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Bishop’s Easter Message

The Miracle Of

Resurrection what they should do next! Now, they understood. Returning, they told all these to the disciples but were scoffed by the disciples for their delirious or idle talk.

Context of Easter Text: Luke 24: 1-12 Remarkably early in the morning, on the first day of the week (Sunday), at the first glimmer of dawn, three Galilean women, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Salome, having procured earlier spices and ointments for the body of Jesus, proceeded to the tomb where they saw him being laid. They found the stone blocking the tomb rolled away. Shocked at first and perhaps troubled, thereafter, they enter the tomb only to find the body of the Lord Jesus missing! They found the tomb empty! But their astonishment and wonder suddenly turned to shock and fear when confronted by two dazzling angels. They cast their faces down (knowing that they were in the presence of some type of supernatural beings) and were told, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, he has risen!” They remembered the words of Jesus who foretold them of these things. Needless to say, this left the women “wondering about” what had happened and Bishop’s Easter Message Editorial Duncan Campbell DC Secretary’s Message Photo Gallery Bible is the Word of God / Alkitab Inextinguishable Flame of the Resurrected Life

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Verse 12 “But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen clothes by themselves; and he went home wondering at what had happened.” This verse is only found in the Western or the Bezae Codex widely used in Europe and not justified when compared to other codices; so it is often omitted or kept in the footnotes. Only Luke mentions this while the other gospels give us more details of this event, but we will stick to Luke for now. Miracle or Magic? Miracles are, by definition, unbelievable. They break all rules of common sense and science and therefore are fascinating and distrustful – not believable! However, the life of Jesus Christ, the Christian Church and individual lives of Christians are always full of testimonies on miracles. Now, the Lord did not leave us all alone in struggling with this human dilemma but the Scripture tells us how to deal with

In this issue He is Risen (Tamil) Condolences ELCM Outreach Ministries Rumah Luther Ria & Kluang Lutheran Congregation ELCM Annual Plan of Action ELCM Women’s Care and Counselling Centre

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it. The cross is not the end of Jesus’ story for it is followed by a Resurrection that signifies a new beginning. Jesus, in his life as a man on earth, performed many miracles, and it is a testimony to us all those who follow him that this gift is not only for Jesus but also for all Christians to employ. What then are miracles? Does it mean that a man should touch someone and immediately the person is healed? Or that someone should cast a demon out of another and it is deemed a miracle? Perhaps so, but what is it that makes the miracles of Jesus so very different from others who perform miracles in the name of other gods? What is it that makes miracles different from magic or the occult or otherwise? An act of magic is something that, through some innate ability or by appeal to secret powers, compels the rules of nature to bend towards one’s own will. A miracle is however not that. Christians, by their faith and devotion to Christ, appeal to God to break through nature in fulfillment of God’s will (John 10:25-30; 14:13, 15:4-10). That is why in prayer we become instruments of God’s will. To Christians, miracles are the testimony of God’s will. In testifying to God’s will, we become his instruments and, strangely, in a sense, become an extension of God’s intention and purposes for mankind. We know these miracles. We see people are touched by God and his will fulfilled in his children. We see them healed, cleansed, comforted, encouraged, inspired and surrendered. All these are indeed miracles. Miracles happen because they are touched by God A Different Miracle Now, I draw your attention to two very special miracles that Jesus did not do but nevertheless happened to him. The first is the Transfiguration (Luke 9:28-36), an event in the life of Jesus that we celebrate on the Sunday before Ash Wednesday. This is a text often avoided by some preachers but a careful reading of it reveals that this stunning miraculous event was literally incredible which made observers Peter, James and John imprudent. They did not know what to make of it. So was the Resurrection of Jesus that caught the disciples off-guard and they had a difficult time adjusting to the reality that Jesus was alive again. But Jesus chose these three disciples specifically as a preparation for a greater event, a miracle so stupefying that the whole world was obsessed with and wondered at the event of Resurrection for centuries! Truly, schools of thought denied that first Easter. Other religions too denied the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. But God keeps his word even when it involves things that seem impossible. God is responsible for Jesus’ return to life. God had intervened just as Jesus had promised. But on that day when the three women related their experiences, the disciples Peter, James and John remained insensitive and imprudent. To our consolation, the other gospels tell us that they did not remain imprudent and

thoughtless for long. The women remembered and understood the words of Jesus which they heard him speak to the disciples and not to them directly (Luke 9:18 and 18:31). Yet the men who witnessed the Transfiguration, including Peter, did not (not immediately) understand the Resurrection anyway! And so? The Resurrection celebrated as Easter is the primary feast of the Church. It is the only unifying feature of the entire Church. A Church that does not celebrate the Resurrection or Easter is by definition not a Church at all. As a community of the faithful, we gather in the name of Jesus Christ because he made it possible by his death upon the Cross and his Resurrection. To the sound mind, sophisticated intellectual and sure-footed thinker, this may be foolishness and nonsensical! However, to the faithful believers, the Resurrection is the beginning and foundation of their faith. They are graced with God’s immediate presence in their lives. Resurrection is one of the Christian doctrines that is hard to believe. For this reason, the Holy Spirit needs to work in our hearts as the gospel is shared. The Resurrection is one of the greatest of God’s promises. God gives everlasting life to his children in a world that he will remake and renew (cf. Revelation 21:22). If such a world is to come and if God keeps his promises, then preparing for it is one of the most basic tasks of life. There is nothing more important than thinking about our long-term relationship with God. Our allegiance should be the citizenship that flows into the future. To sum it up, the Resurrection changes everything. Luke wanted us to ponder the “so what” of Jesus’ Resurrection, that Jesus is alive and offers forgiveness, so that we can have the new relationship with God through him. One of Luke’s burdens was to show that God’s plan is revealed to the person who understands just who and how great Jesus is. For believers, the Resurrection is a reminder that the new life is a gift from God that calls us to a walk of gratitude. To those who do not know him, Scripture calls them to embrace what the Resurrection means. Jesus is the one with divine authority over our salvation. As Lord, he is worthy to be trusted, worshipped and followed. May the risen Lord Jesus Christ continue to strengthen your faith in him. May we continue to stand firmly in the hope of our salvation as found in the Lord Jesus Christ. Together with my family, I wish all members of the ELCM a joyful and meaningful Easter celebration! Rt. Rev. Dr. Solomon Rajah Bishop Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia Easter 2010

Nguhaupd; <];lu; nra;jp

Ntj gFjp :- Y}f;fh 24:1-12 thuj;jpd; Kjy; ehshfpa QhapW tpbau;fhiy> fypNya ngz;fshfpa> kfjNydh kupahs;> ahf;NfhGf;Fk; rNyhkpf;Fk; jhahfpa kupahs;> kw;w ngz;fNshLk;> Maj;jk; gz;zpd Rfe;jtu;f;fq;fis ,NaRtpd; ruPuj;jpy; G+Rtjw;fhf ,NaRit itj;j fy;yiwapdplj;jpy; te;jhu;fs;. fy;yiwia %bapUe;j fy; Gul;bj; js;sg;gl;bUf;fpwij fz;lhu;fs;. Mr;rupag; gl;lNjhL> fy;yiw cs;Ns ,Ue;j ,NaRtpd; ruPuk; fhztpy;iy. mjdhy; mjpu;rpf;Fs;shdhu;fs;. gpufhrkhapUf;fpw ,uz;L Njt J}ju;;fisf; fz;L gag;gl;L jiy ftpo;e;J epw;ifapy;> Njt J} ju;fs; “capNuhbUf;fpwtiu ePq;fs; kupj;Njhuplj;jpy; NjLfpwnjd;d? mtu; ,q;Nf ,y;iy> mtu; capu;j;njOe;jhu;” vd;wdu;. ,NaR ,itfis Kd; nrhy;ypapUe;j thu;j;ijfs; epidtpy; te;jJ. ,ij Gupe;j ngz;fs;> nrd;W ,ij rP\u;fSf;F mwptpj;jdu;. rP\ u;fSf;Nfh ,J tPd; Ngr;rha; Njhd;wpd. 12k; trdj;jpd;gb NgJU vOe;J fy;yiwf;F Xb Fdpe;J ghuf;ifapy;> ,NaRit Rw;wpa Jzpfis kl;Lk; fz;L Fog;gj;NjhL tPL jpUk;gpdhu; ,e;j trdkhdJ Nku;fj;jpa my;yJ INuhg;gpa gof;fj;jpy; cs;s gpNr Nfhlf;]py; (Bezae Codex) kl;Lk; fhzg;gLfpwJ. kw;w RtpNr\ q;fspy; tpupthf nrhy;yg;gl;bUf;ifapy; Y}f;fhtpy; kl;Lk; ,g;gFjp nrhy;yg;gl;bUf;fpwJ.

mw;Gjkh my;yJ khah[hykh? mw;Gjq;fs; ek;gg;glhjit. mit nghJ mwpitAk; mwptpaiyAk; jhz;b ,Ug;gjhy; ek;gj;jfhjitfs;. ,Ug;gpDk;> ,NaR fpwp];Jtpd; [PtpaKk;> fpwp];jt rig> tpRthrpfspd; jdpg;gl;l tho;f;ifapy; mNdf rhl;rpfs; topaha; mw;Gjq;fs; elg;gij Nfl;fpNwhk;. Mz;ltu; ,e;j Fog;gj;jpy; ek;ik jtpf;f jdpaha; tpl;Ltpl ,y;iy. tptpypak; ,ij Nkw;nfhs;s topfhl;LfpwJ. rpYitahdJ ,NaRtpd; rupj;jpu KbT my;y. mJ capu;j;njOjypy; Gjpa Muk;gj;ij Fwpg;gpLfpwJ. ,NaR> cyfpy; khdpl tho;f;ifapy;> mNdf mw;Gj milahsq;fs; nra;jhu;. mJ ek; vy;NyhUf;Fk; rhl;rpaha; kl;Lkd;W> me;j tud; fpwp];jtu;fSk; nray;gLj;j nfhLf;fg;gl;Ls;sJ. mw;Gjk; vd;why; vd;d? xUtiu kw;wtu; njhl;lTld; cldbahf Rfkhtjh? my;yJ mRj;j MtpapdplkpUe;J kdpjDf;F tpLjiy nra;tjh? ,NaRtpd; mw;Gj milahsq;fis Nghy kw;w nja;tq;fs; ngaupy; nra;fpwhu;fNs. vJ mw;Gjj;ijAk; khah[hyj;ijAk; nra;NthuplkpUe;J tpj;jpahrg;gLfpwJ?

khah[hykhdJ jPa rf;jpapdhyhtJ> my;yJ xUtUila rpj;jj;ij kPwp ,au;iff;fg;ghy; Md ufrpa rf;jpaha; ,Uf;fpwJ. mw;Gjk; mg;gbay;y. fpwp];jtu;fs; tpRthrj;ijf;nfhz;Lk; fpwp];JNky; nfhz;l gf;jp topaha;;> ,aw;ifia flTs; rpj;jgb epiwNtw;WjypdhNy mdJ. (1 Nahthd; 10:25-30> 14:13> 15:4-10). MfNtjhd; n[gj;jpd; topaha; ehk; flTspd; rpj;jg;gb mtupd; fUtpahfpNwhk;. fpwp];jtu;fSf;F> mw;Gj milahsq;fs; flTspd; rhl;rpahfpwJ. flTspd; rpj;jj;ij rhl;rp gfUifapy;> ehk; mtUila tpNr\ fUtpfshfpNwhk;. flTs; kdpj tu;f;fj;jpw;F ePbj;j> jpl;lkpl;l> fhuzkhfpNwk;. me;j mw;Gjq;fis ehk; mwpNthk;. kdpju;fs; flTshy; njhlgl;L mtu; rpj;jk; gps;isfspy; epiwNtWfpwJ. mtu;fs; Rfkiltij> Rj;jkhf;fg;gLtij> Njw;Wtij> cw;rhfg;gLj;Jtij> J} z;Ljiy> mw;gzpg;ig> fPo;gbtij fhz;fpNwhk;. ,it vy;yhNk mw;GjNk. mw;Gjq;fs; elf;fpd;wd fhuzk; flTs; njhLfpwhu;.

NtWgl;l mw;Gjk;. ,g;nghOJ ,uz;L tpNr\pj;j mw;Gjq;fis fhz;gpf;ftpUf;fpNwd;. ,NaR mij nra;ahkNy mtUf;F mJ ele;jJ. Kjyhtjhf kW&gkhdJ (Y} f;fh 9:28-36). fpwp];Jtpd; [Ptpaj;jpy; ele;Njupa xd;W. mij rhk;gy; GjDf;F Ke;jpa QhapW nfhz;lhLfpNwhk;. ,ij mNdfu; gpurq;fpg;gJ ,y;iy. Cu;e;J ftdpj;J thrpf;ifapy; ,J jpiff;f nra;Ak; mw;Gjk;. NgJU> ahf;NfhG Nahthid Gj;jpaw;wtu;fshf;fpJ. mg;gbNa fpwp];Jtpd; capu;jnjOjYk; rP\u;fs; Maj;jkpy;yhky; fpwp];J capu;j;njOe;jhu; vd;gij ek;gKbahjtu;fshf;fpaJ. Mdhy; fpwp];J ,tu;fis tpNr\ nraYf;fhf cyfNk gpd;gw;wp elf;f Maj;jg;gLj;jpdhu;. epr;rakhf Kjy; Capu;j;njOjypd; ek;gpf;ifia epuhfupj;jJ> rpy Nghjidfs;. flTNsh KbahJ vd;w epiyapYk;> jd; thu;j;ijia epiwNtw;wpdhu;. flTNs ,NaR kPz;Lk; capj;njo nghWg;Ngw;whu;. ,NaR thf;F nfhLj;jJ NgyNt flTs; jiyapl;lhu;. md;W ngz;fs; jq;fsJ mDgtj;ij ntspapl;lnghOJ> NgJU Nahthd; ahf;NfhG Mfpa rP\u;fs; czu;T ,y;yhkNyNa ,Ue;jdu;. kw;w RtpNr\ q;fspy; rP\u;fs; czu;T ,y;yhky; ,Ue;jjhf nrhy;ytpy;iy. ngz;fs>; ,NaR jk; rP\u;fSf;F nrhd;d thu;j;ijfis mwpe;J ,Ue;jdu;(Yf;fh 9:18> 18:31). Mdhy; kW&g kiyapy; fz;zhuf; fz;l rP\u;fspy;> NgJUTk; $l clNd capju;j;njOjiy Gupe;Jnfhs;stpy;iy.

MfNt? capu;j;njOjy; gz;bif jpUr;rigf;F Muk;g tpohNt. ,JNt KO rigAk; fpwp];JTf;Fs; If;fpag;gLj;Jk; tpNr\ gFjp. fpwp\;Jtpd; capu;j;njOjiy nfhz;lhlhj rig fpwp];Jt rig my;y. tpRthrj;jpd; $l;lj;jhuhfpa ehk; mtu; ehkj;jpy; $LfpNwhk.; fhuzk; fpwp];J rpYitapy; kupj;J capu;j;njOe;jpdhNy. mwpthspf;F ,J %l ek;gpf;if. MdhYk; tpRthrpf;F capu;j;njOjNy tpRthrj;jpd; m\;jpghuk;. fpUigahfpa flTs; mtu;fspd; [Ptpaj;jpy; cld; ,Uf;fpwhu;. capu;j;njOjy; vd;gJ xU fbdkhd fpwp];jt Nghjid. MfNtjhd; RtpNr\k; gfpUk; nghOJ gupRj;j Mtpahdtu; ekJ ,Ujaq;fspy; fpupia nra;a Ntz;Lk;. capu;j;njOjy; flTspd; kfh ngupa thf;Fj;jj;jk;. flTs; jk; gps;isfSf;F epj;jpa [Ptidf; nfhLf;fpwhu; (ntspg;gLj;jy; 21:22). mg;gb xU cyfk; tUtjha; ,Ue;jhy;> flTs; jk; thf;F jj;jj;ij epiwNtw;Wthu;. mjw;F Maj;jk; vd;gJ [Ptpaj;jpy; mbg;gil Ntiyahapuj;jy; Ntz;Lk;. flTNshL epj;jpa [Ptpak; [Ptpg;gij epidg;gij jtpu Ntw xd;Wk; ekf;F Kf;fpaky;y. vjpu;fhyj;jpy;> gpuNtrpf;Fk; guNyhf gpui[aha; ,Uj;jy; mtrpak;. Mf capu;j;njOjy; vy;ytw;iwAk; khw;WfpwJ. Y}f;fh RtpNr\k;“,NaRtpd; capuj ; Ojy;” vd;d vd;gij Nahrpf; nra;fpwJ. flTNshL Gjpa cwT nfhs;Sk;gb fpwp];J [Ptpf;fpwhu;> ght kd;dpg;G nfhLf;fpwhu.; flTspd; jpl;lk; Gupe;Jnfhs;Sk; kdpjUf;F fpwp];J ahu; vd;gij ntspg;gLJjNy> Y}f;fhtpd; ghuk;. tpRthrpf;F capu;j;njOjy; GJ [Ptid nfhLf;Fk; xU gupR. fpwp];Jit mwpahjtu;fSf;F> Ntjk; fpwp];Jtpd; capu;j;njOjiy Vw;Wf;nfhs;s miof;fpwJ. ,NaR fpwp];J kl;LNk ,ul;rpg;gpd;Nky; njatPf mjpfhuk; nfhz;ltu;. Muhjpg;gjw;Fk; ek;kpf;if nfhs;tjw;Fk;> gpd; gw;Wtjw;Fk; fpwp];JNt cwpatu;. capu;j;njOe;j fpwp];J> mtupy; tpRthrk; epiyj;jpUf;f> tpRthrk; nfhLg;ghuhf. Mz;ltuhfpa ,NaR fpwp]J ; tpy; fhzg;gLk; ,ul;rpgG; ek;gpfi ; f njhlu;tjhf. vy;yh R. Y. mq;fj;jpdu;fSf;Fk; kfpo;r;rpahd mu;j;jKs;s <];lu; nfhz;lhl;lj;ij nfhz;lhLk;gb vd; FLk;gj;NjhL tho;j;JfpNwd;. khkiwjpU. lhf;lu; rhyNkhd; uh[h Nguhau; RtpNr\ Yj;jud; rig kNyrpah. <];lu; 2010.

OBEDIENCE and HOLINESS – keys to SPIRITUAL STRENGTH “Behold, to OBEY is better than sacrifice …” 1 Samuel 15:22 “… Be HOLY, for I am HOLY.” 1 Peter 1:16

Editor in Chief

Rt. Rev Dr. Solomon Rajah Bishop, ELCM

Editor Rev. Albert P. Abishegam Asst. Editor Rev. Steven Lawrence Members Rev. Paul K. Rev. Ebenezer Irai Amirtham Ms. Rowena Ponnudurai Mr. Eliezer Peter

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: elcm@streamyx.com Website: www.elcm.com.my The Lutheran Herald welcomes articles (including news on deaths, weddings, baptisms, confirmations and any other congregational activities). Please email your contributions to lutherald@gmail.com All contributions are subject to editing as and when deemed necessary by the Editorial Board. Please visit our website as above for further information on the ELCM.

Time, we say, “flies”. It looks like only a while ago that we celebrated the Birth of our Lord Jesus Christ and as this issue reaches your hands we are about to celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord. Indeed, time has slipped by so very quickly. Our Bishop, Rev. Dr. Solomon Rajah, has already been on the job for more than a year. Bishop Solomon came into office on the 21st of February, 2009 with a God-given vision of strengthening and expanding our beloved ELCM. And it is incumbent on us as members of the ELCM to ensure that this vision of our Bishop is fully realised. Now, how does each one of us, clergy and laity alike, go about this sacred task of strengthening and expanding the diocese? The Lutheran Herald believes that the answer lies in our SPIRITUAL STRENGTH. The next question that arises is “How can we obtain this SPIRITUAL STRENGTH?”. The scriptures clearly teach us that all of us need two very vital and essential ingredients to be an integral part of our lives, namely OBEDIENCE and HOLINESS. In other words, we need to have a right relationship with our God. The great revival on Lewis Island (please read the article on Duncan Campbell as found on page 6 of this issue) only came about after the people decided to set right their relationship with the living God. This editorial therefore is all about ensuring that OBEDIENCE and HOLINESS are the hallmarks of our lives so that each and everyone of us can possess the SPIRITUAL STRENGTH necessary to fulfill the task of strengthening and expanding our church. With regard to OBEDIENCE and HOLINESS, the two great Josephs of the Bible come to mind. We can learn a few precious lessons from the lives of Joseph, the son of Jacob and the other Joseph, the husband of Mary, the mother of our Lord Jesus Christ. Both the Josephs were men of integrity whose lives were characterised by SPIRITUAL STRENGTH arising from OBEDIENCE and HOLINESS. The Herald categorically states that until and unless OBEDIENCE and HOLINESS become part and parcel of our lives, it would be an uphill task to bring Bishop’s aforesaid vision to fruition. Joseph of the New Testament believed, trusted and OBEYED the Word of God in the face of every conceivable fear and slander. Joseph accepted his marriage to Mary without question based on God’s message (Matthew 1:20). God said it and Joseph did it. Joseph of the Old Testament is an example of HOLINESS. He was sold as a slave by his own brothers and became a servant in the house of an officer of Pharaoh called Potiphar. Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce him but he fled from her. By living a HOLY life before God, Joseph was not only blessed with God’s presence(Genesis 39:23) but also with SPIRITUAL STRENGTH. As we prepare to celebrate Easter, let us all resolve to walk in OBEDIENCE and HOLINESS before God so that we can acquire the SPIRITUAL STRENGTH needed to fulfill our Bishop’s vision. The Lutheran Herald Editorial Committee takes this opportunity to wish all our readers a blessed Easter! God bless

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DUNCAN CAMPBELL D

Duncan Campbell arrived soon afterward, he went straight to the church and preached, then dismissed the service. The crowd filed from the building; but instead of going home, they stood under the stars, weeping, praying and confessing their sins. The number soon swelled to 600, and all night the Holy Spirit moved through the village. Hundreds trusted Christ as Saviour.

uncan Campbell grew up harnessed to a set of bagpipes, and he eventually became a sought-after entertainer in his Scottish village. But one night during a concert, he suddenly asked himself, “Is this all life offers a young man like me?” Excusing himself, he hurried home where his mother led him to Christ. He served the Lord in churches in his native highlands until age fifty when he left as a missionary to the Outer Hebrides Islands. A mission church had already been established on Lewis Island, and several of its members had been pleading for revival. One night in a prayer meeting, a young man rose and read Psalm 24: ”Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart ...”

The revival spread to nearby villages, and Duncan travelled for three years, strengthening the converts. Night after night, churches were filled with worshipers, often until five o’clock the following morning. Duncan later said that during those days he could stop any passerby on the island and find him thinking about his soul.

“Brethren,” the man said, “it seems just so much humbug to be waiting and praying as we are, if we ourselves are not rightly related to God.” Instantly the Christians began confessing their sins to God and to one another. When

Duncan Campbell lived until 1971, and he preached until the last week of his life. But the Lewis Revival proved the most fruitful period of his ministry.

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From the Diocesan Secretary’s Desk…

ELCM AND P RO GRESS Introduction It is now 6 months since the Diocesan Assembly, in September 2009, approved the ELCM 5-Year Plan based on the twofold diocesan objectives of STRENGTHENING and EXPANDING the Church. The relevant resolutions were taken for each of our congregations to implement for the growth of each congregation. Already we are seeing results. As early as 1997, the Diocesan Assembly approved the VISION of the ELCM: GO AND MAKE DISCIPLES”. The 2009 Diocesan Assembly decisions have firmly put this VISION into operation for positive results. We face the continual challenge of remaining relevant while not compromising biblical principles. In the annual report of the Diocesan Council to the 2009 Diocesan Assembly two chronic challenges facing the church were mentioned against which the pastors and lay leaders strive to overcome. These are: a) Compromise with the standards of the world. In many cases, today’s Church seems to have been more influenced by society rather than society being influenced by the church. Many profess to be Christians but the general spiritual condition is not too good. The fact is, although many churches have concentrated on techniques of getting people to the doors, they have not always been as successful in improving the spiritual condition.

But statistics show that only a fraction of Christians ever attempt to share their faith with others. We must examine the current condition of our church constantly, our changing culture and possible church structures. We have moved from the agrarian age through the industrial age to the information age and each era has affected how we have accomplished our mission.

Agrarian Age

In the agrarian age, life was organised around the individual. The valued skill was a diligent hard worker. The church in this era had a community focus and everyone worked together. Planning consisted primarily of repeating last year’s routine.

Industrial Age

As we moved into the industrial era, the valued skill was no longer the hard worker but a skilled manager who could plan, organise, direct, control and supervise. The church adapted to this shift and developed a hierarchical organisation. Ministry evolved into programmes that had to be fed to survive.

Information Age

The computer has changed everything in our lives. Information, time and convenience became valued commodities. The internet changed our way of thinking. Information was readily available on everything in detail.

Since development in technology affects society and shapes our thinking, expectations and lifestyles, the ELCM in the 21st Century must understand the continual changes taking place and how they are affecting its members. To ignore them will have severe consequences. Instead we should address them realistically and creatively so that it provides opportunities. WHAT SHOULD WE DO? The ELCM 5-year Plan to strengthen and expand each congregation is before us. The critical issue is how do we implement the Plan. We can do it in several ways. 1. Accept change as a constant and not resist it. We often resist changes in our methodologies because we think they are timeless principles. However, this mind-set can lead to ineffectiveness and irrelevance in our ministries. We must learn to use change, its resources and its opportunities to our advantage. 2. Set up ministries in terms of meeting needs. Our future depends upon our ability to anticipate the needs of our members and the changes that are necessary to keep us relevant and effective. The future belongs to those who see possibilities before they become obvious.

CONCLUSION

In his book, “Dying for Change”, Leith Anderson encourages the church to be a renewing church that sees value in both tradition and progress. We should be a renewing church that remains true to divine revelation while remaining relevant. We must keep our eyes and ears on Jesus as well as the needs of the world. We must continually evaluate our strategies and modify our ministries accordingly. Changes are made only to increase its effectiveness in reaching people and making disciples.

In a sense, there is some deficiency in the basic elements of Christian character, ethics and morality. b) Apathy towards its Mission By and large, the modern Church has become mostly occupied with what God can do for them rather than remembering their mission to reach the lost for Christ. Increasingly, we are living in a very selfcentered society. The scriptures make it clear that it is the duty of every Christian to take on the task of helping to bring people to the saving message of Christ.

May God bless the ELCM abundantly.

SILAS M. DAS

Diocesan Secretary

07.11.2009 – Albert & Gowri Augustine at their Wedding in Zion Cathedral.

12.01.2010 – Zion Cathedral English Service Members Handing Over Groceries for Needy Families in Port Klang

21.11.2009 - Zion Cathedral English Service Members Bringing Christmas Joy to Children of Kuala Pilah

16.01.2010 – Jason Noah & Vivien Gabrial were Married at Zion Cathedral by Rev. Albert Abishegam

13.12.2009 – 200 People Attended a Christmas Party Jointly Organised by Our Saviour Lutheran Congregation & Kulai Lutheran Outreach.

28.01.2010 Bishop at CCM Heads of Churches Retreat Held in Kota Bharu

12.01.2010 – First Pastors’ Conference for 2010 was Held at Lutheran Hall

13.02.2010 – Participants of Central District Youth Prayer Day

20.02.2010 – Baptism of Ethan Rahul Achariam, son of Lesley & Carolyn Achariam, at Zion Cathedral.

27.02.2010 - Bishop with Campers and Volunteers at the Cutie – Cutie Camp 2010, Port Dickson

21.02.2010 – Good Hope Confirmands together with Bishop and Rev. A. Vijay Joseph at their Confirmation.

02.03.2010 – Bishop Leading the Opening Prayer at Jesus Calls Prophetic Conference at FGA, KL

21.02.2010 – Four Candidates Together with Bishop and DC Members at their Commissioning at Good Hope Congregation.

06.03.2010 – World Day of Prayer Service was Hosted by DWC at Zion Cathedral

27.02.2010 – DWC Leader’s Welcoming 8 Women’s Leaders from ALC, India

19.03.2010 – Participants of 2nd Line Leadership Camp Held in Lutheran Centre, PD

God’s Word or Man’s Words?

oes the Bible contain a certain percentage of God’s Word or the entire Bible is the Word of God? We know that there are 66 books in the Bible written by human beings just like us. How can it be fully the Word of God? And so, are you now looking for a more creative choice of answer like “50% God’s Word and 50% of men?” or is it “70-30?”

relationship with him. God moved his chosen men (about 40) to write using their own words and styles to communicate what he wanted us to hear. Now, you may say, “Wait a minute. Inspiration is not dictation. God did not give the exact words to the writers. So there are man’s words in the Bible. How then can it be 100% God’s Word? Surely there must be some percentage of man’s words in the Bible which is open to errors on man’s account. How can it be free from any errors?

Friends, the entire Bible (100%) is God’s Word. Lutheran Doctrine explains that the Bible is inspired and inerrant. This means that God is the sole author of the Scripture. He progressively revealed himself over approximately 1500 years and so the Bible contains everything we need to know about God in order to have a right

Friends, the Bible is inerrant. Inerrancy means that all that is written in the inspired documents are without error. Those who say that the Bible contains

Firman Tuhan Atau Kata-Kata Manusia?

dakah Alkitab mengandungi peratusan tertentu Firman Tuhan atau seluruh Alkitab adalah Firman Tuhan? Kita tahu bahawa ada 66 buku dalam Alkitab ditulis oleh manusia seperti kita. Bagaimana seluruh bahagian alkitab mengandungi Firman Tuhan? Oleh yang demikian, adakah anda sekarang mencari pilihan yang lebih kreatif jawapan seperti “50% Firman Tuhan dan 50% kata-kata manusia?” Bolehkah “70-30?” Teman, seluruh Alkitab (100%) adalah Firman Tuhan. Ajaran Lutheran menjelaskan bahawa Alkitab diinspirasikan dan tanpa kesalahan. Ini bererti bahawa Tuhan adalah satu-satunya pengarang Kitab Suci. Dia menyatakan diriNya secara berperingkat selama lebihkurang1500 tahun dan Alkitab mengandungi semua yang perlu kita ketahui tentang Tuhan untuk mempunyai hubungan yang benar dengan Dia. Tuhan menyuruh orang-orang yang dipilihNya (sekitar 40 orang) untuk menulis menggunakan kata-kata dan gaya mereka sendiri untuk mengkomunikasikan apa yang Dia ingin kita dengar dan tahu. Sekarang, anda mungkin berkata, “Tunggu sebentar. Inspirasi bukan direncanakan. Tuhan tidak memberi kata-kata yang tepat kepada para penulis. Jadi Alkitab terkandung juga kata-kata manusia. Bagaimana 100% Firman Tuhan? Tentunya ada beberapa peratusan kata-kata manusia dalam Alkitab yang terbuka kepada kesalahan manusia. Bagaimana Alkitab jadi bebas dari kesalahan? Teman, Alkitab adalah firman Tuhan yang benar; tiada kesalahan (inerrant). “Inerrancy” bermakna semua yang tertulis dalam dokumen yang diilhamkan adalah tanpa kesalahan. Mereka yang mengatakan bahawa Alkitab

man’s words are right. However, the Bible is not 50% or 70% of man’s words. It is 100% man’s words. Yes, the Bible is 100% God’s Word and 100% man’s words.

cherish it, study it, obey it and fully trust it. If the Bible is the Word of God, then to dismiss it is to dismiss God himself. This is what Martin Luther meant by saying Sola Scriptura (Latin for “by Scripture alone”).

Doesn’t make sense? Here’s an illustration to understand this very fact about the Bible. Jesus is both man and God. In percentage, how much is he Man and how much is he God? 50-50 or 30-70? No, it has never been like this at any time. Jesus Christ is 100% Son of Man and 100% Son of God! Are you clear on that? Good. That is what the Scripture teaches us about Christ Jesus. Like our Savior, the Scripture is 100% man’s word and 100% God’s Word.

Sola Scriptura is the doctrine which articulates that the Bible is the only infallible and inerrant authority for the Christian faith and that it contains all knowledge necessary for salvation. Sola Scriptura demands that only those doctrines found directly within Scripture are to be confessed. All other authorities are subordinate to and are to be corrected by the written Word of God, the Bible.

If the Bible is truly the Word of God, then it is the final authority for all matters of faith. We should

By Rev. Karthik Sibayanam

mengandungi kata-kata manusia itu betul. Namun, Alkitab tidaklah 50% atau 70% mengandungi kata-kata manusia. Ia adalah 100% kata-kata manusia. Ya, Alkitab adalah 100% Firman Tuhan dan 100% kata-kata manusia. Tidak masuk akal? Berikut adalah ilustrasi untuk memahami fakta tentang Alkitab. Yesus adalah seorang Manusia dan Tuhan. Dalam peratusan, berapa banyakkah Yesus adalah manusia dan berapa pula Tuhan? 50-50 atau 3070? Tidak, Dia tidak pernah begitu di sebarang masa. Yesus Kristus adalah 100% Anak Manusia dan 100% Tuhan! Adakah anda jelas sekarang? Baik. Itulah yang Alkitab mengajarkan kepada kita tentang Yesus Kristus. Seperti Juruselamat kita, Alkitab adalah 100% kata manusia dan 100% kata Tuhan. Jika Alkitab adalah benar-benar Firman Tuahn, maka itu merupakan kuasa tertinggi untuk semua perkara tentang iman. Kita harus menghargai Alkitab, mempelajarinya, taati-nya, dan benar-benar percaya padanya. Jika Alkitab adalah Firman Tuhan, maka membubarkan-nya adalah bererti menolak Tuhan sendiri. Inilah yang dimaksudkan oleh Martin Luther dengan Sola Scriptura (Latin untuk “dengan Kitab Suci sahaja”). Sola Scriptura adalah doktrin yang menyatakan Alkitab adalah satu-satunya kuasa ‘infallible’ dan tanpa kesalahan untuk iman Kristian dan ia mengandungi semua pengetahuan yang diperlukan untuk “keselamatan manusia.” Sola Scriptura menuntut bahawa hanya doktrin-doktrin yang ditemui secara langsung dalam Alkitab sahajalah yang boleh diakui oleh panganut Kristian. Segala dokumen gereja yang lain adalah tertakluk kepada Firman Tuhan - Alkitab. Oleh Pendeta Karthik Sibayanam

THE

INEXTINGUISHABLE FLAME OF THE RESURRECTED LIFE OF JESUS BURNING WITHIN US

Easter, the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the very foundation of our faith and preaching. Without the resurrection, our faith and preaching are in vain i.e. empty (kenos- 1 Cor 15: 14) and idle, powerless, useless, fruitless or lacking truth. (mataios -1 Cor 15 : 17). Jesus’ resurrection has broken the power of death and the power of sin, gracing our Christian living here and hereafter with full of meaning, purpose, spiritual potential and very sure (1 Cor 15 : 12 – 19).

The season of Lent must precede Easter to further strengthen our spirituality and maturity in fellowship and communion with Christ Jesus via Kergyma (Word / Proclamation), Koinonia (Fellowship / Communion ) and Diakonia (Sharing / Service). Lent is surely a season of self-examination to appraise, revive and rededicate our commitment of responsibility and accountability “to act justly, to love tenderly, to walk humbly with God” and be further reawakened (Micah 6 : 8).

Hence, the manifestation of the resurrection power of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ via the Holy Spirit ; in our preaching of the gospel; receiving the gospel; standing in the gospel; being saved by the gospel; holding fast the gospel; and believing that our lives were in jeopardy without the gospel ; enabling the Good News of Jesus Christ to have effect in our personal life, family life and our church life. ( Acts 1 : 8, Acts 2:38; 1 Cor 15 : 1- 11).

A well-lived Lent renews our love for Christ, our appreciation for his passion, death and resurrection, the hunger to partake in the Holy Communion and worship of him (John 6 : 51 – 65 / 1 Cor. 11 : 25). As such, we should experience Christ reaching out to embrace us and pulling us along on our Lenten journey to Easter to once again experience the continual revival and renewal in the inner man – the spiritual being, economic being, political being, social being and technical being in our personal life, our family life and church (ELCM) life (John 10 : 10, 3 John 3 : 2, Psalm 128, Gen 1 : 28, Acts 1 : 8).

The fruits and the reality of past events of the resurrection of Jesus Christ must be seen anointed, experienced and manifested in today’s realities; in believers’ live and the church (ELCM) life. Christ’s resurrection as the “first fruit” symbol functions as a guarantee of the future resurrection of believers, the final defeat of death and the ultimate establishment of God’s complete sovereign rule over all creation to the state of perfection it enjoyed before the Fall. At this point Christ will turn over the kingdom to God his Father and bring to an end all other powers ( 1 Cor 15 : 20 – 28 ).

Since we have both the objective and subjective calling as children of God (John 3 : 16, Rev 3 : 20, John 1:12) and Lutherans in the body of Christ (1 Cor 12 : 12, 1 Cor 10 : 35, Eph 4 :12, Eph 4:16), let us, without losing heart to our calling (John 17 : 18, Matthew 28 : 19, John 3:39, 2 Pet 3:9, Rev 19 : 9), move on in the Word and works of Christ with the inextinguishable flame of the resurrection life of Jesus burning within us and having our inward man / being renewed day by day (2 Cor 4 : 16).

2010 is yet another year that God has blessed us, our family and our church, ELCM with so as to be anointed to experience and practice the realities of Christ’s resurrection in our life.

by Cand. Samuel Anbunathan

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Evangelist Paul John Selladurai - A Tribute Evangelist Paul John Selladurai of the Matang Lutheran Congregation passed away peacefully on the 5th of February 2010 after a five month incapacitation due to a stroke. He leaves behind his wife Puspah and sons Andrew and Douglas. Evangelist John was born in Kuala Lumpur on the 4th of July 1948 and was a staff of Linetex Rubber in Batu Caves. In 1995 he heeded God’s calling to move his young family to Simpang, Taiping where he and his wife began a ministry of visitation in order to rebuild the declining congregation. He was trained under the Pastoral Assistant Programme and was commissioned a Pastoral Assistant in 2003. His unfailing devotion to duty, zeal for the Lord, careful attention to detail and appointments, firm and gentle handling of matters at hand in Matang endeared him to all. He was instrumental in getting the Matang Lutheran Congregation building rebuilt. His congregation and friends held him in high regard and loved his particular perspectives as a hobbyist and a collector of curiosa. It would not be far from the truth to say that without God’s intervention, the closing of the Matang Church would have been a real possibility. We are blessed that Evangelist John, one of our own, became an instrument of God’s will. While we grieve with Sister Puspah and her sons for the loss of a loving husband and father, we also rejoice that today he has found repose in God and that his impact on the life of the Matang Lutheran Congregation will be felt for generations to come.

Our Condolences... 1. Mr. Nganpragasam s/o Kany passed away peacefully on 29.12.2009. The funeral service was held at Our Saviour Lutheran Congregation, Johor Bahru on 30.12.2009. 2. Evangelist Paul John s/o Selladurai entered into glory on 05.02.2010 (Please see article above). 3. Mr. David Ayapillai, long-standing Local Council leader of Cheras Lutheran Congregation and Hon. Treasurer of Rumah Chrestus went to the Lord on 15.03.2010. He leaves behind beloved wife Rani and children Tina, Shamini and Daniel. The funeral service was held at the Zion Cathedral on 16.03.2010.

Kulai Lutheran Outreach The Kulai Lutheran Outreach was established in June 2009 by Our Saviour Lutheran Congregation, Johor Bahru. Junior Work and Sunday School ministries were the first to be started at this outreach centre. A house was rented a few months later to facilitate the Sunday worship services and the running of the said ministries. There are currently 43 members, including children, worshipping at this centre.

The first service was held on the said date with about 30 people in attendance. Currently, evangelistic meetings are held occasionally on Fridays while Sunday Worship Services are held at 6.30pm. More ministries are being planned to widen the scope of services offered by this new Outreach.

Nepali Lutheran Fellowship

Mr. Ezekiel Ravichandran of New Jerusalem Lutheran Congregation, has started a ministry among the Nepali workers from his factory in Port Klang who are residing in the vicinity of Port Klang. About 10 Nepali young people gather together for worship every Sunday at 7.00 pm. On 6 December 2009 the fellowship was officially inaugurated in the presence of some Holy Cross leaders.

Kulai Outreach

Kajang Lutheran Outreach

On 17 January 2010 another service was started for the Sri Muda Nepalis. 15 Nepalis from Sri Muda Shah Alam were brought to the New Jerusalem Lutheran Congregation for the inaugural Worship Service.

Kajang Lutheran Outreach, an outreach of Cheras Lutheran Congregation located at 7-1, 1st Floor, Taman Cahaya Suria, Jln Sg. Chua, Kajang, Selangor commenced operations on 10.01.2010.

This fellowship is held every Sunday at 7.00 pm. Five of the Nepalis are being prepared for baptism. Bibles and Nepali Christian Song Books are urgently needed for this ministry.

CLC Members at the 1st Service of Kajang Lutheran Outreach on 10.01.2010

Nepalis at Worship - New Jerusalem, Subang, Selangor.

Taiping Lutheran Outreach Established in April 2000 and dedicated for the glory of our Lord on the 15th of July 2001 by the late Bishop Julius D.Paul, the vision of Taiping Lutheran Outreach is to enhance the proclamation of the Good News through care & love. This is well spelt-out in its mission statement. The outreach organises various activities to cater for both the spiritual and social needs of the surrounding community. Various plans are in the pipeline to further expand this ministry.

Results of Each One Reach One Each Year Growth Campaign (June 2009 – March 2010) The Each One Reach One Each Year (EOROEY) Growth Campaign was launched by the Bishop on 23 June 2009. The Bishop personally motivated all the congregations and this resulted in 401 “new members” being brought into the various congregations and outreaches of the ELCM. The credit goes to the pastors and members who put in hard work and effort to achieve this number. This New Membership Campaign will go on till 2020.

Rumah Luther Ria, Port Dickson (ELCM Training Centre for Epileptic & Intellectually Disabled Children) PROGRESS REPORT Rumah Luther Ria the newly-established ELCM training centre for epileptic & intellectually-disabled children in Port Dickson will be fully operational with 14 children and 2 teachers in May 2010. A working committee has been appointed to look after the day-to-day operations of the centre. The committee expects the construction of the building, situated at 188 Jalan Lama, Port Dickson, to commence sometime during the end of this year.

Kluang Lutheran Congregation Sunday, the 21st of March 2010, was an auspicious day for the Kluang Lutheran Congregation. On this blessed day, the inaugural AGM was held, chaired by the Bishop and with the Diocesan Secretary in attendance. Also, the new congregation’s first Local Council and DA delegates were elected during this meeting. The Bishop celebrated Holy Communion and shared the message during the worship service. The AGM also recorded a vote of thanks to Candidate Samuel Anbunathan who had pioneered the work in Kluang. May God bless, prosper and lead the Kluang Lutheran Congregation to greater heights. 15

Twofold Diocesan Objective:

Strengthening and Expanding 2009 - 2020 DC PLAN OF ACTION (FOR THE CONGREGATIONS) 2010 – 2014 1.

Every congregation is to have regular Bible study and regular cell group meetings, etc;

Every congregation is to raise its own funds and support its own operating cost for mission and ministry;

Every congregation is to train at least 8 new leaders for auxiliary ministries and leadership tasks;

Every congregation is to foster a cordial relationship and fellowship with neighbouring churches;

Every congregation is to raise at least two potential members for fulltime ministry either for Pastor’s training or Deaconess training;

Every congregation should attempt to increase its membership by double fold by implementing membership drive programmes - a growth of 30 members per year (10 new members and 20 new members for auxiliary activities per year);

Every congregation is to plant a new outreach centre;

Every congregation is to have at least 5 auxiliary ministries (Women, Junior Work, Young Adults, Senior Citizen, Youth Fellowship etc);

Every congregation is to establish one social ministry either directly or indirectly;

10. Every congregation is to become self-reliant by supporting its own worker’s salary, assessment, quit rent, fire insurance and building maintenance. * SOURCE:

ELCM 5 YEAR PLAN 2010 - 2014 (Approved Adopted at the Diocesan Assembly, 11 – 13 September 2009, Port Dickson) Endorsed by the Diocesan Council on 2nd December 2009

ELCM Women’s Care and Counselling Centre The ELCM is proposing to expand its diaconal ministry with the objective of providing care and assistance to women in need. The intention is to improve the quality of life and enable women to make life-affirming choices. The centre will provide counselling care, spiritual assistance and services related to this objective. The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, USA (World Relief and Human Care) will help us to initiate this ministry. Through this centre, we would minister the gospel of Jesus Christ according to the Lutheran confessions especially to the unbelieving women. The proposed site is at the Holy Cross Lutheran Congregation, No. 22, Leboh Berangan, Lucky Garden, 42000 Port Klang, Selangor. This site is an obvious choice for this project as it meets all the criteria required for the total involvement of the local congregation. The Holy Cross Congregation will be providing full support to this special ministry. The block adjacent to the church building will be utilised for this project which is proposed to be launched in May 2010. This ministry would be under the direct supervision and guidance of the Bishop and the Diocesan Council and will be managed by the Holy Cross Congregation and its leadership. Members of the ELCM are urged to uphold this important ministry in their prayers.