Bishop Thad and Erilynne Barnum returned in June from three weeks of ministry in the Diocese of Sabah, in South East Asia. They were preaching and teaching in the home region of Archbishop Yong Ping Chung, one of the Anglican Mission’s sponsoring Primates, and at his invitation. Bishop Barnum’s primary purpose in going was to lead the retreat portion of the 23rd Diocesan Synod, in which a candidate for Bishop would be put forward as the Diocese prepares for Archbishop Yong’s retirement in February 2006. Bishop Barnum presented four messages on Biblical leadership as part of an exhausting yet exhiliarating schedule of travel and preaching that included 15 preaching events in ten days. Erilynne’s teaching gifts were also put to good use as she addressed women at the cathedral in Kota Kinabalu and St. Michael’s in Sandakan.

The Anglican Church in South East Asia has experienced tremendous growth, even in an area that is dominated by Islam. Huge mosques that accommodate thousands greet the traveler at every turn. But the region has been deeply impacted by the missionary zeal of Christians, as well. “The Archbishop’s theme, Breakthrough for Mission, echoes in every corner of the Diocese, from huge urban churches to the rural Interior,” noted Bishop Barnum. “Moreover, the values that underlie Mission are found in the Biblical principles of utter dependence on the Lord, prayer, the working of the Holy Spirit, the preaching of the Word, and the willingness to go into a hostile world believing the Lord Jesus is attending the work. We found this zeal for the lost contagious.”

As they traveled the Barnums built relationships with the clergy and laity of the Diocese—an area led by an Archbishop that has been involved in the work of the global church for some time. Archbishop Yong’s sponsorship of the Anglican Mission has enjoyed the blessing of other bishops of the SE Asian Province, as well as numerous members of the rank-and-file, some of whom were hearing first hand about the United States situation for the very first time during the Barnum’s visit.

“I found myself saying 'Thank You' to leaders for their support of Yong Ping Chung and the AMIA,” reflected Bishop Thad. “I told them their leadership, with Rwanda, was making a global difference in the whole of the Communion. This seemed to have a positive impact. We realized we had come to Sabah to say 'Thank You'.”

Archbishop Yong and his wife Julia are traveling extensively in the Diocese, saying farewell to the churches that the Lord has used them over the years to strengthen. Some of these they have personally planted. Everywhere they go, they are loved and honored. After 36 years of ordained service, this is a moment of remembrance and joy and vision for a strong future of mission for the Diocese.

Read Bishop Thad Barnum's Reflections on the historic Synod.

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