Address by Tung Ling Bible School, Principal
One of the greatest Biblical stories takes place when one man took a brief detour from his busy life to turn aside and behold a strange phenomenon. This momentary encounter changed the destiny of a man, a nation and the history of the church even to our day. I refer to Moses who encountered the Lord at the burning bush. (Exodus 3:3 
) What was the fruit of this meeting? Moses heard the heartbeat of God thus becoming acquainted with His burden. Further, he was commissioned to confront Pharaoh and lead the children of Israel out of their Egyptian bondage. (Exodus 3:4-10 ) What if Moses just continued on his way giving no heed to God’s voice? What if the routine of life so consumed Moses that he became immune to the Lord’s means of intervention? Is this not a danger that exists for us today?
The brief moment of time that you will spend at the School of Leadership is a mere blip when measured to our life’s timeline. Yet, if properly applied, the significance of these five months of turning aside could have significant impact for you, your respective churches and nations. Students come to Tung Ling Bible School from varied backgrounds each choosing to turn aside from busy routines so as to encounter God in a life changing way. How does one come to experience their burning bush? Let us consider three keys from the example of Moses so that we can appreciate how God brought him to this moment of destiny.
- Moses had a call
Moses sensed God’s hand upon him while being a part of Egyptian life. He then sought to bring forth God’s calling through his own strength. Each of you has a call of God upon your life. For some, God’s purpose and plan may be clear while for others it has yet to be fully discovered. Let the Lord confirm his call and bring it forth according to his timetable. - Moses was proven
Many are called but few are chosen. (Matthew 20:16) Moses at the age of 40 was banished into the land of Midian. Is it possible that someone with such a high calling can be relegated to watching over sheep in a barren land for such a period of time? The true leaders that will emerge in the last days are those who will be qualified in their individual Midian’s. (cf Isaiah 48:10 ) Do not dismiss times of barrenness and spiritual drought. It is here where roots can go deep and foundations established that will enable the fulfillment of God’s calling. - Moses was faithful
At the age of 80 Moses saw a strange sight and turned aside as he received his commissioning from God. Though well aware of his limitations he responded positively to God’s voice and became His representative before Pharaoh and Israel. It is a picture of what God is looking for today. Will we be found faithful to respond to the call?
The cries of a world in bondage are once again coming before the Lord. There is the longing of God to bring deliverance and justice but who will hear and answer the call? Who is qualified to even be presented such a challenge?
The five months at Tung Ling can be likened to a turning aside moment in your life. It will be a time where you are given an opportunity for God to make a deep and eternal impression upon your life.
After your graduation from the School of Leadership, it is my desire that you avail the precious treasures imparted throughout your term as you return to your workplaces, your ministry or respective callings. May you honor the example and life’s lessons that will be put forth from the various instructors by nurturing the seeds that will be sown. May you respond positively to God’s commissioning when His time of sending forth is revealed. Moses is an example of one who was called, chosen and faithful. (Revelation 17:14 ) Similarly, may we be likewise while learning the lessons of turning aside so as to hear and respond to the heartfelt cry of God to this generation and beyond.
God has an individual and corporate plan for each class at the School of Leadership. How will your destiny and the destiny of others be affected as a result of your School of Leadership experience? Will you be the quality of leader that will arise and go forth? As the Dean, I look forward for the privilege of sharing this life changing journey with you at the School of Leadership.
Rev Timothy O’Connell
Dean, School of Leadership
Principal, Tung Ling Bible School
