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.

“What are you doing? Getup and eat” (1Kings 19:7)

As we begin our second semester, we started by having Silent Retreat. Since, I am doing master course in STM, I am exempted from joining pastoral group. I took opportunity to trying to have a nap this afternoon, but could not. As I meditated on the word I read from 1Kings 17:1-19: 9, I felt God speaking to me, “What are you doing? Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” I got up and talked to God, submitting myself, second semester, and rededicated myself to God. I am reminded of myself that I am here not just to do thesis, assignment, etc. but to eat much of the living Word of God for the future
ministry. So that I might able to feed the sheep. Thank God for speaking to me in such away, refreshing my calling for full time ministry.

7th Wedding Anniversary

God has been so good to my wife and my self. By His unfailing grace and guidance we celebrate our 7th Anniversary. We watched our wedding video. Wa!! Years are passing by quickly. It seems not long ago, but seventh Anniversary. God is so good. We give thank and praise God for his wonderful guidance and blessings. Until today He binds us by His love. We both enjoy our wonderful years together.
We have been praying for a child almost seven years. There are times we even lost faith. God seems to be late….but He is on time. My wife is now pregnant; we are expecting to have a baby in Sept. We praise God for his wonderful plan. God is good…. All praises and thanks are due to Him.

To Impact Community

After serving in the church for almost ten years now, I have been reflecting my impactor influence and have to conclude that I did not impact any body to the community beside the church members - beyond four walls where I serve.
We Christians claimed to be the salt and light of the world. But then I did not impact at all to the world. If I claim to be salt and light, there must be some kind of impact to the community, the society I live in.
My prayer is to impact the community, to bless the community, to see there is some changes in the society. I want to see that they see the light of Christ in me...

Myanmar Mission Trip

A team of us from Hope EFC and Rev. Dr. Chan Ah Kee went for a short term mission trip to Myanmar. We ministered among Myanmar EFC. This is to strengthen our partnership with EFCM and to follow up the help being distributed to Nigris victims.
As far as the Nigris relief ministry is concerned, we are happy to see that many families were helped, water purification systems were built, and cash and rice were distributed. However, the need in Myanmar is great there are still families who did not receive any help from NGOs or government. We appreciated and amazed how people in Myanmar reestablished their lives. They really struggle life.
We ministered in Yangon District EFC Conference. The church pastors, leaders, elders, from various churches and members from Yangon and Minglardon Local churches attended the worship services and two days training. In the training about 60 people attended.
In the training Rev. Dr. Chan Ah Kee and Pastor Barnabas talked on Cell Group and prayer, Cell group and Bible study. Elder David Tan talked on Micro-finance - Self help group and Sister Choy Ying talked on the vision of planting Girls Brigade ministry in Myanmar. We were quite tired.
From the people’s response: I did not hear many responses since the pastors and leaders were rushed for EFCM National Conference. Let’s not expect them so high, this is the first time:- changes will be there but it will be slow in Myanmar. We Myanmar pastors and leaders are quite slow…… in my experiences with for the past six years in serving….. ha ha ha ha…
1. There are some women who said that there is a great need to form a prayer group. They see the needs to pray for EFCM leaders and also for the country. They see that the prayer night (Saturday night- which the church set) is occupied with other things. They need to re-examine their prayers meetings.
2. There are some members who see that there is a great need Myanmar to have such cell group to produce lay leaders. Some church leaders say that they need to improve the kind of cell groups/ home church they have. Bible study and prayer is to be focused.
3. There are some women who would like to form Self-help group but they said there is no leader who would form a team and have a kind of discussions on the possibility, treat etc…
4. Over all, the people said they could see joy and happiness in our faces, conversations, preaching and teachings. They said, all are well equipped and prepared in respected areas. They are more than happy to have us all and looking forward to have us once again. I am looking forward to hearing some more responses from them and practical lessons being put.
I personally praise God for the wonderful time we had with Yangon District EFC Conference delegates and members. I am thankful to all group members from Hope EFC and Rev. Dr. Chan Ah Kee. May the good Lord bless you all. I would also express my heartfelt gratitude to church leaders and members for the many efforts being put to welcome us like youth bamboos dance, women dance; some presentations…more people come for the Conference… etc.

Preparing to go back to Myanmar

Hope EFC pastor's family, David Tan, Tan Ching Meng and Rev. Dr. Chan Ah Kee- Malaysia EFC Chairman, my wife and I are planning to go back to Myanmar for a short period of time. As we plan, we are excited,buying things, packing books, looking luggages to bring,preparing messages to preach and lessons for two days training etc.
But on the other hand, our arrival day will also be a day mixing with sorrow and joy because my father in-law (Zovi's father) is no more. He passed away in our absent. Our programs include to visit the tomb.I pray that our presence and message will bring comfort for the family.
I will be preaching in Youth Conference on the topic of "WE ARE CHRIST'S AMBASSADORS"(2 Cor. 5: 20). And we will be joining Yangon EFC Conference for almost one week and then followed by two days trainings for pastors, mission workers and some church leaders.
I pray that our short trip to Myanmar will bring comfort to our bereaved family and encouragement to the pastors, mission workers, members of the church in their journeys of faith. I also pray that we will build a stronger relationship between two EFCMs.

Taxi drivers

In one of my previous posts, I mentioned my talks with Taxi drivers. The two taxi drivers who talk of Christians' behaviors and Christians' Scripture. I was speechless how to response them.
This time we hired a Taxi in the middle of the town to Terminal 1 in Seremban who blessed us saying "God bless you" and we came back and hired another Taxi driver from Terminal 1 Seremban to Seminari Theoloji Malaysia who blessed us again saying “God bless you.”
I am speechless, how to response. Being a pastor who received blessings from taxi drivers before I bless them.

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.