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April 2013

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Bishop’s Easter Message

In modern-day culture, the tendency to idolise the young, the beautiful, the strong and the powerful is most prevalent. At times and in subtle ways, that same idolisation creeps into the Church. However, if we wisely face our mortality and aptly put emphasis on our eternal destiny, we might give much more prominence to the elderly saints among us who have so much knowledge, experience and wisdom to pass on to the succeeding generations. Part of that is how to die well!

of salvation that Jesus announced seemed to be extinguished, the light was not extinguished. At the dawn of the following week, the bright light of the sun, the brilliant light of the angel, and the glorious light of the risen Saviour greeted the world. The blessed faithful women could only draw near, hold tight to Jesus’ feet and worship him. That is all the answer they needed. The risen Jesus dispels all darkness, all fear of death, all of the wearisome burden of sin, pain and sorrow. Because he lives, we can face tomorrow. Sin and death are swallowed up in its pain and love. The evangelist Matthew gives us a bold view of the passion of the cross, which culminates the purpose for the coming of Jesus to his people. Matthew recounted in chapter 28: 1-15, two women, “Mary Magdalene and the other Mary,” who went to the tomb at dawn. There was an earthquake, an angel descended like lightning, and rolled the stone that sealed the entrance to the tomb of Jesus aside and sat on it. The guards who were placed to guard the tomb trembled and were paralysed by their own fear. The angel told the women not to fear but invited the women to see for themselves that the tomb was empty, and that Jesus had risen and had gone to Galilee to meet the disciples. So they departed quickly from the

For three long hours, a great darkness came over the land as Jesus hung upon the cross (Matthew 27:45). From the perception of Jesus’ disciples who had hidden away, the darkness must have seemed like a cruel joke! Death seemed to have won and as Jesus hung upon the cross for those three long hours, the bright light went out. The shadow of death had seemingly claimed victory, not just in Galilee but throughout the earth. Though the bright hope

Bishop’s Easter Message Editorial Photo Gallery Meditation on The Death, Burial and Resurrection of Jesus Christ

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go to Galilee? Why isn’t Jesus dead? What is going on? What is the meaning of this? Then in their bewilderment, I am sure they must have left the spices somewhere, they ran one moment filled with fear and anticipation, and another moment with great joy that their Lord had not died! Death entails a funeral, a period of grieving, a ritualistic closure to the grief, and to pick up the pieces of life and move on. This is what Matthew tells us: by his resurrection, Jesus had turned everything upside down. Death is no more. There is no more grieving. Jesus is not dead – He lives! There is no closure to death, which means Jesus lives for all

tomb with fear and great joy. Then they ran to tell his disciples when Jesus suddenly appeared before them. The two women then fell and clasped his feet and worshipped him whereupon Jesus repeated the angel’s words: “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see me” (Matthew 28:10). I draw your attention to how these women dealt with the death of Jesus. Death is an everpresent reality of our life. All of us, young and old, have experienced the loss of someone we have loved. Those of us who have lost someone very close, the turmoil and pain of loss can be devastating. As humans, we grieve. Pastors and counsellors will tell us that to grieve is important as it helps us to readjust to life and redefine all the relationships we have around us. So, when Jesus died on the cross, in that most nerve-wrecking traumatic way, can you imagine the emotional state of those who were close to him? These women had followed Jesus from Galilee and had bonded into a band that was so wonderfully good and intense while it lasted. Jesus was proclaiming a new kingdom and then suddenly he was plucked away by the authorities. He was then crucified and killed. In the early morning hours when they drew closer to the tomb grieving and in shock, there came another shock: the body was missing and an angel told them that, “He is risen.” And behold, Jesus himself came to them and commanded them to go to Galilee.

times, including now and for us as well. It is also freedom from the bondage of our past, a new way to enter into a relationship with God our Father. This is why we celebrate Easter: to remind ourselves that in death we enter a new life. We have a legitimate reason to anticipate and hope in a closer relationship with God our Father and into new dimensions of meaning in our life. The world may think Jesus is defeated in his death but we know this: in that cross there is true victory. The Jews and others may think that they are free of the bondage of slavery but Christians live in freedom from the bondage of sin and eternal death. Through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we enter into the living light of God our Father. Like the two women, let us run to tell the others, “He is risen! He is risen!” Together with my family, I wish all members and well-wishers of the ELCM, “A JOYFUL AND MEANINGFUL EASTER CELEBRATION.”

The questions in their head would have been: We thought you were dead! How do we mourn a living person? What do we do with these spices? What shall we tell the disciples? Why have we to

Rt. Rev. Dr. Solomon Rajah Bishop Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia Easter 2013 2

Nguhaupd; ‘capu;j;njOjypd;” nra;jp

capu;j;njOe;j fpwp];J kDFyj;jpd; ,Wjp vjpupahd rhit ntd;whu; ,Wf;fkhf gpbj;Jf;nfhz;L mtiu njhOJnfhs;s Kbe;jJ. mJNt mtu;fspd; vy;yh NjitfSf;Fk; NghJkhd gjpyhf ,Ue;jJ. capu;j;j ,NaR vy;yh ,UisAk; rhitg; gw;wpa vy;yh gaj;ijAk;> ghtj;jpd; vy;yh ghuj;ijAk; vy;yh NtjidiaAk;> kw;wk; vy;yh Jf;fj;ijAk; ePf;Ffpwhu;. mtu; capNuhL ,Ug;gjpdhy; mtu;fs; tUq;fhyj;ij rkhspf;f KbAk;. ghtKk; kuzKk; mtuJ NtjidapdhYk; md;gpdhYk; tpOq;fg;gl;lJ. MfNt kj;NjA RtpNr\fu; rpYitapd; ghLfisg;gw;wpa fhupaq;fisf; Fwpj;J ekf;F njspthd fhl;rpfis nfhLf;fpwhu;. ,J ,NaR jkJ kf;fsz;il te;jjpd; Nehf;fj;ij njspthf;FfpwJ.

rpy etPd fhy gz;ghl;by;> mofhd ,sikahd gyrhypahd kw;Wk; rf;jp tha;e;j ahtiuAk; ngupJk; Nkd;ikg;gLj;jp topghL nra;Ak; Nghf;F> mjpfkhf ,Uf;fpwJ. rpy rkaq;fspy; Gyk;glhj topfspy; mNjtpjkhd Nghf;F jpUr;rigfspYk; nky;y nky;y GFe;JtpLfpwJ. Mdhy; Af;jpAld; ehk; ve;j rkaj;jpYk; rhit re;jpf;f Ntz;batu;fs; vd;gjpYk; ekJ epj;jpa fhy Kbitg; gw;wpa fhupaj;jpYk; Vw;w ftdk; nrYj;JNthkhdhy;> ekf;Fg; gpd; tUk; jiyKiwfSf;F mjpfkhd mwpitAk; mDgtj;ijAk; kw;Wk; Qhdj;ijAk; nfhLf;ff;$ba ek; kj;jpapYs;s> Kjpatu;fshd gupRj;jthd;fSf;F ehk; kpf Kf;fpa ,lj;ijf; nfhLg;Nghk;. me;j Af;jpapd; xU gFjpNa “ehk; ey;y epiyapy; vg;gb rhit re;jpg;gJ” vd;gijg; gw;wpa rpe;jidahFk;.

kj;NjA 28: 1-15y; kfjNydh kupahSk; kw;nwhU kupahSk; tpbaw;fhiyapy; fy;yiwf;Fr; nrd;w rk;gtj;ij me;j RtpNr\fu; nrhy;Yfpwhu;. mg;nghOJ ngupa G+kp mjpu;r;rp cz;lhdJ. fu;j;jUila J} jd; thdj;jpypUe;J te;J fy;yiwapd; thrypypUe;j ngupa fy;iyg; Gul;b mjd;Nky; cl;fhu;e;jhd;. fhty; fhj;Jf;nfhz;bUe;j Nghu;r; Nrtfu; mj;J}jidg; ghu;j;J eLeLq;fp kaq;fp nrj;jtu;fis Nghyhdhu;fs;. NjtJ}jd; me;j ngz;fsplk; gag;glhjpUq;fs; vd $wp> fy;yiwf;Fs;Ns te;J mJ fhypahf ,Ug;gij mtu;fNs ghu;f;Fk;gb nrhd;dhd;. NkYk; ,NaR capu;j;njOe;J jdJ rP\u;fis re;jpf;f fypNyahTf;F nrd;Wtpl;lhu; vdTk; $wpdhd;. “me;j ngz;fs; fy;yiwiatpl;L tpiuthfg; Gwg;gl;Lr; nrd;whHfs;. mtHfs; mr;rKw;whYk; mNj Ntisapy; ngUkfpo;r;rpAw;wtHfsha; mtUila rPlUf;F mwptpf;f XbdhHfs;.

,NaR rpYitapy; njhq;Fk; Ntisapy; %d;W kzpNeuk; G+kp KOJk; ,Us; #o;e;jpUe;jJ (kj;NjA 27:45). xspe;Jnfhz;bUe;j ,NaRtpd; rPlu;fspd; czu;tpy; ,e;j ,Us; jq;fis nfh^ukhd tifapy; Nfyp nra;tijNghy; ,Ue;jpUf;Fk;. mg;NghJ rhT ntw;wpaile;jijg;Nghy Njhd;wpaJ. ,NaR rpYitapy; njhq;fpd me;j %d;W kzpNeuk; gpufhrkhd xsp Ngha;tpl;lJ. rhtpd; epoy; fypNyahtpy; kl;Lky;y G+kp KOtijAk; #o;e;jpUe;jJ. ,NaR mwptpj;j me;j gpufhrkhd ,ul;;rpg;G Ngha;tpl;lijg; Nghy ,Ue;jJ. Mdhy; tpsf;F mize;Jtpltpy;iy. mLj;j thuj;jpd; Kjy; Njhw;wj;jpy; #upadpd; gpufhrkhd xspAk;> NjtJ}jupd; kpd;dy; xspAk;> kw;Wk; capu;j;njOe;j ,ul;rfupd; kfpikahd xspAk; cyfj;Jf;F tuNtw;G mspj;jJ. MdhYk; MrPu;tjpf;fg;gl;l me;j ngz;fs; kl;LNk ,NaRtz;il fpl;bte;J mtu; ghjj;ij

jpBnud;W ,NaR mtHfis vjpHnfhz;L tho;j;jpdhH. mtHfs; mtiu mZfp

ngyg;gLj;Jjy; & tpupTg;gLj;Jjy; 2009-2020

te;J mtH

fhybfisg; gw;wpf; nfhz;L gzpe;J epd;whHfs;. mg;nghOJ ,NaR mtHfsplk;> ‘mQ;rhjPHfs; vd; rNfhjuHfsplk; nrd;W mtHfisf; fypNyahTf;Fg; NghFkhW nrhy;Yq;fs;. mq;Nf mtHfs; vd;idf; fhz;ghHfs” vd;whH.

kuzj;Jf;F mlf;fKk;> rpy fhy Jf;fKk;> Jf;fj;ij KbTf;F nfhz;Ltu xU rlq;Fk;> gpd;du; rpjwpg;Nghd tho;f;ifia xd;WgLj;jp Kd;Ndwpg;NghFk; fhyKk; mtrpak;. mijNa kj;NjA ,q;Nf $Wfpwhu;. Mdhy; ,NaRtpd; capu;j;njOjy; vy;yhtw;iwAk; jiy fPohf khw;wptpl;lJ. kuzk; ,dp ,y;iy. Jf;fg;gLj;jy; ,dp ,y;iy. mtu; vy;yh fhyj;jpYk; capNuhbUf;fpwhu;. mtu; ,d;Wk; vd;Wk; ek;NkhbUf;fpwhu;. ,J ekJ fle;j fhyj;jpd; vy;yh fl;LfspypUe;Jk; ek;ik tpLtpg;;gJld; ehk; ekJ gpjhthfpa flTSld; xU GJ tpjkhd cwTf;Fs;Sk; gpuNtrpf;f JizGupfpwJ.

me;j ngz;fs; ,NaRtpd; kuzj;ij vt;tpjk; rkhspj;jdu; vd;gij cq;fs; ftdj;Jf;F nfhz;LtUfpNwd;. kuzk; ,t;Tyf tho;f;ifapy; vd;Wk; ,Uf;ff;$ba rk;gtkhFk;. ehk; vy;yhUNk> ,sk;tajpdUk; tajhdtu;fSk;> ekf;F gpupakhd xUtiu ,oe;j mDgtj;ij ngw;wpUf;fpNwhk;. mjpf neUf;fkhdtu;fis ,oe;jtu;fspd; kdk; kpfmjpfkd NtjidiaAk; Fog;gj;ijAk; ghjpg;igAk; nfhz;bUf;Fk;;. mjdhy; khdpluhfpa ehk; mjpf Jf;fg;gLfpNwhk;. mr;rkaj;jpy; rigFUTk;> MNyh rid nfhLg;gtu;fSk;> Jf;fj;ij ntspg;gLj;JtJ mjpf Kf;fpak; vdf; $Wthu;fs;. Vnddpy; Jauj;ij ntspNaw;WtJ ehk; ekJ tho;f;ifia kW rPu;gLj;jTk; ek;ik Rw;wpAs;s vy;yh cwTfisAk; jpUk;gTk; epu;zapf;fTk; mJ cjTfpwJ.

ehk; kuzj;jpd; %yk; Xu; Gjpa tho;f;iff;Fs; gpuNtrpf;fpNwhk; vd;gij epidT gLj;jNt ehk; ,NaR capu;j;njOe;j ehis nfhz;lhLfpNwhk;. ehk; ekJ tho;f;ifapy; xU GJtpjkhd mu;j;jj;ijAk;> ekJ gpjhthfpa flTSld; ,d;Dk; neUf;fkhd cwitAk; vjpu;ghu;f;f ekf;F jFe;j fhuzk; cz;L. ,NaR kuzj;jpy; Njhy;tpaile;jjhf cyfk; epidf;fyhk;. Mdhy; ekf;Fj; njupAk;> me;j rpYitapy; cz;ikahd ntw;wp cz;L. A+ju;fSk; kw;wtu;fSk;; jq;fs; mbikj;jdf; fl;bypUe;J mtu;fs; tpLjiy ngw;Wtpl;lij epidf;fyhk;> Mdhy; fpwp];jtu;fs; ghtj;jpd; kw;Wk; epj;jpa kuzj;jpd; fl;LfspypUe;J tpLjiyg;ngw;w tho;f;ifia elj;Jfpwhu;fs;.

MfNt mjpf nfh^ukhd tifapy; ,NaR rpYitapy; kupj;jNghJ mtUf;F neUf;fkhf ,Ue;jtu;fspd; kdepiy vg;gb ,Ue;jpUf;Fk; vd;gij ehk; czuyhk;. ,e;j ngz;fs; fypNyahtpypUe;J ,NaRit gpd; njhlu;e;J te;J mtUld; xU gFjpahf ,izf;fg;gl;L ey;;y mw;Gjkhd cwitg; ngw;wpUe;jdu;. ,NaR Gjpa uh[;aj;ijf; Fwpj;J mwptpj;J te;jhu;. Mdhy; jpBu; vd mtu; gwpf;fg;gl;L mjprPf;fpukhf mjpfhupfshy; rpYitapy; miwe;J nfhy;yg;gl;lhu;. me;j tpbaw;fhiyapy; mjpf mjpu;r;rpAlDk;> mjpf Jf;fj;JlDk; me;j fy;yiuapd; mUNf te;jg;NghJ kw;Wk; xu; mjpu;r;rp mtu;fis re;jpj;jJ: mtu; cly; mq;Nf ,y;iy “mtu; capu;j;njOe;jhu;”> vd xU NjtJ}jd; $wpdhd;. NkYk; ftdpAq;fs;> ,NaR mtu;fsplk; te;J> mtu;fis fypNyahTf;F NghFk;gb $wpdhu;.

,NaR fpwp];Jtpd; capu;j;njOjypd; %yk;> ehk; gpjhthfpa flTspd; [PtDs;s ntspr;rj;Jf;Fs; gpuNtrpf;fpNwhk;. me;j ,uz;L ngz;fisg; NghyNt ehKk; kw;wtu;fSf;F> “mtu; capu;j;njOe;jhu;.” vd;gij mwptpf;f XLNthk;. ehd; vd; FLk;gj;jpdUld; Nru;e;J jpUr;rigapd; cWg;gpdu; midtUf;Fk; kw;Wk; k.R.Y. jpUr;rigapd; Mjuthsu; ahtUf;Fk;> kfpor;rpfukhd jdpf; fUj;Js;s fpwp];J capu;j;njOe;j gz;bifapd; tho;j;Jfis njuptpf;fpNwd;.

mg;NghJ mtu;fspd; kdjpy; ,Ue;jpUf;f Ntz;ba Nfs;tpfs;: ePu; ,we;Jtpl;ljhf ehq;fs; epidj;Njhk;> vg;gb ehq;fs; capNuhL ,Ug;gtUf;fhf Jf;fg;gLtJ? ,e;j thridg; nghUl;fis ehq;fs; vd;d nra;tJ? ehq;fs; Vd; fypNyahTf;Fg; NghfNtz;Lk;? Vd; ,NaR ,wf;ftpy;iy? ,q;F vd;d elf;fpwJ? ,jd; mu;j;jk; vd;d? mtu;fspd; kdf;Fog;gj;jpy; me;j thridg; nghUl;fis mtu;fs; vq;NfNah itj;Jtpl;L> xU tpdhb gak; epiwe;jtu;fshfTk;> kW tpdhb mtu;fspd; Mz;ltu; kupf;ftpy;iy vd;gjpdhy; mjpf re;Njh\k; epiwe;jtu;fSkhapdu;.

khkiwjpU. Kidtu; rhyNkhd; uh[h Nguhau; kNyrpa RtpNr\ Yj;jud; jpUr;rig fpwp];J capu;j;njOe;j gz;bif 2013

‘mQ;rhjPHfs; vd; rNfhjuHfsplk; nrd;W mtHfisf; fypNyahTf;Fg; NghFkhW nrhy;Yq;fs;. mq;Nf mtHfs; vd;idf; fhz;ghHfs;" vd;whH.

EASTER... Committee Editor-in-Chief

Rt. Rev. Dr. Solomon Rajah Bishop, ELCM

Editor Rev. Albert P. Abishegam Assistant Editor Rev. Eliezer Peter Translators Rev. Paul K. Rev. Moses Muthusamy Proof Readers Mrs. Rani David (Tamil) Mrs. Cecilia Gabrial (English)

The Lutheran Herald is the official publication of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia (ELCM). For further information, please contact the ELCM as follows:

Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia 21, Jalan Sultan Abdul Samad, Brickfields 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Tel: 03-2274 1033 / 03-2274 0204 Fax: 03-2274 1750 Email: admin@elcm.org.my Website: www.elcm.org.my The Lutheran Herald welcomes articles, including news on deaths, weddings, baptisms, confirmations and any other congregational activities. Please email your contributions to admin@elcm.org.my All contributions are subject to editing as and when deemed necessary by the Editorial Committee. Please visit our website as above for further information on the ELCM. Designed & Printed by

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n the 31st of March, 2013 Christians all over the world will be celebrating Easter, the annual day and season commemorating the resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Easter means victory. Victory over death, hell and the grave. And the Lutheran Herald triumphantly echoes the following glorious words of 1 Corinthians 15:55: “Where, O death is your victory? Where, O death is your sting?” Indeed, we serve a risen Saviour! In this Easter editorial, the Herald wishes to deal with the question of how we should remember Easter. Should we remember Easter as just an important day in the Church calendar? Should we remember Easter as a religious hoax? Or should we remember Easter as just another event in history? The Herald believes that Christians should remember Easter by: • First of all, letting Jesus Christ be Lord The first way we should remember Easter is to let Jesus Christ be Lord. We should remember to let Jesus Christ be Lord in our heart, be Lord in our home and be Lord in our habits. Remember what Jesus said to Thomas in John 20:27: “Reach your finger here, and look at my hands; and reach your hands here, and put it into my side. Do not be unbelieving but believing.” And what did Thomas reply in verse 28? “My Lord and my God!” How should we remember Easter? We should remember to let Jesus be Lord, to let his faith be alive in our heart, to let his faith be alive in our home and to let his faith be alive in our habits. Jesus is Lord! • Secondly, allowing the Word and the Holy Spirit... to mould, make, and mature us into people of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control - the fruit of the Spirit. Remember what Jesus said in John 15:5: “I am the vine, you are the branches. He that abides in me, and I in him, bears much fruit: for without me you can do nothing.” Are you abiding in Christ? Remember Easter, to let the Word and the Holy Spirit mould, make and mature you into the fruit of the Spirit everyday. Jesus is alive and he wants to live in us through the Word and the Holy Spirit moulding, making and maturing us into what we need to be - living Christians! • And finally, looking for his coming everyday The third way to remember Easter is to look for the return of Jesus Christ, the resurrection, and the rapture of the church everyday. The point is not when but to be ready everyday. 1 Thessalonians 4:16 & 17 says, “For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.” How should we remember Easter? Be ready and look for his coming everyday! How many of you will stand with the Lutheran Herald today to say, “I am going to remember Easter by letting Jesus Christ be Lord, by allowing the Word and the Holy Spirit to mould, make and mature my life and by looking for his coming everyday? The Lutheran Herald Editorial Committee takes this opportunity to wish all our readers A BLESSED EASTER! God bless you all. March 2013

ngyg;gLj;Jjy; & tpupTg;gLj;Jjy; 2009-2020

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fpwp];J capu;j;njOe;j jpUehs;... ,e;j ehis vt;tpjk; ehk; epidT$uNtz;Lk;? fl;b mikj;J> gf;Ftg;gLj;jp ehk;> md;G> kfpo;r;rp> mikjp> nghWik> gupT> ed;dak;> cz;ik> rhe;jk; jd;dlf;fk; Mfpa Mtpapd; fdpfisAila kf;fshf;f mtw;wpf;F ,lq;nfhLf;f Ntz;Lk;. Nahthd; 15:5y; ,NaR $wpaij epidtpy; itg;nghk;. ‘ehNd jpuhl;rr; nrb> ePq;fs; nfhbfs;. xUtd; vd;dpYk; ehd; mtdpYk; epiyj;jpUe;jhy; mtd; kpFjpahd fdpfisf; nfhLg;ghd;. vd;iday;yhky; ePq;fs; xd;Wk; nra;a KbahJ.” ePq;fs; fpwp];JtpNy epiyj;jpUf;fpwPu;fsh? capu;j;njOe;j ehis epidT$u;Nthk;. mtu; thu;j;ijAk;> gupRj;j MtpAk; ek;ik cUthf;fp ek;ik fl;b mikj;J> ehk; gf;Ftkhf;fg;gl;L gupRj;jhtpapd; fdpfisj;ju> mtw;wpf;F ,lq;nfhLg;Nghk;. ,NaR capNuhbUf;fpwhu;. mtu; jkJ thu;j;ijapd; %yKk; gupRj;j Mtpapd; %yKk;; ek;kpy; tho;e;J ehk; vg;gb ,Uf;f Ntz;LNkh - capUs;s fpwp];jtu;fshf mg;gbapUf;f ek;ik gf;Ftg;gLj;j tpUk;Gfpwhu;.

,e;j ehis vt;tpjk; ehk; epidT$uNtz;Lk;? 2013 khu;r; 31k; ehs;> cyfnkq;FKs;s fpwp];jtu;fs; fpwp];J capu;j;njOe;j jpUehisf; nfhz;lhLthu;fs;. ,J ekJ Mz;ltUk; ,ul;rfUkhd ,NaR fpwp];J capu;j;njOe;jij xt;nthU Mz;Lk; epidT$Uk; ehshFk;. ,J kuzk;> eufk;> fy;yiw Mfpaitfspd;Nky; ngw;w ntw;wpia mwptpf;fpwJ. MfNt Yj;jud; JhJtd; 1 nfhupe;jpau; 15:55y; cs;s ntw;wpKof;fj;ij ,q;Nf cq;fs; Kd;itf;fpwJ: ‘rhNt> cd; ntw;wp vq;Nf? rhNt> cd; nfhLf;F vq;Nf?” (Gjpa nkhopngau;g;G) nka;ahfNt ehk; Nrtpf;fpNwhk;.

capu;j;njOe;j

,ul;rfiu

filrpahf> xt;nthU ehSk; mtu; tUifia vjpu;;ghu;. capuj;njOe;j ehis epidT$Uk; kw;nwhU Kf;fpakhd top> fpwp];Jtpd; tUifiaAk; ekJ capu;j;njOjiyAk;> jpUr;rigapd; gukhde;jj;ijAk; jpdKk; vjpu;ghu;j;jy;. mJ vg;NghJ vd;gjy;y> Mdhy; xt;nthU ehSk; mjw;fhf ehk; Maj;jkhf ,Uj;jNy Kf;fpakhdjhFk;. 1 njrNyhdpf;Nfau; 4:16>17y; ehk; fhz;gJ “fl;lis gpwf;f> jiyik thdJ}jhpd; Fuy; xypf;f> flTSila vf;fhsk; Koq;f> Mz;ltH thdpdpd;W ,wq;fp tUthH mg;nghOJ> fpwp];J kPJ ek;gpf;if nfhz;l epiyapy; ,we;jtHfs; Kjypy; capHj;njOtH. gpd;dH capNuhL vQ;rpapUf;Fk; ehk;> mtHfNshL Nkfq;fspy; vLj;Jf; nfhz;LNghfg;gl;L> thd;ntspapy; Mz;ltiu vjpHnfhs;sr; nry;Nthk;. ,t;thW vg;NghJk; ehk; Mz;ltNuhL ,Ug;Nghk;.” capu;j;njOe;j ehis vt;tpjk; epidT$u;tJ? Maj;jg;gl;L jpdKk; mtuJ tUifia vjpu; ghu;j;j pUg;gjpd; %yk;. vj;jidNgu; ,d;W Yj;jud; J}JtNdhL Nru;e;J> ,NaR fpwp];Jit vdJ Mz;ltuhf ,Uf;f vd; tho;ifapy; ,lq;nfhLj;J mtuJ thu;j;ijapdhYk; gupRj;j MtpapdhYk; cUthf;fg;gl;L> fl;lg;gl;L gf;Ftkile;J jpdKk; mtuJ tUifia vjpu;ghu;j;jpUg;Ngd; vd;W $wKbAk;?

,e;j fpwp];J capu;j;njOe;j gz;bifia nfhz;lhl Maj;jg;gLk; rkaj;jpy;;> ‘vt;tpjk; ehk; ,e;j gz;bifia epidT$UtJ?” vd;w Nfs;tpf;F gjpyspf;f Yj;jud; J}Jtd;> tpUk;GfpwJ. ,e;j ehs; jpUr;rig Mz;bd; xU Kf;fpa ehs; vd;gij kl;Lk; epidT$u;e;jhy; NghJkh? ,e;j ehs; kjgpur;rhuj;jpd; xU fl;Lf;fij vd;W $wyhkh? my;yJ ,e;j ehs; cyfrupj;jpuj;jpy; cs;s kw;nwhU rk;gtNk vd epidf;fyhkh? vy;yh fpwp];jtu;fSk; gpd;Fwpg;gpLk; tifapy; ,e;j ehis epidT$u Ntz;Lk; vd Yj;jud; J}Jtd; epidf;fpwJ.

KjyhtJ> ,NaR fpwp];Jit Mz;ltuhf ,Uf;Fk;gb tpl;LtpLjy;. ,e;j gz;bifia mDrupf;Fk; Kjy; top: ,NaR fpwp];Jit ekJ Mz;ltuhf ,Uf;f ehk; ,irtspg;gJ. ehk; ,NaR fpwp];Jit ekJ ,Ujaj;jpd;> ekJ tPl;bd; NkYk; ekJ gof;ftof;fj;jpd; Mz;ltuhf ,Uf;f ehk; rk;kjpf;f Ntz;Lk;. Nahthd 20:27y; ,NaR Njhkhtplk; $wpaij ehk; epidtpy; itf;fNtz;Lk;: ‘NjhkhNt eP cd; tpuiy vd; ifapYk;tpyhtp Yk; itj;Jg;ghu;. tpRthrkpy;yhjtdhapuhky; tpRthrKs;stdhfNt ,U.” Njhkh mjw;F vd;d gjpy; nfhLj;jhu;(28k; trdj;jpy;) ‘vd; Mz;ltNu vd; NjtNd”. capu;j;njOe;j ehis vt;tpjk; ehk; epidT$UNthk;? ,NaRit ekJ Mz;ltuhf ,Uf;Fk;gb tpl;Ltpl ehk; rk;kjk; njuptpf;fNtz;Lk;. ,NaRit gw;wpa tpRthrk; ekJ ,Ujaj;jpYk;> ekJ tPl;bYk;> ekJ gof;ftof;fj;jpYk; [Ptpf;f tpl;Ltpl Ntz;Lk;. ,NaRNt Mz;ltu;. l

Yj;jud; J}Jtdpd; gjpg;ghrpupaupd; FO vy;yh thrfu;fSf;Fk; fpwp];J capu;j;njOe;j ehspd; tho;j;Jjy;fis njuptpf;fpwJ. flTs; cq;fis MrPu;tjpg;ghuhf.

,uz;lhtJ> mtu; thu;j;ijf;Fk; gupRj;j Mtpf;Fk; ,lq;nfhLj;jy;. mtu; thu;j;ijAk;> gupRj;j MtpAk; ek;ik cUthf;fp> l

gjpg;ghrpupau; khu;r; 2013

24.11.2012, Petaling Jaya – Good Hope Lutheran Congregation members hosted 16 visitors from Sweden at their church

01.12.2012, Seremban - Daniel Joseph & Minoonisha of Resurrection Lutheran Congregation, Port Dickson after their wedding at St. Mark’s Anglican Church

09.12.2012, Ipoh – Immanuel Lutheran Congregation members during their Candle Light Service

16.12.2012, Subang – Giovin Prem was baptised by Rev. Ebenezer and assisted by Rev. Bernandus during their Worship Service at Sri Subang Lutheran Congregation

20.12.2012, Sitiawan - Christmas carollers from Immanuel Lutheran Congregation at a member’s home

22.12.2012, Bukit Mertajam –Bukit Mertajam Lutheran Congregation members during their Christmas Hospital Visitation Programme

23.12.2012, Teluk Intan – Holy Trinity Lutheran Congregation children after their colouring contest

25.12.2012, Kuala Lumpur - Wangsa Maju Lutheran Congregation members singing a Christmas carol during their Christmas Service

ngyg;gLj;Jjy; & tpupTg;gLj;Jjy; 2009-2020

06.01.2013, Kuala Lumpur – Bishop and Biskopina being honoured by members of Zion Cathedral Lutheran Congregation during Epiphany Sunday Service

20.01.2013, Kuala Lumpur - Levi Devdan Achariam and Isabelle Sonia Achariam were baptised at Zion Redeemer Lutheran Congregation by Rev. Albert P. Abishegam

23.01.2013, Kuala Lumpur - Bishop together with Diocesan Council members and office staff at the rededication of the newly-renovated ELCM Diocesan Office

10.02.2013, Women’s Fellowship of Holy Cross Lutheran Congregation after their Women’s Sunday Service

16.02.2013, Kuala Lumpur – “Royal Kids Prayer Rally” organised by Diocesan Sunday School Committee at Lutheran Hall Brickfields was attended by more than 100 children

16.02.2013, Johor Bahru – Youths from Our Saviour Lutheran Congregation and Kulai Lutheran Outreach during their outing to Desaru

16.02.2013, Kuala Lumpur - Children from the various Central District congregations participating in prayer march during “Royal Kids Prayer Rally”

24.02.2013, Petaling Jaya – Bible quiz in progress at Good Shepherd Lutheran Congregation

02.03.2013, Cheras – Christians from various denominations came together for “Fast and Worship 2013” organised by Worship Ministry of Cheras Lutheran Congregation

02.03.2013, Teluk Intan – Bethesda Lutheran Congregation organised a “Gotong – Royong” to clean up their compound

09.03.2013, Kuala Lumpur - Food and toiletries were distributed by Zion Redeemer Lutheran Congregation youths to the city homeless under their “Project Redeem” Programme

16.03.2013, Morib – Holy Cross Lutheran Congregation and Sri Sentosa Lutheran Outreach members after their baptism service

23.03.2013, Johor Bahru – LSBS class organised by Southern District Pastors’ Fellowship

23.03.2013, Kuala Lumpur -30 women attended Women’s Lent en Seminar organised by Zion Cathedral Lutheran Congregation

23.03.2013, Petaling Jaya – Cheras Lutheran Congregation youths who participated in Passion Song Service organised by Good Hope Lutheran Congregation

23.03.2013, Petaling Jaya - Children from Rumah Hope presenting a song during Passion Song Service 2013 organised by Good Hope Lutheran Congregation

ngyg;gLj;Jjy; & tpupTg;gLj;Jjy; 2009-2020

Meditation on The Death, Burial And Resurrection Of

my friends if you do whatever I command you.” (John 15:12-14).

God wanted to give his people a dramatic demonstration of his children an example of the kind of love that he wants us to have for him and for one another. The kind of love that is willing to give the most precious gift that we have “This is my commandment that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one that this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. You are

The open arms on the cross is his way of telling you and me that he has been waiting for us to come home! It is his way of saying, “I forgive!” It is the only way he could forgive us! The resurrection of Jesus is important in many ways. First, it witnesses to the immense power of God himself. To believe in the resurrection is to believe in God. The resurrection is the triumphant and glorious victory for every believer. Jesus Christ died, was buried and rose on the third day according to the Scripture. He is coming again!. The dead in Christ will be raised up, and those who remain and are alive at his coming will be changed and receive new and glorified bodies. (Thessalonians 4:13-18).

he most important series of events in the history of the world is the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. By means of his death, Jesus fulfilled prophecy and bought man’s freedom from slavery and sin. By means of his burial, Jesus removed all doubts about his death. By means of his resurrection Jesus proved he had power over death.

Why is the resurrection of Jesus Christ important to salvation? It demonstrates that God accepted Jesus sacrifice on our behalf. It proves that God has the power to raise us from the dead. It guarantees that those who believe in Christ will mot remain dead but be resurrected to eternal life. This is our blessed hope.

The resurrection is the triumphant and glorious victory for every believer.

By George Skaria

Graciously O

ld age is frequently associated with the three Ds– Decrepitude, Depression and Dementia. This is a myth which both international and local studies on gerontology have expunged. Many elderly people live to a ripe old age in good mental, physical and emotional health.After retirement, it is vital to get passionately involved in some meaningful and rewarding activity. Some retirees find fulfilment in being a volunteer. Here are their comments:

• Keep studying & reading widely; do not forget to read your Bible daily.

• Comradeship – fellowship becomes increasingly important after retirement.

• Stay active and keep young in your retirement.

• Recognition – in a voluntary position, Recognition and ego- satisfaction come from many directions.

By: Rev. Dr Allan Vairamuthu

• Keep interested in people and things. • Keep involving yourself in serving others. • Keep your experiences.

daring

trying

new

• Keep exercising.

• Sense of Mission – Retirees who have a sense of mission are often the happiest of all. Giving time to something you believe in can be rewarding beyond expectations. • Keep Minds Active – A good volunteer activity is like a mental health insurance policy. It will keep you ready and alert for other facets of your life. • Beautiful Substitute for work – you can get the values of paid work, including physical activity, but you don’t have the pressure of satisfying an employer. • Chance to develop new skills – opportunities to learn new things, which can strengthen personal confidence. 11

ngyg;gLj;Jjy; & tpupTg;gLj;Jjy; 2009-2020

ELCM Events / News Updates Bishop Dr. Solomon Rajah attended the CCM Heads of Churches Retreat at Ipoh from the 8th to 10th of January, 2013. Bishop informed the Herald that it was a fruitful and productive retreat.

The First Pastors’ Conference for year 2013 was held on 15th January, 2013 in the Lutheran Hall, Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur. The conference, ably chaired by Bishop Dr. Solomon Rajah, commenced with opening devotion at 8.30 am and ended with the District Pastors’ Planning Meeting for 2013. The next Pastors’ Conference will be held on 8th June, 2013 (Planning for 2014) at the Lutheran Hall, Kuala Lumpur.

The Central District Pastors’ Fellowship launched their 5-point programme for the year 2013 with a “Prayer Meeting To Usher – In The New Year held on Saturday, 26th January, 2013 at the Lutheran Hall Brickfields. Kuala Lumpur. Rev. Joseph Bernandus shared an inspirational message entitled “Prayer” at the event. About 50 church members from all over the district participated. The Central District Pastor, Rev. Albert P. Abishegam, informed the Herald that the 4 remaining Central District programmes for the year are as follows. 1. 2. 3. 4.

Central District Sports Day at Zion Compound on 1st May, 2013 (9.00 am to 3.00 pm) Lay Leadership Training Programme at Sri Subang Lutheran Congregation premises from 9.00 am to 3.00 pm on 13th July, 2013. Reformation Day Service at Zion Cathedral on 31st October, 2013 at 8.00 pm. Candlelight Fellowship at Lutheran Hall on 1st December, 2013 at 7.00 pm.

Kindly keep the above-mentioned programmes in your prayers.

A Medical Camp was organised by Zion Cathedral Congregation on 24th February, 2013 between 11.00 am to 2.00 pm in the Lutheran Hall, Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur. This programme which was participated by more than 300 people proved to be a great success.

The CCM 14th Triennial General Assembly will be held at Armada Hotel, Petaling Jaya from the 23rd to the 25th of April 2013. Please uphold this important event in your prayer.

ELCM Events / News Updates Bishop Dr. Solomon Rajah, 4 members of the clergy and 5 lay leaders attended the 3rd Fellowship of Interdenominational Indian Churches (FIDC) General Assembly held from 10th to 12th February, 2013 at Trinity Thelogical College, Singapore. The Lutheran Herald heartily congratulates Bishop Dr. Solomon Rajah, Rev. Eliezer Peter and Bro. Andrew Theagu who were elected President, Secretary and EXCO committee member respectively for the period 2013 – 2016.

Bishop Dr. Solomon Rajah, Rev. David Devapirian, Rev. Albert P. Abishegam, Rev. Ebenezer Irai Amirtham, Rev. G. Sritharan and Cand. Easupillai Perumal attended a high-tea reception at Seri Perdana Putrajaya on 18th March 2013. The guest-of-honour at this function was, none other than the Prime Minister himself, YAB Dato’ Sri Haji Mohammad Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak. The reception was organised by the Government of Malaysia to “celebrate, honour and appreciate” Christian contribution to nation-building.

The Batu Gajah Lutheran Outreach became the 25th congregation of the ELCM on 3rd March 2013. It is now known as the Batu Gajah Lutheran Congregation and is under the pastoral leadership of Rev. Samuel Packianathan. About 55 members faithfully gather together for Divine Worship Services every Sunday. Other activities, including Sunday School, Youth and Women’s programmes are also being introduced in phases.

The Kulai Lutheran Congregation, by the gracious will of God, became the 26th Congregation of the ELCM on the 7th of April 2013. The congregation, under the able leadership of Rev. Gnanadasah Jacob, is currently 40 strong and steadily growing. In addition to Divine Worship Services on Sundays, children and youth activities and house prayer meetings are also being conducted on a regular basis.

Our Condolences... Madam Vasanthakumari @ Fatima Mary - Madam Vasanthakumari @ Fatima Mary, mother of Rev. Steven Lawrence, went home to be with the Lord at the age of 64 years on 23.12.2012. The funeral service was held on 24.12.2012 at the Risen Christ Church, Jalan Ayer Itam followed by burial at the Western Road Christian cemetery, Penang. We thank God for her life and express our heartfelt condolences to her sons, daughter, grandchildren and other family members. Mrs. Pitchamah Selvamoney d/o J. Anugraham was called Home by our Lord Jesus Christ on 26.03.2013. The funeral service was held on 27.03.2013 at Good Samaritan Lutheran Congregation, Sentul. We express our heartfelt condolences to her family.

ngyg;gLj;Jjy; & tpupTg;gLj;Jjy; 2009-2020

ELCM Diakonia Ministries Rumah Harmoni Triniti The newly-registered Rumah Harmoni Triniti with the Registrar of Societies (ROS) based in Teluk Intan, Perak is a social ministry of Holy Trinity Lutheran Congregation, Teluk Intan. The home ministers to underprivileged children. For further enquiries on the home, please contact: • Cand. Vijayan (Chairman) - H/P No. 016-5024552 • Mr. Simon Rajendran (Secretary) - H/P No. 016-5172760 Rumah Chrestus Rumah Chrestus based in Taman Alam Jaya, Cheras, Selangor is a social ministry of Cheras Lutheran Congregation, Selangor. The centre ministers to underprivileged children. Rumah Chrestus moved to No. 2, Jalan Koop Cuepacs 5, Taman Cuepacs, Cheras 43200, Selangor, Malaysia on April 14 2013. For further enquiries, please contact: • Rev. Eliezer Peter (Pastor-In-Charge) - H/P No. 016 – 6224421 • Mr. Johnson D. Davarajoo (Chairman) - H/P No. 019 - 2862580 Rumah Hope Rumah Hope was honoured by the Malaysian Government and the Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) at the Christmas Carnival held at Dataran Merdeka on 31st December 2012. The prize-giving ceremony was presided by Y.B. Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, Y.B. Dato Seri Utama Dr. Rais Yatim, Minister for Information, Communication and Culture. Rumah Hope was also a recipient of a grant from IBM in January 2013 toward educational purposes. The grant is given toward homes that show exceptional guidance and leadership in developing young teenagers to become good citizens. Rumah Hope also scored very highly in corporate governance and the overall management of the home by IBM. For further enquiries, please contact: • Rumah Hope Office - 03 – 7954 5523

Elcm Rehabilitation And Counselling Centre For Drug And Alcohol Dependants (RCC) The RCC based in Taman Putra Perdana, Puchong, Selangor is a social ministry of the Zion Redeemer Lutheran Congregation, Kuala Lumpur. The centre ministers to adult male drug and alcohol dependants who have been rejected by their families. Mr. Max Gregory Anthony was appointed as the full-time Warden of RCC w.e.f 2nd April 2013. For further enquiries on the centre please contact: Rev. Paul Mei Alagan (Administrator) H/P No. 016-7865212 Rev. Albert P. Abishegam (Counsellor) H/P No. 013-3413251 Mr. Mervin Raj H/P No. 016-2276671 (Management Committee Member) Mr. Gabrial John Abraham H/P No. 013-3338821 (Management Committee Member)

Batu Gajah Lutheran Congregation’s Diakonia Work Batu Gajah Lutheran Congregation has taken the task to initiate Diakonia work in the Kinta Valley and Jelapang area. Families are identified and are provided with essential provisions (six months) and transport to church. The congregation extents its love to families who require assistance for a better living condition. Please uphold this ministry in your prayers.

Women’s Care And Counselling Centre (WCCC), Port Klang The WCCC is currently providing assistance, counselling and job placement services to girls, including unwed mothers. The WCCC is currently establishing links with various NGOs and churches so as to provide more efficient services to the many women who come to the centre for assistance.

ELCM Outreach Ministries Kinta Valley Lutheran Outreach, Ipoh The Kinta Valley Lutheran Outreach, pioneered by the Batu Gajah Lutheran Congregation and under the pastoral leadership of Rev. Samuel Packianathan has grown steadily since its establishment. The strength of the outreach is currently 20. Various spiritual activities including Divine Worship Services, women’s and youth programmes and house prayer meetings are being planned for the benefit of the members.

Jelapang Lutheran Outreach, Ipoh The Jelapang Lutheran Outreach, an outreach of Batu Gajah Lutheran Congregation, has 20 active members participating in its activities including the Divine Worship Services on Sundays. This outreach is growing by leaps and bounds under the spiritual oversight of Rev. Samuel Packianathan.

Sitiawan Lutheran Outreach, Setiawan The Sitiawan Lutheran Outreach, by the grace of God, is growing steadily under the spiritual oversight of Rev. Samuel Kanagaraj. Thirty (30) faithful members regularly participate in the Divine Worship Services held every Sunday commencing 6.00 pm. Other programmes are also being planned for the spiritual well-being of the members.

In Memory of Mrs. Theresa Wellington In the late 1970’s, Theresa returned to Malaysia to join her husband. The family members then moved to their own home in Sri Taman Cicely, Teluk Intan. They also joined the Bethesda Church there. By then most of the children had finished their studies and moved to Kuala Lumpur and elsewhere for work. A period of intense sorrow came in 1978 when 21-year-old Victor, who was studying at the Indian Institute of Technology (I.I.T.), New Delhi, passed away after a short illness. There were also joyful occasions. All the children gained employment, got married and started their own families. Babyington continued with his studies taking up to study Theology and became a pastor. Theresa was proud to be the grandmother of 12 grandchildren. In 2005 her husband passed away and she continued to live in the family home for some seven years. Her closest friends and companions during this time were members of the church, though her children and grandchildren regularly visited her.

“If you are bored, why don’t you read the Bible? There are some interesting stories in it,” reminisces Maggie, the eldest daughter of Mrs. Theresa Wellington who passed away in Simpang Empat, Perak in December 2012 at the age of 78. Theresa was born on the 12th October 1934 in Mumbai, India. She grew up in a big, staunch Catholic family. At the age of 17 she met and married Mr. Samuel Wellington who was then working in the West Indian city, Mumbai and who was a Lutheran. She too joined the Lutheran church. Soon after their marriage, her husband left Mumbai for Perak state in Malaya for better prospects in work as a clerk in a rubber plantation. Theresa and their first child, Maggie, followed the following year. The family settled in Selaba Estate, Teluk Intan, Perak and remained there for some three decades. They had five more children, Jaline, Babyington, Victor, Reeta and Dora. Separated from the family she was born into, Theresa was actively involved in church activities wherever she lived. In the early 60’s the newly built Bethany Church in Simpang Empat, Hutan Melintang, Perak became the family’s regular place of worship. Concern about educational and future prospects in Malaysia resulted in a decision in the early 1970’s that she and her six children relocated to Coimbatore, South India. Her husband remained in Malaysia. During their stay in Coimbatore, Theresa and her children were active members of the Tamil Evangelical Lutheran Church (T.E.L.C).

Theresa celebrated another addition to her large family when her first great grandson, Reshwin and first great grand-daughter Annabelle Clarisa were born just over a year before she returned to eternal rest. Her children remember Mrs. Theresa Wellington as a brave lady who faced life head on. This trait is her legacy to her children. She believed that in the Bible one would find the answers to all life’s questions. Her strong presence in the church and the family will always be cherished.

ngyg;gLj;Jjy; & tpupTg;gLj;Jjy; 2009-2020

In memory of M

Mrs Ingefrid Envall

rs. Ingefrid Envall has left us on the 29th of October 2012, nearly 100 years of age. Grieving her are six children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, other relatives and a large number of friends. Mrs Envall was born on 8th April 1913 into a big family in a congregation in the north of the county of Bohuslan, about 150 km north of Gothenburg. Her father, Fredrik Rhedin, was a dean and in charge of three congregations. He was a pious man and very much loved by his daughter Ingefrid. When through a sudden illness he left the family in deep sorrow, it was a tragedy for them.

However, an unexpected solution to their troublesome situation occurred when Ingefrid’s uncle, who served as dean in congregations near Gothenburg, offered his sister and her whole family to come and share his home in his parsonage. At the time he was not yet married. Later they understood that he had postponed his marriage in favour of this undertaking. The atmosphere in this home was warm and devout and was characterized by the seriousness of the “West Swedish” religious tradition - frequent and regular worship with bible reading and other spiritual literature, prayer and singing of hymns individually and together in the household. 1936, an engagement took place in the parsonage. A newly-consecrated young pastor by the name of Bertil Envall had come to serve in the congregation. Ingefrid and Bertil became a couple and married the next year. They experienced the calling of God to become missionaries and in 1937 they set out to Tamilnadu and the Lutheran Church there. They both studied Tamil and soon the real work started. Their four eldest children were born

and Mrs Envall was fully occupied. Then World War II came in-between their arrival to India and their regular home leave. They therefore did not return to Sweden until November 1945. In Sweden their fifth child was born. In 1947 they went back to India and the two youngest children were added to the family. When they came back to Sweden in 1953, Mrs Envall had been seriously ill and thus they had to stay in Sweden for a longer time. In 1954 Rev. Bertil Envall became the vicar of three congregations in Bohuslan, Foss pastorate. Mrs Envall is still well-remembered by the people there. They don’t forget her solicitude and charitable charisma. When Rev. and Mrs Envall again got the call to do missionary work abroad, this time among Lutherans in Malaya (later Malaysia), a lot of new tasks were waiting for Mrs Envall. All the time she was ready to help and serve people in need, whether it meant going to plantations or slum areas, listening to their problems, bringing them to hospital or to the migration office (for obtaining proof of their right to stay and work in the country). In addition, she was a skilful and generous hostess in the Bishop’s residence, where lots of people came for various reasons: social representation, unofficial discussions, advices etc. Everybody was welcomed with warm friendliness and personal interest. As the wife of the Bishop, she was of great support to him in his important and demanding work. When Bishop and Mrs Envall returned to

Sweden in 1976, they settled in Gothenburg. New tasks were waiting. Besides being active in their local church - where Ingegerd’s son Anders was one of the pastors - they engaged themselves in the international movement, Campus Crusade for Christ, and its outreach work and teaching. They held many courses on discipleship and prayer. In 1994 they started a centre for bible-study, prayer and evangelism in Torestorp, 80 km south of Gothenburg. The house had previously been an old people’s home. It involved a lot of practical work especially for Mrs Envall, like cleaning and cooking. The Summer Conferences at the Discipleship centre were the highlights of the year. After five years, Rev. Carl Gustaf and Mrs. Ingegerd Stenback were asked to take over the leadership. Bishop and Mrs Envall continued to follow the work with interest and prayers throughout the years. Visiting the old couple and their daughters, Birgitta and Cecilia, during their latter years, was a joy. When Bishop had lost his eyesight, she used to read to him. She continued to write encouraging and loving letters. Physically, she could not move much but her mind and prayers encompassed the whole world. She continued to be a missionary up in her old age. For example, the helpers from the home care services were met with Christian influence, love and good and sincere counselling. Mrs Envall passed away on the 29th of October 2012, the day her husband would have celebrated his 103rd birthday. The funeral took place on the 23rd of November, the day of his death the year before. The well-attended funeral service took place in St. Paul’s Church in Gothenburg on the 23rd of November 2012. The ceremony was solemn with many faith encouraging solo songs and hymns. After the farewell at the cemetery a great number of guests took part in the memorial meal in the congregation hall. There were many speeches of thankfulness and memories of Ingefrid’s friendliness and love. In a spirit of unselfishness, Mrs Envall liked to serve in the background. There are many of us who have reasons to thank God for this remarkable person, deeply pious and much beloved. Margareta Wachtmeister and Ingegerd Stenback.