Reflection from my Viva

God has been so faithful and good to me. He never let me journey alone in the academic journey I undertake. When I read my thesis, I am amazed how I could write such. I am thankful to my Supervisor Rev. Dr. Lim Kar Yong, examiners Rev. Dr. Batara Sihombing from Indonesia,Rev. Dr. Tan Jin Huat and Rev. Dr. Philip Siew.Their questions, comments and suggestions for changes are treasured. It will make my Thesis a better one. After going through all the questions..they passed me with minor amendments. Well, minor amendments are normal for Master study. Praise God!!!
I thank my home church Minglardon EFC, my sponsoring church Hope EFC and EFC Malaysia. Thanks also for the prayers and the best wishes I received from many lecturers, staffs and students. I treasured all these. Praise God.
My Thesis is on "The Concept of Indwelling Presence of Spirit-Paraclete in Jesus' Farewell Discourse in John 14-16. I am thinking of posting the Abstract from my Thesis... Here it goes...

This thesis argues that the concept of indwelling presence of the Spirit-Paraclete is crucial to the understanding of Jesus’ Farewell Discourse in John’s Gospel.
First, this thesis explores the various possible backgrounds of para,klhtoj, in order to determine why the Fourth Evangelist chooses to use the word para,klhtoj in his Gospel. This thesis argues that the concept of para,klhtoj finds its background in both the Old Testament and New Testament teachings.
Secondly, this thesis argues that the notion of the Spirit-Paraclete’s indwelling presence in John’s Gospel is grounded in the book of Ezekiel. The giving of Yahweh’s Spirit (Ezek 36:26-27; 37:25-27) with reference to the new Temple in Ezekiel 40-48 is echoed in Jesus’ promise to send a;llon para,klhton to indwell the disciples in his Farewell Discourse (John 14-16).
Thirdly, this thesis argues that the indwelling presence of the Spirit-Paraclete in Jesus’ Farewell Discourse is promised to the believing community for permanency. This indwelling of the Spirit-Paraclete functions as an advocate, as a teacher, and a witness.
Finally, this thesis offers a reflection of how the indwelling presence of the Spirit-Paraclete can be applied in the life and ministry of the contemporary churches in Myanmar.

"God is good.. He never let us journey alone, He promised His presence indwelling with us both now and forever..."

HOPE EFC Camp

We HOPE EFC members and friends have church Camp at Grace Hill, Bukit Tinggi. I praise God that He has showered His many blessings to my wife Zovi and me.
I was surprised by the celebration of my birthday. The church does not really have a tradition of celebrating Birthdays, but thank God and thank to all church members for celebrating mine and the love gifts. In my childhood/boyhood I never know birthday celebration as I grow up in a jungle. But after knowing God, I acknowledge with Jeremiah who praise God saying "....our lives are not consumed... just by His grace...they are new every day..." (Lam.3:21-23). Praise God for giving me the church that cares me.
All the sessions and programs are good and meaningful. The speaker messages are challenging... the good thing is we are given opportunity to discuss and reflect in small groups. In my group I have my country men..altogether 8 of us..their sharing and reflections are challenging for me as a pastor.
Moreover, we have opportunity to reflect on the messages we heard from the book of James on "church and society" at solo hour. We all were guided by Mappers and were placed by the road side at night for an hour. This is basically to reflect and to listen from God. As I reflected on the message the question came to me "what is true Religion that God desire?" The answer is given in James 1:26-27...to care the needy, orphans, widows...." so am I in the true religion God desires of me? I was reflecting and praying honestly that "I will take care of the needy, orphans and widow." But how was the question since I myself have nothing. My answer was to look upon God for the needs... If God is willing and happy in my commitment He will provide the fund.
Finally, but not least.. I came to the point that as a pastor... my deeds..works..character speak louder than what I preach in the pulpit. This thought brings me to see closely to my personal walk with God. To see closely to my preaching and my life, deeds, character. I conclude that if I loose my character, I loose the trust of God.. and moreover....I LOOSE SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY.
Praise God for such blessings he has bestowed on me at the church Camp.