Page 28 - C:\Users\User\Desktop\FlipBook\tmcv2

TMC Penang 125th Quasquicentennial Anniversary Celebration Commemorative Book

Hence, during this period the church was also actively involved in various fund
raising projects. Rev. Jayaraj was elected as the Conference President at the November
Session of TAC in 2008.

Mrs. Pushpam Gurusamy was an evangelistic worker employed by the local church
and the Methodist Women from the years 2006 to 2009. She was actively involved in
many areas of ministry especially in Methodist Women. She is also a local preacher and
is often involved in ministries like cell groups and prayer meetings. She has served the
church for more than 30 years prior to her retirement due to health reasons.

Rev. Joseph Yesupatham (2009 – 2015) took responsibility as the Pastor in charge
from January 2009. On the 22nd of February the same year, the Methodist Senior
Fellowship was formed. During this period, many young adults came forward to take on
the reins of church leadership. All other ministries of the church continued. The
Christmas Open House Celebration held in 2010 was a significant event.

In 2011, Mr. Jonathan Arulanthu committed to full time ministry. He has since been
ordained as a deacon. Rev. Jonathan Arulanthu now serves at the TEACH Centre in
Haadyai, Thailand.

In 2011, the electrical wiring and flooring of the sanctuary were in dire need of
repair. RM 100,000 was raised by the end of 2014. In 2015 the LCEC decided in faith to
go ahead with the project and the total cost for the renovation work was RM 244,188.
While the renovation work was in progress, the Sunday worship was held in Wisma
Shalom from 12th July 2015. The first Sunday Service in the renovated sanctuary was
held on 20th December 2015. A Thanksgiving/Dedication Service for the renovation was
held on 9th July 2016.

In January 2016, Rev. Jeremiah Thomas was appointed as the pastor in charge. He
is diligent in visiting members and is very prompt in meeting the needs of his flock. He
also emphasises the building of strong families because he believes that is foundation for
a united church. All the ministries of the church are going on well.

He is also very actively involved in outreach ministries. He revived the ministry in
Bayan Baru. In 2016, he organized a Working Committee and thereafter a Pro-Tem
Committee in 2017. He has reorganized the format of the ministries at the Bayan Baru
Outreach Point. In 2017, he baptized and confirmed 4 new members from Bayan Baru
into TMC Penang’s fold.

At present, the Bataks have sought the use of the premises for their worship
services and at present meet at TMC Penang every Sunday since 2nd of July 2017.

The membership of the church was updated in June 2019 and full membership
stood at 263. The current LCEC Chairman is Mr Gunalan Samuel who took over the
leadership in 2015. Mr. Elemperu Valuthi Kuppu is the present Lay Leader. Much pastoral
care and efforts are also being put to strengthen the outreach work in Bayan Baru and
Padang Tembak .

All of the above chronicled accomplishments, struggles, success stories and
continued growth can only be attributed to the faithfulness of God, the sustained
Christian faith, the passion and involvement of a multitude of people who willingly made
countless sacrifices. With this strong spirit of selflessness and faith, TMC Penang can
look forward to continued expansion in its service to God and the community in the
decades to come. To God be the Glory!

26