Church in Malaysia Certifies New Life Coaches to Guide Young Adults Through Life’s Challenges
27 March 2024 |
In a graduation ceremony held in Malaysia on March 16, twenty-nine dedicated individuals celebrated a major milestone in their journey to become life coaches. The event marked the completion of a pioneering Life Coach training program, a collaborative effort between the Graduate Psychology Department of the Adventist University of the Philippines and the Health Ministries of the Malaysia Union Mission (MAUM). The graduation ceremony was highlighted by the presence of notable figures such as Pastor Francis Amer, VP for NDR-IEL, and Dr. Armand Fabella from the Adventist University of the Philippines.
The program is designed to equip church leaders with essential counseling and mentorship skills, welcoming participants from various backgrounds, including pastors, teachers, IT professionals, secretaries, chaplains, and missionaries. Over the past year, they’ve undergone extensive training across Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia, preparing them to support the young adults within their communities effectively.
In order to further assist young adults, the newly minted life coaches have established the Malaysia Adventist Life Coach Association (MALCA). Under the guidance of Dr. Jane Yap, Director of MAUM Health and Adventist Possibility Ministries, the officers of MALCA took a commitment oath, promising to make a positive difference in the lives of those they mentor. The program’s graduates have expressed their appreciation for the training, feeling well-equipped to tackle the challenges that young adults are currently facing.
The next batch of trainees will consist of five pastors from each mission who are set to begin their training under the coordination of Pastor Francis Amer, aiming for completion by the end of the year. Pastor Malvin Gakim from Sabah Mission shared his impression of the program in the Southern Asia-Pacific Division article, stating, “This training is eye-opening. I am now motivated to pursue further studies in counseling so I can be an effective pastor to my church members.”
This initiative not only marks a significant step towards supporting young adults within the church, but also embodies a commitment to fostering intergenerational connections and personal growth. The church in Malaysia is focused on providing a supportive environment for young adults, enabling them to navigate life’s challenges with the wisdom and support of church mentors.