Chanchin tha lawmawm em em

Krismas kan thleng leh tep ta… Hlaphuahtuin “Kumpuisul a lo vei chang hian lunglen a tho leh thin..” a lo tih angin lunglen a tho leh ta…Mitamtak tan chuan Krismas a lo thlen hian chhungkimte a hmunkhat a hman tumin tuipui ralamite pawh an hawng sung sung thina, chhungkua hlimtlang tak leh lawm takin an hmang thin. Mahse mithenkhattan erawh chuan chhungkim thei lo, lusunfate an lo nih bawk chuan Krismas ah hian hlimna leh lawmna aiin mittui tlakna leh lunglenna in an hmang thung.Mi thenkhat chu chhungte leh thenrual awmlohna ah khawhar takin an hmang ve thung. Keini chhung pawh ka pu Upa Lalliana’n (Zovi pa) in April thla khan mual min liam a chhung kan kim tawh lo. Tin keini nupa kan zirna Malaysia atangin kan hawng thei si lova, krismas hman tur pawh kan hlim lo hle. “Tun kum Krismas hian lawmna leh hlimna ai in tahna leh mittui tlakna a tam zawk mai ang aw!” tih hi ka ngaihtuah ta. A biktakin Rangon kan chhungte chanchin leh an lunglen thute kan hre phei chu.. lung alengin kan ngaihtuah hlawm khawp mai. Krismas hla thiam leh mawitaka sate pawh kan ngaithla ngam lo a ni ber mai…. “I lungngaihna chu puan ang hlip rawh… dam lai ni leh lusun fate chantawk hi dawn ve teh..chhungkim darang lenlai ka ngai zual thin… a then thinlaina pawh hi dam rawh se…”. Han ngaihthlak liam puat leh hlimtaka sak a hara, miin hlimtaka an sa pawh en a nuam ta lo hle.
Mahse kan Bible ah kan bih chian chuan, Van angel chuan berampute hnenah chuan.. “Chanchin tha lawmawm em em?... “The good news of great joy” (Luka 2: 10,11) an thlen a. Chu chanchin chu lawmna chanchin tha a ni. Engvangin nge lawmna chanchin tha a nih tlat?
1. Thihna thim hnuaia thute tan enna ropui/lawmna ropui an hmuh theih avangin (Isaia 9:2)
2. Pathian kan hnenah a lo thlen avangin (Johana 1:14)
3. Pathian leh mihringte in karah remna (Remna Lal) a siam avangin (Isaia 9:6;Ephesi 2: 13-14)
4. Sualbawih ata min chhandamtu “Isua” a nih avangin (Matthaia 1:21)
5. Tupawh a ring apiangte hnenah Pathian fate nihna a pek avangin (Johana 1:12-13)
Sawi dawn chuan a hun leh a hmun a zirin tamtak a awm thei ang…Chuvangin, lunglen ti zual, mittuitlak ti tamtu “Krismas” nimahse, a lo piang “Lal Isua” erawh chu hlimna leh lawmna chanchin tha lawmawm em em thlentu chu a ni. Chu chanchin tha lawmawm em em chuan lunsun chhungkua zawngzawngte hnenah mihring rilru reng renga ngaihtuah phak loh lawmna thlen mawlh rawh se. Tun krismas hian hlimna leh lawmna chhungkua, khawtlang leh kohhran tinah thlen se ti hi ka tawngtaina a ni. AMEN

Reflection from Enga Funeral Service

Pu Lalengliana, age 40 H/O Lalhlimpuii went to be with his Lord and Savior on 2nd Dec, 2009 (2: 15pm).
A month ago, he woke up in the morning and could not see, i.e. became blind. We met him in his brother house at Samanyih, KL and asked any pain? but he said nothing. We prayed for him and hope that he might be healed.
The week before he passed away, my wife and I visited him to Chowkit General Hospital. He was quite ok, he could talk and eat well. But the doctors said that he has brain cancer. The doctors hoped that they might able to remove the cancer cells in the brain. Then he was operated and eventually passed away.
This make me think of the temporariness of human life, as the Peter says,
“All people are like grass,
and all their glory is like the flowers of the
field;
the grass withers and the flowers fall,
but the word of the Lord endures
forever.”

Indeed life is so short, and it is an opportunity for us to prepare for next life.
And continue to pray for life lovely wife and five children left behind.

Sweet December

This is Myanmar Christians’ tradition to celebrate Sweet December. It is a celebration of welcoming Christmas at the first day/week of December. Friends in Malaysia are sending SMSs to each other and greets one another.
It is a joy for us to celebrate Sweet December on first December at Vinson and Sophia’s place at Sri Sampai in Kuala Lumpur. Parts of the expenses are supported by church members in Hope EFC, Wangsa Maju. We appreciated such supports. May God bring joy and peace to you all through this coming Christmas and New Year.
We cooked Mohhinkha (Myanmar Favorite food) and enjoyed with that. At 12: 15am we had Mid-night service. I explained about Jesus and Christmas using power point. Half of our friends are non-Christians. The following day is Makan day (feasting day with Mohhinkha), friends keep coming one group after another until mid night again.
We enjoyed with friends, and we are glad to make some new friends.
We pray that all our friends will find hope, peace and joy in this coming Christmas and New Year.

Feeding Five Thousands: Do not Work for Perishable Food

After feeding the five thousand, the people accepted Jesus at the level of the prophet to come. They want to catch him and make as their king by force. But Jesus knowing their intents, he departed alone to the mountain side for .
The people were looking for Jesus and when they found him in Capernaum, they asked him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?” Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you.”
I feel that many people in this world are looking Jesus only for earthly level, in other word for materialism but not for heavenly level, or spiritual level. There may be some following, looking Jesus, serving for the sake of their own benefits, bellies, to build their own kingdom.
Jesus urged to look for him, not of his blessings because he is the only true bread which gives life eternal.

Feeding five thousands: God will take care

There are many reasons we are worrying for: how to manage our allowances until the end of the month? How to get things needed for our studies? How to get things needed for ministry? Especially when we go back to Myanmar how to survive with our small salary (RM 150 per-month)? How to care and feed family? How to start Library and tuition ministry among Burmese? How to care and show love among the community? And there are many more reasons to worry for…
When I meditated on the Lord’s feeding of the five thousand (John 6: 1-15) with two small fish and five barley loaves, I really get strength. The young lad is available for God’s use; he is willing to sacrifice all that he has for God’s use. The disciples were worrying how to find food for such a big crowd. But Jesus asks them something to give. They were worried that eight months salary will not be sufficient to have a bite for such a big crowd. When Jesus asked his disciples to give them something to eat, he already had in mind what he was going to do. The Lord already knows what he is going to do in both my present and future carrier. He already had in mind how to bless and provide the fund needed for my future ministry. He only shows me ‘one step at a time’ that I may constantly depend on him. The only thing is availability for God’s use then the rest will be taken care by God.

Challenging God for 50 RM

I honestly prayed and challenged God for my financial needs to going to Chin people in various parts of KL. At the moment, my wife and I are struggling to manage our allowance. We estimated for food, traveling expenses, etc. and cannot cover for this ministry. My wife said, “we don’t go.” That’s questions me whether to go in faith or to stop going because we don’t have money. I honestly prayed and challenge God saying “Lord, provide my need of 50RM to going to our people in KL to comfort bereaved family in Imbi-KL, to encourage friends to trust in God in times to needs in Wangsa Maju, and Loke Yew, and to preach at Zahnak Tlang Fellowship in Loke Yew.” Then, I said to my wife, “please give me the tithe that we set apart. I will spend it for this ministry. If God provides, we will keep it back. Unless he provides, it’s ok to spend God’s money (tithes) for ministry. Let’s just go by faith.” To my surprise God did provide exactly RM 50 through one of our friends. RM 50 is of course a small amount to many, but at that time it was a big amount. It speaks the greatness of God, the unfailing God who provides my needs. It gives me strength to trust for great things as well.

HIV/AIDS among Myanmar Refugees workers in Malaysia

Last Saturday (31st, Oct, 2008) I happened to visit Community Care Home in Batu Orang in Rawang. I am amazed to hear and see that half (at least 50) of them are from Myanmar refugees workers. Malaysia has many foreign workers both legal and illegal. These include Indonesia, Myanmar, India, Bangladesh, Nepal etc. But in the CARE Home only few from Bangladesh. But the rest are Malaysians and Myanmarese. This raise questions in my mind why not the other country men? Why more Myanmarese? Because Myanmarese do not know how to live in proper way and can't control themselves from worldly pleasures? Yes, Of course this may be the major player in causing HIV/AIDS among Myanmarese workers.
I am so sorry for my country men, suffering this incurable decease. But I encourage them to have hope in the life to come. In this life their hope may vanish, but in Christianity we have hope in Christ who victoriously resurrected from the death.
I pray that they may find HOPE in Christ.

My Oral test Reflection

There are times, I feel so discouraged and frustrated. There are times, I even lost my faith as I take journey in Academic realm. But God is faithful in guiding me every step.I wish to see the full picture, but He guides me one step at a time. This is just that I may depend on Him and keep on trusting as I journey towards to the goal set before me. He showed me one step at a time.
The Lord has been so good to me in guiding my every step. By His grace, I could do well in my Oral test (Oral test is for my four modules). This is just that they want to know whether I know my stuffs, and whether I have some improvements. At first, I thought it would be like “entering into the Lions’ Den” but it was not so. I did not have any fear or nervous. I could argue well, answer well all the questions they asked me. It’s just because of the many prayers offered for me. He is my guide directing me every step that I take.

Praise God! God is so good.

my Comprehensive exam

I thank my God for His wonderful guidance in my preparation and in my comprehensive exam. My comprehensive exam is for all the four Modules I have done in the past two years for the course of M. Theo in stm.
Two questions were asked:
Question No. 1. By drawing on specific examples and passages from Pauline Epistles, discuss Paul critique on the Roman Imperial order.
Question 2. ( a.) What are some of the major issues that Paul addressed in 1 Corinthians?
b). By focusing on the issue of food sacrifice to idols (1Cor. 8-10), how would one make sense of Paul’s advice?
I am glad that I am satisfied with my answers. But in post graduate studies it is very much depend on how we argue the thesis. I am just wondering whether my Supervisor will pass me.Whether my arguments/answers will satisfy my Supervisor/examiners.
I pray that some how he will pass me. And now I am preparing and praying for my oral test (for Modules ) to be conducted on 31st Oct, 2008. This is just to test me whether I really know my stuff.
I thank the Lord for His wonderful guidance... indeed He has been helping me thus far,... EBENEZER... and looking forward for His continuance guidance.

Myanmar Students in STM

Myanmar Students in STM are very much busy, more than any other students.
This is the first time we could gather to take photos together. This is on the graduation dinner party, the last day (17, 10, 2008)in STM.

My Vision

I find hard to concentrate on my assignments and also to sleep at night. This is basically because of the vision and burden that I have for Myanmar Mission.
My vision is basically to engage the community of Burmese. To serve and bless the community. I don't want to keep God in a little box, and our ministry be limited within the four walls. I would like to extend beyond the four walls.
How to engage, relate with the community being a Chin, who is considered minority in Myanmar. Who even cannot speak good Burmese. Burmese usually look down any tribal.
In other to engage or build relationship with Burmese I would employ "Educational Ministry". Educational ministry will have two main parts such as Public Library (Reading room) and Private Tuition (Free tuition) for children and young adults.
1).PUBLIC LIBRARY would be built, keeping books like novels, religious books, Christian’s literature, health, agriculture and domestics’ books etc.Through this I can build friendship in the slum and can introduce Christian literature, consequently about Christ.
2). Another means of building friendship would be giving PRIVATE TUITION to children and youth. There are a lot of students who cannot go to private tuition due to family economics and also there are children who cannot go to school at all. And in these days the youth are so interest in English spoken. I would teach the poor children who cannot have education and private tuition.
PLEASE PRAY WITH ME, TO BE THE LIGHT AND SALT OF THE WORLD. I pray that my dream and vision will come to reality when I finish my course and go back to Myanmar.

Orissa Christians persecution

More than 600 churches have been demolished, 4,000 Christians forced to flee from their villages, and at least 25 killed as a result of violent persecution in the state of Orissa in eastern India. For detail click here: http://www.christianpersecution.info/news/new-wave-of-violence-against-christians-in-orissa-state-15234/

I could not understand why Christians in Orissa suffer? Why God allows it? Is God our Refuge? Is he our Comforter, Advocate? Why not God protect them miraculously? The Christians in Orissa suffered a lot. Christians were killed, churches burned or destroyed, Christians properties destroyed set fire etc. Why? Why? Why?
We may not understand right now, but I strongly believe that God will work in and through the situation. The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church. I pray that Orissa will become Christians' state.
I remember we passed through some of the cities when we went to Hyderabad. And immediately my mind recollect one of my class mates Shakti in http://www.bharatbible.org/ and some of other friends from Orissa, I am sure they are serving the Lord. Although I did not hear for long time, but I am sure that they are suffering for the shake of Christ.
I am praying that they may count it as joy when they suffer for the name of Christ.
God of mercy! please hear the cries of thy children all over the world. Bless Orissa.

Lord Give us our Daily Bread

In many parts of the world, the prayer that Jesus taught " Lord give us our daily bread" may not be meaningful. They may pray but they may not really mean it. They may not need such prayer. Even in Malaysia where I am right now they don't need such prayers.

But in my native place Than Tlang township the death of children are reported due to Famine.My own people are dying, it's hard to believe. But it is true.

"Famine deaths are still being reported from a region of Burma’s northwestern Chin State, where inhabitants of 45 villages are being forced to forage for food in the jungle because their rice stocks have been lost to a plague of rats.The villages are in the State’s Tlangtlang Township, the worst-hit area. More than 40 children have already died in the famine, according to Chin humanitarian groups in exile." For more detail http://www.irrawaddy.org/article2.php?art_id=14057.

LORD GIVE US OUR DAILY BREAD. LORD GIVE THEIR DAILY BREAD to my people. Lord let your people find food.

Once saved always saved

I could not sleep almost the whole night on Saturday night; I reflect back on our (Myanmar Students Rawna, Oliver, Peter and Kok at STM) talk on “Once saved always saved”.

In fact it has been unending debate between scholars. Calvin and Augustine taught “eternal security of saints” meaning “once saved always saved”. On the contrary, Armenian taught that “salvation could be lost”. I know I can not solve it here everything, but I would like to present my very brief view from the angle of my thesis “The Roles of Spirit-Paraclete in Jesus’ Farewell Discourse in John 14-17” and also draw some Scriptures.

One of the main roles of the Spirit-Paraclete is to indwell/to abide the disciples for forever, which means the indwelling is for permanent. Jesus says “….rivers of living water will flow from within them … which he meant the Spirit” (John 7:37-39) and promised the indwelling of Paraclete (John 14: 14-17, 23). This is the new mission of the Spirit. In the Old Testament the Holy Spirit indwelt some selected leaders of Israel and it was for specific missions. It was only for temporary. But the Old Testament prophets prophesied on the coming permanent indwelling of the Holy Spirit (1Kings 8:27; Ezekiel 37: 26-27; Zach 2:10). This is also promised by Jesus to his disciples. The prophecies of OT and the promise of Jesus is fulfilled when the Paraclete come into the lives of the disciples. And the very well known verse in John 3:16 confirms that salvation is for eternity “whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life”.

The apostle Paul who wrote more than 40% of the New Testament says that when one believes in the gospel of salvation the Holy Spirit marks with a seal (Eph. 1:13-14). And the apostle asked rhetorical questions to Galatians addressing them “O Foolish Galatians” on how they received the Holy Spirit. And again Paul assures Corinthians who committed sins such as sexual immorality and divisions among themselves saying “Don’t you know that you yourself are the temple of God” (1Cor.3:16; 6:19). Being the temple of God where God Spirit indwells, you ought not to commit such sins. In 1Cor. 12:12-13, 26 Paul says that we believers are Christ’s body by being baptized by the Spirit.

Therefore I am opted to think that we believers in Christ are permanently indwelt by the Holy Spirit and we are Christ’s body. And, I am inclined to say that parts of Jesus’ body will not go to Hell, and the Spirit is not given to us as long as we obey and walk in the will of God but for permanently.

GOD IS MY EBENEZER

Time has flied off very soon. It has been long time that I did not post.
I was in Hospital: struggling for health. It took me more than month to recover, during which I could not work properly. But God is gracious to me in providing all my financial needs and laying His healing hands on me. I thank God for His wonderful provisions. I just imagine if I were operated in Myanmar, how painful it would be? How I would pay all the bills? etc.
After struggling with my physical health, again my Computer got sick, means virus attacked it. I struggled for two weeks. I do not know how to deal the problems. I asked helps from other students. They all are busy with their assignments. Lastly, Brother Caleb helped me to re-install the Windows. Then only, my Computer problem is solved. Thank God, now my Computer is working well.
When I look back, my struggles of sickness and Computer problems; God's unfailing hand is upon me. Although He lets me go through struggle after struggle but He leads me out from struggle to struggle. He has been my E-B-E-N-E-Z-E-R. Praise God.

My Dilemma whether to cast VOTE

Myanmar Military Government drafted new Constitution and asking the people to prove. I have been reading news and most of the news say the Military Government is urging the people to vote YES. Especially the civil servants have been told they face the sack if they fail to vote in favor of the draft constitution in the May 10 referendum. And in some areas it seems they are going to put only one box to cast vote.
Myanmar Embassy in Malaysia also made available for Myanmar citizens those who hold passport to cast vote. I have a burning desire to VOTE "NO". But at the back of my mind, I am afraid that I will not able to go back. If I can't go back I can't serve God again in Myanmar. I strongly believe that I have a calling to serve God in Myanmar. On the other hand, I keep on thinking that If I don't cast vote... what is the point of prayer for my country? What is the point of criticizing Myanmar?
I am in Dilemma...

Reflection on Robert Jewett class on Romans

Studying in Malaysia is indeed a privilege for me whereby I had opportunity to listen from world class scholars such as Howard I Marshall, D.A. Carson, Peter O’Brien and Robert Jewett. I really appreciate Professor Dr. Jewett for his enlightening paper presentation. I appreciated how he presented and answered questions although he is very shaky due to his old age but he could answer well, he does not lost his memory at all.

He tries to provide us new spectacles for reading Romans. He says that honor and shame is the background for reading Romans. Most of the church members in Rome were pre-slaves and slaves. All they are looking for is honor, equality, acceptance, and greetings not of justification. Justification by faith is secondary in Romans. I did not look at that way; it is really new specks for me.

But part of my problem just to take the new specs is that the simple search from Bible Works word search the words “righteousness” and “faith” seems to dominate Romans. The Reformation spectacles to read Romans on “justification by faith” seem to dominate the central teaching of Romans. The words “honor” and “shame” seems not playing the central teaching since there is not much words in the text. There may be honour and shame culture that played behind Romans, but it seems the text does not reflect so much. Therefore, if I am provided two spectacles to read Romans I would prefer to use traditional spectacles provided by the Reformations’ fathers.

My Father in law passed away

As my father in law passed away, we received countless mails , Phone calls and SMS from friends and relatives around the world. They really comforts to us especially for my wife as she could not go back. At the same time the theme of "Resurrection Hope" which I preached just one week ago reminds us of the hope of resurrection whereby we will see him again really comforts us. And the other thing is that we are sure for his personal salvation, and that he belongs to God. He is created by God and bought by God and owned by God. So he goes to his original Owner.
The resurrection of Jesus assures the believers resurrection. For He is a live.My Redeemer lives.

Hope of Resurrection

Today I have a privillege to preach the Hope of Resurrection in Hope EFC, KL. I began with certain questions such as what are you hoping for? And why Hope EFC? I said that if we have hope only for this life, we are to be most pietiful.

In this life we may have trials, difficulties, problems, struggles, etc. but we are to remind ourselves that "The Redeemer Lives". We have the living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Job says "I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another." (Job 19:25-27). Alfred H. Ackley composed a song which goes "I serve the living Savior Christ Jesus lives today!He walks with me and talks with meAlong life's narrow way."

What does it mean for you that Jesus rose from the death?

As I literally Carry the Cross

Today we STM have day of prayer and fasting, where by we reflect the sufferings and death of Christ. Our theme is “Lord! Jesus, help us to walk in your steps.”
Each pastoral group is assigned to make stations such as Gethsemane, Jesus cross, Jesus tomb etc. As I went around each station it reminds me of the sufferings and death of Jesus Christ for me sinner. In one particular station, there is a cross to literally carry and walk. I saw some students carrying the cross, at first I thought unnecessary and shame to carry the cross in front of many students and lecturers. I went there and had prayer reflecting the sufferings of Christ; I told Jesus that my soul is struggling to carry the cross. As I prayed my spirit inside compel me to carry the cross and walk. And I took the cross and walk some questions came to me
1. Do you feel a shame to carry the cross?
2. Are you ready to follow the foot steps of Christ?
3. Are you willing to pay the price in following Christ?

4. Are you willing to carry your own cross and follow Christ daily?
Phil 1:29 came to my mind which says, “For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him.” Yes, Lord I will follow you. Please help me so....
Simply to thy Cross I cling

EFCMalaysia Conference Reflection 2

To continue my previous post on my reflection of EFCM conference, I would say that I did make some commitments as I walk to the front to the altar and also I have some kind of deeper understanding in my commitment to God for full time service.
I made a commitment to walk closely to him. He is calling us for intimate relationship. The apostle Paul says he did one thing that he might know him… (Phil. 3:10). In the Bible the word “know” usually means intimate relationship. The only one thing that God desires of us is to have an intimate relationship with Him, to know him more and more, to walk with him daily, to walk with him closely. The only one thing Paul did was to know him more and more, to have intimate relationship with Him. As I walk to the alter I meant to say that I will walk closely to him. And I also prayed “Lord! Help me to walk closely with you. Strengthen my legs….
As I walk with him daily, there may be something in me that God wants to transform, God wants to change. I prayed that “He might chop of my right hand” meaning my identity, security, strength etc. if it blocks my walk with him. As many of us walked to the alter some songs came into my mind “have thine own way Lord, have thy own way… make me and mold me humbly I pray” and “I surrender all, I surrender all”. Rev. Edmund Chan says when many Christians ask God to change they mean to empower their rights hands, their security, their identity. It is not surrendered prayer before God to change. So I totally surrendered to God for His change.
And also in one part of his message, he says that it is Jesus/ God who says “I will make you fishers of man”. On the top of my commitment to God as a fulltime worker (as a pastor), it is the commitment of God to make me fishers of man”. It is the promise of God to make me fishers of man. I find rest and confidence in the Lord that He will touch many lives through me with only one condition if I surrender all of my life, plans, all that I have and walk with him closely. My inner spiritual life will overflow to others. EFCMlaysia conference was really a blessed conference.

EFCMalaysia Conference Reflection 1

It is a privilege for me to attend EFCMalaysia Conference. EFCMalaysia conference is not like EFCMyanmar conference where we discussed administration, money and etc…. But for them it is purely for spiritual purpose. I would say it is “a spiritual conference”. The theme of the Conference is on Reviving the church. The speaker is Rev. Edmund Chan from Covenant EFC, Singapore. God mightily uses Rev. Edmund to revive many lives and many of us made commitments. I did made some commitments.
I could not join the first night; I joined from the second session. He preached on “Leadership Spirituality and Soul Fatigue” where he talks about inner spiritual formation. He says “ministry is an overflow of inner life”. He goes on to say that to build the inner spiritual life and to revive spiritual life there is no direct way. We need to read the Bible and maintain quiet time. I realized and confessed that I failed to do so. Being a Bible College student, there are times I failed to have quiet time. There are times I could not give my time for quiet time- reading the Bible and meditate on it and prayers. There are times I simply could not have quite time due to my spiritual dryness. There are times, my academic readings and writing papers withered my spiritual life. There are times, my struggle of writings and readings make me down, pulls me into the pit and …… I swim in the sea…. I lost the joy of being in the present of God having relationship with Him in quiet time.
I realized and confessed that I failed to see God’s face. I made a commitment to maintain regular quiet times. I pray that He will enable me so……. And I strongly believe lives will be touched and revived as a result of an overflow of my inner spiritual life.

Peter O’Brien’s class Reflection 2

Peter O’Brien’s class on Justification by faith in Pauline Epistles was inspiring, compelling and challenging. All his words are meaningful and all the sentences that he made are coherent and they are all arguments. In every class he begins by the word of prayer. Even in his prayers, his words are so coherent and they all go smoothly.
I could see that he is not only a scholar but also a pastor who inspires and challenges to preach. He says that we are all recipients of the marvelous grace of God because of Jesus works on the cross therefore we are to share the grace that we received. We are justified by the grace of God; we have the assurance of justification. There is nothing we can do to be saved, we are all ungodly but God justified us. Being justified by God, we are created in Christ Jesus to do good works. His teachings in the class compel me to preach and teach about the grace of God/ the justification by faith which I freely received. How he builds his arguements in his teachings are challenging as I am struggling writing papers.

Reflections on Peter T. O'Brien's Class

I have a privilege to sit under the feet of Peter T. O’Brien and learned Justification by faith in Pauline Epistles. He firstly comments and critics on the leading scholars like E. P Sanders, G. D. Dunn, and N T Wright on New Perspective. He concludes that they (the mentioned scholars) look too narrow and don’t aware of the wider scope of the Bible. He points out that justification and covenant of God which Sanders, Dunn, and Wright develop has only a few connections in the Bible. But justification has much more connection with the justice or righteousness of God rather than the covenant of God. According to his statistic only one hundreds (25%) out of eight hundreds has connection with the covenant of God. The rest seven hundreds have connection with justice of God.
Then, he compares the faith of Abraham and the faith of today’s Christians which really strike me a lot. God says it can’t come through any other except Abraham and Sarah only. Humanly speaking it is impossible. God’s promise is something and circumstance is the other. Did Abraham believe in circumstances or promise of God? He believed in the promise of God. Many of the believers today may believe in circumstances not in the promised of God. Abraham did not know how it is going to happen, but just trust in the promise of God. He trusts that God is going to bring something out of nothing. It was like raising out of the death. Abraham believed in God who raised the death and who created something out of nothing. Although it seemingly impossible from human perspective his faith is stronger and stronger. Paul is talking faith in the God who raised the death. God is the one who will raise us in the last day. Paul is saying that Jesus is raised from the death. And we Christians believe and trust in the same God. Abrahams’ faith was credited to him as righteousness and not him alone but also to us who put our trust in the Lord. Our sins are forgiven, God no longer credit sin against us. Past, present and future sin is forgiven.
O'Brien did an exegesis of Romans 4:16-31. Based on v.22-23, all are equally sinful and equally in need of God's righteousness. His teaching is really inspiring and challenging. He made me realized that I am a debtor to my people and others just as the apostle Paul says he is a debtor to the Jews and the Gentiles. His class challenged me to pray and decide to teach God’s word to my people in Kuala Lumpur. My people in KL, though they say they are Christians, they never go to church; their spiritual life is really withered. They really need spiritual nourishment. Truly, I am a debtor to my people.

Mizo Gospel Concert in Malaysia

I was just wondering to see a lady photo at the front page of Mizo Christian Fellowship News (MCF-Palai). Why lady's photo? But later I learned that she is a gospel singer coming to Malaysia.

Mizo Christian Fellowship is looking forward to conduct Mizo Gospel Concert in the coming March 11-13, 2008. Mizoram, India best Gospel singers are invited for this concert but some of them could not make their time. Vanlalsailova, Rebecca Saimawii accompanied by her husband, Mami Varte accompanied by her mother and Margret Malsawmzuali and one representative from Lelte News and the team will be led by Mr. C. Dina. MCF is praying that the church will experience the touch of God and be filled by the Holy Spirit but not by wine.

But I will not be able to attend the concert since I have special classes conducted by Dr Peter O’Brien on "Justification in Paul's Epistle". Dr. Lim Kar Yong my Supervisor says, "This course will explore the development and presentation of the theme of justification in the letters written by the Apostle Paul. In view of recent scholastic studies that offer a “fresh interpretation” of the doctrine of justification, this course will be a timely reminder of the biblical view of how God justifies us while we were still enemies with him".

I hope and pray that I will learn alot and make use of this opportunity to catch from this scholar even as I will have to sacrifice Mizo Gospel Concert.

Talks with Taxi Drivers

My wife and I went to Kuala Lumpur to see our friends and attend Chin church. As we went, we hired a Taxi which driver was a Chinese old man. He loves talking. As we talked about how Christians behave outside world. He mentioned that some Christian’s girls/ boys are dancing and enjoying in the night clubs. They wore very sexy clothing. Even they don’t mind having sex outside marriage/ before marriage. But on Sunday morning they go to church, change their clothes and ask forgiveness from God. “Lord, I have wronged, I have sinned against you, please! please! forgive me”, but they repeat the same kind of sin.
As we came back to STM where we are studying we hired a taxi which driver now is an Indian old man. He is asking me what I am doing. I said I am studying in theological college, studying about God. And he said you must know the Bible quite well. I answered not that much. Then he said there is a god, right? I said, yes, there is God. Then he asked why there are problems, hatred, and chaos, in the world? I said it is because of human sin. But you know he quotes the last temptation of Jesus and 1John 5:19 and said that the world belongs to Satan. The world is under the control of Satan. That is why there are problems, hatred, and chaos, in the world. Jesus commands us to love our neighbor as much as we love ourselves. But can we love our neighbors that much? Why can’t we love our neighbor?
We have a nice talk… but we reached STM….he defeated me….. Taxi drivers are smart too in Bible knowledge as well.

Myanmar Trip Reflection 1

As far as my observation is concerned Yangon city is getting older. The country is getting worse becoming poorer. Buildings, roads and things are old. It seems they never paint for a long period of time. Even the grasses are dry. The present Government does not care Yangon instead they want to build Naypyidaw. The people are getting poorer things are very expensive compared to their income. For example a pastor salary is about Ks. 30000 (RM 100). One bag of rice is about Ks. 25000 nothing is left. If they buy char coal and oil for a month their salary is gone. They have to depend on God. Some how they survive. I don’t know how? They don’t even know how? Public transport fees are getting high. Eg. Before I came to Malaysia it was Ks. 20 - 100 but now Ks. 100- 1000. I asked some changes for Bus fare from my wife. She laughed at me. Private transports are servicing and they charged Ks. 1000. The normal worker can earn only about Ks. 30000 in a month. How can they pay Ks. 1000 for bus fare every day? They have to get public transport. Some of them have to travel more than one hour without seat. The buses are always overloaded. If the bus conductor and driver has seat in the bus they are proud to call passengers saying (thain si luh yah re) “you can sit and travel”. I saw some people bringing their clothes, bicycle, things to the pawn shop and then went to the market to buy 1- 2 Kg of rice and some Vegetable.
Although the church members are also suffering the same difficulties their hearts burning for the lost souls. One of my coworkers Mr. Khuma came back from Philippine and now leading the outreach ministry. They call him as “Mr. Mission” (Pu Mission). He always talks about mission, showing photos and video clips. Whenever he has opportunity he shares the gospel. The students are sent to various places. They give free tuition and teach some Bible stories and songs and also the gospel. Some of them accepted the Lord and came to the church. On our arrival day they had seminar and more than one hundred children and more than 50 adults came. I am excited to see that the Burmese are convinced and are coming to the church. I always have a heart to reach Burmese but could not. I led students and went house to house. But now they could really reach them. Thank God. It could also be the seed that we planted two years ago. If God is willing, I am looking forward to joining them in the middle of 2009. They are praying to reach more and disciple them in the knowledge of God. I just encouraged them to bring them into mature Christians. They are praying that they might able to get some bicycles for this outreach ministry. They are also praying for land/ house for permanent mission based. Some students don’t have hat or umbrella. The sun is hot, and sometimes raining. The church is paying them for their necessaries such as soft pen, pencil, white board etc. Bible College and Minglardon local church are working together in this mission. (This may be worth considering working in partnership with Myanmar church).

Myanmar Trip Reflection

By the help of Hope EFC church members my wife and I were able to go back to Myanmar. We faced a kind of problem in our trip. We did not know that we need Thailand visa for transit. In all other Airlines they don’t require except in Air Asia. Since we didn’t aware of that we could not go on 14th December and lost our Air Tickets. We called the church (Hope EFC) member to pick us at the airport and went back to KL. Thank God the church bought new tickets for us and applied Thailand visa and went back on 20th December 2007. We felt a shame but the church members are so kind and they took care of us very well. They invited us for dinner and comforted us. We came to know deeper how much they love us and care for us. Praise God for such a caring church that stands behind us in our difficulties. We learned God’s care and love through the church members.
Family members and church members are fine there. On our arrival day and the following Sunday many church members and friends came to our place (house church) for worship and to see us. Most of us shed tears because some our loved ones are missing as we gather. They went to be with the Lord. First of all I shared comforting words for family who lost their loved ones, and then proceeded to how much Hope EFC is praying for Myanmar and Minglardon EFC especially who lost their loved ones. I said that there are some love gifts for fulltime workers from Hope EFC they are filled with joy and thankfulness. They thank to me for so many times, I said it is not that I am giving them but Hope EFC. They still thank me. I praise God that Hope EFC is sharing to Yangon EFC fulltime workers.