Introduction
Christian Brethren Resource Fellowship (CBRF) was founded on 25th July 2017 with the following as founding members:
Ooi Chin Aik (Chairman, SS Gospel Centre)
Kong Yeng Pooi (PJ Gospel Centre)
Ong Hock Chye (Bandar Puchong Gospel Centre)
Ritchie Tay (SS Gospel Centre)
Peter Tan (Agape Chapel)
Background
Since the early years as a Young People (YP) of Taiping Gospel Hall, I have heard of the needs of smaller assemblies in terms of resources – manpower shortage, leaders, shortage of speakers, bible teachers, materials like good Christian Bible study materials, finances etc.
The situation up to the early 70’s is helped by the visits of missionaries, speakers from AEF, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur etc.
Nevertheless, the outflow of members from assemblies in smaller towns seeking higher education and jobs in the bigger cities continue, leading in some cases to assemblies in smaller towns like Taiping etc. with shrinking numbers and an ageing population.
Whilst building and other facilities are in place, manpower and resources are in short supply. In many an assembly, youth work is not doing well and there is a conspicuous absence of a group in their 30’s ~ 40’s.
These trends pose both a concern and a challenge – if not urgently attended to, can have further negative repercussions on the future of our assemblies collectively, particularly in the smaller struggling ones (maybe even with some work/witness being closed in time to come!)
Our purpose is singular – to fellowship and bring needful resources to areas of most pressing needs to reverse these negative trends.
Vision:
Christian Brethren Resource Fellowship (CBRF) aims to resource Christian Brethren Assemblies in Malaysia and beyond towards effective gospel witness and Christian growth in Christ-likeness and ministry.
Aims and Objectives:
- Resource Christian Brethren Assemblies in Malaysia and beyond with good Christian literature in the form of Bible Study Materials (Books, DVD’s etc.) especially those that are not readily available in the country.
- Resource Christian Brethren Assemblies in Malaysia and beyond with gifted Bible Teachers, Evangelists, and Trainers from the Assemblies and those of strong Evangelical persuasion to enhance gospel witness, Christian growth and ministry.
- Prioritise the most needy Christian Brethren Assemblies for the work of resourcing and the development of the work of CBRF by younger leaders in the assemblies.
- Recruit suitably qualified volunteers and staff to fulfil the vision, aims and objectives of CBRF.
- Network with other relevant bodies and ministries in the Christian Brethren Assemblies in Malaysia and beyond to further the aims and objectives of CBRF.
Christian Brethren Resource Fellowship (CBRF) Founding Members include:
Ooi Chin Aik (Chairman, SS Gospel Centre)
Kong Yeng Pooi (PJ Gospel Centre)
Ong Hock Chye (Bandar Puchong Gospel Centre)
Ritchie Tay (SS Gospel Centre)
Peter Tan (Agape Chapel)
Thus far 3 meetings were held at Ebenezer House, SS Gospel Centre, Petaling Jaya on 25 July 2017, 12 December 2017 and 18 February 2020 to discuss the aims and objectives of CBRF and how best to achieve them in the near future.
Activities and Ministry of CBRF
1 CBRF was officially launched on 18-21 October 2017 at the Assembly Leaders’ Conference in Port Dickson and resourcing materials were made available for viewing and ordering through the relevant contact websites.
2 A list of 12 assemblies, throughout Malaysia was listed for CBRF resourcing and itinerant ministries at least once a year beginning 2018 through itinerant speaker and founding member Ooi Chin Aik
3 In one of the assemblies SS Gospel Centre, Ooi Chin Aik has begun lectures on 2 modules: “Evangelism and Church Growth” (6 hrs) and “Spiritual Gifts and Church Growth” (6 hrs) as part of equipping and resourcing the assembly in 2018. The teaching and equipping modules will be taken to the other assemblies beginning 2019 onwards.
4 Steven Yam our CBRF Secretary is available to take meetings in the
assemblies and advise on growing youth ministries in the local assemblies. He is leading the Youth Discipleship Teaching in his assembly at Petra Gospel Centre. His contact is: 012-289 8640
5 In due course, more members of the assemblies will be invited to contribute on the committee of CBRF and the gifted ones included into the equipping and resourcing teams.
Prayer and Fellowship
1 We covet your prayers and fellowship that the Lord will use CBRF towards the equipping, training and resourcing of the assemblies in Malaysia and beyond, focusing on the needy, smaller assemblies.
2 Pray for the founding members – for encouragement and joy in serving God through CBRF.
3 Pray for younger members and leaders to be added into the committee and ministry teams in the near future.
Arising from the 3rd CBRF Meeting, a CBRF Missions Research Library Committee was formed comprising:
Ooi Chin Aik (Chairman, SS Gospel Centre)
Ong Hock Chye (Founding Member of CBRF, Elder of Bandar Puchong Gospel
Centre)
Steven Yam (Secretary of CBRF, Petra Gospel Centre)
Chris Tay (Treasurer, Elder of Bandar Puchong Gospel Centre)
Stephen Lew (Committee Member of CBRF, Elder of Bandar Puchong Gospel
Centre)
A first meeting was convened at Bandar Puchong Gospel Centre on 23rd March 2021. More details on the CBRF Missions Research Library set-up, progress and launch will be forthcoming.