By: Dr. Sooi Ling Tan

Dean of AGST Alliance/Presiding Dean, AGST Council

“Unhindered:” This is the last word from Luke in the book of Acts, profoundly describing the unrestrained freedom experienced in preaching and teaching the Kingdom of God despite being hampered by physical restraints. It accentuates the boundless, unstoppable, unrestricted nature and potency of the Kingdom of God. Similarly Paul recognizes that while he is physically in chains, the word of God is not bound (2 Tim 2:9) and possesses an inherent power to accomplish its purpose. Such is the nature of this pulsating and vibrant gospel that we are all called to be stewards of. 

“Unhindered:” Sadly this has been contrary to our own experience of limitations over the last year: pandemic restrictions, movement controls, classroom limits, and political upheavals and controls. I am currently teaching a class with students living in urban as well as rural areas. For those in rural areas, they drift in and out of zoom sessions. I keep getting text messages: “The wind is too strong,”… “there’s heavy rain,”…”Teacher, we are… cut off.” Indeed, “cut off” aptly summarizes our current experiences. 

In Rome, Paul experienced being “cut off,” as his movements were largely restricted. His usual modes of teaching, traveling, visiting churches and preaching long sermons had ended. Likewise for many of us, we mourn the derailment of our wonderfully crafted plans for the academic year and the ambitious projects in 2020. We lament the inability to travel and to engage in the “usual” things for “effectiveness.” A striking example is how VET visits in ATA have been postponed and only slowly regaining momentum today. 

However despite these constraints, our hope is anchored on the truth that the essence of what we are stewards of is not and cannot be bound. Paul experienced that liberty as he creatively used different modes of communication, pastoring and mentoring. His pastoral letters written during that time remain timeless masterpieces. 

In the same way, for the ATA family, it is encouraging to know that learning is not bound. It takes place unhindered albeit using different delivery modes. Teaching and learning moments are plentiful during this pandemic. Theological reflection thrives with rigor as our community wrestles with current realities. Spirituality flourishes, spurred on by the enforced reality that we have to literally stop and listen, in solitude, silence and meditation. Service for others overflow as the Christian community faithfully and concretely demonstrate God’s love and care for the needy in innovative ways. Priorities are reordered with family, friends and relationships taking precedence. 

Let me conclude with this quote by Father Richard Rohr. “Faith does not need to push the river. Because faith is able to trust that there is a river. The river is flowing. We are in it.” This is the firm hope we have. There is a river flowing through our location, our churches and our institutions. Let us go with the flow. Our prayer is that we are able to discern the shifts in currents, to embrace the required changes and to creatively innovate as we move forward.