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April 2011 7th Edition

asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?” “They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I do not know where they have put him.” At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!”(this means “Teacher).

Church is Built on ResurrectionLast Easter, I wrote to you about the miracle of the Resurrection, and declare it as the very foundation of our faith. In fact, it is an essential part of our faith and without the Resurrection there can be no Church at all! This Easter, I pose to you this question: “If there can be no Church without the Resurrection, can anyone declare himself or herself as “Christian” if he or she does not understand the Resurrection? In other words, can we call ourselves a “Christian” if we cannot believe in the Resurrection? “Now, the Lord did not leave us all alone in struggling with this human dilemma but the Scripture tells us how to deal with it.

John 20: 1-16 tells us this: “Early on the first day of the week,

while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have

put him!” So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen. Finally, the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead). Then the disciples went back to where they were staying. Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. They

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On that Fateful MorningOn that fateful morning, as the light of dawn ever so lightly stained the sky, a lonely woman was at the tomb standing there heartbroken and eyes in tears. Her name was Mary Magdalene, and the Apostle John tells us that she was the only one there totally absorbed in her agony. Two angels spoke to her, and she did not recognize them or she would have fallen on her feet or would have framed her response more formally. She turned and saw Jesus but did not recognize him either. She in fact thought it was the gardener! I think it could have been the dark and then as the moment grew brighter, and as Jesus called her name, “Mary!” the spark of recognition caught fire. There were two aspects that clouded Mary’s ability to see Jesus: one, the external environment was simply too dark to see that the gardener she thought she saw was actually Jesus; and two, her inner self was so disturbed that she could not see neither the angels nor the Saviour. Is that not, in a nutshell, our everyday struggle with the Lord! In the midst of our troubles, we can all assent that Jesus is here, yet in the perplexity of our hearts, he is so far away. Mary Magdalene and the Apostles at the TombWe know very little of Mary Magdalene’s life but we know that she is no ordinary woman and her walk with Jesus was no ordinary one. Together with Mary, the mother of Jesus, she was part of the band of women who took care of Jesus. All four gospels agree that Mary Magdalene was the first to witness the Risen Christ. In Luke 8:2 and Mark 16:9, we see that Mary was a Galilean from whom Jesus exorcised seven demons, thereafter she had followed Jesus to Jerusalem. Yet on the first Easter morning, she found herself without understanding.

When she brought the disciples to the empty tomb, Peter and John competed with each other to see for themselves if Mary was right. John peered in and Peter rushed bodily in and found just the linen. They went back dumbfounded. But Mary stood by crying. And that brings us to the crux of the problem. John tells us clearly that the understanding that Jesus must not only die but be resurrected had not dawned upon even the apostles. It was still dark for them. But Mary had no need to understand why Jesus must die or rise again. She did not have a theological mind… she simply needed to know that her Rabboni lives!

Our ConfessionIn the confession of our faith, we may not understand what we say in our Apostle’s Creed or in the Nicene Creed. These things take time to nurture in us. Was Jesus born of the Virgin Mary? Did he die for real? Did he rise again? Did he ascend into heaven? Did he send the Comforter after that? Does the Church as the vehicle of the faith need to explain these questions? Certainly yes! On the other hand, do the correct answers to these questions secure our salvation? Certainly not! The individual Christian need not understand that Jesus rose from the dead but the individual needs to know that Jesus lives! This is why Mary Magdalene agonized herself so much. She needed to know that her Rabboni is alive, not understand the “why!” It is no surprise that Mary Magdalene before her assassination is referred by Pope Gregory the Great in early Christian writings as “the apostle to the apostles.” Our MissiologyThis fine distinction is important to understand our role as a Church. Our job is not to prove that Jesus resurrected from the dead but to show that he lives! Our job is not to demand an intellectual assent for the baptism of individuals. We ought to create a safe space where an individual may explore our living God and his Son Jesus Christ without fear of persecution so as to make an informed decision about Jesus Christ. And we ought to call this “evangelism.” Anyone who makes a commitment to receive Jesus seriously and explore the Bible and his or her daily life looking for the living Christ is a candidate for baptism. Otherwise, he or she is not!

We need that fire in our hearts. I urge all Christians today to look inwardly into your hearts - whether they are indifferent, cold or have rejected the truth of the resurrection of Christ. Perhaps this Easter is the time for you to look for the spark of recognition. If your heart is well and in its rightful receptive place, then seek to tell the world that the Rabboni lives! Together with my family, I wish all members and well-wishers of the ELCM a joyful and meaningful Easter celebration!

Rt Rev Dr Solomon RajahBishopEvangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia

Easter 2011

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Nahthd; 20:1-16, ,ij mwptpf;fpwJ:

1. thuj;jpd; Kjy;ehs; fhiyapy;> mjpf ,Ul;NlhNl> kfjNydh khpahs; fy;yiwapdplj;jpw;F te;J fy;yiwia milj;jpUe;j fy; vLj;Jg; Nghl;bUf;ff;fz;lhs;.

2. clNd mts; Xb> rPNkhd;NgJUtpdplj;jpYk; ,NaRTf;F md;ghapUe;j kw;wr; rP\dplj;jpYk; Ngha;: fh;j;jiuf; fy;yiwapypUe;J vLj;Jf;nfhz;L Ngha;tpl;lhh;fs;> mtiu itj;j ,lk; vq;fSf;Fj; njhpatpy;iy vd;whs;.

3. mg;nghOJ NgJUTk; kw;wr; rP\Dk; fy;yiwapdplj;jpw;Fg; NghFk;gb Gwg;gl;L> ,UtUk; xUkpj;J Xbdhh;fs;.

4. NgJUitg;ghh;f;fpYk; kw;wr; rP\d; Jhpjkha; Xb> Ke;jpf; fy;yiwapdplj;jpy; te;J>

5. mjw;Fs;Ns Fdpe;Jghh;j;J> rPiyfs; fplf;fpwijf; fz;lhd;> MdhYk; mtd; cs;Ns Nghftpy;iy.

6. rPNkhd;NgJU mtDf;Fg; gpd;Nd te;J> fy;yiwf;Fs;Ns gpuNtrpj;J>

7. rPiyfs; fplf;fpwijAk;> mtUila jiyapy; Rw;wpapUe;j rPiy kw;wr; rPiyfSlNd itj;jpuhky; jdpNa xU ,lj;jpNy RUl;b itj;jpUf;fpwijAk; fz;lhd;.

8. Ke;jpf; fy;yiwapdplj;jpw;F te;j kw;wr; rP\Dk; mg;nghOJ cs;Ns gpuNtrpj;J> fz;L tpRthrpj;jhd;.

9. mth; khpj;NjhhpypUe;J vOe;jpUf;fNtz;Lk; vd;fpw Ntjthf;fpaj;ij mth;fs; ,d;Dk; mwpahjpUe;jhh;fs;.

10. gpd;G me;jr; rP\h;fs; jq;fSila ,lj;jpw;Fj; jpUk;gpg;Nghdhh;fs;.

11. khpahs; fy;yiwapdUNf ntspNa epd;W mOJnfhz;bUe;jhs;> mg;gb mOJnfhz;bUf;ifapy; mts; Fdpe;J fy;yiwf;Fs;Ns ghh;j;J>

12. ,NaRtpd; rhPuk; itf;fg;gl;bUe;j ,lj;jpNy nts;Sil jhpj;jth;fsha; ,uz;L J}jh;fs;> jiykhl;by; xUtDk; fhy;khl;by; xUtDkhf> cl;fhh;e;jpUf;fpwijf; fz;lhs;.

13. mth;fs; mtis Nehf;fp: ];jphPNa> Vd; mOfpwha; vd;whh;fs;. mjw;F mts;: vd; Mz;ltiu vLj;Jf; nfhz;L Ngha;tpl;lhh;fs;> mtiu itj;j ,lk; vdf;Fj; njhpatpy;iy vd;whs;.

14. ,itfisr; nrhy;ypg; gpd;dhfj; jpUk;gp> ,NaR epw;fpwijf; fz;lhs;> MdhYk; mtiu ,NaR vd;W mwpahjpUe;jhs;.

15. ,NaR mtisg; ghh;j;J: ];jphPNa> Vd; mOfpwha;> ahiuj; NjLfpwha; vd;whh;. mts;> mtiuj; Njhl;lf;fhundd;W vz;zp: Iah> ePh; mtiu vLj;Jf;nfhz;LNghdJz;lhdhy;> mtiu itj;j ,lj;ij vdf;Fr; nrhy;Yk;> ehd; Ngha; mtiu vLj;Jf;nfhs;SNtd; vd;whs;.

16. ,NaR mtis Nehf;fp: khpahNs vd;whh;. mts; jpUk;gpg; ghh;j;J: ug+dp vd;whs;> mjw;Fg; NghjfNu vd;W mh;j;jkhk;.

capu;j;jnjOjypy; jpUr;rig fl;lg;gl;bUf;fpwJfle;j fpwp];J capu;j;njOe;j gz;bifapd; rkak; me;j capu;njOjypd; mw;Gjj;jijg; gw;wpAk;> mJ ekJ fpwp];jt tpRthrj;jpd; mbj;jykhf ,Uf;fpwJ vd;gijAk; ehd; cq;fSf;F vOjpNdd;. cz;ikapy; capu;jnjOjNy ekJ tpRthrj;jpd; mjp Kf;fpa gFjpahapUf;fpwJ. capu;j;njOjy; ,y;iynad;why; jpUr;rigAk; ,Uf;f KbahJ ,t;tUl capu;j;njOe;j gz;biff;F ehd; cq;fs; kj;jpapy; xU Nfs;tpia vOg;GfpNwd;: ‘capu;j;njOjy; ,y;yhky; jpUr;rig ,y;iynad;why;> me;j capu;j;njOjiyg;gw;wp Gupe;Jnfhs;shky; ahuhtJ ehd; fpwp];jtd; my;yJ fpwp];jts; vd;W $wKbAkh? ekJ Mz;ltu; ehk;ik jdpeguhf ,e;j khdplu;f;Fwpa Fog;gj;ij jPu;f;f mt];ijg;gLk;gb tpl;Ltpltpy;iy. Ntjhfkk; ,ij vg;gb jPu;g;gJ vd;W $WfpwJ.

me;j Ju;ghf;fpa fhiyme;j Ju;ghf;fpa fhiyapy;> thdpy; rpW xsp Njhd;Wk; Neuj;jpy;> kdk; cile;j epiyapy; fz;zPNuhL xU ngz; jdpikahf fy;yiwapd; Kd; epw;fpwhs;. mts; ngau; kfjNydh kupahs;. mts; kl;Lk; jdpahf jd; jPtpu Ntjidapy; %o;fpatshf ,Ue;jjhf Nahthd; mg;Ng];jyu; $Wfpwhu;. ,uz;L Jhju;fs; mtSld; Ngrpdu;. Mdhy;> mts; mtu;fis ahu; vd;W mwpatpy;iy. mg;gb mwpe;jpUe;jhy; mtu;fs; fhybapy; tPo;e;jpUg;ghs; my;yJ jdJ gjpiy rupahdgb mikj;jpUg;ghs;. mts; jpUk;gpaNghJ NahRit ghu;f;fpwhs; Mdhy; mtiuAk; mts; milahsq; fz;Lgpbf;ftpy;iy. mtiu Njhl;lf;fhud; vd;W vz;zpdhs;. xUNtis ,d;Dk; ,Us; ,Ue;jjpdhy; mts; mtiu ahu; vd;W mwpatpy;iy vd ehd; vz;ZfpNwd;. gpd;du; rpwpJ ntspr;rk; te;jJk;> ,NaR mtis ‘kupahNs” vd;W mioj;jJk; mts; mtiu ahu; vd;W mwpe;Jf; nfhs;fpwhs;. ,uz;L fhupaq;fs; ,NaRit mwpahjgb kupahspd; fz;fis kiwj;jd: KjyhtJ ntsp #o;epiy mjpf ,Ushf ,Ue;jjpdhy; mts; ghu;j;j me;j Njhl;lf;fhud; ,NaRjhd; vd;gij mJ kiwj;jJ. ,uz;lhtjhf> mts; kdepiy mjpf Fog;gj;jpy; ,Ue;jjpdhy; mts; NjtJhju;fisNah ,NaRitNah milahsk; fz;Lgpbf;ftpy;iy. ,it jhNd cz;ikapy; jpdrup ekJ [Ptpj;jpYk; ,NaRNthL ekf;F cs;s Nghuhl;lk;? ekJ gy rpukq;fSf;F kj;jpapYk; ehk; ,NaR ,q;Nf ,Uf;fpwhu; vd; xg;Gf;nfhs;syhk;> Mdhy; ekJ kd fyf;fj;jpdhy; mtu; ,d;Dk; mjpf JhukhfNt ,Uf;fpwhu;.

kfjNydh kupahSk; fy;yiuapdplj;jpy; ,Ue;j mg;Ngh];jyu;fSk;kfjNydh kupahisg; gw;wp ekf;F mjpfkhfj; njupahJ. Mdhy; mts; rhjhuzkhd ngz; my;y>

Nguhaupd; nra;jp

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fd;dp kupahsplj;jpy; gpwe;jhuh? mtu; cz;ikahfNt kupj;jhuh? jpUr;rig ekJ tpRthrj;jpd;; thfdkhf ,Ug;gjpdhy; ,e;j Nfs;tpfSf;F tpsf;fk; nfhLf;f Ntz;Lkh? epr;rakhf nfhLf;fNtz;Lk;. Mdhy; ,e;jf; Nfs;tpfSf;fhd rupahd tpil ekJ ,ul;rpg;ig cWjpg;gLj;j KbAkh? epr;rakhf ,y;iy. jdpg;gl;l fpwp];jtu; ,NaR kupj;NjupypUe;J capUld; vOe;jhu; vd;gijg; Gupe;Jnfhs;s Ntz;ba mtrpak; ,y;iy. Mdhy; xt;nthU fpwp];jtUk; ,NaR [Ptpf;fpwhu; vd;gij mwpe;jpUf;f Ntz;Lk;. mjdhy;jhd; kfjNydh kupahs; jd;idNa Ntjidg;gLj;jpf; nfhz;bUe;jhs;. mts; jd; ‘uG+dp” [Ptpf;fpwhu; vd;gij kl;LNk mwpe;J nfhs;s tpUk;gpdhs;. mJ Vd; vd;gij Gupe;Jnfhs;s my;y. MfNtjhd; ‘Nghg;” fpupfup vd;gtu; mtis ‘mg;Ngh];jyu;fspd; mg;Ngh];jyu;” vd;W Fwpdhu;.

ekJ jpUg;gzpjpUr;rigapd; nghUg;ig Gupe;Jnfhs;s ,e;j ,uz;bw;Fk; cs;s NtWghl;il ehk; mwpe;jpUg;gJ mjpf Kf;fpakhFk;. ekJ gzp> ,NaR capUld; vOe;jhu; vd;gij ep&gpg;gjy;y> mtu;;; capUld; ,Uf;fpw; vd;gij mwptpg;gNj. jdp egu;fs; Qhd];ehdk; ngw mtu;fs; gFj;jwpTld; tpUg;gk; njuptpf;fNtz;Lk; vd;W typa Nfl;gJ ekJ gzp my;y. mtu;fs;; ve;j gaKk; ,y;yhky; Ra tpUg;gj;Jld; ,NaR fpwp];Jit Vw;Wf;nfhs;s mtu;fSf;F xU rupahd #o;epiyia Vw;gLj;jpf; nfhLg;gNj ekJ gzp. ,ijNa ehk; ‘jpUg;gzp” vd;W $wyhk;.

,NaRit KO kdJld; Vw;Wf;nfhz;L> Ntjhfkj;ij MtYld; gbj;J> jdJ jpdrup [Ptpaj;jpy; capUs;s fpwp];Jit ghu;f;f MtYila vtUk; Qhd];ehdk; ngw jFjpAs;stu;fshtu;. mtu;fs; mg;gb ,y;iy vd;why; mjw;F jFjp ,y;yhjtu;fs;. ,e;j jP ekJ ,Ujaj;jpy; ,Uf;f Ntz;Lk;. vy;yh fpwp];jtu;fSk;> ,d;W jq;fs; ,Ujaj;ij cw;Wg; ghu;f;Fk;gb ehd; typAWj;JfpNwd;. mtu;fs; gw;wpy;yhky;> Fspu;e;JNgha;> fpwp];Jtpd; capu;j;njOjypd; rj;jpaj;ij kWj;Jtpl;lhu;fsh? xUNtis ,e;j capu;j;njOe;j jpUehNs ,ij mwpe;Jf;nfhs;Sk; Neukhf ,Uf;fyhk;. cq;fs; kdJ ed;whf ,Ue;jhy;> mJ rupahf Vw;Wf;nfhs;sf;$ba ,lj;jpy; ,Ue;jhy;> cyfj;Jf;F ‘uG+dp” [Ptpf;fpwhu; vd;W nrhy;Yk; topia NjLq;fs;.

vy;yh rig mq;fj;jpdu;fSk;, kNyrpa RtpNr\ Yj;jud; jpUr;rigapd; ez;gu;fSk; FJfy> mu;j;jKs;s capu;j;njOe;jg;gz;bifia nfhz;lhl ehd; vd; FLk;gj;jhUld; vy;yhiuAk; tho;j;JfpNwd;.

khkiwjpU. Kidtu; rhyNkhd; uh[hNguhau;.

kNyrpa RtpNr\ Yj;jud; jpUr;rig.fpwp];J capu;j;njOe;j gz;bif> 2011

,NaRNthL mts; ele;j eilAk; rhjhuzkhdjy;y. ,NaRtpd; jhahuhfpa kupahSld;> ,NaRit ftdpj;Jf;nfhz;l ngz;fs; FOtpy; ,tSk; ,Ue;jhs;. ehd;F RtpNr\q;fSk; kfjNydh kupahNs Kjd; Kjypy; capu;j;njOe;j fpwp];Jit fz;lts; vd xj;Jf;nfhs;fpd;wd. Yhf;fh 8:2> khw;F 16:9 Mfpa trdq;fspd; %yk; kfjNydh kupahs; fypNyahit Nru;e;jts; vd;Wk; ,NaR mtsplk; ,Ue;j VO Mtpfis ntspNaw;wpdhu;> MfNt mts; ,NaRit gpd; njhlu;e;J vUrNyKf;F te;jhs; vd;Wk; mwpfpNwhk;. ,Ue;jg;NghjpYk; me;j Kjy; capu;j;njOe;j fhiyapy; mts; mwpahikAld; fhzg;gl;lhs;. mts; rP\u;fis fhypahd fy;yiwf;F nfhz;Lte;jNghJ> NgJUTk; NahthDk; Nghl;bg;Nghl;Lf;nfhz;L> kupahspd; nra;jp cz;ikah vd ghu;f;f te;jdu;. Nahthd; Fdpe;J cs;Ns ghu;j;jhd;. NgJU Jupjkhf cs;Ns Eioe;J rPiyfs; khj;jpuk; ,Ug;gijg; ghu;j;jhd;. mtu;fs; tha; mlf;fg;gl;ltu;fshf jpUk;gpr; nrd;wdu;. Mdhy; kupahs; moJnfhz;Nl epd;whs;. ,J ek;ik mjpf Kf;fpag;gFjpf;F nfhz;LtUfpwJ. Nahthd; ,ijf;Fwpj;J nrhy;Yk;NghJ> ,NaR kupg;gJkl;Lky;y mtu; kPz;Lk; capUld; vOe;jpUf;f Ntz;Lk; vd;gij rP\u;fs; $l Gupe;Jnfhs;stps;is vd;fpwhu;. ,d;Dk; mtu;fSf;F ,Us;jhd;. Mdhy; kupahSf;F ,NaR Vd; kupf;f Ntz;Lk; my;yJ capu;j;njo Ntz;Lk; vd;gij Gupe;J nfhs;s Ntz;ba mtrpak; ,y;iy. mtSf;F Njtrh];jpu vz;zk; ,y;iy. ‘uG+dp” [Ptpf;fpwhu; vd;gij kl;Lk; mwpa mtSf;F Mty;; ,Ue;jJ.

ekJ mwpf;ifmg;Ngh];jy my;yJ epNrah tpRthr mwpf;ifapy;> ehk; nrhy;Yk; fhupaq;fis ehk; Gupe;Jf;nfhs;shky; ,Uf;fyhk;. ,itfs; ek;kpy; gjpa fhykhFk;. ,NaR

ekJ gzp> ,NaR capUld; vOe;jhu; vd;gij ep&gpg;gjy;y> mtu;;; capUld; ,Uf;fpw; vd;gij mwptpg;gNj! jdp egu;fs; Qhd];ehdk;

ngw mtu;fs; gFj;jwpTld; tpUg;gk; njuptpf;fNtz;Lk; vd;W typa Nfl;gJ ekJ gzp my;y.

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Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia21, Jalan Sultan Abdul Samad, Brickfields50470 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.Tel: 03-2274 1033 / 03-2274 0204 Fax: 03-2274 1750Email: elcm@streamyx.comWebsite: www.elcm.com.my

Editor-in-Chief Rt. Rev Dr. Solomon RajahBishop, ELCM

Editor Rev. Albert P. Abishegam

Asst. Editor Rev. Steven Lawrence

Members Rev. Moses MuthusamiRev. Paul K.Rev. Ebenezer Irai AmirthamMs. Rani DavidMr. Eliezer Peter

1

April 2011 7th Edition

asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?” “�ey have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I do not know where they have put him.” At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” �inking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!”(this means “Teacher).

Church is Built on ResurrectionLast Easter, I wrote to you about the miracle of the Resurrection, and declare it as the very foundation of our faith. In fact, it is an essential part of our faith and without the Resurrection there can be no Church at all! This Easter, I pose to you this question: “If there can be no Church without the Resurrection, can anyone declare himself or herself as “Christian” if he or she does not understand the Resurrection? In other words, can we call ourselves a “Christian” if we cannot believe in the Resurrection? “Now, the Lord did not leave us all alone in struggling with this human dilemma but the Scripture tells us how to deal with it.

John 20: 1-16 tells us this: “Early on the first day of the week,

while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “�ey have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have

put him!” So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. �en Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. �e cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen. Finally, the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. (�ey still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead). �en the disciples went back to where they were staying. Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. �ey

ELCM Diakonia MinistriesELCM Events / New UpdatesHe Is Not Here (Tamil)Dr Samuel Abishegam - A TributeELCM 110 Year Anniversary

Bishop’s MessageEditorialPhoto GalleryTribute to Rev. Z. Jeremiah AchariamELCM Outreach Ministries

1 - 45 - 67 - 101112

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Alleluia! Easter is here again! And the Herald devotes this editorial to the rich significance and origin of this sacred celebration of Christ’s resurrection from

the dead. It is the oldest and holiest Christian festival, the climax and center of the liturgical year and the holy day to which all other holy days point. Even denominations that do not strictly follow a liturgical calendar commemorate Easter with tremendous joy and thanksgiving.

Indeed, the foundation of the Christian faith is the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ! Christ lived the righteous and perfect life that we, because of our fallen and corrupt nature, cannot. He suffered the penalty for our sins by taking our guilt upon himself and dying horribly on the cross. He rose bodily from the dead that first Easter morning ensuring that we who have been baptised into his death and resurrection will rise again in glorified bodies on the Last Day. This is the great paschal mystery that Christians have celebrated since the earliest days of the church.

The apostle Paul joyfully declared as follows in 1 Corinthians 15:20-22 and 55-57:“But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive……“ O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?” The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

How then did Easter eggs and the Easter rabbit originate? In many ancient cultures, eggs were a common symbol of new life. In medieval times, eggs came to represent the Lord’s resurrection. Just as Christ broke out of the tomb on Easter morning, the yoke of the egg breaks out of its shell when cracked. The decoration of eggs for Easter is part of the folk traditions of many cultures although it has little or no religious significance any more. The Easter rabbit is a popular secular symbol for Easter that has never taken on a Christian interpretation. It seems to have originated from the hare, a symbol of fertility in ancient Egypt and later on in parts of Europe. It is not altogether clear how the Easter rabbit became associated with this sacred celebration.

On Easter Sunday, therefore, while secular society occupies itself with eggs and rabbits, the Christian church celebrates God’s great triumph over sin, death and the devil with the following ancient greeting:

Alleluia! Christ is risen!He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

The Lutheran Herald Editorial Committee takes this opportunity to wish all our readers A BLESSED EASTER!

God bless you all.

The Significance of Easter To The Christian Church

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fpwp];Jt jpUr;rigfSf;F> fpwp];J capu;j;njOe;j gz;bifapd; Kf;fpaj;Jtk;

1 nfhupe;jpau; 15:20­22> 55­57y; $Wfpwhu;.

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ve;j tpsf;fKk; ngwhj xU rpd;dk;. ,jd; Muk;gk; gz;ilfhy vfpg;jpy; Kay; nrOikahf ,Uj;jYf;F xg;gpl;ljpypUe;J tUtjhf fUjg;gLfpwJ. gpd;G ,J INuhg;gpa Njrq;fspYk; gad; gLj;jg;gl;lJ. Mdhy; ,J vg;gb Gdpj “<];lu;” gz;bifAld; ,izf;fg;gl;lJ vd;gJ mjpf njspthf njupatpy;iy.

rka rhu;gw;w rKjhak; fpwp];J capu;j;njYe;j QhapW md;W

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my;NyYhah! fpwp];J capu;j;njOe;jhu;. mtu; nka;ahfNt capu;j;njOe;jhu;! my;NyYhah!

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6 7 7

09.05.2010 – Wangsa Maju Lutheran Congregation honoured its mothers on Mother’s Day 2010

05.12.2010 – Rev. Dr. Allan Vairamuthu and a few members of Wangsa Maju Lutheran Congregation during a visit to an orphanage in Setapak

22.08.2010 – 5 Grace Lutheran Congregation confirmands together with Bishop and Candidate Andrew Samraj after their confirmation

11.12.2010 – Marriage of Naventhran Paul, son of late Bishop Julius Paul & Mrs Santha Paul, and Angela Gomez was solemnised by Rev. Albert Abishegam at Zion Cathedral

19.11.2010 – Team from Kluang Lutheran Congregation which emerged winners of National Bible Quiz 2010 (under 15 category) with their teacher Mrs. Citra Daniel.

17.12.2010 – A Christmas Ecumenical Carol Service participated by 9 churches / institutions was organised by Bethesda Lutheran Congregation, Teluk Intan

27.11.2010 – Choir of Kajang Lutheran Outreach performing at Central District Candlelight Service

19.12.2010 – Rev. G. Ebenezer Irai Amirtham and members of Bethesda Lutheran Congregation, Teluk Intan after their Christmas party

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24.12.2010 – Children of Victory Lutheran Congregation, Penang singing Christmas Carols during 1Malaysia Christmas celebration and New Year party

18.01.2011 to 20.01.2011 – Bishop attended Heads of Churches Retreat in Kota Kinabalu

24.12.2010 – Members of Victory Lutheran Congregation, Penang worshipping during their Christmas Eve Midnight Service

29.01.2011 – Rewberne Christopher and Shaminy of Cheras Congregation at their wedding in Zion Cathedral which was solemnised by Rev. Steven Lawrence

11.01.2011 – The 1st Pastors’ Conference for 2011 was held at Lutheran Hall, Brickfields

06.02.2011 – Members of Kajang Lutheran Outreach together with Rev. Steven Lawrence after receiving their new Bibles

16.01.2011 - Delilah Divya Anand daughter of Mr & Mrs Jeev Anand of Zion Cathedral Service was baptised at Zion Cathedral by Rev. Albert Abishegam

13.02.2011 – Visitors from LCA Board for Mission and LCA Rockingham Mandurah Lutheran Parish after participating at Worship Service of Good Hope Lutheran Congregation, Petaling Jaya

8 9 9

19.02.2011 – Rev. Stephen Vello and youths of Good Samaritan Lutheran Congregation during an outing to Lost World of Tambun, Ipoh

06.03.2011 – Good Samaritan Women’s Fellowship, Sentul presenting a medley of songs during Women’s Sunday

20.02.2011 – Bishop and Rev. Albert Vijay Joseph together with DC and LC members after Good Hope 40th Anniversary Service

10.03.2011 – Good Samaritan youths performing a cultural dance during opening ceremony of LWF Asia Church Leadership Conference, Petaling Jaya

24.02.2011 - Representative of visiting delegation from Madras Christian Council of Social Service presenting souvenir to Bishop during welcoming ceremony at Zion Cathedral

10.03.2011 – Bishop being felicitated and honoured at LWF Asia Church Leadership Conference, Petaling Jaya

25.02.2011 to 27.02.2011 - Participants of Diocesan Sunday School Teachers’ Training held at Lutheran Centre, Port Dickson

13.03.2011 – Participants of National Youth Leadership Conference held at Lutheran Centre, Port Dickson

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20.03.2011 – Bishop dedicating Batu Gajah Lutheran Outreach- an outreach of Immanuel Lutheran Congregation, Ipoh

05.03.2011 - Rev. A. Vijay Joseph together with a few church members during Rumah Hope’s Open Day in Petaling Jaya

15.03.2011 - 17.03.2011 - Leaders and participants of Kluang Lutheran Congregation Koinonia Camp II themed “In the Image of God”

28.11.2010 - Bishop, Rev. David Devapirian & Mr Silas Das together with Zion Cathedral Congregation LC members after launching ofLutheran Book Centre in Brickfields

22.12.2010 - Dato’ Seri S. Samy Vellu was guest of honour at ELCMChristmas party in Brickfields

03.10.2010 - Rev. Caleb Santhosam and members of Good ShepherdLutheran Congregation, Petaling Jaya after their Thanksgiving Service

19.11.2010 - 21.11.2010 - Pastors and participants of Diocesan Children’s Bible Camp held at Lutheran Centre, Port Dickson

28.11.2010 - Bishop and senior members of Zion Cathedral Congregation after being honoured in conjunction with Zion Cathedral Congregation’s 86th Anniversary

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The late Rev. Jeremiah Achariam or Pastor Jerry as he was so fondly known was called home to the realm of the Heavenly Father on Sunday 28th November 2011. Pastor Jerry was the 6th of 7 children of the late Rev. S.G. Achariam – the very first indigenous pastor in the ELCM and Mrs Eva Maragatham Achariam. He was born in Tranquebar, South India on 16th June 1947.

His early years were spent in Penang where his father served as a Pastor. Rev. S.G. Achariam’s fervent prayer was answered when Pastor Jerry committed his life to full time ministry and began his theological studies in the 70s at the United Theological Seminary in Bangalore, India. A year later, he transferred to the Trinity Theological College in Singapore where he joined other ELCM students including the late Rt Rev. Julius Paul, the late Rev. Danaraj Darlington and the late Rev Calvin Chelliah.

As a student Pastor in Singapore, Pastor Jerry was assigned to the Bethlehem Lutheran Congregation in Sembawang (formerly the arm of the ELCM in Singapore) under the leadership of Rev. Moses Muthusami who was pastoring this congregation at that time. Being vibrant and dynamic, Pastor Jerry took a lead role in the youth fellowship and introduced new programmes which drew many to Christ. Fond memories of the good times at Bethlehem Lutheran Church are cherished till today.

Pastor Jerry graduated from Trinity Theological College, Singapore with a Bachelor in Theology in 1977 and was ordained as a Pastor of the ELCM in the Church Of Victory Penang in the same year. From then on his ministry extended to almost all congregations, both rural and urban, of the ELCM. Every group that he ministered to was considered as a call from God – a challenge to reach out to the people.

Pastor Jerry’s flair for dealing with young people allowed him to be selected for a training programme by the Malaysian government In the Youth & Social Ministry sector in the early 80s. This training certified

him as a counsellor for drug addicts and wayward and juvenile delinquents.

In 1987 he was sent to Bossey, Geneva for a six month course in ecumenical studies.

During his 33 year tenure with the ELCM, Pastor Jerry served in various capacities at Diocesan level, both as a member and Vice-Chairman of the Diocesan Council. Pastor was assigned the role of Acting Bishop during the absence of Bishop Julius Paul who was on leave for 6 months in the 90s.

Pastor Jerry, a name that brings fond memories and a strange softness to the heart, a gentle, loving, thoughtful and a charismatic Pastor, who always placed others before self and who truly feared the Lord. God used His servant mightily as many testify that they are in fulltime ministry today because of Pastor’s encouragement. Yes, he truly worked without boundaries in the Lord’s vineyard .

The many comforting and consoling calls and messages that we received on his sad demise was a true reflection of the way that Pastor Jerry had touched the lives of many. Everyone had an experience to share of him. Ever so often during his preaching, Pastor had often uttered these words with great conviction“ If I were to pass on this very moment, I am assured that I will be with My Lord ” . Yes, Pastor Jerry has truly gone home to be with the Lord.

We thank God for Pastor’s role as a caring Pastor, a loving husband to me, a devoted father to our children, Jonathan, Nicholas, Jeremy and Timothy, a wonderful father-in-law to Sheela and doting grandpa to our grandson Zachary.

“WELL DONE THOU GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT: ENTER THOU INTO THE JOY OF THY LORD” Matthew 25:21

By Shanti Achariam

The Broken ChainWe little knew that morning. God was going to call your name,

In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone,

for part of us went with you, the day God called you home. You left us beautiful memories your love is still our guide, and though we cannot see you, you’re always at our side. Our family chain is broken and nothing seems the same, but as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.

Dearly Missed By : Shanti Achariam & The Children

A Tribute to Rev. Ziegenbalg Jeremiah Achariam

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ELCM Mission Centre, IndiaRealizing the growing need for a Mission entry in India, the ELCM wishes to expand its mission ministries in the form of the ELCM Mission Centre (EMC) to be set up in Maniyaakundam, Chinna Kalrayan Hills, Tamil Nadu, India. Kalrayan Hills is part of the Eastern Ghats and lies on the western side of the Kallakurichi District. It covers an area of 600 square kilometres with heights ranging from 1000 to

4000 feet above sea-level. No mission work is being done here. The opening of this centre will gear ELCM towards expanding its horizons internationally. The centre will be an associate

member of the ELCM and its ownership will be with the ELCM. Rev. Dr. Andrew Samraj, an expatriate ELCM pastor who worked with the ELCM will be managing the centre for us. n

Batu Gajah Lutheran OutreachThe Batu Gajah Lutheran Outreach, a new outreach centre for Immanuel Lutheran Congregation, Ipoh, was dedicated by the Bishop on 20th March 2011. Three leaders have been appointed to take care of this outreach under the supervision of Rev. Balraj Maniam. The outreach currently has 40 new members and its premises is rented out from the LCMS. n

CHURCH RENTAL ZION ELCM NON-MEMBERSa) Deposit (Refundable) 100.00 200.00 300.00b) Rental of Church Free Free 500.00c) Admin & Cleaning Charges 100.00* 100.00* 200.00**Maximum of 50% being cleaning charges:

LUTHERAN HALL & PATIOa) Deposit (Refundable) 300.00 300.00 300.00b) Rental of Hall & Patio 300.00 300.00 1,200.00** (incl. of PA System, Air-Con,15 tables and 120 chairs)

c) Admin & Cleaning Charges for use of Hall 200.00 200.00 200.00d) Rental of Patio Free Free 300.00e) Admin & Cleaning Charges 100.00 100.00 100.00** Max. of 3 hours – RM50/- will be charged for every extra hourNote:1. For funeral, there will be no charges for ELCM / Zion members for use of Church and Patio2. No charges for parking3. No. charges of use of tent on car parking ground4. All appeals on charges will be decided by the Bishop5. All monies collected must be accounted for with the Diocesan Treasury.6. Additional Charge of RM5.00 per table and/or RM1.50 per banquet chair will be charged if requirement is more than 15 tables and 120 chairs.

EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN MALAYSIANo. 21 Jalan Sultan Abdul Samad, Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur

Batu Gajah Lutheran Outreach Centre located at 183, Jalan Pandak, Akhat, 31000 Batu Gajah, Perak

RENTAL RATES

ELCM New Outreach Ministries

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ELCM Diakonia Ministries

1. TRAININGHospital. Miss X was reunited with her family thereafter through counselling efforts.

(b) Miss YAged 36 and unemployed, Miss Y was introduced to us with a 2 week old baby born out of wedlock. She was desperate and needed shelter and wanted to give up the child for adoption as she was unable to manage financially. We placed her in a referral centre and eventually arranged for a successful adoption.

(c) Miss ZAged 21 and working in KL, Miss Z hails from Perak. She was deserted by both her boyfriend and family. Miss Z was referred to us by the Welfare Department during the last week of her pregnancy. We counselled and placed her in a referral centre immediately. The child was born at Klang Hospital and was subsequently sent to a shelter home. We are currently monitoring the progress of mother and child.

NEEDSFinancial support to maintain the centre and purchase a portable LCD overhead projector. Please contact Rev. Siritaran (HP: 010-2738 248) of Holy Cross Lutheran Congregation, Port Klang if you wish to contribute. n

ELCM Women’s Care & Counselling Centre, Port Klang

ELCM Women’s Skills Training Centre, Sentul, Kuala LumpurIn line with the ELCM’s vision to strengthen and expand the church, the Good Samaritan Lutheran Congregation (GSLC) in Sentul has initiated diakonia work in Sentul and the surrounding areas. The objective is to minister to the people in these areas, especially the women and young girls, by providing skills training in tailoring, baking and basic computer lessons. The GSLC has proposed to set up a skills training centre in Sentul to be called the ELCM Women’s Skills Training Centre, Kuala Lumpur (WSTC). The WSTC will commence operations in March 2011 with about 10 women and a soft launch by the Bishop will take place on 9th April 2011. n

Victory Lutheran Congregation - The Star 24th Dec 2010 • It was festive cheer with a blend of national pride at the Victory Lutheran Church in Island Glades, Penang, when

the congregation held a 1Malaysia Christmas celebration and Happy New Year 2011 party under the leadership of Rev. Micheal John. Penang MCA adviser and Bukit Gelugor Barisan Nasional co-ordinator Datuk Koay Kar Huah led a group of 50 volunteers from his service team to be part of the celebration.

• The LWF Asia Leadership Conference, jointly hosted by the ELCM and the LCMS, was held from 10.03.2011 to 13.03.2011 at Armada Hotel, Petaling Jaya. The LWF is a global communion of Christian churches in the Lutheran tradition. Founded in 1947 in Lund, Sweden, the LWF now has 145 member churches in 79 countries around the world representing more than 70 million Lutherans.

• A musical talent competition themed “Born to Worship 2 (His Sacrifice)” organised by the Good Shepherd Lutheran Congregation, PJ was held on Saturday 9th of April 2011 at the Lutheran Hall, Brickfields.

• The next Pastors’ Seminar would be held at Port Dickson Lutheran Centre from 23.05.2011 to 25.05.2011. Rev. Neethidoss from Arcot Lutheran Church, India has been invited to be the main speaker.

ELCM Events / News Updates

CHURCH RENTAL ZION ELCM NON-MEMBERSa) Deposit (Refundable) 100.00 200.00 300.00b) Rental of Church Free Free 500.00c) Admin & Cleaning Charges 100.00* 100.00* 200.00**Maximum of 50% being cleaning charges:

LUTHERAN HALL & PATIOa) Deposit (Refundable) 300.00 300.00 300.00b) Rental of Hall & Patio 300.00 300.00 1,200.00** (incl. of PA System, Air-Con,15 tables and 120 chairs)

c) Admin & Cleaning Charges for use of Hall 200.00 200.00 200.00d) Rental of Patio Free Free 300.00e) Admin & Cleaning Charges 100.00 100.00 100.00** Max. of 3 hours – RM50/- will be charged for every extra hour

About 25 participants, both volunteers and members of the management committee, attended a training session conducted from 3rd to 5th December 2010 at Holy Cross Lutheran Congregation, Port Klang. Mr Ed Szeto of LCMS World Relief Human Care, USA and Ms Tamara Anderson of Pregnancy Resources Centre, USA conducted the training effectively. The said training was indeed an eye-opener.

2. CASESSince the launch of the centre in August 2010, we managed to handle 3 different cases:(a) Miss X Aged 18, she conceived out of wedlock with a foreign worker. She was in a dilemma to vacate her home due to social stigma and family pressure. She was counselled and placed in a referral centre until her delivery at Klang

14 1514

,q;Nf ,y;iy ? vq;Nf ,y;iy ? ,NaR fpwp];J ek;Kila ghtq;fSf;fhf fy;thhp rpYitapy; jk; [Ptid je;jhh;. rpYit kuzk; vd;gJ NuhkNguurpy; fs;th;fSf;F nfhLj;j kpf nfhba kuz jz;lid. rpYit my;yJ rpYit jz;lid vd;gJ xU ,Of;F my;yJ ntl;fk; epiwe;j xU milahsk;.

Mdhy; vd;W ,NaRthdth; me;j <dr;rpYitapNy khpj;J rhj;jhid n[aq;nfhz;lhNuh md;W Kjy; mJ Gdpj rpd;dkha; kHwpaJ. Mk; vdf;fUikahdth;fNs <dkhd (my;yJ) ghtk; epiwe;j ek;ik ghpRj;jgLj;j mth; ty;ytuha; ,Uf;fpd;whh;. rpYitapy; miwag;gl;L khpj;j ,NaRthdth; NahNrg;gpdhy; (kj;NjA 27:60) fy;yiwapy; mlf;fk; nra;ag;gLfpwhu;me;j fy;yiwapy; %d;whk; ehs; mth; ,y;iy.

Vd; ,y;iy?ehk; cyf K*tJk; mNef fy;yiwfis Kf;fpakhf jiyth;fs;> jpahfpfs;> uh[hf;fs;> Gfo;ngw;wth;fspd; fy;yiwfis ghh;j;jpUf;fyhk;. ,];yhkpa ez;gh;fspd; tho;ehspy; xU KiwahtJ egpfs; ehafj;jpd; fy;yiwia ghh;j;jhfNtz;Lk; vd;gJ mth;fspd; Kf;fpa Nfhl;ghLfspy; xd;W. ehk; gy;NtW fy;yiwfspy; ghh;j;j thrfk; ,Jthf ,Uf;Fk;. ,q;Nf ,d;dhhpd; cly; mlf;fk; nra;agl;Ls;sJ.

gphp;akhdth;fNs ehk; ,NaRthdtUf;F ed;wp nrYj;j Ntz;Lk; me;j ntw;W fy;yiwf;fhf ,J jhd; fpU];jtj;jpd; Rthurpak;.

mth; ,q;Nf ,y;iy mth; ,q;F ,Ue;jpUg;ghuhdhy; %d;W fhhpak; ele;jpUf;Fk;.1. kuzj;ij n[apj;jpUf;f KbahJ.2. ,d;W rigfSk; MuhjidfSk; ,Ue;jpUf;fhJ.

,ij jhd; gTy; nfhhpe;J gl;lzj;jpw;F vOJfpwhh;.1nfhhpe;jpah; 15:14. ‘fpwp];J v*e;jpUf;ftpy;iynad;why; vq;fs; gpurq;fKk; tpUjh: cq;fs; tpRthrKk; tpUjh.”

3. ,NaRtpd; fy;yiw ekf;F Xh; Gdpj ahj;jpiuaha; khwpapUf;Fk;.

‘mth; caph;njOe;jhH” kj;NjA 28:6 nrhy;fpwJ.. jhk; nrhd;dgbNa> Mk; jhk; nrhd;dgbNa midj;ijAk; rpwg;ghf nra;J Kbj;jhu;. mth; Nahf;fpah;> nrhd;d midj;ijAk; epiwNtw;wpdhh;.

nrhd;dhH.... caph;jhh;.nrj;JNghd jiyth;fNsh kj FUf;fNsh ek;ik

kPl;fNth ,ul;rpf;fNth Vd; cjtNth KbahJ. ,itnay;yhk; caph;j;j ,NaRthy; khj;jpuNk rhj;jpak;.‘mth; caph;njOe;jhH” vd;fpw thh;j;ij my;yJ gjkhdJ cyftuyhw;wpy; Ntjhfkj;jpy; kpf rpwe;j gjkhFk;.

vy;yhtw;iwAk; re;Njf fz;fNshL ghh;fpd;wth;fs; ,NaRtpd; gpwg;G> Copak;> ,NaRtpd; rpYit kuzk;> kw;Wk; caph;njOjiyAk; Fwpj;j tpthjq;fSk;> Nfs;tpfSk;> re;Njfq;fSk; vOg;gp Fog;Gfpd;w fhyfl;lj;jpy; ehk; tho;e;Jnfhz;bUf;Nwhk;.

Ntjhfkj;jpy; njspthd Mjhuq;fis ek;khy; fhz KbAk;;. ,NaRtpd; caph;njOjy; epUgpf;fg;gl;l xd;W> ,jw;F ePq;fSk; ehDk; rhl;rp ,ij ahuhYk; kWf;fNth kiwf;fNth kwf;fNth KbahJ.

rhp ,NaRtpd; caph;njKjy; epUgpf;fg;gl;l xd;W> mthpd; caph;njOjiy epUgpg;gJ vd;d? ,NaR NjtFkhud; vd;gJ ­ Nuhkh; 1:4,NaRthdthpd; thh;ijfs; cz;ik vd;gJ ­ Nahthd; 2:19kuzk; fpwp];JTf;Fk> fpwp];jth;fSf;Fk; KbT my;y vd;gJ ­ mg;Ngh];jyh; 2:24,NaR ek;ikAk; cap;h;gpg;ghh; vd;gJ ­1nfhhpe;jpah; 6:14.

gphpakhdth;fNs! ehk; jFjpahdtiu jhd; Muhjpj;Jf; nfhz;bUf;fpNwhk;. ehk; kpf;f kfpo;r;rp mila Ntz;Lk;> capUs;s tiu nja;tkhf nfhz;bUg;gjw;fhf caph;njOjiy fz;zhu fz;l rhl;rpfSf;fhf capUs;s tiu Nrtpg;gjw;fhf ,ijtpl nghpa re;Njh\k; xd;Wk; ,y;iy.

cuf;fkha; cl;rhfkha; ghLq;fs;

‘Aj uh[ rpq;fk; caph;njOe;jhh;

caph;njOe;jhh; euif n[apj;njOe;jhh;

kuzj;jpd; rq;fpypfs; njhpgl;ld

njhpgl;ld nehbapy; Kwpgl;ld”.

,iwgzpapy; .....

kiwjpU.[p. vgpNerh; ,iw mkph;jk;Nghjfh;. ngj];jh

‘mth; ,q;Nf ,y;iy” kj;NjA 28:6

‘mth; caph;nj*e;jhh”

14 15

Madam Mary Daniel – Madam Mary Daniel of Cheras Lutheran Congregation was born on 08.09.1950 and entered into eternal rest on 24.11.2010. The funeral service was held on 24.11.2010 at her home in Taman Awana, Cheras, followed by cremation at Cheras Crematorium. We thank God for her faithfulness to the church and express our heartfelt condolences to her children and other family members.

Mrs. Chandrabai George - Mrs. Chandrabai George of Cheras Lutheran Congregation was born on 26.05.1938 and entered into eternal rest on 15.12.2010. The funeral service was held on 16.12.2010 at her home in Taman Kajang Utama, Kajang, followed by burial at Sikamat Christian Cemetery, Seremban. We thank God for her faith and testimony that touched many souls. We express our heartfelt condolences to her husband, children, grand children and other family members.

Mr. Anbillian Jesudurai Samuel – Mr. Anbillian Jesudurai Samuel of Grace Lutheran Congregation was born on 15.06.1952 and entered into eternal rest on 19.02.2011. The funeral service was held on 20.02.2011 at Mar Thoma Church, Labis followed by burial at the Indian Burial Ground, Labis. We thank God for his faithful service to Grace Lutheran Congregation where he served as Hon. Treasurer and briefly as Hon. Secretary of the Local Council. We express our heartfelt condolences to his wife, children and other family members.

Mrs. Kumaraswari Edward – Mrs. Kumaraswari Edward of Cheras Lutheran Congregation was born on 17.02.1977 and entered into eternal rest on 22.03.2011. The funeral service was held on 23.03.2011 at Zion Cathedral followed by cremation at Cheras Crematorium. We thank God for her life of faithfulness and express our heartfelt condolences to her husband, son and family members.

Mrs Christabel Rajammal Nathan - Mrs Christabel Rajammal Nathan of Zion Lutheran Congregation passed away on 17.03.2011 at the age of 81. The funeral service was held on 19.03.2011 at Zion Cathedral followed by burial at Lutheran Garden, Subang. We thank God that she was an inspiration to many especially in the way she exercised her faith in God. We express our heartfelt condolences to her children, grandchild and other family members.

15

Our Condolences...

Dr Samuel Abishegam - A TributeDr Samuel Arulappah Abishegam served the ELCM until his passing away on 7th March 2011. He was an eager singer and musician who loved the classic hymns and Tamil lyrics. At national level, he served in the following capacities: DC Secretary, NAIT Board, Church Trustee, CCM & LWF. He also pioneered the establishment of Good Hope Lutheran Congregation in Petaling Jaya where he led the Local Council and was a lay preacher. As a radio and television broadcaster, he also worked on several Christian programmes with RTM and BBC.

In his professional capacity, he was a founder member of the Malaysian Institute of Management (MIM), Malaysian Institute of Human Resource Management (MIHRM) and Malaysian Institute of Directors (MID). He also served pro bono the Selangor Indian Chamber of Commerce. He received several awards for his contributions in the fields of HR, Training and Management. He was the first Director of the National Productivity Centre. He then joined Dunlop, RCA and KornFerri before finally setting up his own consultancy, namely, Abishegam Holdings.

In spite of his stroke, he endeavored to go places especially church events and meeting people. He spent his last days as an intercessor and enjoyed worshipping and praising God through music. He helped scores of people get jobs and mentored many young people in their careers and education. He leaves his five children and 12 grandchildren a legacy of strong faith, music, family, church and community service.

By Shanti Adeline Abishegam

1616

An ELCM Thanksgiving Celebration and Fellowship

70 dinner tables at RM500.00 per table are available for reservations. Please contact your respective pastors for further information.