Follow up on EGM, Letter to BOD by AC

Brother Alan was overseas for the last couple of weeks. He just returned last Sat, & has given us green light to post his letter to the BOD.

From: Alan Chan
Sent: Monday, August 25, 2008 0:32:43
Subject: Follow-up On EGM

Dear SP & BOD,

I am writing to you to follow-up on what I called and requested for during the Q&A session at the EGM. Honestly, I am sadden and disappointed with the outcome of the EGM and this sentiment was and still shared by scores of members who attended the 15 Aug meeting.

In my opinion, the issues are indeed far from over. And I do not think it was right for Pastor David Seah to be asked to announce to the whole church on 17 Aug that the EGM was good and things were now clarified and resolved.

(A) Call To Resign

1. As pointed out, it was such a shame and amazing that the BOD failed to look into the issues relating to CIM for the past 6 years until it was highlighted by the concerned group of Calvarites. To me, the basis for the EGM was not so much to explain to members the legal status of the church or relationship between Calvary, Missions Dept and CIM. It was more of an agenda to cover up something which all of you saw that was not right, either it could be the process or an action. Therefore, the BOD felt compelled and agreed the best way to deal with it was to convene an EGM to rectify that.

2. If I were you, I would examine my heart and conscience. Am I as the BOD doing justice to God and the many members who elected me when morally and spiritually something very wrong was done in covering up the transactions involving Missions Dept and CIM? Let me reiterate my call for each of the BOD to act in a responsible manner in taking the 1st step to resign as deacon/deaconess.

3. I have to also remark about Patrick Wong's denial knowing the "Teh Tarik" group. What a confession in front of close to 1000 members! By so doing, Patrick was seen by many not only as arrogant but also shrewd and deceitful.

(B) Show Proof of BOD Ratifications

1. I requested the BOD to show proof to all present during EGM the approval given by BOD. Instead, I was given a few PP slides showing the chronology of transactions and ratifications by BOD. The whole church heard from the concerned Calvarites that the BOD had no knowledge of the transactions between Missions Dept and CIM. In the many updates sent out by the "Teh Tarik" group, it was stated clearly the deacons and some former Missions Dept Committee members were not aware of such transferred funds let alone approved them.

2. How is it then Edward was able to come out with a PP slide outlining the various ratification from BOD after each transactions? Even the outlines were confusing with differing occasions when BOD first came to know and then ratified it. Quite clearly, to all present this was an after-thought and hurriedly prepared presentation. And it was also an open act to deceive and mislead the members.

3. This was not the proof I was asking for and certainly not something which the members would like to see. I am now making an official request for the evidences, either in the form of minutes of meeting or official documented resolutions for each of the approved transfers. Please let me have access to these records within 14 days of this request.

(C) Moving Forward Actions

1. It was mentioned that CARED will be grouped under Missions Dept as an Extended Ministries. Has this taken effect immediately and how much of the funds from CIM will be transferred back? If not please advise when is the effective date and funds to be transferred.

2. Three other actions were mentioned, ie (i) Improvements in Financial Governance; (ii) Church Constitutional Review and (iii) Improvements In Communication Process. I would like to request for each of these actions the followings :

(a) Milestones for specific progress by 12 Sep 08.
(b) Timeline for each specific progress by 12 Sep 08.

3. I do think it is reasonable for these actions to be completed within 30 days. Henceforth, I would advise the BOD to put up on the Church Notice Board by then and concurrently announce over the pulpit these actions on 14 Sep 08. Please endeavour to show the members the kind of communication process improvements since it was recognised as an urgent need for BOD to communicate on regular and timely basis.

(D) SP Statement

1. SP made a statement at the end of the EGM and I quote "You can ask any questions but do not insinuate or make insinuation remarks".

2. I would like to echo this but on a different ground. I earnestly call on anyone who speaks from the pulpit to do so in preaching the Word of God in truth and dignity. Please DO NOT use the pulpit to criticise and hit out at the members, especially the concerned group of Calvarites. What we have been hearing from the pulpit in the run-up to EGM and thereafter has been unbelievable and shocking.

3. We heard a message linking the mission of the church with extremism. Where is the relationship? Who are those able to gravitate and pull members of the church to their side and be labelled as extremist? If the mission of the church is to reach out to the lost and broken outside, why are we still keeping millions of RM in fixed deposits and seed funds in CIM and other church accounts?

4. I guess there was no need for me to be explicit telling everyone about the messages spoken by Dag Heward-Mills during 10.30 am and 5.00 pm services last week. There were shocking, unscriptural and has caused much emotional & spiritual distress and instill unnecessary fear in the hearts of many members. Members are questioning the timing and truth of such messages and the analogy of snakes was such a mockery.

5. Again I want to implore and ask that you and every invited speaker use the pulpit for its right purposes and for the glory of God.

Thank you.

In & For Our Lord Jesus,
ALAN CHAN