Our National President, Dr Abraham Peter Tong Keng Tatt, was called home to the Lord. He was the founder and identified leader of the FGBMF Malaysia. His commitment to the FGBMF was total.

The National Board and Regional leaders went on a retreat from 7th to 8th January 2005 to wait upon the Lord; to seek (a) direction for the FGBMF Malaysia in the ensuing year and (b) confirmation of the new leadership.

I am honoured to be chosen as the National President. Initially, I was apprehensive of the task ahead but was comforted with the knowledge that our far-sighted late National President had just put into place a new leadership structure for FGBMF Malaysia. At the retreat, the leaders also pledged their undivided support. I now also seek the total commitment of every member of FGBMF Malaysia.

Looking ahead, it is important to have a clear vision of the direction to steer our course. As we waited upon the Lord, it became clear that we are to remain faithful to the vision given to our founder Demos Shakarian. The vision was from the Lord and, unless the Lord indicates otherwise, we are to continue without changing direction. The mission statement had guided us in what we had done through the years. This had resulted in the growth of FGBMF Malaysia to what it is today.

Along the way, some members have had a different calling to start churches. Had they followed procedures by first resigning and then informing us of their intention of starting the church within the prescribed time, no misunderstanding would have arisen with some church pastors. By the grace of God, our past National President had managed to clear the misunderstanding with the pastors. We have always valued the good relationship and support of our pastors. Members are reminded to invite their pastors to our banquets and other functions whenever possible.

It is also the observation of the leadership that some chapter meetings had been somewhat ‘dry’. Chapter Presidents are therefore urged to challenge members to expect ‘things’ to happen at chapter meetings. To do so, they must move in harmony with the Holy Spirit. It is the ‘anointing that breaks the yoke’. Signs and wonders are for non-believers. Hence members must bring guests to the meetings. This will ultimately result in the growth of their chapters. To be in harmony with the Holy Spirit, they are expected to examine themselves. Too often ‘gifted’ speakers from outside were invited instead of operating in the gifts of the Holy Spirit from members within the fellowship.

To witness the ‘power’ of the Holy Spirit in our ministry, it is necessary to see a transformation in our own character. A move towards holiness and purity of heart is the prerequisite. Again we are reminded that it is better to obey than sacrifice. We are fully knowledgeable that we are transformed daily by the renewal of the mind through the Word. How often do we fully endorse reading and meditating on the Word or praying in tongues and interceding? If we do not build our foundation well, how will the structure stand up against the storm? I suggest we examine ourselves and learn to wait upon the Lord again; something we seldom hear nowadays in the fast lane.

May the FGBMF Malaysia grow strong in preference to big. Each member is to see himself as a leader to impact the marketplace where he is placed to serve. It is not how much we can do for our Lord but how faithful and obedient we are. May His grace continue to be upon us, His servants.

(Bro. Lee Gee Koon accepted the Lord in 1979 and together with the late Dr Abraham Tong was the founder member of the then Abundant Life Centre, the forerunner of the FGBMF Malaysia. Since then he has been very active as the President of the KL Damansara Heights chapter and then the Chief Coordinator of the Central Region and later the Director. He has been attending the National Board‘s meetings since 1989 and formally joined the National Board in June, 2000 holding the post of National Treasurer. He has also been active as the Coordinator of the International Airlifts under the mandate from the Asian Council of which he is a member since 2001. He has personally led many missions to Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Vietnam and unofficial mission cum holiday visits to China. He is a retired architect and worships at Calvary Church, Kuala Lumpur).