Celebrating God’s Greatness

Rev. Balan Moses | STM Exco Member

“Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; And His greatness is unsearchable”. Psalms 145:3

Our hearts are filled with untold joy as we thank God for 45 years of faithfulness to Seminari Theoloji Malaysia (STM) and the scores of men and women who have left its halls to share the gospel nationwide.

The Psalmist goes on to talk of one generation praising the Lord’s works to another, something seen over the years in graduates impressing the church at large with their faith and commitment to lead others to STM’s doors. The Holy Spirit has helped mould STM graduates into worthy ‘labourers’ in a land where the harvest is truly plentiful.

Jeremiah 3:15 talks of God’s faithfulness to His people in ‘I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.’

Who is a pastor but one has wholly committed His life to the Lord’s service, trusting that the Holy Spirit will guard, guide and lead him into everything he sets his heart and mind to. This has indeed been the case with STM, which is committed to timely review of curriculum to meet the needs of the times, particularly the changing requirements of multi-religious and multicultural Malaysia.

The Lord’s hand has truly been upon STM since its inception in humble circumstances in 1979 to today as it continues to be blessed by God to win local and international acclaim in preparing candidates to serve in His vineyard.

God has made available His love to STM all these years through the provision of faculty and staff who have unstintingly provided wisdom, knowledge, understanding, and compassion to those under their charge.

At this juncture, I must pay tribute to STM principals: Rev. Datuk Dr. Denis C. Dutton (1979–1986), Rev. Dr. Hwa Yung(1986 – 2001), Rev. Dr. Ezra Kok (2001 – March 2015), Rev. Dr. Philip Siew (April 2015 – March 2021), and current head Rev. Dr. Chong Siaw Fung (April 2021 to date). They have provided sterling service by way of their leadership, commitment, acumen and faith in taking this seminary forward.

I will be remiss if I did not commend the founding churches of STM, who have never lacked in their dedication to keep the flag flying, come what may. STM came into existence through the joint efforts of the Anglican, Evangelical Lutheran, and Methodist churches, who have also endeavoured to provide lecturers to join the faculty. They have untiringly encouraged the young and those older to commit their lives to serving the Lord fulltime or otherwise.

I am confident that the steadfast love of the Lord for STM will never cease as scripture promises: “His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23). Amen.