Wed, 03 Mar 2010 23:03:59 -0500 http://www.asia-lutheran.org/ Asia Lutheran Communion en-us http://www.asia-lutheran.org/images/images/logo.gif http://www.asia-lutheran.org/ timo@asia-lutheran.org http://www.asia-lutheran.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=411 An LWF Focus on Issues That Impede Gender Justice and Inclusiveness GENEVA, 3 March 2010 (LWI) – "Women's Daily Bread" is the title of a Lutheran World Federation (LWF) publication drawing attention to some of the critical issues that impede equitable gender progress in the Lutheran communion and beyond. Published to coincide with events marking the International Women's Day on 8 March 2010, the special edition of Lutheran World Information (LWI - No. 12/2009) offers further reflections on the July 2010 LWF Eleventh Assembly theme "Give Us Today Our Daily Bread." "The prayer for 'our daily bread' is a petition for inclusive bodily and spiritual sustenance for all - not for some, as sadly reflected in today's reality. It also challenges the LWF's understanding of leadership from the biblical concept of vocation and priesthood of all believers," says LWF General Secretary Rev. Dr Ishmael Noko in the publication's foreword. Wed, 03 Mar 2010 23:03:59 -0500 http://www.asia-lutheran.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=410 ‘Our focus is on our children’, Michael Jang said. ‘If you come to our homes you will see us adults watching The Simpsons [a popular children's program in Australia] — because we lost our own childhood and we’re trying to find it now!’ Mr Jang, the pastoral ministry worker at Dandenong [Melbourne, Australia] was speaking at the African Ministry Conference held in Melbourne. It drew together around 60 people representing the Lutheran Church of Australia (LCA) and its districts, Victorian District Church Council, African pastors, evangelists and other lay workers, and non-African pastors and lay people supporting them. Thu, 25 Feb 2010 04:13:11 -0500 http://www.asia-lutheran.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=409 Dear Friends ALN49 is ready for your reading pleasure at www.asia-lutheran.org (click newsletter on right of homepage). Besides news and updates, this issue brings you many more pictures of people and events in the past year! Log on and enjoy! Do send us your feedback so we can improved, and forward this link to your friends and associates who may find the news and information helpful. Wishing all who celebrates the lunar new year, a very happy and blessed year of the Tiger! ALN Team Ooops! My apologies ... Pg 11-Bishop Suneel Bhanu is from Andhra ELC Pg 16-Mekong Mission Forum meeting is from April 28-30 Mon, 15 Feb 2010 20:33:19 -0500 http://www.asia-lutheran.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=408 In conjunction with the visit of LWF General Secretary and Asia Secretary in 2000, LWF member churches in Indonesia were encouraged to establish a LWF National Committee. The LWF National Committee in Indonesia (NCI), established in 2000, has performed its tasks as stipulated by the LWF to: - Strengthening relationships, unity and cooperation between LWF and among member churches - Retaining the right of direct communication between LWF and member churches - Presenting an annual report on its activities to the LWF Council The daily work of the Committee has been implemented by its Executive Secretary in consultation with its Board members and accompanied by the LWF Department for Mission and Development (DMD). Mon, 15 Feb 2010 10:34:04 -0500 http://www.asia-lutheran.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=407 The Gospel Sharing and Feeding Programmes by the Lutheran World Mission, Mekong Mission Forum Cambodia Cooperation (LWM-MMFCC) at Kampong Chhnang, Cambodia is in full swing! There is now an average of 24 adults attending the Sunday worship services and 40 children in its Sunday school. English classes had also started and are drawing young people to the Gospel and social work centre! The LWM was registered on 25 August 2008 as an international NGO of Cambodia. The work is the initiative of the Mekong Mission Forum (MMF) for Lutheran churches that are keen to do Gospel and social/humanitarian work in Cambodia. The Lutheran Church in Singapore (LCS) was entrusted with the task to do some fact finding which eventually led to the start of the ministry in Kampong Chhnang (about an hour away from Phnom Penh). Tue, 02 Feb 2010 23:09:30 -0500 http://www.asia-lutheran.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=406 During Advent this year, Palestinian Christian leaders gathered in Bethlehem to launch "A Moment of Truth: A Word of Faith, Hope and Love from the Heart of Palestinian Suffering." The so-called Palestinian Kairos document is a statement of reality and hope from a broad coalition of Christian leaders in Palestine. Mon, 25 Jan 2010 21:37:44 -0500 http://www.asia-lutheran.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=405 The UN Climate Change Conference in ‘the port of hope’ – Copenhagen – from December 7 to 19, 2009, raised and lowered hopes. Anyway, the conference is not a total failure as some would call it. The accusation is that what is agreed upon will not limit the temperature rise within 2oC, the upper limit for the healthy survival of humanity. But here are three reasons why the conference is a success. Wed, 20 Jan 2010 23:25:06 -0500 http://www.asia-lutheran.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=404 The Youth Desk of the Jeypore Evangelical Lutheran Church called on its congregations to celebrate Green Christmas in order to express its solidarity with the dying eco system. A big Climate Justice Peace Rally was organized on 29th December 2009 in Koraput, Orissa which drew the attention of many as this was the first of its kind in Koraput town. Youth from different parts of JELC participated in the rally. The event also received good media coverage. The rally is to bring about greater awareness among youth and the community. More than 500 youth participated in the rally. Tue, 19 Jan 2010 23:16:28 -0500 http://www.asia-lutheran.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=403 Dear friends & colleagues I want to share with you the latest information on the situation in Haiti. As you may know, the UN and NGOs buildings are badly affected and many humanitarian workers had lost their lives as well. Our staff is okay, although their families are affected. LWF and Diakonia offices are not damaged and still functional. LWF office is hosting many people from other ACT members. Most of them are sleeping in tents or sleeping bags. We can accommodate about 20 people in our backyard. Internet connection is working and most of the communication are by Skype. Though the water reservoir was filled in just before the earthquake, the lack of water could still be a problem. Mon, 18 Jan 2010 10:04:51 -0500 http://www.asia-lutheran.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=402 Another cold wave is now sweeping over the country. Most parts of the country are shivering in the cold. Yesterday (Jan 12), the lowest temperature was recorded in Srimangal at 5 degree Celsius. The Metrological Office said the cold wave will continue for the next few days. RDRS Bangladesh has already distributed 2,905 blankets and 7,150 wrappers to the cold affected people through local church associates, Federation of NGOs in Bangladesh (FNB) and partner NGOs. RDRS' staff have also donated warm clothes for the poor people in its working area. RDRS will continue the distribution of warm clothes and another 1,900 blankets to the needy. Thu, 14 Jan 2010 07:31:33 -0500 http://www.asia-lutheran.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=401 Harissa, Lebanon – (Jan. 12, 2010) Ordaining women as pastors to serve Middle Eastern churches took one step closer to becoming a reality today. Delegates at the Fellowship of the Middle East Evangelical Churches (FMEEC) voted unanimously to adopt a statement in support of this change. The statement was drafted on the spot in response to a report by the fellowship's theology committee, which found no biblical or theological reasons to oppose female ordination. Wed, 13 Jan 2010 21:07:05 -0500 http://www.asia-lutheran.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=400 Speech by Bishop Philip Lok of the Lutheran Church in Malaysia and Singapore, at the Dialogue Session between Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Church Representatives, on 10 January 2010 at Luther Centre Petaling Jaya First, on behalf of the Lutheran Church in Malaysia and Singapore, I welcome Datuk Seri Anwar, and all other distinguished guests to Luther Centre. How I wished that your first visit to the headquarters of the Lutheran Church is under more pleasant circumstances. As Christians, we are very saddened and shocked by the terrible events which took placed in our nation during the past 2 days. Our dream for a peaceful and progressive Malaysia was viciously shattered by the petrol bombs. These series of unjustifiable attacks upon churches have shaken the very foundation of our Malaysian society and scarred our common psyche. On a personal level, I am distressed by the fact that one of our oldest Lutheran churches was also attacked yesterday. Wed, 13 Jan 2010 03:22:08 -0500 http://www.asia-lutheran.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=399 Fresh attacks on churches occurred yesterday (Sunday, 10 January 2010) but fortunately, the affected churches suffered no major damages or injuries to individuals. What is more disturbing is that yesterday's attack was no longer limited to the Kuala Lumpur Petaling Jaya area. In fact, the oldest Anglican church in Malaysia , and another Catholic church, both in Taiping (Perak) were petrol-bombed. Another Baptist church in Melaka was splashed with black paint. Even a mission school in Perak was targeted. For more information, please refer to the attachment below or the following links: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/malaysia/49125-miri-church-attack-makes-it-7- Tue, 12 Jan 2010 21:06:43 -0500 http://www.asia-lutheran.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=398 ELCJHL Bishop Munib A. Younan today announced his support and prayers for His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, patriarch of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria, and his church in the wake of killings in Nag Hammadi, Egypt, last week. Tue, 12 Jan 2010 02:55:09 -0500 http://www.asia-lutheran.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=397 Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ First, I would like to thank all of you who have sent me emails assuring us of your solidarity and prayer support as our nation tries to pick up the pieces, and finds a peaceful and long-lasting solution to the present religious tensions. Second, allow me to bring you up to date with the latest situation in Kuala Lumpur. Earlier this morning (9 Jan 2010) arsonists attempted to set fire to one of our oldest congregations, the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Petaling Jaya. By God’s mercy, the petrol bombs missed the targeted windows, and thus causing only minor damage to the exterior walls. The congregation pastor, Rev. Augustine, discovered the scorched marks on the walls at about 2 pm. A police report was immediately lodged and the police forensic team arrived promptly to investigate the incident. Sat, 09 Jan 2010 11:00:26 -0500 http://www.asia-lutheran.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=396 Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, On behalf of the Lutheran Church in Malaysia, I bring you greetings in this season of Epiphany. May the Everlasting Father grant us an unwavering faith till we behold his glory face to face. Since our nation gained independence from Britain in 1957, Malaysians have always prided ourselves of the peace and prosperity we enjoyed in this multi-racial and multi-religious society. Apart from a minor blip in 1969 when racial riots took placed in Kuala Lumpur, the majority of our people were committed to build a nation where we respect and accept each other differences. We are always proud to show off to our foreign friends and visitors how we lived harmoniously in all our cultural diversity. But our dreams for a One Malaysia, and the image of a peace-loving nation was tragically shattered in the early hours on this day, 8 Jan 2010, when three churches were attacked with firebombs perpetrated by irresponsible and hateful persons. These churches (each from the Roman Catholic Church, the Assembly of God and the Brethren) are located within Petaling Jaya. The only comfort is that there was no loss of life in these acts of insanity. Sat, 09 Jan 2010 09:29:26 -0500 http://www.asia-lutheran.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=395 Dear Friends Here is wishing all of you a very happy and blessed 2010! May the blessings of God be with all of you. ALN 48 is now ready for your reading pleasure. Click the newsletter (right) to update yourself with news and information on the LWF General Secretary-elect and more on the LWF Council meeting. Also read about the LWF Asia Pre-Assembly Consultation (APAC) that had just taken place in Bangkok. Many had deemed this APAC to be one of the best in the past years. Log on to find out more through the many news write-ups and photographs. Tue, 05 Jan 2010 20:52:58 -0500 http://www.asia-lutheran.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=394 Northern Bangladesh, Rajshahi and Chapai Nawabgonj districts, are experiencing very cold weather this year with temperature ranging from as low as 6-8 degree Celsius. The indigenous people in that region, who lives mainly on their daily income, are unable to get work at this time and many are living without food or only on half a meal a day. There was also a lack of warm clothing and many are falling sick and some had died. Please pray for us and for emergency relief for these indigenous people. (BNELC) Tue, 05 Jan 2010 00:03:09 -0500 http://www.asia-lutheran.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=393 We bring you the sad news of the passing away of Rev Benjamin Lasegan, President of Lutheran Church in the Philippines. He passed away last Wednesday morning, December 30. His wake is at the Baguio Memorial Chapels and burial will be on Monday, January 4. He has been undergoing dialysis for renal problems and succumbed to his 3rd stroke. Please remember his family and LCP in our prayers. Fri, 01 Jan 2010 22:23:42 -0500 http://www.asia-lutheran.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=392 Dear brothers and sisters in Christ On behalf of the Asia Desk of the Lutheran World Federation - Department for Mission and Development, we would like to send you our best wishes for a Very Merry Christmas and a Blessed Happy New Year 2010. Christmas is for joy, for giving and sharing, for laughter, for coming together with family and friends, but mostly, Christmas is for love. It was this love for which Jesus came to this world and sacrificed his life. Christmas is a time for confronting the reality of the bad news, and declaring that peace, justice and righteousness have come into the world in Jesus Christ. Therefore, Christmas is the time to rejoice in the glories of Christ's birth and celebrate all the blessings of the Holy Spirit with our friends, family, acquaintances and loved ones. May God bless you and give you the best Christmas ever, as Jesus becomes incarnate in our hearts and moves each one of us to share His mercy and love. As we anticipate the year 2010, we pray that it will be for you a very meaningful year filled with peace and joy. Rev Dr Ginda P Harahap Ms Sally Lim / Kee Ms Janis Cummings Sun, 20 Dec 2009 21:50:53 -0500 http://www.asia-lutheran.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=391 Equitable Distribution and Consumption Will Curb Food Insecurity BANGKOK, Thailand/GENEVA, 10 December 2009 (LWI) - The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) member churches in Asia concluded their preparatory meeting for the forthcoming LWF Eleventh Assembly with an appeal to the global Lutheran communion to strengthen advocacy on responsible stewardship over God-given resources. "Hunger in Asia is not the result of insufficient food production in the region but rather human-made crises" such as corruption, unjust distribution, militarization, colonialism, occupation and overwhelming national debtamong others, participants in the Asia Pre-Assembly Consultation (APAC) said in a final message. Sat, 12 Dec 2009 08:30:42 -0500 http://www.asia-lutheran.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=390 LWF Regional Meeting Calls for Education and Resources to Enable Active Engagement BANGKOK, Thailand/GENEVA, 10 December 2009 (LWI) - Diakonia is the gospel in action. Diapraxis is interfaith diakonia. But, as participants at the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Asia Pre-Assembly Consultation (APAC) and Asia Church Leadership Conference (ACLC) deliberated further, they agreed these expressions of church mission encompassed much more. Members of a group discussion on "Diakonia as Reaction to Exclusion" at the 6-9 December regional LWF meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, concluded that diakonia is service that reconciles, empowers and accompanies. Diakonia, they agreed, is prophetic when it announces an alternative way of being or denounces injustice in defense of marginalized people. Sat, 12 Dec 2009 08:27:00 -0500 http://www.asia-lutheran.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=389 Significant Impact on Mission and Evangelism Work in Asia BANGKOK; Thailand/GENEVA, 9 December 2009 (LWI) - Representatives of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) member churches in Asia are asking the LWF, its ecumenical and interfaith partners to provide and share appropriate resources and expertise to enable churches respond effectively to the issue of climate change. Whether it is catastrophic flooding or drought, deforestation or mining, the social, economic and political problems emanating from climate change are interrelated, stated the report of a group discussion on this topic during the Asia Pre-Assembly Consultation (APAC), taking place 6-9 December in Bangkok, Thailand. Sat, 12 Dec 2009 08:25:22 -0500 http://www.asia-lutheran.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=385 Call to Emphasize Rich Lutheran Heritage in Worship Life BANGKOK; Thailand/GENEVA, 8 December 2009 (LWI) - Young adults in Asia faced with the disillusionment of a good education that no longer guarantees employment opportunities need spiritual guidance from the church on how to get their daily material bread and meet their spiritual needs. "What does a job mean? What does work mean?" asked Rev. Sekino Kazuhiro from the Japan Evangelical Lutheran Church, presenting the LWF Asian region youth response to the keynote address of the Asia Pre-Assembly Consultation (APAC), taking place 6-9 December in Bangkok, Thailand. Sat, 12 Dec 2009 01:48:38 -0500 http://www.asia-lutheran.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=384 Call to Empower Women’s Response to Climate Change, Poverty and Human Trafficking BANGKOK; Thailand/GENEVA, 8 December 2009 (LWI) - Women delegates attending the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Asian region Pre-Assembly Consultation (APAC) commended the LWF's far-reaching advocacy for marginalized groups in church and society, but called for urgent changes to structures and traditions that further perpetuate exclusion. "Making women visible is the first step in reducing their vulnerability," said Ms Dora R. Hemalatha, when she presented the women's perspectives on the keynote address by LWF vice president Bishop Dr Munib A. Younan. The presentation by the bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELJHL) focused on "daily bread as a holy call to justice" in the Asian context. Sat, 12 Dec 2009 01:38:00 -0500