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August 2012 10th Edition

And when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spice, so that they might go and anoint him. And

very early on the first day of the week they went to the tomb when the sun had risen. And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the door of the tomb?” And looking up, they saw that the stone was rolled back – it was very large. And entering the tomb they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe; and they were amazed. And he said to them “Do not be amazed; you seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen. He is not here-see the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him, as he told you.” And they went out and fled from the tomb; for trembling and astonishment had come upon them; and they said nothing to any one for they were afraid. (Mark 16:1-8)

This year, I wish to share with you a meditation on what Mark wrote of the Day of Resurrection. What is interesting of this text is that it concludes with the statement that the women who went to the tomb were struck dumb by their astonishing experience. Very early, the Church Fathers realized that something was amiss with the Gospel of Mark

Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia Internal Circulation April 2014 15th Edition

since it ends by saying that the women who went to the tomb were too shaken-up to talk. The probable reasons are many but the truth of the disappearance of the body of Jesus did get out, and primarily Mary Magdalene and others spoke of their experience. While other evangelists make mention of this event in greater detail, verses 9 to 20 were added to Mark as a footnote by our early Church Fathers. Leaving aside, the almost liturgical recount of disbelief and meeting the risen Christ, there are some observations that are worthy of mention.

Firstly, note how excitedly the text goes. Mark uses the conjunction “and” and “but” to start all the sentences. This is how we speak – breathlessly, when recounting an astounding incident. It is very likely that the subsequent text after verse 8 was lost; otherwise, Mark would have said something like this in a breathless tone. “But later Mary Magdalene picked up her courage to tell Peter of what they saw and heard. And Peter filled with unbelief rebuked Mary, but he was upset by the news that someone might have stolen the body of the Lord. And he ran to the tomb to see for himself, and it was found empty.” This would probably complete the text.

Now, let me turn my attention to the content of the narrative itself. The three women had piously observed the Sabbath, but remembering that Jesus had died and had not been washed and anointed with oil, took such things as necessary and had gone to the tomb. On the way, they were troubled by the

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idea of the very big stone that was used to close the entrance of the tomb. But they found it to have been moved. Surprise gave way to astonishment and fear when they saw a young man in white who declared to them that their Master had risen, and had gone to Galilee as foretold! And they were asked to report the matter to Peter.

Note that the women were motivated by love and sorrow but still, out of piety, were going to the tomb to do an act that was essentially a Jewish custom. He had risen and had gone. But if he had not risen, anointing would be useless to the dead body anyhow. Therefore, their action was essentially motivated to satisfy their own grief but one cannot find fault with them for it – their hearts were in the right place. Initially, they would have been surprised that their problem of moving the very big stone had been resolved, miraculously as it were. But encountering the young man in white clothes was a little beyond the women’s sanity. Mark seems to be very fascinated by white because white blemishes and is unadulterated. It is the colour of heaven. So, this is Mark’s way of saying the young man in white was an angel. Luke says he was in “dazzling apparel” and Matthew says it was none other than the “angel of the Lord” who descended from heaven. Not only did the angel proclaim to them that Jesus had risen but also that he had gone to Galilee. And so, overcome by fear, the women were too dumbstruck to obey the angel to tell Peter what had happened.

Let us take Mark from where he left off. Many times in our life, we too want to do wonderful things for the Lord. We, in fact, many a time do a great deal of things for the Lord. We tithe unselfishly, we give of our time sacrificially, we worship him diligently and we pray for things that do not concern us. We do so many selfless deeds for the Lord. To whom else do we do this? Yes, to our children and to our spouses. What we do is actually sacrifice. It takes away a chunk of our life but because we are motivated by love we do not give it a second thought. Love is a wonderful thing but it is tinted with grief - like the bread that we dip in wine – the wine and bread become inseparable. When we love, we build up the potential for grief when we lose the object of our love. The more we love, the greater will be

our grief when we have to let go. That is the sorrow of a parent who has lost a child; sorrow of a child losing a parent; sorrow of losing someone you loved very much. Jesus, in his earthly life, was loved very much by his disciples and followers. It was this sorrow

that had overcome the women at the cross when Jesus died. They went to the tomb to grieve over his body but it had vanished – a double blow to their grief. But the truth is that Jesus has risen! He had gone on to Galilee as he had told Peter that he would. Never ever comprehending the idea of resurrection, here were the women who were in grief but were told that He lives. Bewilderment is the word that overcame the women. Here was sorrow being mixed with the bewildering truth that Jesus lives! Can we hope in such a thing as told by the young man in white attire? They dared not hope in such a truth. As Mark would have it for us, the women went silent. Now, how often are we confronted with the same predicament? The truth is, often. Why do we get angry with our loved ones? Right beneath even the least of our anger and irritation, I think, lies the fact that we do not want to face the consequences of loss. We imagine love to be such and such, and if our object of love does not measure up to it, we get angry. And if pushed a little more, we immediately start drowning in sorrow. I urge you to think of the grieving women - Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome. They took time out and went silent in their grief and love. Well, there is one simple lesson here, that when we love much, we build up a great store of grief. Grief often expresses itself in anger, no doubt. But coming to terms with it is good for our spirit. We must learn to pull back, fall silent and contemplate our nature.

The other lesson is the truth that God loves us very much. What is the meaning of his wrath? What is his store of grief? If this love that we experience and that makes our life so rich, is the image of God imprinted in our soul, then the relevance of the resurrection of Jesus becomes apparent. God is giving us salvation to our soul that when we are drowning in sorrow, there is always hope in turning to the Risen Christ.

Together with my family, I wish all members of the ELCM a gladsome Easter and a season of great blessings!

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

... the women were motivated by love and sorrow but still, out of piety, were going to the tomb to do an act that was essentially a Jewish custom.

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Nguhaupd; ‘<];lu;” nra;jp

capu;j;njOjy; :

Xa;Tehshd gpd;G kfjNydh kupahSk;> ahf;Nfhgpd; jhahfpa kupahSk;> rhNyhNk vd;gtSk;> mtUf;Fr; Rfje;jtu;f;fkpLk;gb mitfis thq;fpf;nfhz;L> thuj;jpd; Kjyhk;ehs; mjpfhiyapNy R+upad; cjakhfpwNghJ fy;yiwapdplj;jpy; te;J> fy;yiwapd; thrypypUf;fpw fy;iy ekf;fhf vtd; Gul;bj;js;Sthd; vd;W xUtNuhnlhUtu; nrhy;ypf;nfhz;lhu;fs;. me;j fy; kpfTk; ngupajhapUe;jJ> mtu;fs; Vwpl;Lghu;f;fpwNghJ> mJ js;sg;gl;bUf;ff; fz;lhu;fs;. mtu;fs; fy;yiwf;Fs; gpuNtrpj;J> nts;isaq;fp jupj;jtdha; tyJgf;fj;jpy; cl;fhu;e;jpUe;j xU thypgidf; fz;L gae;jhu;fs;. mtd; mtu;fis Nehf;fp: ‘gag;glhjpUq;fs;> rpYitapy; miwag;gl;l erNuadhfpa ,NaRitj; NjLfpwPu;fs;> mtu; capu;j;jnjOe;jhu;> mtu; ,q;Nf ,y;iy> ,Njh mtiu itj;j ,lk;. ePq;fs; mtUila rP\uplj;jpw;Fk; NgJUtplj;jpw;Fk; Ngha;> cq;fSf;F Kd;Nd fypNyahTf;Fg; Nghfpwhu;> mtu; cq;fSf;Fr; nrhd;dgbNa mq;Nf mtiuf; fhz;gPu;fs; vd;W> mtu;fSf;Fr; nrhy;Yq;fs;” vd;whd;. eLf;fKk; jpfpYk; mtu;fisg; gpbj;jgbahy;> mtu;fs; rPf;fpukha; ntspNa te;J> fy;yiwia tpl;L Xbdhu;fs;> mtu;fs; gae;jpUe;jgbapdhy; xUtUf;Fk; xd;Wk; nrhy;yhkw; Nghdhu;fs;. (khw;F 16:1-8)

,e;j Mz;L> capu;j;njOe;j ehisg;gw;wp gupRj;j khw;F vOjpdtw;wpypUe;J rpy fhupaq;fis cq;fSld; gfpu;e;Jnfhs;s tpUk;GfpNwd;. ,jpy; tpNr\khf ghu;f;fpwJ: fy;yiwf;F nrd;w ngz;fs; jq;fsJ mw;Gjkhd mDgtj;jpdhy; “eLf;fKw;W ahuplKk; vJTk; $wtpy;iy”; vd;gNjhL me;j nra;jp KbfpwJ. Mjpj; jpUr;rig gpjhf;fs; ,e;j RtpNr\k; ,g;gb Kbfpwijf; Fwpj;J mjpy; VNjh FiwT ,Uf;fpwJ vd;gij czu;e;jdu;. ,jw;F gy fhuzq;fs; ,Uf;fyhk;. MdhYk;; ,NaRtpd; ruPuk; mq;Nf ,y;iy vd;w rj;jpak; tpNr\khf kfjNydh kupahspd; %yk; ntspg;gLfpwJ. kw;w RtpNr\fu;fs; ,e;j rk;gtj;ij gw;wp mjpf tpupthf $Wfpd;wdu;. MfNt Mjpj; jpUr;rig gpjhf;fs; khw;F 16k; mjpfhuj;jpy; 9 Kjy; 20 tiuAs;s trdq;fis mbf;Fwpg;ghf ,izj;jdu;. ,e;j Mr;rupakhd> ek;gKbahj rk;gtj;jpy; $u;e;J ftdpf;f Ntz;ba rpy fhupaq;fs; cz;L.

Kjypy; ,e;j rk;gtk; mjpf czu;r;rp trg;gl;l tifapy;; vOjg;gl;Ls;sJ. gupRj;j khw;F ,ij vOJk;NghJ xt;nthU thf;fpaj;ijAk; ,izf;Fk; nrhw;fis mjpfk; gad;gLj;Jfpwhu;. ehk; mjpf tpag;Gld; xU rk;gtj;ijf; Fwpj;J NgRk;NghJ ,t;tpjkhfNt %r;R thq;f thq;f NgRtJTz;L. mNefkhf 8k; trdj;Jf;Fg;gpd; cs;s trdq;fs; fhzhky; NghapUf;fyhk;. mjpy; gupRj;j khw;F ,t;tpjkhf

vOjpapUf;ff;$Lk;: “Mdhy; gpd;G kfjNydh kupah kdj;jpld; ngw;W jhd; fy;yiwapy; ghu;j;j> kw;Wk; Nfl;l fhupaq;fis NgJUtplk; $wpdhs;. NgJUNth mij ek;ghjjhy; mtisf; fbe;J nfhz;lhd;. Mdhy;> ,NatpDila cliy ahNuh jpUbf;nfhz;L Ngha;tpl;lhu;fs;; vd;w nra;jpia Nfl;lNghJ mjpf Jf;fkile;jhd;. MfNt> mtd; jhNd mij fz;lwpa Xb fy;yiwf;F the;J cs;Ns ghu;j;jhd;. mJ fhypahf ,Ug;gijf; fz;lhd;.” mJNt me;j rk;gtj;jpd; Kbthf mike;jpUf;Fk;.

,g;NghJ me;j rk;gtj;jpy; nrhy;yg;gLk; fhupaj;jpy; ftdk; nrYj;j tpUk;GfpNwd;. me;j %d;W ngz;fSk; gf;jpAld; Xa;T ehis mDrupj;jdu;. Mdhy;> ,NaR ,we;j gpd; mtu; cly; fOtg;gl;L vz;nza; G+rg;gltpy;iy vd;gij epidtpy; itj;J> mjw;fhdij nra;a Njitahdtw;iw vLj;Jf;nfhz;L fy;yiwf;Fr; nrd;wdu;. NghFk; topapy; mtu;fs; fy;yiwapd; thapypy; ,Uf;Fk; ngupa fy;iy epidj;J kdfyf;fk; nfhz;bUe;jdu;. Mdhy; mq;F te;jNghJ mJ efu;j;jg;gl;bUg;gijf; fz;ldu;. xU ntz;zhilj;jupj;j thypgd; mtu;fsplk;: ‘cq;fs; Mz;ltu; capu;j;njOe;jhu; mtu; Kd;Nd nrhd;dJNghy fypNyahTf;Fr; nrd;Wtpl;lhu;” vd;W $wpaJ mtu;fis jpiff;f itj;J gaj;jpy; Mo;j;jpaJ. ,t;tp\aj;ij mtu;fs; NgJUTf;F njuptpf;f Ntz;Lk; vd;W Nfl;Lf;;nfhs;sg;gl;ldu;.

me;j ngz;fs; md;gpdhYk; kdj;Jauj;jpdhYk; ghjpg;gile;jpUg;gpDk; gf;jpAld; A+jUf;Fupa flikia nra;J Kbf;f Ntz;Lk; vd;w Nehf;fj;NjhL me;j fy;yiwf;Fr; nrd;wdu;. Mdhy; mtu; capNuhnlOe;J nrd;Wtpl;lhu;. mtu; capUld; vOe;jpuhky; ,Ue;jpUe;jhYk;> me;j nrj;j clk;gpw;F ijyk; G+Rjy; gadw;wjhfNt ,Ue;jpUf;Fk;. vdNt mtu;fspd; nray; jq;fsJ nrhe;j Jauj;ij ePf;fp jq;fSf;F kdepiwitf; nfhLf;Fk; nrayhf ,Ue;jJ. mjw;fhf mtu;fis ehk; Fiw $wKbahJ – mtu;fspd; ,Ujak; rupahd ,lj;jpy; ,Ue;jJ. mw;Gjkhd tpjj;jpy; me;j fy;iy mfw;Wk; gpur;rid jPu;f;fg;gl;lijf; Fwpj;J Kjypy; mtu;fs; tpag;gile;jpUf;ff;$Lk;. Mdhy; nts;is cilapypUe;j thypgid re;jpj;jJ mtu;fspd; ey;ywpTf;Fg; Gupahj fhupakhf ,Ue;jJ. fiwfs; ,y;yhj kw;Wk; fyg;glkw;w nts;is epwk; gupRj;j khw;if ftu;e;jJ> Vnddpy; mJ guNyhfj;Jf;Fwpa epwkhFk;. ntz;zhil jupj;jpUe;j me;j thypgd; Xu; NjtJ}d; vd;gij khw;F ,t;tpjk; $Wfpwhu;. gupRj;j Yhf;fh ,ij ‘gspr;rpLk; Mil” vd;W $Wfpwhu;. gupRj;j kj;NjA mJ guNyhfj;jpypUe;J ,wq;fp te;j ‘fu;j;jUila Jhjd;” vdf; Fwpg;gpLfpwhu;. me;j Jhjd; ,NaR capu;jnjOe;jhu; vd;w nra;jpia kl;Lky;y

ngyg;gLj;Jjy; & tpupTg;gLj;Jjy; 2009-2020 3

thailj;j Xu; mDgtk;

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mtu; fypNyahTf;F nrd;Wtpl;lhu; vd;gijAk; mtu;fSf;F mwptpj;jhd;. MfNt me;j ngz;fs; gaj;jpdhy; Nkw;nfhs;sg;gl;ljpdhy; tha; milg;gl;L me;j Njt JhjDf;F fPo;gba Kbahjtu;fsha;;> vd;d ele;jJ vd;gij NghJUTf;F $wtpy;iy.

khw;F tpl;Lr;nrhd;w ,lj;jpypUe;j mij vLj;Jf;nfhs;Nthk;. gyKiw ekJ tho;f;ifapy; ehKk; Mz;ltUf;F mw;Gjkhd fupaq;fis nra;a tpUk;GfpNwhk;. gy rkaq;fspy; mtUf;fhf ehk; mjpfkhd fhupaq;fis nra;fpNwhk;. ehk; jd;dykw;wtu;fshf jrk ghfk; nfhLf;fpNwhk;> jaq;fhky; ekJ Neuj;ijf; nfhLf;fpNwhk;> Cf;fj;Jld; mtUf;F topghL nra;fpNwhk;> gpuu; NjitfSf;fhf n[gpf;fpNwhk;> jd;dykw;w tifapy; gy fhupaq;fis Mz;ltUf;fhf nra;fpNwhk;. ,t;tpjk; NtW ahUf;F ehk; nra;fpNwhk;? Mk;> ekJ gps;isfSf;Fk; ekJ tho;f;ifj; JiztUf;Fk; ,ij nra;fpNwhk;. cz;ikahf ,JNt jpahfkhFk;. ,J ekJ tho;f;ifapd; ngUk; gFjpia vLj;Jf;nfhs;SfpwJ. ,Ue;jhYk; ehk; md;gpdhy; Cf;fg;gLj;jg;gLtjhy; mij Fwpj;J ehk; mjpfkhf rpe;jpg;gjpy;iy.

md;G mjpf mw;Gjkhd fhupak;jhd;> Mdhy; mJ Jauj;NjhL fye;Js;sJ. jpuhl;ir urj;jpy; mg;gj;ij Njha;j;njLj;jhy; mitfis gpupj;njLf;f KbahjJNghy; md;Gk;> JauKk; vg;NghJk; ,ize;jpUf;fpwJ. ehk; md;G nfhs;Sk;NghJ> me;j md;Gf;F fhuzkhdij ,of;Fk; rkaj;jpy; tuf;$ba Jauj;ijAk; tsu;f;fpNwhk;. mjpfkhd md;G nfhz;bUe;jhy; mjd; ,og;gpy; mjpfkhd Jauj;ij milNthk;. mJNt jd; gps;isia ,oe;j ngw;Nwhupd; Jauk;;> jd; ngw;Nwhiu ,of;Fk; gps;isapd; Jauk;;;;;;;; ehk; mjpfkhf Nerpf;Fk; xUtiu ,og;gjpdhy; tUk; Jauk;. ,NaRit mtupd; rP\Uk; mtiu gpd;gw;wpatu;fSk; mjpfkhf Nerpj;jdu;. MfNt mtu; rpYitapy; ,we;jNghJ ,g;gbg;gl;l Jauj;ijNa me;j ngz;fs; mDgtpj;jdh;. mth; rlyj;ijg; ghu;j;J jq;fs; Jauj;ij ntspapl mtu;fs; fy;yiwf;Fr; nrd;wdu;. Mdhy; mtu; cly; mq;Nf ,y;iy. mJ mtu;fspd; Jauj;ij ,uz;L klq;fhf;fpaJ.

Mdhy; cz;ik vd;dntd;why; ,NaR capNuhL vOe;jhu;. mtu; NgJUtplk; $wpadJ

Nghy> fypNyahTf;Fr; nrd;Wtpl;lhu;. mtu; capj;njOe;jhu; vd;w nra;jpia Nfl;lgpd;Dk;> Jf;fj;jpy; Mo;e;jpUf;Fk; ngz;fis ,q;Nf ehk; ghu;f;fpNwhk;. Vnddpy; mtu;fs; capu;j;njOjypd; rj;jpaj;jpy; cs;s cl;fUj;ij Gupe;Jnfhs;stpy;iy. jpifg;G mtu;fis Nkw;nfhz;lJ. mq;Nf Jf;fKk; jpifg;G+l;Lk;> “,NaR capUld; ,Uf;fpwhh;” vd;w rj;jpaKk; (ek;gpf;ifAk;) fye;jpUe;jJ. ntz;Zil jupj;jpUe;j me;j thypgd; $Wk; fhupaj;jpy; ehk; ek;gpf;if itf;f KbAkh? me;j rj;jpaj;jpy; ek;gpf;if itf;f mtu;fSf;F Jzpr;ry; ,y;iy. MfNt ,q;Nf khw;F ekf;F nrhy;YtJNghy me;j ngz;fs; nksdkhf ,Ue;jdu;.

vj;jid Kiw ehk; ,t;tpjkhd ,f;fl;lhd epiyia vjpu;nfhz;bUf;fpNwhk;? mbf;fb ,d;dpiy ekf;F cz;L vd;gNj cz;ik. md;Gf; Fupatu;fsplk; ehk; Vd; Nfhgg;gLfpNwhk;? kpfr; rpwpa fhupaq;fSf;Ff; $l ehk; NfhgKk; vupr;rYk; miltjpd; mbg;gilapy; ,Uf;Fk; cz;ik> “ehk; ,og;gpdhy; tUk; tpisTfis re;jpf;f ekf;F tpUg;gk; ,y;iy” vd;W ehd; vz;ZfpNwd;. md;G ,t;tpjkhfj;jhd; ,Uf;f Ntz;Lk; vd;W ehk; fw;gid nra;fpNwhk;. MfNt> ekJ md;Gf; Fupatu;fs; me;j msT Nfhypd;gb ,y;iy vd;why; ehk; Nfhgg; gLfpNwhk;. me;j Nfhgj;ij NkYk; rpwpJ mjpfg;gLj;jpdhy; ehk; cldbahf Jauj;jpy; %o;f njhlq;FfpNwhk;. Jauj;jpy; ,Ue;j me;j ngz;fis – kfjNydh kupahs;> ahf;NfhGtpd; jhahfpa kupahs;> rNyhkp – cq;fs; epidtpy; itf;Fk;gb cq;fSf;f Ntz;LNfhs; tpLf;fpNwd;. mth;fs; jq;fsJ Jauj;jpYk; md;gpYk; rpwpJ Neuj;ij vLj;Jf; nfhz;L nksdkhf ,Ue;jdh;. ,q;Nf ekf;F gbg;gpid jUk; vspa nra;jp ,Uf;fpwJ. ehk; mjpfkhf md;G nrYj;jpdhy; mjpfkhd Jauj;ij ehk; Nrh;j;J itf;fpNwhk;. Jauk; rpy rkaq;fspy; ekJ Nfhgj;jpy; ntspg;gLj;jg;gLfpwJ. Mdhy; ,ij ehk; fl;Lg;ghl;by; itj;jpUg;gJ ekf;F ey;yJ. ehk; ,jpypUe;J tpyfp rpwpJ Neuj;ij vLj;Jf; nfhz;L mikjpaha; ekJ ,ay;igf; Fwpj;J rpe;jpf;f Ntz;Lk;.

,jd; kw;nwhU ghlk;: flTs; ek;ik mjpfkhf Nerpf;fpwhh; vd;w rj;jpakhFk;. mtuJ Nfhgj;jpd; mu;j;jk; vd;d? mth; Jauj;jpd; Nrfupg;G vd;d? ehk; mDgtpf;Fk;> NkYk; ekJ tho;f;ifia mjpf nropg;ghdjhf Mf;Fk; ,e;j md;G ekJ Mj;Jkhtpy; gjpe;Js;s flTspd; rhayhf ,Ue;jhy;> ,NaRtpd; caph;j;njOjypd; Kf;fpaj;Jtk; ekf;F njspthdjhf ,Uf;Fk;. flTs; ekJ Mj;JkhTf;F kPl;;ig nfhLf;fpwhh;. ehk; Jf;fj;jpy; %o;fp ,Uf;Fk; rkak;> caph;j;njOe;j fpwp];Jtplk; jpUk;Gk; NghJ ekf;F vg;NghJk; ek;gpf;if cz;L. vdJ FLk;gj;jpdUld; Nrh;e;J ehd; k.R.Y. jpUr;rigapd; cWg;gpdh; ahtUf;Fk; cah;j;njOe;j gz;bifapd; kfpo;r;rpahd tho;j;Jf;fis njuptpf;fpNwd;.

khkiwj;jpU. Kidth;. rhNyhNkhd; uh[hNguhah;>kNyrpa RtpNr\ Yj;jud; jpUr;rig<];lh; 2014

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,q;Nf ekf;F gbg;gpid jUk;

vspa nra;jp ,Uf;fpwJ.

ehk; mjpfkhf md;G nrYj;jpdhy; mjpfkhd Jauj;ij

ehk; Nrh;j;J itf;fpNwhk;.

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

Bishop, ELCM

EditorRev. Albert P. Abishegam

Assistant EditorRev. Eliezer Peter

TranslatorsRev. Paul K.

Rev. Moses Muthusamy

Proof ReadersMrs. Rani David (Tamil)

Mrs. Cecilia Gabrial (English)

1

August 2012 10th Edition

And when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spice, so that they might go and anoint him. And

very early on the first day of the week they went to the tomb when the sun had risen. And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the door of the tomb?” And looking up, they saw that the stone was rolled back – it was very large. And entering the tomb they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe; and they were amazed. And he said to them “Do not be amazed; you seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen. He is not here-see the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him, as he told you.” And they went out and fled from the tomb; for trembling and astonishment had come upon them; and they said nothing to any one for they were afraid. (Mark 16:1-8)

This year, I wish to share with you a meditation on what Mark wrote of the Day of Resurrection. What is interesting of this text is that it concludes with the statement that the women who went to the tomb were struck dumb by their astonishing experience. Very early, the Church fathers realized that something was amiss with the Gospel of Mark

Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia Internal Circulation April 2014 15th Edition

since it ends by saying that the women who went to the tomb were too shaken-up to talk. The probable reasons are many but the truth of the disappearance of the body of Jesus did get out, and primarily Mary Magdalene spoke of their experience. While other evangelists make mention of this event in greater detail, verses 9 to 20 were added to Mark as a footnote by our early Church fathers. Leaving aside, the almost liturgical recount of disbelief and meeting the risen Christ, there are some observations that are worthy of mention.

Firstly, note how excitedly the text goes. Mark uses the conjunction “and” and “but” to start all the sentences. This is how we speak – breathlessly, when recounting an astounding incident. It is very likely that the subsequent text after verse 8 was lost; otherwise, Mark would have said something like this in a breathless tone. “But later Mary Magdalene picked up her courage to tell Peter of what they saw and heard. And Peter filled with unbelief rebuked Mary, but he was upset by the news that someone might have stolen the body of the Lord. And he ran to the tomb to see for himself, and it was found empty.” This would probably complete the text.

Now, let me turn my attention to the content of the narrative itself. The three women had piously observed the Sabbath, but remembering that Jesus had died and had not been washed and anointed with oil, took such things as necessary and had gone to the tomb. On the way, they were troubled by the

Bishop’s Easter MessageEditorial

Photo GalleryMeditation on The Death, Burial and

Resurrection of Jesus Christ

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ELCM Events / News Updates & Our CondolencesELCM Diakonia MinistriesELCM Outreach Ministries In Memory of Mrs Theresa WellingtonIn Memory of Mrs Ingefrid Envall

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Yes, it’s another Easter. And the Lutheran Herald joyfully proclaims the promises of Easter. Instead of man’s promises full of emptiness, God, on that first Easter removed the emptiness with three promises.

And this Easter 2014, the Herald invites all our readers to think about the promises of Easter.... there are three of them. Each promise is marked by something empty.... an empty cross.... an empty tomb.... and empty burial clothes.... It is the very fact that each of these is empty that assures us that God’s promises are real. Because they couldn’t hold Jesus. Because he couldn’t be contained by the cross, the tomb or even his burial clothes, we can be sure of the fullness of God’s promises in our lives.

The Lutheran Herald in this Easter editorial wishes to share with you the following thoughts on the three promises:

1. The Empty CrossLet’s begin with the empty cross. Because the cross was empty, we have the promise of forgiven sins. Don’t ever believe anyone who tells you Jesus was just faking it. There was no question about it – Jesus was dead! Although the soldiers, Romans and Jews made up a lie that the disciples stole the body, Jesus really did die. That’s why the Herald wants you to see the cross this Easter. It is the place where he died – but, today, it is empty. Empty of Jesus’ body, but full – full of God’s promises. Full of hope – for you and me. The promise of the empty cross is that you and I stand forgiven. Because it was on that cross that Jesus paid the penalty for our sins. This is the first promise of Easter.

2. The Empty TombOn that first Easter morning, Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James and some other women came to the tomb bringing the spices they had prepared and found, to their amazement, that the soldiers were all unconscious, the stone had been rolled away from the tomb and two men stood by in shining garments who said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen!...” Jesus had risen! He was alive! The tomb was empty!. And what a tremendous promise that holds. For in the fact of the empty tomb is the truth of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the promise to every one of us that we too will be raised to eternal life! Why was the tomb empty? Because Jesus was alive. The angels said, “He is risen.” And the promise to us is that we too can live even if we die. This is the second promise of Easter.

3. The Empty Burial ClothesThere is one more promise of Easter that the Herald wishes to share with you. It is the promise of the empty burial clothes. With the incredible news from the women, Peter and John had raced to the tomb. John stopped just outside the tomb but Peter ran right in. Inside, Peter found the clothes that Jesus had been buried in. They too, like the tomb, were empty. This could only mean one thing - Jesus was alive! If someone had stolen his body, they would not have removed the burial clothes and folded them up neatly and left them where they lay. Truly, Jesus was resurrected! It would not be long before Jesus himself would appear to Mary Magdalene, all the apostles and eventually to over 500 people to fellowship with them. That is the promise of the empty burial clothes – Jesus is alive and wants to fellowship with you!

Accept these promises of Easter and know the joy of eternal life in Jesus Christ. The Lutheran Herald Editorial Committee takes this opportunity to wish all our readers A BLESSED EASTER!

God bless you all.

Rev. Albert P. AbishegamEditorApril 2014

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

The Lutheran Herald welcomes articles, including news on deaths, weddings, baptisms, confirmations and any other congregational activities. Please email your contributions to admin@elcm.org.my

All contributions are subject to editing as and when deemed necessary by the Editorial Committee. Please visit our website as above for further information on the ELCM.

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The Lutheran Herald is the official publication of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia (ELCM). For further information, please contact the ELCM as follows:

Committee

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The Lutheran Herald Says....

Easter - Full of God’s Promises

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Seremban, 25.08.2013 – Leaders and members of Holy Cross Lutheran Congregation during their Local Council and auxiliary leaders retreat

Teluk Intan, 16.09.2013 – Members of Bethesda Lutheran Congregation during their Malaysia Day Service

Subang, 05.10.2013 - Bro Abel and Bro Samuel were confirmed during Sunday Divine Worship Service at Sri Subang Lutheran Congregation

Bukit Mertajam, 23.11.2013 – Bishop officiated the Rededication Service and 25th Anniversary celebrations at Bukit Mertajam Lutheran Congregation

Port Dickson, 01.12.2013 - Bishop with 7 Confirmands at Resurrection Lutheran Congregation

Labis, 07.12.2013 - Southern District Pastors, Evangelists & Leaders after their meeting held at Labis Lutheran Congregation

Damansara, 14.12.2013 – Members of Cheras Lutheran Congregation carol party after their performance at Duta Tropika condominium

Port Klang, 15.12.2013 – Children of Holy Cross Lutheran Congregation during their Christmas Party

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Kuala Lumpur, 16.12.14 – Presentation of 100 school bags to underprivileged children after Sunday Divine Worship Service at Zion Cathedral

Teluk Intan, 18.12.2013 – A special song by the Holy Trinity Lutheran Congregation members at Hilir Perak Pastors’ Christmas celebration

Ipoh, 19.12.13 – Carolers from Immanuel Lutheran Congregation during their caroling rounds

Ipoh, 22.02.2014 – Participants of Northern District Leadership Training Programme held at Immanuel Lutheran Congregation

Port Klang, 22.12.2013 – Carolers of Holy Cross Lutheran Congregation during their caroling rounds

Kuala Lumpur, 23.12.2013 – Leaders of Huria Kristen Batak Protestant (HKBP) meeting with Bishop and ELCM pastors

Bukit Mertajam, 24.12.13 – YB Chong visited Bukit Mertajam Lutheran Congregation to officiate at a charity program for the poor

Seri Kembangan, 29.12.2013 – Youths of Cheras Lutheran Congregation during their outing to Mines

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Kuala Lumpur, 05.01.2014 – Zion Cathedral Lutheran Congregation leaders with Bishop during New Year Appreciation Service

Selangor, 28.01.2014 – Hike to Broga Hill organised by Zion Redeemer fellowship

Johor, 16.02.2014 - Resurrection Lutheran Congregation members during their Annual Family Camp at Lotus Desaru Beach Resort

Ipoh, 28.02.2013 – Sri Subang Lutheran Congregation members during their family Retreat

Kluang, 08.03.2014 - About 30 teachers, junior work leaders and pastors attended Southern District Sunday School Teacher’s & Junior Work Leader’s Training

Ipoh, 05.03.2014 – Members of Immanuel Lutheran Congregation after their Ash Wednesday Service

Penang, 22.03.2014 – Bukit Mertajam Lutheran Congregation Youths during their outing to Penang

Johor Bahru, 14.03.2014 – Bishop with leaders and pastors after the 37th Anniversary and Rededication Service at Our Saviour Lutheran Congregation

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Penang, 08.06.2013 – Emund and Grace after their wedding ceremony at Zion Cathedral Lutheran Congregation

Kuala Lumpur, 27.07.2013 – Jason and Sharon after their wedding ceremony at Zion Cathedral Lutheran Congregation

Kuala Lumpur, 27.12.2013 – Wedding of Torbjorn & Bavani Kalvo after their wedding ceremony at Zion Redeemer Lutheran Congregation

Kuala Lumpur, 18.01.2014 – Eric Solomon and Nisha Kristen after their wedding ceremony at Zion Cathedral Lutheran Congregation

Subang, 25.01.14 – Stefan and Sherin after their wedding ceremony at Sri Subang Lutheran Congregation

Subang, 04.10.2013 – Mr Samuel Muniappan was baptised at Sri Subang Lutheran Congregation

Penang, 10.11.2013 - Immanuel, Lydia and Ruben were baptised at Victory Lutheran Congregation

Port Dickson, 01.12.2013 – Samuel Anbuselvan was baptised at Resurrection Lutheran Congregation

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Penang, 29.12. 2013 - Irene Aarathan was baptised at Victory Lutheran Congregation

Penang, - 29.12. 2013 - Matthew Welskey Ebenezar was baptised at Victory Lutheran Congregation

Penang, 12.01. 2014 - Jeanice Khoo Jee Nee was baptised at Victory Lutheran Congregation

Penang, 26.01. 2014 - Premkumar, Sharmila and Renuka were baptised at Victory Lutheran Congregation

Cheras, 02.02.2014 – Jayden Raj was baptised at Cheras Lutheran Congregation

Teluk Intan, 02.02.2014 – Abigail Keerthana was baptised at Bethesda Lutheran Congregation

Kuala Lumpur, 23.02.2014 –- Levinya Sherlyn Ryan was baptised at Zion Redeemer Lutheran Congregation

Penang, 16.02 2014 - Joseph, John and Jagama (Sarah) were baptised at Victory Lutheran Congregation

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ELCM Events / News UpdatesDr. Sylvian Das Conferred Pahang Datoship

Dr. Sylvian Das was conferred the Darjah Indera Mahkota Pahang (D.I.M.P) which carries with it the title Dato, by his Royal Highness the Sultan of Pahang in conjunction with His recent birthday celebrations. The ELCM congratulates Dr. Das on being bestowed this great honour. l

Central District Women’s Lent Seminar held on 29th March 2014

The Zion Cathedral Women’s Fellowship organised a Lent Seminar at the Lutheran Hall on Saturday 29th March 2014 from 9.00am to 1.00pm. The guest speaker was Dr. Preetha Judson, an evangelist from Tamil Nadu, India. About 120 women members from the Central District participated in this event. A sumptuous lunch was served to all participants at the end of the seminar. l

Healing and Revival Meetings Conducted in ELCM by Evangelists Dr. Judson Abraham and Dr. Preetha Judson from Tamil Nadu, India (11th to 29th March 2014)The ELCM in conjunction with the declaration of year 2014 as “Year of Mission”, invited the

husband and wife team of Dr. Judson Abraham and Dr. Preetha Judson from Tamil Nadu India to conduct healing and revival meetings throughout the diocese. Dr. Judson and Dr.

Preetha conducted the said meetings in the Northern District (17th & 18th March 2014), Southern District (22nd & 23rd March 2014) and the Central District (23rd to 29th March 2014). l

Launching of “Christian Lyrics and Renewal Songs” Book by Bishop Dr. Solomon Rajah at Zion Cathedral on 21st February 2014Bishop Dr. Solomon Rajah launched the “Christian Lyrics and Renewal Songs” book during a service at Zion Cathedral at 8.00pm on Friday 21st February 2014. This new song

book, which contains lyrics and renewal songs in both Tamil and its romanised form, may be purchased at RM15.00 per book until the 30th of April 2014 and RM20.00 per book from the 1st of May 2014. This book may be purchased at the Diocesan Office, Brickfields. The above-mentioned service was also a thanksgiving service to celebrate the 5th anniversary of our Bishop’s consecration. l

One Day “Soldiers of the Cross” Training Programme held in India Evangelical Lutheran Church (IELC) on 16th January 2014 at Tabitha Girls Home, Ambur, India

60 leaders and 5 pastors from India participated in the above training programme. The IELC in Ambur District, Tamil Nadu has named their Junior Ministry as the “Soldiers of the Cross” ministry. Rev. Dr. J.S Samuel, the former IELC President was present to inaugurate the “Soldiers of the Cross” ministry in IELC. The basic training conducted by the ELCM Pastoral team included Introduction to Junior Work, Leadership, How to Lead Devotions, Conducting Games & Competitions, Programme Planning, Teaching Methods, Aids and Star Files & Record Keeping. l

35th Anniversary Camp of ALC Junior Ministry 2014The camp was held in the Leprosy Mission Hospital Campus in Vadathorasalure, 50 kilometres from Thiruvannamalai. It is situated in a remote part of North Central Tamil Nadu, about 225 kilometers from the capital. The theme for the camp was “He must increase, but I must decrease”

(John 3: 30). The ELCM Junior Work ministry was represented by Rev. Dr. Paul K., Rev. K. Thambiraj and Mr. Jagdes. The camp was held from the 10th to the 14th of January 2014. The camp’s opening ceremony was held on the second day, 11th of January 2014, with roll-call and flag hoisting.

The highlights of the anniversary camp were devotions, camp buildings, food preparations and regional gatherings. The plenary and thanksgiving service was held on the last day, 14th of January 2014 during which time greetings and mementoes were exchanged. The overseas guests came from FDF, Denmark, and Swedish Church youths, Sweden, St. Katherine Junior Work, Malaysia, ELCM Junior Work, Malaysia, Junior Ministry Medan, Indonesia and St. Olaf College, USA. l

Seven Words on the Cross Seminar Organised by Central District Pastors’ Fellowship

The Central District Pastors’ Fellowship organised a seminar on the 7 Words of the Cross at Zion Cathedral, Brickfields on the 8th of March 2014, commencing 9.00am and ending 1.00pm with lunch at the Lutheran Hall. About 50 church members from the Central District participated in the event. 7 pastors from the Central District shared on the 7 Words. Based on the feedback, the seminar proved to be a beneficial and spiritually uplifting time for the participants. l

Northern District Local Council Treasurers’ MeetingThe Northern District Local Council Treasurers’ Meeting held at Immanuel Lutheran Congregation, Ipoh on the 5th of April 2014 saw a full turnout of LC Treasurers from the Northern District. Bishop Dr. Solomon Rajah shared on the objectives of the meeting. Also in attendance were

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Vice-Chairman, Rev. David and Rev. John Kalaimuthu. During this meeting the Local Council Treasurers were given a thorough briefing on the ELCM accounting procedures by Diocesan Treasurer, Mr. Silas Das . l

Pastors’ Conference

The First Pastors’ Conference for the year 2014 was held on the 4th of February 2014 at the Lutheran Hall, Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur. The conference, ably chaired by Bishop, commenced with opening devotion at 8.30am and ended with the District Pastors’ Planning Meeting for 2014. The next Pastors’ Conference (planning for 2015) will be held on the 17th June, 2014 at the same venue. l

Training of Voluntary AssistantsThere will be a training programme for selected persons to be equipped in church ministry. Rev. Eliezer Peter has been appointed as the coordinator for this training. The first training session for year 2014 will commence at 11.00am on the 3rd of May 2014 in the ELCM Seminar Room. l

Diocesan Assembly (DA) 2014The 51st DA will be held from the 12th to 14th of September 2014. The venue of the DA will be announced soon.

Our Condolences... Mr. Chandran Devapirian of Labis Lutheran Congregation was born on the 15th of August 1949 and entered into eternal rest on the 21st of August 2013. The funeral service was held on the 22nd of August 2013 at Labis Lutheran Congregation. We thank God for his faithfulness to the church and express our heartfelt condolences to his wife, children, grandchildren and other family members.

Mrs. Vijiya Amy of Zion Redeemer Lutheran Congregation entered into eternal rest on the 13th of January 2014. The funeral service was held on the 14th of January 2014 at Zion Cathedral, Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur. We thank God that she was an inspiration to many in her faithfulness to the church for her life and express our sincere condolences to her husband, children, grandchildren and other family members.

Mr. John Chandran, the second son of Mdm. Shantabai Pereira of Zion Lutheran Congregation went home to be wih the Lord on 13th March 2014. The funeral service was held at Zion Cathedral, Brickfields on 14th March 2014. We express our condolences to his mother, siblings and other family members.

Sitiawan Lutheran OutreachThe Sitiawan Lutheran Outreach currently provides spiritual care for 40 souls. Divine Worship Services are held every Sunday commencing 5.00pm. House Prayer Meetings attended by about 15 – 20 people are held every Thursday at 8.00pm. Please contact Rev. Samuel Kanagaraj at 016 974 5351 for further details. l

Sentosa Lutheran OutreachThe Sentosa Lutheran Outreach under the able leadership of Rev. Easupillai has about 70 to 80 souls participating in its activities. Divine Worship services are held every Sunday commencing 6pm at the outreach’s premises. Please contact Rev. Easupillai at 011 1153 5851 for further details. l

Rantau Lutheran OutreachThe Rantau Lutheran Outreach under the able leadership of Rev. Joseph Sinnapan has about 20 to 30 souls participating in its activities. Divine Worship services are held every Sunday commencing 6.00pm at the outreach’s premises. Please contact Rev. Joseph Sinnapan at 016 604 0051 for further details. l

Kajang Lutheran OutreachThe Kajang Lutheran Outreach under the able leadership of Rev. Somraj Englu has about 15 to 20 souls participating in its activities. Divine Worship services are held every Sunday commencing 4.30pm at the outreach’s premises. Please contact Rev. Somraj at 016 200 1735 for further details. l

Rasah Lutheran OutreachThe Rasah Lutheran Outreach under the able leadership of Rev. Steven Lawrence has about 30 to 40 souls participating in its activities. Divine Worship services are held every Sunday commencing 6.00pm at the outreach’s premises. Please contact Rev. Steven Lawrence at 017 375 9317 for further details. l

ELCM Outreach Ministries

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ELCM Diakonia Ministries

Rumah Hope

On the 10th February, the American Association of Malaysia (AAM), invited us for a high-tea and cheque presentation event. The AAM has been regularly supportive of our ministry. On Saturday 22nd of March 2014, 15 of our children were invited by Persatuan Guo Lin Qi Gong Malaysia, Petaling Jaya branch, to give a drum performance at Armada Hotel to raise funds for the Cancer Society. Our children performed with excellence after many practice sessions led by Rotary Club of Damansara members, Susan Joseph, Selvabalan Sinnan and Tim Schuetz who have given their time and voluntary services for the well-being of our children. We are grateful to God for His goodness and mercies to Rumah Hope. We thank all our kind donors and volunteers. l

Bethany Home

Rev. Karthik Sibanyanam was installed as the Director of Bethany Home by Rt. Rev. Dr. Solomon Rajah on the 14th of February 2014 In Bethany Lutheran Congregation, Hutan Melintang Perak. l

Family Counselling Centre

The first training course for potential voluntary counsellors for the Family Counselling Centre to be established in the Zion compound was held from the 4th of March to the 3rd of April 2014 at the

Diocesan Seminar Room. A total of 20 members participated in this seminar.

The course was conducted by Rev. Leif Dahlin, our former missionary pastor who served at Good Hope Lutheran Congregation during the eighties. Rev. David Devapirian was the coordinator for this training programme. l

Rumah Chrestus

On 27th of April 2014, Rumah Chrestus will be organising a Fund-Raising Banana Leaf Luncheon commencing 12pm onwards. Tickets are available at RM15 per ticket. For more information, kindly contact Rev. Eliezer Peter at 016 622 4421. l

Rumah Luther Ria, Port Dickson

Rumah Luther Ria, is moving from its current location at Resurrection Church compound to the Lutheran Centre at 4

1/2 mile, Port Dickson. The management committee will continue to make every effort to establish Rumah Luther Ria as a centre of teaching excellence for disabled children and a shining testimony of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ in the local community in Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan. l

Rumah Harmoni Trinity, Teluk Intan

Rumah Harmoni Trinity will be organising a fund-raising dinner on the 26th of April 2014. Each table will cost RM500. Please come and participate in this event as by doing so you will be supporting this ministry. For further enquiries, please contact Rev. Vijiyan at 016 502 4552. l

Women’s Care and Counselling Centre (WCCC)

The Women’s Care and Counselling Centre (WCCC) continues to carry out its ministry to troubled women in our society including unwed mothers, sick women, poor widows and other unfortunate women. Counselling services are provided for distressed single pregnant women and single mothers. Groceries and other household items are also distributed to needy widows on a regular basis. For further enquiries on the centre, please contact Mrs. Elizabeth at 016 649 4635. l

14 15ngyg;gLj;Jjy; & tpupTg;gLj;Jjy; 2009-2020 15

On Wednesday, 21st August 1974 the Rev. S.G. Achariam, lovingly known as “our Pastor,” passed into eternal rest at the age of 66. He was born on 11th July 1908 in Srikali. Later he went to school in the historic town of Tranquebar (South India), where the first Lutheran missionaries landed over two centuries ago. After education in South India, he came to Malaysia in 1928, and his proficiency and command of the Tamil and English languages earned him the post of Court Interpreter, in which capacity he served the Malayan Government for over 20 years. But his impulsive urge and yearning desire to serve Christ, made him to resign from the Government post, while he was on the top of his pay scale. Even while he was in the Government service, he worked as a lay preacher and devoted all his leisure time for God’s work in many parts of Malaysia.

After an intensive course of theological training in Chennai, he was ordained as a Pastor in 1961 in Kuala Lumpur by the late Bishop R. B. Manickam of the Tamil Evangelical Lutheran Church, India and he became the first indigenous Lutheran Pastor in Malaysia.

Since then he served the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia (ELCM) as Pastor in charge of many congregations, until his retirement in January 1974. The last post he held, was that of Pastor in charge of Teluk Anson (now Teluk Intan) area. His wife, the late Mrs. Maragatham Achariam also served as Acting Director of Bethany Home. The late Rev. S. G. Achariam left behind 5 sons and 2 daughters. One of his sons, the Rev. Jeremiah Achariam

served as a pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia (ELCM) for more than 30 years.

The late Rev. Achariam was unique in caring for the spiritual needs especially of children and youths. He directed his special attention towards those members, who could not normally come to church because of distance and other difficulties. Teaching Sunday schools was his hobby, and there was hardly a Youth camp that he missed. He was an able composer of sonnets, and many of his sonnets appeared in the Lutheran Herald. He was the only Pastor who could sing most of the Tamil lyrics. Conducting kalachebams was his other special contribution to the CCM. Every Easter Monday he conducted kalachebam, wherever he was and however busy he might be. He was very intimately connected with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia since his early days. In short, he was like a walking encyclopedia in the history of the Evangelical Lutheran

Church in this country. His tireless and dedicated service to the people can never easily be forgotten. There were occasions, when he conducted three, sometimes even four services on Sundays. He was never tired of travelling, and distance and difficulties were never a problem to him, when it came to the question of conducting a service.

He also laboured relentlessly for Christian unity and the growth of ecumenism in Malaysia. While he was Pastor in Penang, he was elected as a chairman of the CCM, Penang branch for two years. His vast experience as Court Interpreter enabled, him to contribute very much, when the Christian Marriage Ordinance was promulgated during the British time in Malaysia. Because of his knowledge of Bahasa Malaysia, he was requested to baptize over 100 Sengois in the Tapah District, which he did in 1968.

The demise of Rev. Achariam had deprived the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia of a stalwart pastor, who was a strong pillar of support and a sincere worker, who like a candle burnt himself to spread the light of the Gospel throughout Malaysia.

- ELCM Archives

REV. S. G. ACHARIAM He was never tired of

travelling, and distance and difficulties were never a problem to him, when it came to the question of conducting a service.

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The Rev. Thiruchilluvai Joseph was the pioneer pastor from South India

who gathered all the diaspora Lutherans in Kuala Lumpur and started regular worship services in January 1907, that marked the beginning of a new Lutheran Church in Malaysia (Malaya at that time). Unfortunately not much information is available about his life and ministry.

From the few records that are available we know that the Rev. T. Joseph was born in 1862 and by the beginning of 1900 he was one of the pastors of the Leipzig Evangelical Lutheran Mission (LELM) which has its origin in Germany. This mission was in charge of the Lutheran Mission work in South India before the formation of the present Tamil Evangelical Lutheran Church (TELC).

The LELM missionaries had been visiting Penang and Singapore in the late 1870s and by 1900 they found about 315 Lutherans in Penang and Singapore. It is most likely that in 1901 together with the LELM missionaries Rev. T. Joseph also visited Kuala Lumpur and he found 365 Lutherans there. This could be one of the survey visits and Rev. T. Joseph would have returned to India after that survey, since in 1902 when a LELM missionary visited Malaya at the invitation of the Methodist Bishop, the Bishop had suggested to the missionary that LELM should send someone to celebrate the sacrament with the Lutherans once a year. However, it was only in 1906 the mission decided to station a Lutheran pastor in Malaya.

Accordingly Rev. T. Joseph was stationed in Kuala Lumpur on November 11, 1906. He soon gathered the Lutheran members in Kuala Lumpur and on 30 January 1907 the first regular worship service was held in a rented shop house in Scott Road (in Brickfields) in Kuala Lumpur. Rev. Joseph, by then, had also organized the congregation to choose the elders to form a committee (named as the Stewards Committee) to meet regularly and make the needed important

decisions for the church. The first meeting was held soon after the service on 30 January 1907 under the guidance of Pastor Joseph. In the subsequent meetings, they decided to nominate a pastor to work in Malaya and to contribute towards his salary. To meet these expenses of the congregation two percent of the members’ income was to be given to the church, and later in 1908 to be given to purchase land for a church building. Through a loan (RM 2,900) obtained from the Home Mission Board in Germany, the committee bought the land (now known as No. 21, Jalan Sultan Abdul Samad, and where the Zion Cathedral stands) on 2 June 1909. Soon a Building Committee was also formed to raise funds for the building. However, it was only more than a decade later that the church building came into existence.

In 1908, a German missionary, Rev. Herman Matthes was stationed in Penang to strengthen the Lutheran Church in Malaya. He was taking care of the work around Penang and Ipoh areas and was the president of the Building Committee. However, due to some problems from immigration and other authorities his travel was restricted and his ministry in Malaya ended quickly and Pastor Joseph took over as the president of the Building Committee

and the pastoral duties for the northern areas. In 1913 another German missionary, Traugott Ruger, was stationed in Penang and he took charge as the president of the building committee and was in charge of the ministry in the northern areas. His ministry expanded into Kedah also. However, due to the outbreak of the World War I, he had to leave Malaya in 1915. Again Pastor Joseph had to take charge of all the

tasks of the church in the Penang areas together with his tasks in Kuala Lumpur, with the additional help of a catechist. The task of caring for more than 650 Lutheran members scattered throughout the country

must have been exhausting and so a request was made by the Stewards Committee for another missionary in 1916. But the help did not come and so Pastor Joseph had to continue his difficult ministry alone.

Meanwhile after the war, in 1918 Pastor Joseph together with one of the prominent lay leaders and Congregation Secretary at that time, Mr. A. A. Peter, were jointly appointed as the trustees of church properties. Since this trusteeship was formerly in the name of Rev. Matthes, it took a lot of effort to deal with the authorities and the court before this task was finalized. In 1918 the Church in India was preparing to become an independent church, TELC in January 1919, so the Lutheran church in Malaya agreed to adopt the rules of the mother Lutheran Church in India with some modifications to suit the local conditions but this was not actually finalized until 1936 and so the work in Malaya continued to be under the Mission Council of the LELM. The renewed requests for another pastor for Malaya was not entertained by the mission and so Pastor Joseph had to continue his ministry alone until 1921 when he returned to India after his labor in Malaya for fifteen years. It was only after his departure to India, another pastor, Rev. S. Muthusamy, was stationed in Kuala Lumpur on 11 November 1921, to continue the work started by Rev. T. Joseph in 1907.

Rev. T. Joseph, after his return to India, continued to serve in the newly formed church, TELC. He was the pastor of the New Jerusalem Church in Tranquebar, South India until his retirement in 1925. After his retirement as pastor he returned to Malaya and lived with his children and their family members who were already residents of Malaya. Rev. T. Joseph passed away in 1929 and was buried in the Christian Cemetery in Cheras in Kuala Lumpur. From the latest information received through his grandson, Mr. Daniel Benjamin, we know that the late Mr. Benjamin (one of the sons of Rev. T. Joseph) was buried in 2009, in the same burial lot where Rev. T. Joseph was buried in 1929.

Rev. Tiruchiluvai Joseph

- ELCM Archives