June 12, 2005
Singapore
Dear Friends,
The last six months have been earth-shaking both literally and
figuratively here in Southeast Asia. First was the tsunami that
rocked Indonesia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, India and even Africa.
Though Singapore was shielded from the force of the waves, it
was shaken by the devastation in the region and the loss of friends
and loved ones who were in Thailand and elsewhere at the time.
Trinity Theological College first worked with the National Council
of Churches of Singapore to send relief teams to the affected
areas, then later TTC helped sort out the spiritual and theological
issues that people struggled with in the tsunami’s aftermath.
Tom met with a group of Indonesian Christians here in Singapore
on the subject of “Why does God allow bad things to happen
to good people?” Though there are no easy answers to such
difficult questions, and many find their faith challenged in the
face of such awful and inexplicable tragedies, it is nonetheless
a time when people turn from the mundane to lift their questions
and prayer to God. Just as with the 9/11 tragedy, Churches during
this time were filled, and the response of Christians throughout
the region was extraordinary. TTC alumni who had returned to their
countries were in the front lines in Sri Lanka and India addressing
the needs or their people.
This month Trinity College and Singapore will host the first
international conference of the Society of Biblical Literature
to be held outside of Europe or America. Tom will convene the
section on biblical theology. This conference represents the growing
impact of global Christianity on Christian scholarship. In August
Trinity will host “Seek the Welfare of the City,”
a conference where political and religious leaders and scholars
from across Asia will join international scholars to examine the
relationship between church and state in Asia from biblical, historical,
and contemporary perspectives. Critical issues facing both churches
and governments in Asia will be addressed to find avenues to work
together for the common good of society and the churches.
In January, Tom was in Taiwan to attend a Church World Mission
conference on “Women in Ministry in Asia.” Tom’s
paper on the biblical and theological basis of women in ministry
was adopted as model to better understand the history and tradition
of the Presbyterian Church in this matter.
This week Tom travels to Cambodia to teach an intensive course
in theology. It is an incredible privilege work with young church
leaders in Phnom Penh as they seek to establish solid theological
foundations for the rapidly growing church there. The work in
Cambodia dovetails with the steady influx of students to TTC from
Cambodia and Vietnam. These students from formerly closed nations
are evidence of the transformation of the churches in Southeast
Asia, reflecting the work of Christ and his church to transform
former “killing fields” into living fields.
In other news, the 115 degrees conferred represents the largest
graduating class in TTC history. Continue to keep the college
in prayer as several faculty members will be moving on this year.
Pray that able candidates will fill the shoes of those leaving.
Unable to travel to Mizoram, India, last year, Tom has been invited
to visit Mizoram this December. This remarkable province in northeast
India is 90 percent Christian and almost entirely Presbyterian.
Tom hopes to strengthen ties between the Presbyterian churches
of Singapore and Mizoram as well as do some research and teaching.
One of this year’s highlights was a gathering of PC(USA)
mission workers in Bali, Indonesia. The tropical delights were
enjoyable, but more important was getting to know the Presbyterian
mission workers here in the region and hear about the wonderful
work they are doing. From tsunami relief to establishing critical
dialogue between Christians and Muslims in Indonesia to desperately
needed medical care in Bangladesh as well as building and strengthening
the churches throughout the region. We know how generously you
have supported PC(USA) mission in your home churches, but I encourage
you to continue that support and even increase it if you can.
Your support goes to extend and establish the kingdom of God globally,
to relieve suffering, to care for the sick, and to educate and
strengthen the churches throughout the world. Believe me, the
work that is being done by the PC(USA) is invaluable and brings
honor to Christ and his church.
Change is quickly coming upon the Harvey family quickly. Joseph
graduated from high school, and Paul is a senior next year. Joe
has been accepted at Davidson College, and Judy will travel with
him to North Carolina to get enrolled. He had a great year in
music playing bass in the American School Jazz Band and Orchestra.
Paul is now beginning the college application process. He continues
to be active in our church’s Sunday school program, and
he also traveled to China to work at an orphanage. In his spare
time he has taken up swing dancing. Emma had a great year in middle
school. Her clarinet playing is coming along quickly and, academically,
she outshines us all.
Judy has been through with chemotherapy now for over a year.
The doctors are pleased with her progress and her tests have been
clear of any sign of recurrence. She is teaching English and continues
to lead a large women’s Bible study group. She is looking
forward to taking Joe back to school and visiting our home church
in Durham.
We covet your prayers at this time. With two sons heading into
college, we find ourselves faced with challenges not easy to surmount.
We appreciate all the more that “faith is being sure of
what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
Blessings and Love,
Tom, Judy, Joseph, Paul, and Emma
The 2005 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p.
125 |
