Some 100 Christians (from students to writers, pastors, publishers and those involved in BM ministry) joined Wawasan Penabur during its first Rakan Penabur Meeting on 30th May 2009, held at Sungei-Way Subang Methodist Church (SSMC). The day kicked off with a warm welcome by the chairman, Chow Chee Yan, and a rousing speech by Pastor Phua Seng Tiong who was the hospitable host of SSMC.

Four speakers delivered their speeches passionately with a sense of urgency. Rev. Wong Fong Yang urged the churches to start a national fund to fund Bahasa resources projects and support those who are set apart for the work. The SIB Semenanjung president, Daniel Raut, convinced us the need of making books at an affordable price while Edwin Agung spoke on the consequences of Islamisation and the need to disciple our churches. Bob Teoh showed eye-opening slides on Sarawak.

Tan Hwee Yong shared her journey and calling in this ministry and stressed on the need to create an identity and tell our own story in Bahasa. Randy Singkee spoke on creating a colony of writers and translators for Malaysia.

Participants were divided into various groups and Roshan Thiran led them to brainstorm on sowing, growing and spreading. Many agreed on the need of setting up fund, exploring IT avenue, and tapping into the strength and talents of the new generation. They were given the opportunity to vote for workable strategies after their discussion.

Two books written by Tan Hwee Yong were launched on that day: Seruan Hati Kanak-Kanak and the translation of Drunk Before Dawn by Shirley Lees, Mabuk Sebelum Fajar Menyingsing.

About 100 titles collected by our resource centre, plus close to 70 titles from Scripture Union were there on display for the participants to browse through. But, reality hit that only 64 titles are still available today.

The participants further interacted and established network with each other over lunch. Rakan Penabur Meeting has opened their minds for further partnership and meaningful involvement in the ministry.