 "As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me…"
I am privileged to do the work, His work… and I invite you to partner with me.
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