Rev Dr Tony Lim
We live in uncertain and even perilous times, with the war between Iran, the United States and Israel, as yet unsolved. Fuel costs have risen to levels not seen since 2022. If the war continues, the disruption in global supply lines could trigger multi-year food stress cycles in vulnerable countries resulting in possible famines.
We are blessed to live in a peaceful country like Malaysia and we have not experienced war and disruptions for many decades. We are so thankful to the Lord for this.
At a time like this, I cannot but think of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and his underground seminary during Nazi Germany in wartime. It was part of the Confessing Church, which refused to let the Nazi state control Christian teaching. The seminary was located in Finkenwalde (now part of modern Poland).
What was life in Bonhoeffer’s seminary like?
For Bonhoeffr, seminary was not just about academic training, it was building a discipleship community, where :
- Students lived together in simple conditions
- The daily rhythm included prayer, Scripture, and worship
- There was a strong emphasis on obedience to Christ over political pressure
- And where ultimately, training focused on forming character, not just knowledge
Bonhoeffer believed pastors should not only “teach Christianity” but live it deeply and faithfully under pressure. Only then can he produce pastors that will make a difference in the churches, they will eventually pastor. Out of this seminary training experience, Bonhoeffer wrote two seminal and deeply influential books, Life Together and The Cost of Discipleship.
We are training students in our seminary, during peacetimes. Should our training be any different? Much fruit for thought.
As always, I want to take this opportunity to thank the church at large, especially pastors, church leaders who have supported us financially and in prayers all these many years. We thank you for your partnership and we look forward to your continuing support and prayers.
In His Amazing Grace.