My Simple August 15th 2008 (EGM) by TS

Wow, things are really going around or rather heating up. Did not know that there are so many differing opinions and strong views out there. Calvary Today Administrators thank you all for your honest and frank opinions. We view all these siblings debates as just debates, nothing more. In your debates and comments, please do not let your emotions overcome you and turn these debates into a feud. But we believe Calvarites are matured people. We can have differences and yet be united in one body. Unity in diversity, that's what makes life wonderful and exciting.

However, we now want to bring you back to IMPORTANT ISSUES, and one of the main reasons for this blog. How do we move on from here? Here's a little recap on what happened at the recent EGM which we borrowed from "The Spikeee" because it is simple to read. The young writer of this summary is not one of our known TT Members. (Actually there is no register of TT members. We don't even know how many "sympathisers or supporters" we have and it does not matter because there are no different camps. We are all still part of one house, our Father's house called Calvary Church)


My Simple August the 15th 2008 by The Spikeee

Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM)

I'll try to capture the highlights of the EGM with what i deem as interesting details.

By the time we reached, the EGM just began with the introduction of Reverend Dr. (Honorary) Pastor Delmer Guynes, as the guest Chairman-cum-Moderator for proceedings. The EGM was also observed by the General Superintendent of the AOGM, Rev Ong Sek Leang. We were sitting much further behind, hence we could not really see who else was there. Proceedings began with a presentation of 3 points in the agenda by the various deacons and interspersed with professional comments and explanations by the two independent investigators (that were hired by the BOD) , one Lawyer KK Wong and the other , a Forensic Accountant.

Summary (and i agree with the summary):

1) CIM and CARED are not liable to be sued or to sue
2) There is no basis for any forms of suspicions of CBT nor Dishonesty
3) All legal investigations were done via a poring through the documents (as provided). There were NO verbal investigation with the said parties.
4) There are also no irregularities discovered in the accounts and financial statements

But,

5) The Forensic Accountant noted that there was a lack of transparency and accountability and governance in the way the accounts were tabled and handled.


T.B.H.U. (Things Begin to Heat Up)

Announcing the beginning of the Q&A Session. Once again, i'm just going to highlight a number of questions or incidents that i feel are worthy to be remembered and taken note of.

Incident #1

Premise : Datuk KC (very calmly, i have to add) asked for a clarification to see if the Minutes of Meetings (that were provided) were the genuine original copies.

Verdict : KK Wong (Legal Inquirer) admitted that there was no forgery inquiry towards the materials used for his legal investigation.


Incident #2

Premise : A variety of concerned church members inquired as to the thin-line seperating CIM and CC, and why there was a need for two seperate entities to perform the same objectives, and finally on the issue of the initial seed fund as 'donated' by the Missions Department to CIM

Verdict : I don't believe there were any real answers given due to the fact that the deacons kept reusing different ways of coining the same message in a variety of creative manners. Generally, the large amounts of monies transferred into CIM is not justified both spiritually nor morally.


Incident #3

Premise : The concerned church members who wanted to voice out were constantly reminded to ask just 2 questions, although the BOD mentioned that this EGM was a forum for discussion and a voicing out of opinions and questions. I do understand why the Chairman had to halt things, but to the point of turning their microphones off?

Verdict : The BOD disappointed many by saying one thing (agreeing that the EGM was a forum) but followed through with only allowing 2 questions per person. Datuk KC Lim at one point asked the Chairman "Mr. Chairman, wouldn't you want to help keep the word of the BOD by allowing more time to speak?"


Incident #4

Premise : Disillusioned Faithful Elders Issue :

A number of elders (members who have been faithful for many years) spoke out that , although they have been faithful in giving and in serving all these years, they are now disillusioned when they see how the money they faithfully give (to God) has been used (misused?).

Ronnie Lew proceeded by asking why so much of the money was spent of Travelling Expenses

Verdict : Senior Pastor himself responded by saying that ministry requires travelling.
Alas, this was a very feeble explanation, as almost everyone knows that you don't require RM78k a year to travel 4-5 times? That's some expensive ride, bro!


Incident #5

Premise : Were they really malicious allegations? (As alleged by the BOD during the after-service announcement in all the church services)

Issue : A sister explained that they have been fasting and praying for months now, and that she wants to hear directly from the BOD on whether what they have done (prior to the statment by the BOD) are truly Malicious?

Verdict : 'Shockingly', none of the deacons said anything (concrete) , possibly for fear of the repercussions of their allegation, or the misuse of the term 'Malicious'. A younger lawyer then spoke up saying that he read an email (which was later found to be sent only AFTER the statement by the BOD) which was truly Malicious.


Some of the interesting (some questionable) things that happened throughout the EGM was :

1) The vocal support (applauses, cheers, shouts of encouragement) that a large majority of church members gave to the concerned members' questions regarding transparency, accountability, truth, morality and good governance.

2) The vocal "support" that the front portion of the sanctuary gave to a number of those who were asking totally legit questions by telling them to Shaddap! And the most interesting thing that happened in this EGM was ... *drum rolls* The parking lot in Tongkah Building was packed to the brim and so was the sanctuary! It was even fuller than 2nd service (lately)! Wheee!.


Update Conclusion

I feel that it was a very important night for the church, because after yesterday, it seems that a large majority of the church realize what needs to be done, and less people are on the fence today. From the applauses and vocal agreement, we are able to see that there is a much larger group of church goers who agree on the need for transparency, accountability and the likes.

Also, it is worth to note that although the legal and forensic advisors concluded that there was nothing wrong or irregular (now it's slightly different, with the minutes of meetings unverified of its' originality), it does not mean that the moral and ethical issue is resolved.

The issues of the heart cannot be resolved that easily. It needs to be resolved by the leader himself. I'd like to say that i do believe that God was in total control of everything that happened. I believe this because i believe that in anything good or bad, God is ALWAYS in control.

Nothing happens without God allowing it to happen. Yes, i'm saying that all the things said (and not allowed to be said (example, the first lady who went up to give her observations was disallowed from speaking by the Chairman and a large majority of a boo-ing congregation)) and all the things that have happened is brought to the fore because of the prayers of the people for Truth.

All this has happened not because of any ambitions (no, i don't want to take over the church) but because everyone just wants the church to begin thriving in the work of the Lord all over again!

My simple August the 15th is now over!