Nelson Notes

After a Long Time Away from Blogging

2011-05-28T22:35:00.000+08:00

Artist's rendition of the new campus, to be ready in 2014

Changes
It's been more than two years since I posted anything here. Lots of changes since then. I resigned as pastor of The Bridge in the latter part of 2009, and I entered the field of Malaysian higher education in January 2010.

First, I trained lecturers through the Teaching & Learning Centre of KDU College. Along with the training came opportunities to teach US History, Sociology, and English at the college. Then, after nine months teaching and training, I was invited to take up the post of Head (Dean) of the School of Arts and Social Sciences at KDU. I've been in this position now since Oct 1, 2010. It's been quite a challenge -- a big change with a steep learning curve -- but I am enjoying it. I'm responsible for the health and growth of the school: for 30 lecturers, 3 admin staff, about 650 students, and a new campus that includes our Law School, Business Dept, and American Degree Program.

What's a 'University College'?
In September last year, the college received from the government the status of 'University College' (UC), an intermediate step toward becoming a full university. Here in Malaysia, colleges award their own pre-U certificates and 2-year diplomas, but degrees in the college are awarded by foreign partner universities in the UK and Australia (like U of Manchester in England or Murdoch U in Perth, Australia). As a UC, KDU can start offering its own bachelors and masters degrees. And we will begin doing so this year. Another difference between colleges and universities is that universities emphasize and do research as well as teaching. So it's a pivotal time in the almost 30-year history of the institution.

Pastoral Care
An interesting aside: I discovered that the term 'pastoral care' is used here to describe the guidance and help students receive while in college or university. That is one term I'm familiar with.

More news later: an update on Jeni and the girls. Btw, we can all be found on Facebook. I suppose that's one reason I haven't blogged much the last two years, except for work-related posts on educational sites.

Bridge Bible Reading Blog

2009-01-05T11:14:00.006+08:00

As a church, The Bridge is reading the Gospel of Mark together over the next five weeks. The reading plan is posted on a new blog at this address: bridgebibleblog.wordpress.com. (Just click and go if you like.) Thanks to our Church Elder, Nathan Kavumbura, for the idea and the set up of the blog. Readers can leave insights, questions, and comments after the daily Scripture postings.

Soon we'll have a link from our church web site as well. Thanks to Nathan's brother, Tinashe, in Zimbabwe for redesigning our church web site, www.bridgechurchkl.org. This thing is truly a world wide web!

Pastor Chris and I will be taking our Sunday sermon texts from one of the daily readings the week before our messages. This way, hopefully, we are all reading, studying and learning from Mark's Gospel at the same time. It's a unity thing.

God bless you daily with delight and direction as you study His Word.

25th Wedding Anniversary Getaway

2008-12-28T21:54:00.007+08:00

Jeni and I are at a luxurious island resort in Malaysia called Pangkor Laut. Our wedding anniversary is January 4th, but we're celebrating early because that's when rooms were available here. It's a five-star resort on a small private island. "One island, one resort," they say. Beautiful setting. Superb service. Ideal for marking our 25th year together, and for making memories that will last a lifetime -- all in a four-day, three night getaway.

Last night I surprised Jeni with a romantic dinner by candlelight on a private pavillion, our own personal server, a troupe of three singing musicians and, with dessert and a dozen roses, a diamond ring delivered by the server. It 'replaces' the original engagement ring when I couldn't afford much. Jeni was completely surprised, elated, and tearful. Yes! It was a success.

Tomorrow it's back to KL, back to work, and back to routines, but these few days and nights have been wonderful; and we are so grateful! Grateful also for 25 years of partnership in marriage, parenting, and ministry.

Here is a Facebook photo album of our time away. Abby has requested a picture of the ring. It's coming soon, Abby. :-)

Released!

2008-11-13T16:04:00.006+08:00

Some readers have followed my Facebook updates about the need for a miracle in Mosul. I'm giving a bit more of the details here.

Many of us prayed, and God answered with a great result! This week in Mosul, Iraq, our friend, Manhal, who visited us here in July, was released by his captors unharmed. There was a reduced amount of ransom paid by a friend and a family member. I got word Wednesday night from an Iraqi friend in KL that Manhal was home safe.

Then an hour later, I got a text message from Manhal. I called him right away and we talked almost 30 minutes. He was so grateful for our concern and prayers. His wife had showed him my text messages on her phone -- messages that told her of our prayer support for both of them and that included some Scriptures to encourage her.

Here's what I learned of the kidnapping... While in a taxi about two weeks ago, Manhal was stopped by a group of seven men carrying Kalishnikov guns and ordered to get out and come with them. They kept him for 12 days, giving him one glass of water per day, and minimal food. When contacted, his father refused to pay anything for his release. In the second week of Manhal's captivity, his wife despaired of ever seeing him alive again, due in part to the high amount of ransom demanded. I also received an email from the terrorists with two photos attached of Manhal kneeling and blindfolded between two of the masked abductors. One held a gun to his head, the other held a knife. The one-line message predicted his death "in a few days". No demands were mentioned. Then, I later discovered, a friend of his and a brother-in-law each sold their cars and put the money together to pay a reduced amount of ransom. The kidnappers released Manhal the next day.

Please continue to pray that Manhal, his wife, and their children make it safely to a new place outside of Mosul in Kurdistan. He will need a job. It will be interesting to see what God will provide.

Thanks so much to all who prayed. Praise God for giving our brother a new lease on life!

If you'd like a few photos so you can see whom you're praying for, let me know and I can send them to you by email.

Fireproof, the Movie Trailer

2008-09-24T08:47:00.005+08:00

FIREPROOF, from the creators of FACING THE GIANTS, is about the failing-but-rescued marriage of a fire-fighter (Kirk Cameron) and his wife. It opens September 26 in theaters across America. My favorite line: "Never leave your partner behind."

Many readers will know that these two films were created by Sherwood Pictures, the movie-making ministry of Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia, USA. The first movie they made is called FLYWHEEL. You can find clips from all three movies on GodTube.com.

In Malaysia we look forward to the eventual distribution of FIREPROOF on DVD as we're not likely to get the movie in theaters. (AMAZING GRACE, the story of English Christian abolitionist William Wilburforce, did have a short run.)

FIREPROOF will be a good ministry tool for marriage enrichment, just as FACING THE GIANTS was faith-inspiring.

Here's the trailer for FIREPROOF...

Home from Annual Home-Leave

2008-07-25T12:13:00.004+08:00

Jeni and I returned yesterday from our annual trip "home" to see family and friends. Now we're back "home" in KL. Funny how most of us have more than one place we call home. Actually Jeni and I have three places for that designation: here where we live and work in KL; and the two places where our parents reside -- the Tampa Bay area, and "the farm" in Brooks County, GA. To me, though, home is where you can sleep in your own bed. Ahh. It's especially nice after a 24-hour journey by jet.

Sarah stayed back a while longer to be with her close friend, Corinne, in Nashville, TN. And about seven hours ago in Tampa, she passed the driving exam for her full driving license, accompanied by Grandma Liz and Abby. Yay, Sarah! Now when she turns 17 on Aug. 2nd, she'll be legal to drive by herself here in Malaysia. She's been doing that with us this past year on her learner's permit. She's a good careful driver.

Meanwhile ... Abby has enough credit hours to be a junior next month when she starts back at Southeastern University in Lakeland, FL. She's getting more into her major now -- English and Intercultural Studies (that's for teaching English as a second language).

After our visit in Nashville to Belmont University, Sarah has put it at the top of her list of colleges to apply to. [Yes, I know I ended that sentence with a preposition, and I'm not going to change it just to conform to the arbitrary rule that proscribes it. :-) ] Sarah wants to major in music education with possible minors in Spanish, history, or vocal performance. (I may not have those minor subjects exactly right; but, her ideas for minors may have changed by the time she reads this, so either way, I'll change the post accordingly.)

Just before we flew back, our friend and new church member, Andrienne Wong, passed away of lymphatic cancer. Her funeral was Wednesday morning, but we arrived about midnight that night. The wake was Tuesday night, and I'm told that our Associate Pastor, Chris Sekar, did a beautiful job with his remarks. Our prayers and condolences go out to her parents, Robert and Khuan; to her young sons; and to the whole extended family. In her short time as a Christian (seven months), Andrienne grew by leaps and bounds, and she found peace and joy in her walk with Jesus. We pray for His peace and comforting presence with the family now.

Douglas Wright Mitchell, 1934-2008

2008-05-13T23:55:00.010+08:00

I got the call from Jeni at about 10:30 during a Tuesday morning staff meeting at the church office. My mobile phone vibrated on my hip, and when I saw it was her calling, I thought, "This must be important" because she's normally teaching school at this time, and she knows I'm in staff meeting. I excused myself to take the call. "Daddy just killed himself," she said through tears. It was a shock to us and to all who knew Douglas. He took his own life at about 9:00 pm behind the farm house where he lived with Peggy, his wife of over fifty years. It was Monday night there, April 7.

For the last two or three years, Douglas had struggled quietly with depression. Doctors said the cause was a chemical imbalance. We don’t really know why or how he struggled so. Douglas was a man of few words and did not share many of his innermost thoughts.

Jeni, Sarah, and I flew home for the funeral. Abby picked us up at the airport in Tampa and we drove north to the farm near Quitman, Georgia. I had the privilege of leading the simple graveside service at Okapilco Baptist Church in Brooks County. Douglas had been pastor of this little country church twice. Many if not most of the members are related to him. It was his first church to pastor as a young man, and his last church after a long career of bivocational, small church pastoring in Georgia and Florida. The current pastor, Brother Bob, opened with Scripture and prayer. Grandson Jake read the obituary. I did the eulogy. Friends, family members, and members of Douglas's former churches shared funny stories and memories of a life lived serving others. Sarah led out in song, and Jeni and I joined her in "Amazing Grace, My Chains Are Gone."
Douglas was a family man, a church man, a man of the land, and a man of few words. He baptized all three of his daughters and officiated at each of their weddings. He hunted, fished, farmed, and gave away the vegetables. He served five churches in his career as a Southern Baptist pastor. And he was a good shepherd. He visited his flock, cared for the sick, preached the Word, comforted the bereaved, witnessed to the lost, and led his churches to support missions. He was a life-long learner. He was making plans for new Bible studies and a new series of sermons -- even right up to the day he died. Douglas's favorite verse of Scripture was, By grace are you saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast. (Eph. 2:8-9)

Jeni's call to missions service came as a result of the many missions conferences in the churches of her childhood. I'm grateful to God and to Douglas that Jeni heard the stories of those many missionaries and eventually went to seminary for missionary training -- because that's where we met, fell in love, and sensed God's call to serve Him together (Southwestern Baptist Seminary in Fort Worth).

Douglas is being missed greatly by those who knew him and loved him. And some people are struggling with guilt that they didn't pay closer attention, or say something, or do something to prevent his final act of desperation. But I believe, from his vantage point now, he would say, “Don’t worry; don’t feel guilty. Just keep on loving others, and loving God.”

To Peggy, Vickie, Nancy, Jeni, and all the relatives: I pray regularly that the Lord will keep giving comfort and peace for the grieving process. May the good memories, funny stories, and the anticipation of a heavenly reunion lift our spirits.

Thank you, Douglas, for being a fine example of a good pastor.

Tenth Alpha Course

2008-02-27T22:57:00.006+08:00

Tonight at The Bridge, we started our tenth Alpha Course since April 2004. The meal was delicious, and the talk was on "Who Is Jesus?" My small discussion group was one of three and made up of a full conference table of Malaysians (3), Filipinos (3), an Aussie, a Nigerian, and me. (Actually, I'm just there as a helper or coach to the Malaysian and Filipino co-leaders.) There are several on the course who are seekers, some Catholics who have been "lapsed" for some time, and as usual, some new converts through Alpha who are now helping on the course. I can see that we have opportunities for God to work some healing miracles. There are two cases of cancer in our midst, and some other health issues. No doubt, there will be needs for inner healing as well, and there are needs for growth toward spiritual maturity.

At the Intro Dinner last week, I met a Yemeni man whose father was a Sunni and his mother a Shiite. He described himself as a "free-thinker" who believes in God but not in any particular religion. ("They're all just different ways to 'market' God," he said.) I hope and pray he comes back. He's a PhD student in computational linguistics -- just the kind of guy that Alpha is good for. :-) We'd appreciate prayers for him and for all of us as we seek to bear lasting fruit using the Alpha Course for evangelism and discipleship.

More Song and Dance, ABBA Part 2

2008-01-27T06:33:00.000+08:00

“Thank You for the Music” and “Dancing Queen” for your listening and viewing pleasure – particularly for you grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. :-)

More Song and Dance, ABBA Part 1

2008-01-27T06:28:00.000+08:00

Does anyone of my generation remember and still like ABBA, the Swedish pop/dance group of the 70s? Here's Sarah's choir and dance group performing "Mamma Mia" and "Take a Chance on Me".

High School Song and Dance

2008-01-27T04:32:00.000+08:00

Sarah and friends doing Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy last night ...

Sarah Nelson Sings "The Light in the Piazza"

2008-01-27T00:22:00.000+08:00

From the Broadway musical of the same name, 2005-2006 -- a difficult song to sing!

Holiday Happenings, New Year Blessing

2008-01-07T13:22:00.000+08:00

It's been a busy holiday time for the Nelsons and The Bridge. After our Christmas Day service at church, Jeni, Sarah, and I took off for a few days of vacation to Langkawi, an island off the northwestern coast of Malaysia near Thailand. Meanwhile, Abby has been using her school break to meet up with family in Florida and old friends in Columbia, SC and Dallas, TX (where she saw her first pro basketball game: Dallas Mavericks vs. Atlanta Hawks--she's a Mavs fan).

We had a wonderful gathering with the church on New Year's Eve. We sang praises and gave testimonies; and we watched an inspirational film, Facing the Giants, a movie professionally made and distributed by a Baptist church in Albany, Georgia, USA. Written, directed, and acted by church members, the film is inspiring. And the story behind the making of the film is equally inspirational. On a side note, the comment from many of our church members was, "They all talk like Jeni!" And we explained, "Well, that's the area of the US where she comes from." :-)

Jeni and Sarah started back to school today, so we're back to our weekly routines. We've committed to each other to add a new habit to our schedules. We plan to exercise together on MWF from 4:30 to 5:30 at the high school. We hope to be able to use the weight room and track. (The pool, unfortunately for us, will be in use by the swim team.) But it'll be good to do something like this together as a family. Of the three of us, I need it most.

I have also started a new system for personal organization. Over the holidays, I read the popular book Getting Things Done by David Allen. I've been needing and wanting to get better organized with both my personal and professional life. It's a work in progress, but now I have a loose-leaf binder with several tabs to organize my calendar, to do list, projects list, agenda and minutes from meetings, reading and reference material, etc. The key concept to this system is to get things out of your head and captured in a trustworthy system with specific action steps. Naturally, note-making, lists, and filing are important features of the system. Perhaps in six months, I'll give an update on my progress. Or better, I'll ask Jeni to report here for me. :-)

Yesterday in church I spoke on "Changing, Growing Together in 2008". It is my deep desire and prayer that this year we all will grow closer in intimacy with Jesus, in community with fellow believers, and in influence with "pre-believers" (non-Christians now who will, in the afterlife, confess that Jesus is Lord, but then it will be too late!)

May His grace, guidance, provision, and peace be yours in abundance in 2008.

Christmas Open House at The Bridge Office

2007-12-16T00:13:00.000+08:00

On Friday night, Dec 14th, 5:00-8:00, our church hosted an open house for the 7-story building where we have our office, seminar space, and meeting hall. We have five embassies and several businesses as fellow tenants, and we wanted the chance to get acquainted with our neighbors. Here are a few photos from the event. The three men posing with Jeni and me are from the Embassy of Afghanistan. One local staffer with the Finnish Embassy said, "In my ten years here, no one has ever done this. This is great!" We invited all to come: from the ambassadors on "down" to the security guards and the cleaning girls from Indonesia. It was a very nice evening. Thanks to all who helped organize and decorate, especially Ann Jones, Irene Lim, Rachel Sekar, and our own caterer, Seet Wai Song.

A Light-hearted Look at Presidential Politics in the USA

2007-11-19T16:06:00.000+08:00

A little political humor from my favorite candidate for president, Mike Huckabee...

Bridge Worship Team Retreat at Kampar

2007-11-13T01:42:00.000+08:00

Thirteen members of our Worship Team traveled a couple of hours north Nov 8-10 for a team-building and training retreat. The town, Kampar, is an old tin-mining town near Ipoh known for its lakes and some delicious Malaysian dishes.

We enjoyed the Bible teaching of RT Kendall by video and the worship and music instruction of Paul Baloche and his band, also by video.

We ventured onto the Kampar River for some white water rafting on Friday afternoon. Fourteen rapids going down a swiftly flowing mountain river! (Category 1 thru 3 rapids for enthusiasts who know what that means.) It was enough to give some of the ladies a scare! But no one was hurt, thankfully -- just some bumps, a bruise or two, and sore muscles later for some people from the paddling! BTW, until we get some of Nathan's photos of our time on the river, the tour company's web site photo will have to do. (See above.)

We memorized a verse together, Zephaniah 3:17. The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing. (NIV) It's encouraging to know that, even as we enjoy singing our praise and adoration to Him, He is delighted to love us, take away our shame, and reward our humility and trust. What a gracious God and Savior! It is indeed a joy to praise Him with this dedicated group of musicians and worshipers.

Special thanks, Joseph, Rachel, and Immanuel, for your sacrificial service to us and to the Lord. And thanks to the whole team for your great cooperative attitudes! You're the best!

Musa to Miri :-(

2007-10-31T22:09:00.000+08:00

Our young friend, Bridge regular, Worship Team vocalist, Sunday School teacher, and Alpha Course helper, Musa (aka Moses ;), is leaving KL tomorrow night for the town of Miri in Sarawak, East Malaysia. He's planning on doing a course and getting certified in Occupational Health and Safety. We had special prayer for him last Sunday night in our Worship Team meeting and again tonight before the Alpha meeting. Musa, you will be sorely missed! What a fine example you have been of serving any and every way you can. We will keep praying for God's clear direction as you seek first the Kingdom and trust Him for your future vocation. Selfishly we also pray that you can come back and work (and play!) among us, your Bridge family.

God speed, brother! We all love ya! And please keep us posted at your blog. :-) [darrenzeger.blogspot.com]

Happy 50th Birthday, Malaysia!

2007-09-02T01:09:00.000+08:00

31 August 1957

August Itinerary

2007-08-02T18:16:00.000+08:00

I'm traveling...

Flying from KL late Friday night, 3 Aug; arriving DFW, TX Saturday morning 9:00am.
Driving to Delta County, near Paris, TX, Saturday, 4 Aug.
Speaking at East Delta Baptist Church, Delta County, Sunday morning, 5 Aug.
In Fort Worth for appointments, Tuesday, 7 Aug.
Flying from DFW Wednesday morning, 8 Aug; arriving Jacksonville, FL Wed afternoon.
Time with Abby and relatives in Jacksonville.
Driving from Jax with Abby, arriving Tampa, Friday afternoon, 10 Aug.
Speaking at Tampa Baptist Church, Sunday morning, 12 Aug.
Week with Abby getting ready for first year at Southeastern University, Lakeland, FL.
Parent-Student Orientation at SEU, 18-19 Aug.
Abby starts classes, 22 Aug.
Flying from Tampa, Friday morning, 24 Aug, 7:00am; arriving back in Malaysia, 25 Aug, 11:45pm.

Preaching at The Bridge while I'm gone...

05 Aug -- Mr Chris Sekar (counselor)
12 Aug -- Col Hilton Smith (elder)
19 Aug -- Assoc Pastor Lisa Great

As I return...

26 Aug -- Assoc Pastor Lisa Great

Thanks, guys! See ya in about three weeks!

Chow Kit Street Kids

2007-07-29T19:55:00.000+08:00

Today in a lunch meeting of our small group leaders, pastors, and elders, a concern came up that we as a church should consider how to focus and mobilize ourselves to meet some social needs in our city -- how to be the hands and feet of Jesus in Kuala Lumpur. A specific example mentioned was the street children of Chow Kit, KL's red light district.

This afternoon later, while browsing news on the internet, I saw a headline, "Helping Malaysia's street children" which linked to the video report below from Al Jazeera. Coincidence? Or God-incident? You tell me.

We will be exploring the possibilities and taking some steps soon, I believe, to follow the Spirit's guidance into the lives of at-risk children in KL. We have the resources. It only remains to be seen whom God will raise up as a leader, and who will follow.

Waxing Nostalgic with "Tammy"

2007-07-23T05:13:00.000+08:00

Dear reader, you may think that this is an odd music video for me to link to, but actually it represents an old memory from my childhood -- not the movie, the song. Debbie Reynolds, that icon of Hollywood wholesomeness sings a melancholy love song called, "Tammy". My parents sang it as a lullaby for my sister and me when we very young. Oh, the memories! Back scratches, "Tammy" and "Can I have a glass of water, please?"

The song is from the 1957 movie "Tammy and the Bachelor" starring Debbie Reynolds, Leslie Nielsen, and Walter Brennan. Click here to watch and listen to the song. The lyrics are here.

The picture is of Debbie from the 1950s. And for my younger readers, that is a record player she is sitting next to. [It's for playing music recorded with grooves on double sided vinyl discs -- not for hip-hop groups or DJs to scratch with. :-) ]

Our Current Alpha Group Photo

2007-07-16T23:38:00.001+08:00

Click photo for larger view.
Alpha Weekend Away
Awana Resort, Genting Highlands, Malaysia
14-15 April 2007

*Photo credit, Immanuel Dalantau; but actually taken by an unnamed security guard with Immanuel's camera :)

Alpha Weekend Away -- God's Spirit Visits Us

2007-07-16T00:01:00.000+08:00

I just returned today from our Alpha Weekend Away in Genting Highlands, Malaysia. In the middle of our eleven-week course, 26 of us went up for a weekend of fellowship, fun, food, and learning. The three teaching sessions were centered on the person and work of the Holy Spirit -- the Spirit of Jesus. And He visited us in wonderful ways today. After the morning session, entitled, “How Can I Be Filled with the Holy Spirit?”, several people made professions of faith in Jesus, and others were convicted by the Word of God causing them to confess and to ask to be forgiven, filled, and empowered by the Spirit of God. And He was faithful to meet with us. There were many tears shed, inner wounds healed, and some prodigals found the love of the Father. Praise His Name!

It was truly an international gathering. Ten countries were represented, including a few from “restricted access” nations. For the sake of their security, I won’t mention names or countries.

I will, however, thank God for our Alpha Team: Derrick (ministry leader), Michelle, Ivy, Chwan Keng, Immanuel, Musa, Ian; and small group leaders/helpers this time: Don, Kurt, Amir, and Mahamoud. Other helpers have been, and were for this weekend, Martin and Irene. Up until recently, our scrumptious dinners were faithfully provided by Wai Song and Christine; now Chris and Winnie are handling the catering. God bless you all!

This is our ninth course in three and a half years. These folks, and others before them, have worked hard and patiently as volunteers for the joy of seeing people come to faith in Jesus and experience the fullness of His Spirit. Several new believers from Alpha have moved on to other countries because of jobs or studies; some have continued to work with us in Alpha as helpers and leaders; and other new believers are serving now at The Bridge in other capacities.

Every time, the weekend away strengthens ties of friendship in the group -- even when some participants do not yet come to faith. We grow closer together, and the Lord keeps working to draw people to Himself. And every Alpha Weekend, He answers our prayers for the pouring out of His Spirit on believers and seekers. What a loving, faithful God we serve!

If you'd like a report on the fun stuff -- the entertainment night -- I bet Immanuel and Musa will have something on their blogs. It was a great time of good, clean fun, MC'd by Mahamoud! :-)

P.S. (16 July) Now Immanuael has a post up, and a photo; but Musa's down with a sore throat. :-( Praying you'll be well soon, brother!

The Occasional Humor in Sacred Ceremonies

2007-07-15T22:54:00.000+08:00

Enjoy a few laughs from GodTube!

Tagged -- Five Things I Dig about Jesus

2007-07-11T09:28:00.000+08:00

I've been tagged by my friend Sugar Jeffcoat...

The rules are simple:

1. Those tagged will share 5 things they dig about Jesus.
2. Those tagged will tag 5 other bloggers.

Five Things I Dig about Jesus...

His intimacy with God: He spoke and acted only according to His Father's directions.
His friends: He hung out with sinners.
His grace: He never shamed anyone who had already been condemned by the religious crowd.
His method: He called and trained very ordinary people as leaders of His movement.
His wisdom: He confounded the Pharisees every time they tried to trip Him and trap Him with a question.

And now I tag...

Musa
Immanuel
Cheryl
Gene
Amir (hurry up and get a blog!)

Family Photo

2007-07-02T00:01:00.000+08:00

What a Privilege!

2007-05-07T23:37:00.000+08:00

This is just a quick post to share a bit of the joy I have been experiencing recently. In the last week, I have had the privilege of sharing some Bible basics with two men in their twenties who are spiritually hungry. They are from two different "restricted access" countries (not Malaysia). One never had a Bible until I gave him one last night. The other had only recently been given a Bible but he has not yet read much of it. They both have been coming to the Alpha Course we offer at The Bridge. In addition to the weekly Alpha Course meetings, we three men will be reading John's Gospel together now once a week, and it is an absolute joy to hear them read and to discuss their questions. Opportunities like this excite me and keep me glad to be serving where I am. Pray for us, please, that there will be a counting of the cost and a joyous determination to follow the Savior and be an ambassador for Him. Maybe I will be able to post some details later; or maybe their stories will be better shared by email with interested inquirers. ;)

Graduation Announcement

2007-04-03T01:47:00.000+08:00

Abigail Lynn Nelson

After eight years of schooling in Malaysia at The International School of Kuala Lumpur, Abby will graduate from high school on June 1, 2007 near the top of her class. (Proud parents must mention her SAT score of 2100, 4 point something GPA, plus participation in wind ensemble [clarinet], Tri-M, NHS, peer helpers, varsity girls basketball and softball -- and the worship ministry at church!) She plans to start at Southeastern University in Lakeland, FL in August (seuniversity.edu), and she’s planning to major in English and Intercultural Studies which includes the equivalent of a minor in Bible. This major equips the graduate to teach English at the high school level and English as a Second Language in cross-cultural settings. Did I mention we're proud of Abby? We're proud of both our daughters. (Sarah has only two more years to go in high school and is also doing very well.) We are so blessed!

Abby would love to hear from friends, family, and well-wishers! You could comment here and she can read 'em, or I'll pass 'em on. Thanks!

New Location for The Bridge

2007-03-26T00:51:00.000+08:00

On Easter Sunday we plan to celebrate New Life and a new location for our church. Renovations on the office and Sunday School/seminar space started last week and are supposed to take only ten days. We believe we'll be ready by Easter Sunday for the service in the large hall on the ground floor and for Sunday School space at our 7th floor location. After that, we'll begin to settle into our new office space. We're in the process now of choosing paint, carpets, furnishings, etc. A busy time.

Please pray with us that we will honor the Lord with our worship and reach many people with the Good News of His love and power to change their lives. My message will be "Come Alive!: to a Better Way of Living".

With this post are a couple more photos. The main hall and front entrance are pictured below in the Jan 8 post.

McLaren in Malaysia

2007-03-12T20:38:00.000+08:00

On March 3^rd and 5^th, I got the chance to meet and converse a bit with American pastor-teacher-author and spokesman of Emergent Village, Brian McLaren. He was invited by our mutual friend and Malaysian pastor Sivin Kit to stop over in Malaysia on his way to Australia. (That's Brian and Sivin in the photo.)

I’m glad I went to the conference and the dinner that Sivin and several others organized. I listened closely to Brian’s provocative talks, interpretations of Scripture, and wide-ranging stories. I wrote elsewhere that his approach to theology and evangelism intrigues, inspires, and troubles me, all at the same time--which is, I think, the kind of reaction he is hoping for from pastors like me (I’m only five years his junior.) I found Brian to be very down-to-earth, approachable, and eschewing of any VIP treatment. He genuinely wants to interact and learn from others--especially in the "two-thirds world". This is refreshing. I also appreciated the insights of the several Malaysian church leaders and thinkers who engaged him in public conversation.

Brian’s visit prompted me to hurry and read one of his many recent books before he arrived, A Generous Orthodoxy, and to look again at Reinventing Your Church, his first book. I bought that book (now republished as The Church on the Other Side) back in 2004 as part of a small bundle of books for the elders of our brand new church to read and discuss. And in 2006 I bought A Generous Orthodoxy to see what all the fuss was about regarding Emergent ideas and Brian McLaren. When I heard he was coming to KL, I thought I should at least go ahead and read what I bought! Maybe I could ask an intelligent question. (Turns out I did a lot of listening and thinking and processing instead.)

What attracts me most about Brian and the whole emerging church movement is the combination of humility and passion--humility expressed through listening in conversations with Christians and non-Christians about truth and ultimate reality, and passion expressed in reaching present and emerging generations with the Good News of Jesus through patient and serving relationships.

I don’t necessarily agree with everything Brian writes or says, but that’s ok. The conversation can sharpen us both, if we’re willing to listen to one another and keep conversing, rather than shut down too quickly and lazily label the other as an opponent. Too many of us Christians operate this way over theological, political, and moral issues.

Thank you, Sivin, and thank you, Brian, for your “quiet revolution of hope”. I believe Jesus is calling us all to be revolutionaries in His cause--to participate in passionate actions and humble conversations for the purpose of world transformation. And all the while, we must stay in intimate connection with Jesus lest we get off track. "Thy Kingdom come, Lord, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven."

Baptist History, Identity, and Charismatic Gifts

2007-03-01T12:56:00.000+08:00

In response to an article in the Florida Baptist Witness, I wrote a letter to the editor which he declined to publish saying that, despite my deep Southern Baptist and Florida Baptist roots, seminary education and pastoral experience, it would be inappropriate since I was "not now a Southern Baptist." I thought I would post it here and invite any comments. (BTW, the Background Info below was for the editor's benefit, not for publication.)
_____________

20 Feb 2007

Dear Editor,

I’m compelled to write regarding your recent article on Baptist identity and charismatic gifts today. ("Is charismatic theology historically Baptist? The current debate in SBC life concerning ‘private prayer language’ may hinge on whose Baptist history is correct.") I do not believe your question can be satisfactorily answered by an appeal to Baptist history. The beliefs and practices of yesterday’s Baptists should not be determinative of Baptist identity today -- understood and appreciated, yes, but not determinative. Here's why...

Baptists have sporadically experienced revivals and movements of the Spirit, no doubt, but we have not, until modern times, seriously interacted with biblical scholarship on this issue. So, with a nod to Baptist history and historical theology, I believe it's more important to do theology for today. Every generation must understand and apply the Scriptures to its own context. And if our Baptist identity is affected, so be it. We must remain people of the Book, even if today's interpretations challenge yesterday’s identity.

I do not equate private prayer language with Spirit-fulness but I do believe it is a valid gift and sign. Other New Testament gifts and signs are just as valid and even more needed today for ministry today (teaching, prophecy, discernment, healing, casting out demons, etc.) I speak as one serving as a missionary pastor in Malaysia.

Maybe these are the last days in which God is pouring out His Spirit on all flesh, giving dreams and prophecies and other renewed gifts to men and women. I don't want to be one who says, "But we've never allowed that manifestation of the Spirit before!"

I dream of more "Word and power" churches in the SBC. We need a fresh wind of the Spirit blowing through all His churches, including and especially Southern Baptist ones.

Sincerely in Christ,
Todd Nelson

Background Information:

Tampa native; former youth pastor at Tampa Baptist Church (1981-83)
Former Univ. of Fla. Baptist Campus Ministry summer missionary to Miami Beach
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary MDiv (1986) and PhD (1994)
Founding pastor of an international church in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

GATOR RAID! Gators dominate Buckeyes to win college football title

2007-01-12T11:59:00.000+08:00

The Florida Gators, my alma mater, shocked the college football world by running away with the national championship game Monday night in Phoenix, Arizona. They ran over, around, and through the Ohio State Buckeyes, 41-14. In winning this game, they did something never done before in US major college history. They captured both the men’s basketball title and the football title in the same year. It’s doubly great to be a Florida Gator!

I just wish I could have watched the game or listened on radio. Alas, no coverage here on our SE Asia satellite TV system! And no radio broadcast that I could find and listen to on the internet. Instead, I had to monitor the play-by-play on Yahoo Sports. At least I got live updates every 30 seconds in real time on my laptop Tuesday morning Malaysia time (we’re 13 hours ahead of US Eastern time.)

Year 2006 is the 100-year anniversary of Florida football. What an appropriate time to pull off one of the greatest upsets of the century. Exactly ten years ago under Coach Steve Spurrier, they won their first national football championship with a rout of arch rival and Number 1-ranked Florida State (Jeni’s former school!).Now under coach Urban Meyer a decade later, the Gators again dominated another undefeated team and brought home another trophy. Football and basketball champs in 2006. Go Gators!

A Wedding and a Major Prayer Request

2007-01-08T15:48:00.000+08:00

The handsome couple at left is Chris and Winnie Yen whose wedding I performed on Dec 2nd at our church. Winnie came to know the Lord through our Alpha Course in 2005. Both are Malaysians but Chris has lived in Taipei, Chicago, and other places. They have been active in our church single adult group for some time (known as CSI, "Christian Singles International.") Congrats to Chris and Winnie!

Please join us in praying that The Bridge will be able to successfully negotiate with the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Kuala Lumpur to use their meeting hall and the top floor of their building. It's in a prime area of KL and near where we have been meeting since 2004. The hall seats 500-600 and we would have about 3000 sq ft of space for office, Sunday School, and other uses upstairs. We've been praying for over a year for a place that would give us room to grow. We sense that the Lord has brought this opportunity to us. The Chamber's Executive Council meets on Tuesday evening, 9 Jan to consider our second proposal (that's 13 hours ahead of US Eastern time, so 4 am Tues there). May we find favor in His eyes and in the deal with the CCC Council members. Thanks for praying! Here are photos of the main entrance and the hall.

Scientists Study Brain Activity of Tongues-Speakers

2006-11-11T02:04:00.000+08:00

Here's a brief but interesting article from UPI: Scientists Study 'Speaking in Tongues'

Ted Haggard and New Life Church: Lessons in Accountability, Grace, and Hope

2006-11-06T14:47:00.000+08:00

When I first read the accusations last Thursday against Pastor Ted Haggard, I was mortified and hoping against hope that they were not true. Another high-profile evangelical is exposed for hypocrisy and sexual sin. Now, within three days the whole literate world knows the truth. By his own admission, Haggard has wrestled with his sensual nature, and lost regularly, his whole adult life. For over thirty years, he has hidden his dark side. That’s a long time to maintain appearances and at the same time ascend to prominence as a mega-church pastor, author, and internationally respected leader. But what pastor cannot relate, at least in some way, and then shudder at the prospect of being shamed publicly and disqualified for ministry?

On the web site of the International Herald Tribune, New York Times journalist Kirk Johnson writes a balanced piece that should spark hope and admiration in us Christians -- admiration for the way New Life Church has handled this crisis and hope for the church and its fallen leader, that he may be healed and redeemed for later ministry. It appears that New Life’s system of governance, worked out by Pastor Ted and his fellow leaders, has worked swiftly, transparently, and effectively. We can hope and pray that the process of discipline and restoration will proceed effectively over time as well.

Balancing Pastoral Authority with Pastoral Accountability

When we started The Bridge International Church here in Kuala Lumpur, I looked around for a form of church governance that balanced pastoral authority with pastoral accountability. Based on prior negative experience, I was finished with the kind of congregational governance in which the pastor is given all the responsibility for church health and growth and yet little or no authority to lead. (Such a situation virtually guarantees frustration and division.) On the other hand, I did not want authority without accountability. What to do?

Back in 2004, I reread Ted Haggard’s book, The Life-Giving Church, and found a model I liked. We eventually adapted New Life’s constitution to fit our situation. Basically, the senior pastor is allowed (expected) to lead, cast vision, hire and fire staff, oversee the budget, etc. – but he is also accountable: first to fellow elders in the church (elected by the church), and then, in the event of a leadership crisis, to a Team of Overseers from outside the church. The overseers are other senior pastors, well known and respected by the pastor, the elders, and the congregation; and the overseers have ultimate authority to advise, discipline, and dismiss their friend as pastor.

In this system, the sheep do not have authority over their shepherd. But the shepherd is still accountable for his character and conduct. Would to God that it had not been necessary this past weekend, but this system seems to have worked well at New Life Church. Perhaps more churches, especially Baptist and other congregational ones, should examine their own ways of balancing pastoral authority and accountability. By developing better governance systems and emotionally mature leaders (including ourselves), surely we’d have less conflict and fewer “failures” in ministry. I’m glad that because of God's grace, failure in ministry need not be final. I hope to hear about the healing of Ted’s family and his own growth and restoration in the months and years ahead.

A Tribute to Alan Nelson, 1936 - 2006

2006-09-25T02:13:00.000+08:00

The Measure of a Man
By 4Him

I say the measure of a man
Is not how tall you stand
How wealthy or intelligent you are
Cause I found out the measure of a man
God knows and understands
For He looks inside to the bottom of your heart
And what's in the heart defines
The measure of a man

Dad was not wealthy with worldly riches, though he worked hard and steady his whole life. He was rich, however, in relationships with family and friends. His heart was huge and full of love for others and gratitude to God for His grace. In physical stature, Dad declined over the years from 6'1" to about 5'7" due to osteoperosis. But he remained tall in the eyes of those who knew and loved him. He always had a smile and a handshake, hug, or humorous word. He persevered through his own obstacles, pains, and disappointments without complaint. He served others and encouraged them. He left a great legacy for his four children and eight grandchildren -- a legacy of love, service, faith, and a positive attitude.

He will be sorely missed by many: his wife, Liz, of 25 years; his children and their families; fellow church and choir members, golfing and fishing buddies, and many more good friends.

Now he has joined his beloved parents, brother, and other relatives in "our Father's house."

So long, Dad. Thanks so much for the example you set. We love you, and we'll miss you 'til we see you on the other side!

Dad’s Homegoing

2006-09-25T02:05:00.000+08:00

While in the hospital recently recovering from congestive heart failure, Dad developed a serious infection which his weak or non-existent immune system could not overcome (a result of the bone marrow cancer). His pulse declined and various organs began to shut down. Rather quickly, God answered prayers that He would either take Dad soon or give him back his strength and independence. The Lord chose to do the former at 1:20 am on the 19th of September with my step-mom, Liz, and sisters, Susan and Pam, by his side. And we, the whole family, are grateful that Dad didn’t linger and suffer.

I began flying home the same day and arrived on the afternoon of the 20th. We had the funeral on Friday, Sept. 22. I had the privilege of leading the service and sharing it with his pastor, choir director, and my nephew, Grant, 10 years old.

Thanks to all who prayed, expressed concern, and offered condolences -- especially to the Bridge Church family. As Jeni said on behalf of the extended Nelson family, we have loved and been loved by a great man. And he is being missed by many, many friends as well.

Question for Discussion: SBC and Charismatics

2006-09-16T02:19:00.000+08:00

Here's the multiple choice question I posed over at Wade Burleson's blog, with very slight editing. Anyone care to speculate or offer an opinion?

"Why is the Southern Baptist Convention the only large historic denomination that has not made room for a fellowship of "charismatic" churches under its tent (like the Methodists, Lutherans, even Presbyterians and Catholics have, for example)?"

Would you say it's mainly because of:

the excesses of the charismatic movement and the off-putting attitudes of the "haves" vs. the "have not's"
the firm theological convictions of most Baptist pastors/leaders (i.e., their certainty of the rightness of their own interpretations of Scripture and their low tolerance of others' interpretations)
fear of change or of rejection or of emotionalism
local church autonomy and the denominational structure (assoc, state, nat'l levels) which makes it impractical, improbable, or even unnecessary to make room for such a fellowship of churches
all of the above, or a combination of the above
other (please explain)

Ok, have at it, please. I'm real curious to know what others think and have experienced.

Latest Family and Church News

2006-09-15T18:22:00.000+08:00

Dad's Cancer

My dad, Alan Nelson, was diagnosed a month ago with bone marrow cancer, a real surprise. He's 69 years old. I flew to be with him in hospital in Tampa and to be with family as things developed. I'm very glad I did. I stayed until 29 Aug, and I was able to bring him home to his house on the 28th. A week later however, he went back in hospital with an irregular heart beat and fluid build up -- congestive heart failure. While that was being treated in hospital, he contracted a bladder infection which has become serious enough to transfer him to ICU. He's very weak, barely communicating, has bouts of confusion, and the family is very concerned. We would appreciate the prayers of our friends from around the world. Please pray for the infection to be overcome so that Dad will get back some strength to fight the cancer and go on the thalidomide treatment. May the Lord intervene and grant him more time and more strength for the time he has left. Please also pray for my step-mom, Liz, who is working full-time, and sister, Susan, who is full-time mom to two elementary school kids and visiting Dad every day in hospital. Sister Pam lives and works in Tampa. Sister Sally lives in south Georgia. Thanks for your prayers for them as well.

Church Camp

I got back from Tampa and, with Jeni and girls, went straight from the airport to our first church camp at Port Dickson, Malaysia. Seventy people had signed up. Our friend Hakan Gabrielsson came from Singapore to be the main speaker. It was a wonderful time of worship, Word, fellowship, prayer, play, and a missions emphasis. Three missions agencies were represented by local staff in our missions fair: Overseas Missionary Fellowship, Asian Outreach, and Wycliffe Bible Translators. Our own Michael Wong represented Operation Mobilization. Hakan shared about some wonderful things happening in places he visits regularly, like Myanmar, India, and Iran. His missionary ministry is called Touching Asia.

Vanessa Schaefer, our Sunday School co-director, was healed of chronic neck pain during a prayer time at church camp! She had been suffering for a long time from a spinal condition and recently had to quit driving her car because of it. Now she's driving again and free from the pain. Praise God!

Weddings

We expect to have three weddings coming in the next several months: Chris and Winnie (Malaysian Chinese), Victor and Grace (Malaysian Indian), and Julian and Sally (Malaysian Chinese, living in Jakarta). I've got lots of pre-marital counseling to do! I've had the privilege of doing several weddings over the years here in Kuala Lumpur, but not this many in such a short span of time. Funny, we've also had more babies born recently (to other couples) than ever before in our eight years here. Looks like we're experiencing some biological church growth to go with our conversion growth! :-)

Answers to Prayer

Our consulting company is up and running! And Lisa and I have our work permits through GuideStone Consultancy Pvt Ltd! I'm the Managing Director, and she is the Senior Counselor. We each have two-year visas in our passports allowing us to work as counselors which we're doing, of course. The visas came through in June and July. Praise the Lord!

Next Post

Maybe in the next post I'll pose a question that I left on Wade Burleson's blog. We could have a little discussion about a theological subject. Check back in a day or two if you're interested.

Blessings!
Todd

Back Home in KL

2006-07-02T17:06:00.000+08:00

After a week in Texas and two weeks in the SE, I'm back home in KL. Got home at 2:00 am Saturday morning after 33 hours of traveling. Went to bed at 4:00 am and slept til 2:30 Saturday afternoon! But then I got sleepy working on my sermon and napped from 7:00 to 10:00 pm. Now I've been up since then! Maybe I'll be back in sync after tonight.

It was great to be back at The Bridge this morning. We had a full house at church including many visitors. (One couple came back for a second visit after last week. They are former staff members from Willow Creek Church in Chicago, now here in KL 'cause he's working for Caterpillar. Greg is a sound technician and his wife is a worship leader. Thank you, Lord!)

Jeni and the girls will return to KL on Monday night, 10 July.

I had lunch today with three other "bachelors" whose wives are in their home states/countries: Randy Fletcher (Ohio), Dale Coleman (Texas), and Oh Won Yong (Korea).

Abby got her learner's driving permit on Friday, June 30! Yeah! She's been driving around south Georgia since then. Next summer she'll get the real deal before she starts college -- wherever that will be.

Jeni speaks at Okapilco Baptist Church this Sunday morning in Brooks County, GA. (I know you'll do great, honey; the people love you! -- and so do I! We prayed for you today in our church service here.)

We had a wonderful time on our travels. Thanks Colemans, Wombles, and Tuckers for your hospitality in Texas! And thanks, Halls and Harwells, for the use of your minivans.

On our Sundays away, we got to visit Bannockburn Baptist Church in Austin, North Point Church in Atlanta, and Tampa Baptist Church in Florida. We also visited Columbia International Univeristy in SC, and Southeastern Univeristy in Lakeland, FL for Abby to see the campuses and meet people one last time before decision-making time. Once SAT scores come back and financial aid and scholarship applications are answered, then she'll be ready to choose where to continue her education.

Dad and Liz, Mom and Russ, we enjoyed our time with you all. It's never quite long enough; but one day, Lord willing, we'll be closer.

Next year we expect to come in July, and I will stay longer to get Abby settled in her college dorm. Jeni and Sarah will have to be back in KL to start school in early August, whereas Abby won't start til late August.

I'm off to nap just a little bit before dinner. Starting to droop at the keyboard ...

Blessings!
Todd

In the Air and on the Road Again

2006-06-02T02:56:00.000+08:00

We're flying out of Malaysia on June 10 for our annual home leave to the USA. Here's our itinerary.

June 10-13, arrive at DFW, 10:05 am, borrow van from Hall family, leave Sarah with her friend Kelly, and drive down to Austin with Abby to see the Coleman and Franz families.

June 13-15, head to Houston to see the Womble family and baptize their daughter, Katie, on Wed evening! :-)

June 15-17, drive back up to Dallas/Ft Worth, Abby stays with Leanne, Sarah still with Kelly.

June 17-20, all fly to Atlanta to visit the Harwells; spend Monday in Buford on Lake Lanier with Capes family (Todd's long time friend from school days); and Columbia, SC for Abby to visit Columbia International University.

June 21-26, drive down to Tampa and surrounding area to be with Todd's family (Todd stays until 29th and flies straight back to KL thru Atlanta & Seoul, arriving on the 30th.)

June 26 - July 9, Jeni and girls are in Brooks Co, GA and Jacksonville, FL with Jeni's family. (Todd is in KL from June 30 onwards; girls arrive back in KL on July 10.)

Jeni and I may get some time to walk the campus of Southwestern Baptist Seminary where we remet in 1983, fell in love, semi-eloped, lived in student housing, and had Abby.

We leave The Bridge in good hands with elders, admin team, assoc pastor, and ministry leaders who I know will keep things running smoothly. Thanks, Michael, Charlie, Diana, Lisa, Glenn, Guan Lye, Joo Din, Diane, Joseph, Rachel, Irene, and Derrick! Sharon and Mike, enjoy your summer vacation. Hilton and Lena, have a great time in South Africa! See you all in July. Matti and Riitta, you're leaving a big hole to fill! God guide you to a new church family in Dubai. Dave and Jan, thanks for the dedicated work with children. May the Lord guide you, too, as you settle in Saigon. And Tope, I know you're looking forward to taking the kids and joining up with Kayode in Glasgow! God bless you all!

Family Photo, Dec. 2005

2006-04-15T20:32:00.000+08:00

In Bandung, Indonesia, December 2005 while on holiday with our friends, the Anderbecks.
L to R: Abby, Todd, Jeni, Sarah

Photo at Tea Plantation

2006-04-14T07:36:00.000+08:00

Boh Tea Plantation, Cameron Highlands, Malaysia, December 2004

Greetings from KL

2006-04-14T00:19:00.000+08:00

We're over-40 American parents of teenagers who have their own blogs -- all of us living in Malaysia. Don't expect much more from us than sporadic news and photos! I don't correspond often enough with family and friends by email. Maybe I can do better with a blog? Doubt it! :-)