Lutheran Herald_ August 2014 16th Edition

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August 2012 10th Edition

The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, “Behold, the lamb of God!” The disciples

heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them. “What are you seeking?” And they said to him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come and you will see.” So they came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour. One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ). He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “So you are Simon the son of John? You shall be called Cephas” (which means Peter). The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!” Nathanael answered him, “How do you know me?” Jesus

Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia Internal Circulation August 2014 16th Edition

answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” (John 1: 35-49).

“Calling” is a very Christian word. No religion of the world refers to this idea of a “calling” except the Christian faith. And there is a very good reason for it. Unfortunately, we confuse this word frequently with other ideas. The English word “vocation” comes from the Latin vocatio, which means “calling.” They are the same thing, though this is not obvious to the people who use these words. The fact that many people speak of their jobs as their “vocation” while pastors and missionaries speak of “being called” shows how inadequately we have understood the universal call of God to every Christian. God’s call is primarily salvation-oriented rather than occupational. Martin Luther admonishes that “the Christian is called to be a Christian in whatever situation he or she finds himself or herself, rather than equate vocation with occupation (jobs).” The Scripture affirms that “calling” is always to someone (i.e. God), not to something or somewhere!” The gospel narratives of the calling of the disciples give us an interesting insight into what “calling” itself means for us.

In Mark 3:13-15, we find that Jesus goes up a mountain and calls the twelve and they came to him. Mark comments that Jesus ordained them for four purposes: one, to be with him; two, to go out and preach the gospel; three, to heal the sick; and four, to cast out demons. In Matthew, the entire

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CALLING OF THE

DISCIPLES

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from Bethsaida. No matter, but Philip sought out Nathanael and testified about Jesus to him. Philip then brings the old man to Jesus and Jesus speaks to him. And then Jesus takes them all to Cana to attend a marriage.

What is remarkable of this text is that, after all the high-flown language, John tells us that to be in Jesus, to be called and to be his disciple, it is a matter of a simple relationship … as friends making friends. It is not just intellectual assent or emotional fulfillment but simply coming into a growing relationship. In handling Nathanael, we find Jesus telling us that it is open to challenge and question, which is a relationship that can grow. For the seekers such as Andrew and his friends, it is utter fulfillment.

Martin Luther calls this calling by Jesus as his yearning love for humanity that God himself had created. As a parent who yearns for the child, this love is always there available for all humanity. But to those who would clean their ears and open them to hear the sweet voice of Jesus’ calling, it comes as a vocation. It is to find life’s destiny. It is to taste the highest goodness that is incomparable to anything we have ever experienced. Sometimes, this calling is so sweet, it is described as irresistible. The Scripture is so full of it, that humanity should turn from its way to its true vocation, which is to heed the call of Jesus.

Dear brothers and sisters, to be called by Jesus, is to come into a daily relationship with him where he converses with us daily. It is the sort of relationship we nurture with a friend, a spouse perhaps. It is not a secluded relationship found in prayer at 4.00 am in the morning or found in the intense emotional release in our worship. There is nothing wrong, I believe, for those who find fulfillment in some of these but it is not a relationship divorced from the everyday reality of our daily life.

It is the sort of relationship that makes reading or hearing the Scripture and worship exciting prayer fulfilling and our stewardship in church and mission exciting. Some of the sure signs of something amiss wrong is when we go to church and find the going rather boring. For example, all the sermons and prayers are just blabbering! Then we should take the right medication by praying for the Holy Spirit to transform us from the egocentric spirit in us into an enlightened mature Christian who finds great joy in taking an evening walk with the Lord. Perhaps, talk to Jesus. Or, find out why he called us.

May the Lord bless you as you adhere to his calling like his disciples!

Rt. Rev. Dr. Solomon RajahBishopEvangelical Lutheran Church in MalaysiaAugust 2014

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chapter 10 is devoted to the calling of the disciples and the elaborate instructions he gives them. The four purposes that Mark gave succinctly is given in detail, and how to endure the troubles of being a disciple of Jesus. The specific calling of Matthew as a disciple is given in chapter 9 but it is given in the context of forgiveness and healing that introduces a theological dimension, i.e. being called is to be forgiven, restored and healed.

In Luke 6:12-16, the twelve are called after Jesus went up a mountain to pray, and it is noted without much trumpet blast! But John gives us a completely different picture. He places the calling of the disciples in chapter 1 itself. After the beautiful preamble (v.1-18) placing Jesus on par with Yahweh and the testimony of John the Baptist (v.19-34) placing Jesus in the remarkable tradition of the prophets of old, John introduces the calling of the twelve. The preamble and the Baptist text are given in idioms and allegories but you will find John very down to earth when he refers to the calling, and goes into personal details. Certainly, it is not a summary of the calling that Mark and Matthew give.

“In the beginning was the Word!” Wonderful text but John tells us that understanding the amazing mysteries of creation is wonderful but that does not draw us to God. To some maybe, it makes sense. “Behold the Lamb of God!” said John the Baptist. Understanding the prophetic traditions of the Old Testament is wonderful but that does not draw us to God. To those nurtured in the Jewish culture and history, maybe, but to us Gentiles it may make little sense. Then John launches into Jesus’ calling of the disciples.

The first to be called is Andrew who was initially the disciple of John the Baptist. He took the testimony of John the Baptist and followed Jesus. Jesus turns around and talks to him and spends the night with him and another unnamed disciple. Andrew was Simon Peter’s brother to whom Andrew testifies and brings him to Jesus saying that this is the Messiah whom they were looking for. Jesus was impressed and named Peter “Cephas.” The next day Jesus himself goes into Galilee to look for Philip. Finding him, Jesus said, “Follow me.” John the apostle indicates to us that Philip was probably known to Andrew and Peter because they were all

The specific calling of Matthew as a disciple is given in chapter 9 but it is given in the context

of forgiveness and healing that introduces a

theological dimension

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vd;W $Wfpd;wdu;> ,J xt;nthU fpwp];jtUk; cyfyhtpa tifapy; flTs; nfhLf;Fk; miog;ig ehk; vt;tpjk; jtwhf Gupe;J nfhz;bUf;fpNwhk; vd;gij fhl;LfpwJ. flTspd; miog;G Kjd;ikahf ,ul;rpg;ig rhu;e;jpUf;fpwJ. mJ nra;njhopiy rhu;e;jJ my;y. fpwp];jtu;fs; jq;fs; nra;njhopiy kl;Lk; miog;G vd epidf;fhky; jhq;fs; ve;j #o;epiyapy; ,Ue;jhYk; ve;j Ntiyia nra;jhYk; jhq;fs; fpwp];jtu;fshf ,Uf;f miof;fg;gl;ltu;fs; vd;gij epidtpy; itf;f Ntz;Lk; vd;W khu;l;Bd; Yj;ju; mwpTiu $Wfpwhu;. miog;G vd;gJ Xu; fhupaj;Jf;F my;yJ Xu; ,lj;Jf;F nfhLf;fg;gLfpwJ ,y;iy. mJ vg;NghJNk xh; egUf;F nfhLf;fg;gLfpwjhf ,Uf;fpwJ vd;gij Ntjhfkk; cWjpgLj;JfpwJ. RtpNr\j;jpy; rP\u;fspd; miog;igf; Fwpj;Js;s fijfs; ,ij njspTg;gLj;Jfpd;wd. me;j ‘miog;G” ekf;F vij njuptpf;fpwJ vd;gijAk; me;j RtpNr\q;fs; Mu;t%l;Lk; tifapy; ek;ik Gupe;Jnfhs;sr; nra;fpd;wd.

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(1) mtUld; ,Uf;f> (2) ntspNa nrd;W ew;nra;jpia gpurq;fpf;f> (3) NehAw;Nwhiu Fzkhf;f> (4) Nga;fisj; Juj;j. kj;NjA 10k; mjpfhuk; KOtJk; rPlu;fspd; miog;igg; gw;wpAk; mtu;fSf;F mtu; tpupthff; nfhLf;Fk; topKiwfisg;gw;wpAk; $Wtjw;fhf xJf;fg;gl;bUf;fpwJ. ,jpy; khw;F RUf;fkhf nfhLj;Js;sitfs; tptukhf $wg;gLfpd;wd. NkYk; ,t;tpjk; ,NaRtpd; rPlu;fshf ,Ug;gjpdhy; tUk; gpur;ridfis rfpj;Jf;nfhs;tJ vd;gijAk; fhzyhk;. kj;NjAtpd; rP\j;Jt miog;ig ehk; kj;NjA 9k; mjpfhuj;jpy; fhzyhk;. Mdhy; me;j miog;G vt;tpjk; kd;dpg;Gk; Fzg;gLjYk; vd;w #o;epiyapy; tUfpwJ vd;gij ehk; ghu;f;Fk;NghJ ,J ,iwapaypd; kw;nwhU Kf;fpa fhupaj;ij ekf;F mwpKfg;gLj;JfpwJ. mJ ‘miof;fg;gLjy;” vd;why; kd;dpg;ig ngw;Wf;nfhs;Sjy;> kPl;nlLf;fg;gLjy;> Fzkhf;fg;gLjy; vd;gjhFk; kw;Wk; ,itfis mwptpf;fpwJ.

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rP\u;fspd; miog;G

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(Nahthd; 1:19-34)> ,NaR fpwp];Jit gioa jPu;f;fjprpfspd; tupirapy; itj;jgpd; mtu; gd;dpuz;L Ngupd; miog;ig mwpKfg;gLj;Jfpwhu;. KfTiuAk; ];ehdfidg; gw;wpa ciufSk; nkhop kuGfisAk;> cUtq;fisAk; nfhz;Ls;sJ. Mdhy; miog;igg; gw;wp Nahthd; Fwpg;gpLifapy; rhjhuz Kiwapy; $wp jdpg;gl;l tptuq;fis $Wfpwhu;. epr;rakhf mJ khw;FTk; kj;NjATk; miog;ig; gw;wp nfhLj;jtw;wpd; RUf;fq;fs; my;y.

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gpupakhd> rNfhju rNfhjhupfNs! ,NaRtpdhy; miof;fg;gLjy; vd;gJ jpdKk; ,NaR ek;NkhL Ngrp cwthLk; epiyf;F ek;ik nfhz;LtUtjhFk;. mJ ehk; ek;Kila rpNefpju;> my;yJ JiztUld; nfhz;bUf;Fk; cwitg;Nghd;wjhf ,Uf;fpwJ. mJ fhiy 4 kzpf;F n[gj;jpNy jdpikapy; fz;lilAk; cwtpy; my;yJ mjpf czu;r;rp trg;gl;L ekJ Muhjidapy; ntspg;gLj;Jk; cwtpy; ,y;iy. ,t;tpj cwtpy; rpyu; fz;lilAk; jpUg;jpapy; jtwpy;iy. Mdhy; cz;ikahd cwT jpdrup [Ptpaj;jpy; fhzk;gLk; cz;ikj;jd;ikfis tpyf;fpitj;J fhZk; cwTfspy; ,y;iy.

,t;tpj cwNt Ntjj;ijg; gbg;gijAk;> Nfl;gijAk;> Muhjid nra;tijAk; cw;rhfKs;sjhf mikf;fpwJ. NkYk; mJ ekJ jpUr;rigapd; cf;fpuhz tprhupg;igAk; jpUg;gzp NtiyiaAk; cw;rhfKs;sjhf khw;WfpwJ. ek;kpy; VNjh jtW ,Uf;fpwJ> vd;gjw;Fs;s cWjpahd rpy mwpFwpfs;: ehk; Muhjidf;F nrd;W vy;yhk; rypg;Gs;sjhf ,Ug;gjhf fhZjy;. cjhuzkhf vy;yh gpurq;fq;fSk;> n[gq;fSk; ntWk; csWfpwijg;Nghd;w czh;T. mg;gbapUf;Fkhdhy; mjw;F ehk; jFe;j gupfhuk; NjlNtz;Lk;. gupRj;j Mtpahdtu; ek;kpypUf;Fk; jd;da rpe;jidia vLj;J tpl;L njspT+l;Lk; tsu;r;rpia nfhLf;Fk; fpwp];Jtpd; rpe;ijia ehk; ngw;Wf;nfhs;s ekf;F cjtp nra;Ak;gb n[gpf;f Ntz;Lk;. ek;ik mioj;j fhuzj;ijAk; ehk; fz;lwpa Ntz;Lk;.

,NaRtpd; rPlu;fisg;Nghy; mtUila miog;gpy; ,ize;jpUf;Fk;NghJ epr;rakhf Mz;ltu; cq;fis MrPu;tjpg;ghu;.

khkiwj;jpU Kidtu; rhyNkhd; uh[hNguhau; kNyrpah RtpNr\ Yj;jud; jpUr;rigMf];l; 2014

,NaRtpd; miog;igg; ngw;W mtupd; rPldhf ,Uf;f

Njitg;gLtJ ey;y cwNt

4 5ngyg;gLj;Jjy; & tpupTg;gLj;Jjy; 2009-2020 5

Editor-in-ChiefRt. Rev. Dr. Solomon Rajah

Bishop, ELCM

EditorRev. Albert P. Abishegam

Assistant EditorRev. Eliezer Peter

Translators & Proof Readers Rev. Paul K.

Rev. Moses MuthusamyMrs. Cecilia Gabrial

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August 2012 10th Edition

The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, “Behold, the lamb of God!” The disciples

heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them. “What are you seeking?” And they said to him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come and you will see.” So they came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour. One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ). He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “So you are Simon the son of John? You shall be called Cephas” (which means Peter). The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!” Nathanael answered him, “How do you know me?” Jesus

Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia Internal Circulation August 2014 16th Edition

answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” (John 1: 35-49).

“Calling” is a very Christian word. No religion of the world refers to this idea of a “calling” except the Christian faith. And there is a very good reason for it. Unfortunately, we confuse this word frequently with other ideas. The English word “vocation” comes from the Latin vocatio, which means “calling.” They are the same thing, though this is not obvious to the people who use these words. The fact that many people speak of their jobs as their “vocation” while pastors and missionaries speak of “being called” shows how inadequately we have understood the universal call of God to every Christian. God’s call is primarily salvation-oriented rather than occupational. Martin Luther admonishes that “the Christian is called to be a Christian in whatever situation he or she finds himself or herself, rather than equate vocation with occupation (jobs).” The Scripture affirms that “calling” is always to someone (i.e. God), not to something or somewhere!” The gospel narratives of the calling of the disciples give us an interesting insight into what “calling” itself means for us.

In Mark 3:13-15, we find that Jesus goes up a mountain and calls the twelve and they came to him. Mark comments that Jesus ordained them for four purposes: one, to be with him; two, to go out and preach the gospel; three, to heal the sick; and four, to cast out demons. In Matthew, the entire

Bishop’s Easter MessageEditorialPhoto GalleryELCM Events / News Updates & Our Condolences

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ELCM Outreach Ministries ELCM Diakonia MinistriesA Tribute in Honour of the Late Rev. S.G. AchariamA Tribute in Honour of the Late Rev. Tiruchiluvai Joseph

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CALLING OF THE

DISCIPLESIn her book entitled “A Man Called Peter”, Catherine Marshall tells how her late preacher-husband, Peter Marshall, felt a sense of destiny, a sense of call in his life. One dark night, Peter Marshall, then a young man, decided to take a shortcut across the Scottish moors. He knew there was a deep quarry in the area but he was confident he could avoid it. Suddenly, he heard someone call “Peter.” There was a great urgency in the voice. Peter Marshall stopped in the darkness and responded, “Yes, who is it? What do you want?” There was no answer. He walked a few more steps and then heard the voice calling still more urgently, “Peter!” He paused then stumbled and fell on his knees. Putting out his hand to catch himself, he found nothing there!! He was at the very edge of the abandoned stone quarry. Just one more step would have meant certain death. The calling that night confirmed for Peter Marshall that he was clearly being called by God for the ministry.

Dear readers, if you call yourself a Christian, a believer and follower of Jesus Christ, then, like Peter Marshall, you have been called to the ministry to serve the Lord our God.

The Lutheran Herald says that, as believers, we are all called to the ministry to become part of the Master’s plan. It is our responsibility to minister just as we have been ministered to. But how, what does God want from us, how do we know we are doing what Jesus wants us to do?

Our Lord Jesus made 3 very clear commands while He was with us in His humanity. If your life is surrounded by His teaching in these commands, you will be serving Him. Get your pens out and mark these scripture passages that spell out Jesus’ 3 commands:1. Matthew 22:36-39 (The Greatest Commandment) 36 “Teacher, which is the

greatest commandment in the Law?” 37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

2. John 13:34-35 (The New Commandment) 34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

3. Matthew 28:18-20 (The Great Commission) 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Although time marches on, God’s plans are timeless and he has given us everything we need for the ministry in the above scriptures.

The Herald reiterates that God has a ministry for every Christian and congregation. Let us make it a priority to be prayerfully seeking to find that ministry. God is counting on us to make a difference.

God bless you all.

Rev. Albert P. AbishegamEditorAugust 2014

Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia21, Jalan Sultan Abdul Samad, Brickfields50470 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.Tel: 03-2274 1033 / 03-2274 0204 Fax: 03-2274 1750Email: [email protected]: 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 [email protected]

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The Lutheran Herald Says....

A CALL TO MINISTRY

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Penang, 02.03.2014 - Bishop with 8 confirmands at Victory Lutheran Congregation

Subang, 20.04.2014 – Youths of Sri Subang Lutheran Congregation after their Easter Sunday drama

Kuala Lumpur, 01.05.2014 – Holy Cross Lutheran Congregation’s Sunday School Children during the Annual Central District Sports’ Day

Subang, 04.05.2014 – Bishop with 12 confirmands at Sri Subang Lutheran Congregation

Teluk Intan, 11.05.2014 – Members of Bethesda Lutheran Congregation during their Mother’s Day celebration

Penang, 11.05.2014 - Members of Victory Lutheran Congregation during their Mother’s Day celebration

Port Dickson, 11.05.2014 – Members of Resurrection Lutheran Congregation during Mother’s Day celebration

Batu Gajah, 11.05.2014 – Members of Batu Gajah Lutheran Congregation joyously celebrating Mother’s Day in their premises


Kuala Lumpur, 11.05.2014 – Members of Zion Cathdral during their Mother’s Day celebration

Penang, 30 - 31.05.2014 - Northern District Pastors participating children during their Vacation Bible School held at Bukit Mertajam Lutheran Congregation

Perak, 30.05 – 01.06.2014 – Members of Wangsa Maju Lutheran Congregation during their Family Retreat at Pulau Pangkor

Teluk Intan, 02 - 04.06.2014 – Juniors from Bethesda, Bethany and Holy Trinity Lutheran Congregation during their combined Hilir Perak Junior Work Camp.

Petaling Jaya, 07.06.2014 – HIV, AIDS & Drugs Awareness Workshop conducted by Harapan Community was held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Congregation

Teluk Intan, 15.06.2014 – Members of Holy Trinity Lutheran Congregation during their Father’s Day celebration

Port Dickson, 15.06.2014 – Members of Resurrection Lutheran Congregation during their Father’s Day celebration

Kuala Lumpur, 15.06.2014 – Members of Zion Cathedral during their Father’s Day celebration

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Petaling Jaya, 15.06.2014 – Members of Good Shepherd Lutheran Congregation during their Father’s Day celebration

Penang, 15.06.2014 – Members of Victory Lutheran Congregation during their Father’s Day celebration

Sungai Buloh, 18.05.2014 – Good Samaritan Lutheran Congregation youths during one of their monthly visitations to the AIDS Ward of Sungai Buloh Hospital

Port Klang, 19.06.2014 –Holy Cross Lutheran Congregation during a youth gathering event held in their premises.

Cheras, 16.08.2014 - Members of Cheras Lutheran Congregation after their Women’s Day Service

Morib, 19.07.2014 – Zion Redeemer youths during an outing to Morib in honour of Indonesian youth Dian who was returning to her homeland

Kerling, 19.07.2014 – Two members of Zion Redeemer Mission Team together with a needy family after ministering to them

Kluang, 26.07.2014 – Bishop with 5 Confirmands at Kluang Lutheran Congregation


Kluang, 26.07.2014 – Bishop Dr. Solomon Rajah being honoured by Dr. Alan Na Wei Lun at Kluang Lutheran Congregation

Klang, 27.07.2014 – Sunday School children of Taman Sentosa Lutheran Congregation during a Gospel Puppet Show

Kuala Lumpur, 02.08.2014 – Zion Redeemer Lutheran Congregation choir performing at Ecumenical Musical Evening organised by St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church, Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur, 04.08.2014 - Bishop with 16 confirmands at Zion Cathedral Lutheran Congregation

Port Dickson, 01.12.2013 – Bernard Raj & Ezekiel Raj were baptised at Resurrection Lutheran Congregation

Subang, 20.04.2014 – Roshan and Angelina were baptised at Sri Subang Lutheran Congregation

Kuala Lumpur, 27.07. 2014 – Six young persons were baptised at Zion Cathedral

Subang, 20.04.2014 – 8 Trinity Home children were baptized at Sri Subang Lutheran Congregation

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ELCM Events / News UpdatesCentral District Sports’ DayThe Central District Pastors’ Fellowship organised its Annual Sports Day on the 1st of May 2014 in the grounds of Zion Cathedral, Kuala Lumpur and the Diocesan Office Complex. The event, graced by the presence of Bishop Dr. Solomon Rajah, commenced at

9.00am and ended at 3.00pm with a prize-giving ceremony. A sumptuous lunch was provided for all the 150 church members who came from all over the Central District. It must also be noted that the Sports’ Day enhanced the existing level of fellowship and unity among members in the district.

Taman Sentosa Lutheran Outreach Becomes a Full CongregationThe Taman Sentosa Lutheran Outreach under the able leadership of Rev. P. Easupillai became a full congregation of the ELCM on the 1st of June 2014. On this day, an AGM chaired

by Bishop Dr. Solomon Rajah and the first Local Council of the Taman Sentosa Lutheran Congregation was elected.

Diocesan Pastors’ Conference 2014 (Planning for 2015)The Diocesan Pastors’ Conference 2014 (Planning for 2015) was held at the Lutheran Hall, Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur on 24th June 2014. The conference which was participated by 20 pastors and evangelists commenced at 10.00am and ended at 1.00pm with lunch. Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Solomon Rajah in his capacity as chairman of the conference welcomed the pastors and evangelists and, among other things, introduced Rev. Leif Dahlin a former missionary of the Church of Sweden, to ELCM to brief on the Family Counselling programme which he had been conducting since March 2014. The last item on the agenda was the district-level planning sessions for year 2015.

Central District Pastors’ Dinner FellowshipThe Central District Pastors’ Fellowship organised a dinner for all pastors in the district and their families on Monday 28th July 2014 at the Raintree Club of Kuala Lumpur, off Jalan Ampang Hilir, Kuala Lumpur. A total

of 35 pastors and family members enjoyed a great time of fellowship while being treated to a sumptuous chinese dinner. The Central District Pastors’ Fellowship would like to place on record its appreciation to Captain and Mrs. Suresh Abishegam for sponsoring the dinner.

Southern District Pastors’/Seniors Fellowship Cum Meeting in Kluang, Johor

The above fellowship cum meeting was held on 5th of July 2014 at the Kluang Lutheran Congregation premises. A total of 14 pastors and senior leaders participated in the event.

51st Diocesan Assembly (Triennium Year)The 51st Diocesan Assembly (Triennium Year) will be held on the 12th and 13th of September, 2014 at Sutera Hotel, Seremban 2. The new Diocesan Council for the Triennium 2014 – 2017 will be elected at this Assembly.

Pre – Jubilee Junior Work Camp (19th – 21st September 2014), Ulu Yam, SelangorThe Pre – Jubilee Junior Camp from the 19th

to 21st of September, 2014 would be held in Ulu Yam, Selangor. The theme for the camp is “Abiding in Him.” Leaders would be charged a fee of RM50.00 while others will be charged RM30.00 each. All Juniors are encouraged to attend this camp.

Rev. Steven Lawrence Appointed as LWF Regional Expression Officer for the Communion in Asia.Rev. Steven Lawrence has been appointed by the LWF as Regional Expression Officer. Pastor Steven has been seconded by the ELCM to this position. The Lutheran Herald extends its heartiest congratulations to Rev. Steven on this honour bestowed upon him and the ELCM.

ELCM Bids Farewell to Rev. Ebenezer Irai AmirthamThe Bishop & the Diocesan Council wishes to thank Rev. Ebenezer Irai Amirtham for his dedicated services to the ELCM. He will be returning to his home church, the Arcot Lutheran Church, India on 17th November 2014 after 7 years of dedicated service to the ELCM. Pastor Ebby, as he is fondly known, began his ministry with the ELCM in year 2008 as a candidate in Zion Cathedral, Kuala Lumpur. After his ordination in year 2009, Rev. Ebenezer served as Pastor-in-Charge of the Puchong, Bethesda and Sri Subang Lutheran Congregations. He also served as the Adviser to the Diocesan Junior Work Committee. Rev. Ebby’s quiet, humble and friendly personality would be greatly missed by both clergy and laity. The ELCM wishes Rev. Ebenezer and his family God’s richest blessings in all their future undertakings.

Diocesan Women’s Convention 2014The Diocesan Women’s Convention 2014 was held from the 18th to the 20th of July 2014 in Pulau Langkawi. The Convention was attended b y about 100 women from all over the ELCM. Mrs. Cecilia Francis and Mrs. Malathi Das were the guests at the Convention. The theme for the Convention was “Women: Vessels for Christ.”


Our Condolences... Madam Ida Sellamah Abishegam (wife of the late Mr R.D. Abishegam) of Zion Redeemer Lutheran Congregation was born on 15th October 1931 and went Home to our Lord Jesus Christ on 17th June 2014 at the age of 82. The funeral service was held on 20th June 2014 at Zion Cathedral Congregation, Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur followed by burial at the Lutheran Gardens Subang. We thank God for her faithful services to the ELCM and express our heartfelt condolences to her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and their spouses.

Mr. Anthony Asirvatham of Cheras Lutheran Congregation entered into eternal rest on 7th July 2014. The funeral service was held on 8th July 2014 at Cheras Lutheran Congregation followed by burial at the Cheras Christian Cemetery. We thank God for his life and express our heartfelt condolences to his wife, children, daughter-in-law, son-in-law, grandchildren, relatives and friends.

Ms. Rani Josabeth Nesamoney of Zion Cathedral Lutheran Congregation entered into eternal rest on 5th June 2014. The funeral service was held on 6th June 2014 at Zion Cathedral Lutheran Congregation, Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur followed by cremation at the Kampong Tunku Crematorium, Petaling Jaya. We thank God for her life and express our heartfelt condolences to her brothers, sisters’-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.

Mr. Joseph Gnana Prakasam of Zion Cathedral Lutheran Congregation was called to be with the Lord on 14th August, 2014. The funeral service was held on 16th August 2014 at Zion Cathedral, Brickfields followed by burial at Cheras Christian Cemetery. We thank God for his faithful services to the ELCM and express our heartfelt condolences to his wife, children and other loved ones.

Sitiawan Lutheran OutreachThe Sitiawan Lutheran Outreach provides spiritual care for 25 souls in and around the Sitiawan and Air Tawar areas. Divine Worship Services commence at 5.00pm every Sunday. House Prayer Meetings are held every Thursday at 8.00pm. Please contact Rev. Samuel Kanagaraj at 011 1118 6167 for further details on the outreach ministry in Sitiawan.

Rantau Lutheran OutreachThe Rantau Lutheran Outreach, under the leadership of Rev. Joseph Sinnapan, has about 25 souls participating in its activities. Divine Worship Services are held every Sunday commencing at 6.00pm in the outreach’s premises. More information on the outreach can be obtained from Rev. Joseph at 016 604 0051.

Rasah Lutheran OutreachThe Rasah Lutheran Outreach cares for 30 souls under its care. Divine Worship Services are held every Sunday commencing at 6.00pm. The Pastor-in-Charge, Rev. Steven Lawrence, also conducts regular bible studies and house visitations. For further information on this ministry, please contact Rev. Steven at 017 375 9317.

Kajang Lutheran OutreachThe Kajang Lutheran Outreach under the oversight of Rev. Somraj Englu has about 10 - 15 souls participating in its activities. Divine Worship Services are held every Sunday commencing at 4.00pm at the outreach’s premises. Please contact Rev. Somraj at 016 200 1735 for further details.

ELCM Outreach MinistriesArcot Lutheran Church, India Elects New BishopThe Arcot Lutheran Church (ALC) of India elected Rev. Raja Socrates as its new Bishop on the 26th of June, 2014. Rt. Rev. Raja Socrates was consecrated as the 7th Bishop of the ALC on the 14th of August 2014 at Resurrection Lutheran Church, Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu, India.

Family Counselling CentreFifteen members from various ELCM congregations have completed a family counselling course conducted by Rev. Leif Dahlin in preparation for the launching of the above centre. In addition, Bro. Kenneth Wong of Malaysian Care also conducted 2 sessions on counselling.

Voluntary Pastors and Evangelists TrainingThe purpose of the above-mentioned training is for on-going church ministry. The programme is being coordinated by Rev. Eliezer Peter.

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ELCM Diakonia Ministries

Rumah HopeRumah Hope has sent two of their girls for tertiary education at Sunway University. Deepika Devi is in

her second year and is pursuing a Diploma in Graphic and Multimedia Design while Vanni Nadarajah is pursuing a Diploma in Hotel Management.

Rumah ChrestusThe Management Committee of Rumah Chrestus, with members of Cheras Lutheran Congregation, organised a fund-raising Banana Leaf Luncheon on 27th April 2014. The event received good support

from various churches and members of the public. Rumah Chrestus continues to provide care for 10 children. More information can be obtained from Rev. Eliezer Peter at 016 622 4421

Family Counselling CentreThe construction of the Family Counselling Centre and Prayer Tower, a ministry of Zion Cathedral Congregation, is expected to commence by the

end of 2014. The estimated budget for this project is RM400,000.00. The Zion Cathedral Local Council

kindly requests for your support and prayers for this initiative.

Rumah Luther Ria, Port DicksonRumah Luther Ria, Port Dickson, is a learning facility for children with special needs. Currently, there are 10 children under its care. The goal of Rumah Luther Ria is to work with the parents to enhance the living skills of their children so that they can be incrementally more effective in managing their lives in the family as well as in the community. We are looking forward to expanding our services in the near future by developing our physical facility which has

reached its capacity. Another objective is to recruit and continually train our staff. The management committee will continue to make every effort to establish Rumah Luther Ria as a centre of teaching excellence for disabled children in our community and a shining testimony of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ in the local community of Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan.

Women’s Care and Counselling Centre (WCCC)The WCCC, a ministry of Holy Cross Lutheran Congregation, Port Klang, continues to provide care and assistance to unwed mothers, sick women and poor widows and other troubled women in our society. The WCCC is in the process of purchasing a new home to shelter the unfortunate women. Please contact Mrs. Elizabeth at 016 649 4635 for further enquiries.


Rev. Moses DevaprasadamRev. Moses worked with several companies until 1942 when he was forced into service by the Japanese invaders as a Japanese interpreter due to his strong English and Japanese language skills.

On 3rd July 1943, he married Suceelabai Evanson with their first child, Santha, being born in 1946, the year that he joined the Income Tax Department as a stenographer.

He then moved on to become an anti-malarial inspector until he joined the Customs and Excise Department in 1949, the year his second child, Sarojini, was born. His sons, Rajan and Balan, were born in 1951 and 1955 respectively. After decades of serving the church as a lay leader, Rev. Moses was ordained a pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia and Singapore (ELCM) in 1968 after three years of pastoral training under the pioneer voluntary pastors training programme.

He took optional retirement from the Government in 1970 to join the church as a full-time pastor after serving two years on a voluntary basis. He served in several congregations including Sentul, Teluk Intan, Ipoh, the Northern District, Port Dickson, Port Klang and Petaling Jaya until his retirement in 1986.

Rev. Moses passed into eternal glory on 9th July 1990, Suceelabai joined her Lord and Master Jesus Christ on 2nd Nov 1999.

Rev. Moses Devaprasadam was born on a train travelling between Ipoh and Teluk Anson (as the town was then called) on 9th September 1917. His parents, Mr and Mrs Devaprasadam Pillay, named him such in reference to the Biblical narration of how the Prophet Moses was sent down a stream in a basket on a journey that would taken him to greatness. His father was a postal official under the British administration who retired in 1924. He then decided to return home to the village of Porayar in Tranquebar with his wife and six children of whom Rev. Moses was the third.

Rev. Moses grew up in his village until the age of 17 when he went to Madras to stay with his younger sister, who had got married at an early age, and brother-in-law. He completed his typing and stenography with distinction and set sail for Malaya in 1937 to look for greener pastures. - ELCM Archives

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Our beloved Pastor Duain W. Vierow joined his Father in heaven on Wednesday, April 9, 2014. He passed away at Shand’s Emergency Center in Gainesville, Florida from dissecting aortic aneurism. Pastor Duain was born on January 25, 1935 in St.Paul, Minnesota. Duain earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1957; Masters of Divinity from Northwestern Lutheran Theological Seminary, Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1960 (now Luther Seminary in St. Paul); Systematic Theology Masters from Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago, Illinois in 1966; and Doctor of Missiology from Fuller School of World Mission at Pasadena, California in 1976.

The mission field was of great importance to Duain. He served in Malaysia for fifteen years and learned the difficult Tamil and Malay languages. He served as a pastor of Matang, Bethany, Bethesda, Holy Trinity and Immanuel congregations in the northern District of the ELCM in addition to covering the outreach areas of Kulim, Teluk Intan and Sungai Samak Estate, Ulu Bernam in diocese. He also served as a Pastor in the the Lutheran Church of Malaysia and Singapore. He functioned in numerous ministries coordinating and administering national programmes in developing strategies for outreach; and he worked tirelessly in community development and with institutions of mercy work.

Duain was an experienced educator, having served in parish settings in North America and Asia; He served as Missionary-in-Residence, Luther Northwestern Theological Seminary; and Missionary-in-Residence, Gustavus Adolphus College. He organised, trained and administered a national lay training extension programme in Malaysia with fifteen centers; taught in two residential theological schools and initiated talks to establish joint ecumenical theological training in Malaysia. He was recognised with an award from the Malaysia Church Growth Committee.

He served as Pastor at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, St. Paul, Minnesota. Prior to that he was called to Christ the Servant Lutheran Church, Vadnais Heights, Minnesota. He was an advisor to the Synod Commission on World Outreach and Service, the Committee on Mission Education Fund at Luther Northwestern Seminary, National Board of Lutheran Youth Encounter; and Greater St. Paul Inter-Lutheran Pastors’ Planning Committee.

In retirement, Duain became the Volunteer Director of the Global Mission Institute at Luther Seminary in Minnesota. In Florida Duain was a co-founder and current member of Hope Lutheran Church, ELCA in The Villages.

Significant dates in the life of the late Pastor Vierow were:Baptised -- March 17, 1935Confirmed -- June 5, 1949Ordained -- May 18, 1960Commissioned by the Board of Foreign Missions of The United Lutheran Church in America to serve as a Missionary in the Malaya Field for the proclamation of the Gospel and the extension of the Kingdom of God -- August 27, 1961

Duain traveled around the globe six times and was a visitor and resident in over 30 countries, concentrating on the study of religions, church and educational programmes. Duain was also an accomplished artist, participating in and winning more than 23 ribbons in judged competitions. He was a member of The Villages Art League, The Villages Art Association, and the Appleton Museum of Art. Many of his paintings are on permanent display at the Center for Movement Disorders at Shands, University of Florida. Pastor Vierow belonged to many organisations, among them the Parkinson Exercise and Support Group and the National Parkinson Foundation. He was also the President for the Minnesota 4-H Programme and the International Farm Youth Exchange (IFYE) for which he worked

in the Netherlands. This programme was a precursor to the Peace Corps.

Duain was an author, and among his published works are A History of Lutheranism in Western Malaysia and Singapore, Church Growth in the Third World, and Cross Roads of World Mission. Duain also authored Sheer Grace, Reflections on a Life Blessed by the Grace of God, and On the Move With the Master.

Many people have been so blessed by knowing and learning from Pastor Vierow. He was an avid golfer, gardener, traveller, reader, sculptor and painter. He loved his children and grandchildren, and had a passion for his wife Donna. He considered himself a missionary and a global citizen, but most of all a Child of God and an International Servant of God.

Duain is survived by his wife of 33 years, Donna Joy Ford Vierow. They were married on December 26, 1980 at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church in Vadnais Heights, Minnesota.

Duain first married Marcia Bush in Iowa in 1960. Two children survive him – daughter Hiltje Christine Baskerville (Dr. John) born in India and now residing in Waterloo, Iowa; and son Dane Christian Vierow (Caroline) born in Sungai Siput, Malaysia and now living in Denver, Colorado. Duain is also survived by granddaughters Marissa Baskerville, Aja Baskerville, and Trinity Vierow; and grandsons Vincent Vierow and Marcel Batorowicz. He is also survived by one sister, Rita Davis, North Branch, Minnesota, five nieces and nephews and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

Duain was predeceased by his parents, William P. 0. Vierow and Louise WendelVierow, and a niece Kimberley Minke. A memorial service and celebration of the life of Duain W. Vierow was held at 11:00a.m. EDT on Tuesday, April 15, 2014, at Hope Lutheran Church, 250 Avenida Los Angelos, Morse Blvd. and Hwy. 466, The Villages, FL 32162. The service was streamed and made available for viewing at www.hope2all.org.

Memorial gifts could be sent to the Duain Vierow Endowed International Student Scholarship Fund, Luther Seminary, 2481 Como Ave., St. Paul MN 55108-9901. Another memorial service was also held at a later date at St. Mark Lutheran Church, North St. Paul, Minnesota.

- ELCM Archives

Documents

Lutheran Herald_ August 2014 16th Edition