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Legacy Left Behind

Deanna Pasma, Singapore

In recent weeks, Singaporeans have been suffering under a cloud. Not a cloud of indifference, which is common in Asian cultures, or a cloud of fear, inherent in regions dominated by false religion. They are suffering under a literal cloud of smoke wafting from the slash-and-burn farming in Sumatra, Indonesia. Daily air quality readings are broadcast on television and radio, and “the cloud” is a topic of daily conversation. Warnings go out in the schools; outdoor activities are often curtailed. Soon, the rainy season will offer some relief: the daily rains will wash away the smog, leaving behind sooty residue on floors, upholstery, and curtains, and a surge in upper-respiratory infections and flu.

How often do those involved in ministry anticipate what they are leaving behind? Will it be “soot”—aggravating and frustrating—or the “sweet savor” that follows the cleansing rains? Since 1983, the staff of Asia Baptist Theological Seminary (ABTS) has been privileged to be part of the amazing work God is doing in Southeast Asia. Hundreds of students have matriculated through the master’s degree program; over 200 students from all walks of life have graduated. They are pastors, doctors, teachers, professors, missionaries, lay leaders, military personnel, and authors—all educated as they persevere in their ministries.

In the recent death of two former ABTS students, Reverend Burt Subramaniam and Colonel H.K.P., we see the legacy that godly leaders leave behind. Burt began his theological studies with ABTS and completed his degree in the United States. As a Singaporean of Malay Indian descent, he pursued ministries in Singapore, Malaysia, and India, planting and pastoring churches, starting a Bible school, and establishing a Christian orphanage. The mixture of people who attended his memorial service—American, Malay, Indian, and Chinese from various religious and economic backgrounds—and the sentiments expressed there spoke volumes about his leadership. His influence spanned three continents, and his ministries continue despite his absence. Burt’s sons-in-law maintain two of his ministries. One son is pastoring the church in Singapore, and another is teaching in the Indian Bible school that Burt helped start. Other ministries that Burt began are being maintained by church members that he trained.

Colonel H.K.P. came from the poorest of beginnings—from a self-described “dung hill.” He joined the military and eventually progressed to the rank of colonel. He then chose to follow the Lord’s leading in his life and worked on his master’s degree through ABTS. He taught, counseled, preached, and authored books and pamphlets. At the time of his death at age sixty-nine, he intended to obtain a doctorate and become an ordained minister of the gospel. What he left behind were many volumes of Christian literature and pamphlets which now circulate in his homeland, a country inaccess­ible to traditional missionaries.  

The real-life stories of many more students are an inspiration. Some students minister in countries with restricted or no access for traditional missionaries. One student served on the beaches of Thailand in the wake of the 2004 tsunami, working side-by-side with Thai military in their search and rescue efforts. His testimony to the soldiers and work with the survivors made a lasting impact. Several students and graduates provide the administrative and instructional backbone of various Bible schools in Southeast Asia.

One Singaporean graduate continues to pastor the church he helped plant over twenty-five years ago. His church’s twenty-fifth anniversary was a celebration of the active ministries represented there, which include short-term missions work in Thailand, India, and other countries.

The apostle Paul said, “And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2). Bible colleges and seminaries are often not perceived as traditional church-planting ministries, but it can be said that they “plant church planters.” The goal: to leave behind a “sweet savor,” witnesses on earth—prepared and reliable believers who are effectively doing the work of the Lord.