We are deeply sadden by the sudden passing away of Bishop Julius Paul. Our deepest sympathies to his family and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia (ELCM). May the peace of God which surpasses all understanding be with all of you.

Sincerely

Sally Lim (Kee)

LWF Regional Expression Coordinator for Asia

With sorrow and sadness I read this sudden news and remember our meeting in Kuala Lumpur 2004 and few occasion later in LWF meetings. I wish God Almighty to help Bishop Paul family and Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia to bear this sad news and continue to declare resurrection in Jesus Christ.

Timo

Webmaster Asia Lutheran News

Dear bereaved family of Paul,

With great shock and sadness I have learned about the sudden death of our dear brother Bishop Julius D. Paul.

On behalf of our Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL) - including her congregations and educational, social, cultural and health institutions - I would like to express our deep sympathy and heartfelt condolences.

I have known Bishop Paul since he was serving the LWF Youth Desk in the early eighties of the past century. Our relationship continued and I remember how much he enjoyed to serve in the Standing Committee of the LWF World Service representing the Asia region. He was dedicated to the service and was courageous in defending the World service. We in the Asia region also considered Bishop Paul to be a leader. His input was important in all our meetings in Asia. Certainly, the Asia region will miss him as much as his church that he served. We have missed a brother and a friend and a person who believed in the important of the communion.

We have no explanation why this tragic accident took place. Analysis and words cannot explain the tragic accident, but we trust in the Lord of resurrection that death is not the end, but we believe in the risen Lord who will surely comfort his wife, his children and his church in Malaysia.

We hold fast to Jesus words from John 11: 25 "I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die".

May he rest in peace.

Your Brother in Christ,

+Bishop Dr. Munib A. Younan

The Lutheran Bishop in Jerusalem

Vice-President of the Lutheran World Federation

Dear family members of Bishop Julius Paul,

Dear brothers and sisters - members of ELCM in Christ,

With shock and deepest regret, we have received information about the death of our Bishop - Bishop Julius D Paul on 22 November 2009 in Sololá, Guatemala. I write this letter to share your bereavement of the sudden death of our Bishop.

Bishop Julius Paul was known to us for many years. We remember with gratitude his life of witness and ministry with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia (ELCM) and his genuine contributions to the life and work of the Lutheran communion in Asia as well as the Lutheran communion worldwide. Certainly the death of a Christian leader always reminds us of the joyous promise in Christ Resurrection, although, of course, at the same time, to be sad that the family and the Christian communities are interrupted.

We mourn with the family and with all of you and pray that our Lord and Savior may comfort the bereaved family and the church. We take comfort in the words of St. Paul: “My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better” (Philippians 1:23). “We do not live to ourselves, and we do not die to ourselves. If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s (14: 7-9). We believe that Jesus Christ has died for us and risen from the dead. He is our saving Lord; He is joy for all ages, in him our salvation, in him our hope abides. It is in this spirit of our Christian faith and hope that on behalf of the Asia Desk of the Lutheran World Federation – Department for Mission and Development, I should like to express to the family of Bishop Julius Paul and all members of the ELCM our deepest sympathy and condolences. I also send you condolence greetings from Dr Kjell Nordstokke, Director of LWF Department for Mission and Development.

May God’s immeasurable council guide you especially Bishop Paul's wife and children and all members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia during this very difficult time.

Yours in Christ Jesus,

Ginda P Harahap

From Geneva, Switzerland...sadness. Bill Strehlow

Bishop Julius Danaraj Paul was a natural leader with charisma and vision. His passing takes away a good Asian church leader who represented the Asian voice in the LWF and all other ecumenical fora with passion. This accident not only takes him away but also leaves a huge void in the LWF communion. He was in leadership very early in his life and hence, providing leadership came so naturally to him. He was bold, sharp in his thinking, deep in his analysis and also immensely articulate. His voice in the Asian meetings was a solid one. He was collegial and also had in him a strong sense of humour. On many occasions we have laughed about issues to make serious issues lighter. Any form of injustice made him concerned and he wanted to respond to it.

He was deeply committed to his church and his calling as the Bishop of the church. On many occasions he has discussed his dreams and visions regarding his church. He was a natural choice for leadership for several positions in the LWF and other ecumenical organizations. He was a good pastor, a dedicated Bishop, a committed ecumenical colleague and an articulate LWF Council member. As a Council member he was appointed as the Chair of the Standing Committee of the Department for World Service. He provided leadership in all the committees he had served with acumen and zeal.

I send my very deep personal condolences to Mrs.Paul, the children, near and dear ones and the members of the church. This loss affects all of us who have been connected to him in one way or another, more so the Asian Lutheran Communion.

Chandran Paul Martin

Dear family members and the members of the Lutheran church in Malaysia

I am shocked and grieved to know the untimely demise of our beloved bishop and extend my most sincere offers of condolence and prayer to you. We devastated by this loss and the church that has lost its chief shepherd who not only acted on their behalf in Malaysia but represented it and the Asian continent as a committed and caring leader. He is known to us as a leader who led a simple life with high thinking. He made the Asians proud of his leadership in the LWF Communion as a Council member and chair of the standing committee and was very clear in his visioning as to how the LWF should prioritize and lead.

He made sure that he met with me every time he visited Geneva and discussed many of the vital things that are dear to his heart, to his church and to the communion. He was very level headed. clear in his reasoning and his visioning, in his convictions and commitments to finding and providing leadership to the young people. His faith informed all his convictions and commitments. His faith made him forthcoming and vocal of his convictions at the Council meeting in Arusha that delighted and challenged us. We have lost the leading voice for Asia in the international arena.

He was most pastoral in his inter-personal relations with all of us and gave us valuable insights and advice from his long experience as an international leader.

This is an irreparable loss not only to his loving family and to the church but to Asia and to the wider Lutheran Communion.

May God of all consolation, the Holy Spirit the Comforter lead you to the peace that passes all understanding in Christ Jesus!May you stay anchored in Christ who grieves with us and keeps us secure in this stormy and sorrowful times!

Priscilla Singh

Bishop Julius Paul is the longest serving bishop in Malaysia, I met him first when I was 5 -6 years old when he was a minister at the Good Samaritan Church in Sentul as I used to attend its Sunday School. Its a great loss to the Christian community especially the Indian Christian community in our country as the Bishop is known to be a very down to earth, friendly and understanding person. Me and my family wishes to extend our deepest sorrow to the family of the late Bishop. Thanking God for such a wonderful man who had left a legacy behind for other servants of God in Malaysia.

God Bless

Pas.Francis Loh

(The World Is My Parish)

We, the LWF as a Communion of Churches, will miss

Bishop Paul as a wonderful leader in his own church body and in Asia.

Bishop David P Piso

Head Bishop

Gutnius Lutheran Church, Papua New Guinea

On behalf of SIGNIS World I would like to express my deepest condolence to the Asian Lutheran Church and to the family of Bishop Paul on his tragic and untimely death. Be assured we will remember him and his great commitment to his vocation and to his people. We are sure he is with the Lord. Our prayers go with you.

Augustine Loorthusamy

President Signis World, Brussels, Belgium

It is indeed sad and shocking to hear of Bishop Julius Paul's tragic death. I first met him (then Rev Julius Paul) as a seminarian in the mid-70s. We used to play football in the Zion Church grounds before attending lectures at the Church Training Centre, Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur. While in Seminari Theoloji Malaysia I have worked with him through the STM Council, CCM work and also the Fellowship of Indian Denominational Churches (FIDC). He is one person who was very approachable and caring. He will be greatly missed by friends and family alike. May the Almighty grant to all loved ones peace and comfort at this time.

Albert Sundararaj Walters

St Mark's Church, Seremban, Malaysia

I wish to convey my personal condolences to the family of the late Bishop Julius Paul who passed away sadly. I came to know him during my involvement in CCM and CFM days, and also know him as friendly and approachable. I heard the news but until I surfed this website I was not sure how to go about sending my condolences. May God bless you all.

May his spirit rests in the loving hands of our Almighty God.

Rev Lidis Singkung

Dear Amma,

I am greatly distressed to learn about the untimely death of beloved Bishop Julius Paul. Though I knew him not so much, I had a good opportunity to meet with him when he was visiting Arcot Lutheran Church in Tamilnadu during early 2007.

He Participatged in our Pastors meeting at Kodaikanal specially arranged to hear him. In a simple and humorous manner he touched various problems affecting the mission and witness of the Lutheran churches in Malaysia and India. With his initiative our Bishop Rt.Rev. Gideon had arranged for an exchange visits to Malaysia to learn and study the work of the Malaysian Lutheran churches.

I was one of the five delegates who represented our church and visited the churches in Malaysia for learning and sharing. It was at that time, I had an opportunity to get to know him more closely. I found him to be a down to earth Bishop, who had moved freely with all. He had the nack of getting things down by his associates, and accomplished many difficult jobs with a simple simle and personal charm. My Father-in-Law late Rev. Gandhi Jesudian served the Malaysian Church. He recollected his services to the church with genuine love and concern and shared his appreciation for him with me.

I wish to quote below my brother-in-Law mr. samuels messagae sent to me on hearing his death: "Iam sadly depressed with the passing away of Bishop Julius Paul. He was a guardian to me. He gave me his name card and said that if I get into trouble anywhere in Malaysia to please call him.

He came the Registration office and was interviewed for three hours for my sake. He supported me and told the officials that he knows me and my dad from his childhood days and where in which court do they want him to come and that he would say the same thing because that is the truth. I will attend his funeral when his body comes to Malaysia" This simple testimony bears witness to the Bishop's practical Christian witness. I would like to convey my deepest sympathy and condolence to the bereaved family members and the Church.

May our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ give the needed courage and strenght to Amma, and Children to cope with this loss. As a word of consolation from the Scriptures I would like give these verses from the Gospel of John:"...he has crossed over from death to life". Jn.5:24

To the family of Bishop Julius Paul.

It was with shock and unbelief I learnt about the untimely passing away of Bishop Paul. I have heard of him earlier through my wife Jasmine and my Father in Law, late Rev. Gandhi Jesudian who had served Malaysian Lutheran Church until his death.

My personal contact with him came when the Bishop was visiting our church during early 2007. He was the main resource person in our Pastors conference at Kodaikanal for two days. He impressed me with his style of simplicity and firmness in his message. He had the nack of getting his points across with conviction commitment. His unique smile and personal charm were god given assets to tackle difficult situations in the management of the Church.

He exercised complete control over his pastors in matters of discipline and work. At the same time I found him to be a down to earth Bishop with easy accessibility by all.

I had observed all these qualities when I had brief opportunity to a visit the Churches in Malaysia on an exchange of pastors of pastors program for mutual learning and sharing with a view to strengthen our relationships. This idea was initiated by him with the cooperation of our Bishop who implemented the program. I was one of the five delegates who visited Malaysian Churches during August 2007.

He was also a fine humanitarian and practical person in his witness and mission. I would like to quote a testimony from my brother in-law Mr. samuel Ghandhi, how the bishop helped him when he was in need: "Bishop Julius Paul was a guardian to me. He gave his name card and said that if I get into trouble anywhere in Malaysia to please call him. He came to the Registration office and was interviewed for 3 hours for my sake. He supported me and told the officials that he knows me and my dad from his childhood days and where in which court do they want him to come and that he would say the same thing because that is the truth.

I am sadly depressed with the passing away of Bishop Julius Paul. I will attend his funeral when his body comes to Malaysia." With this testimony, I would like to convey my deepest sympathy and condolences to all the bereaved members of the family, especially to Aamma and the children. " Kanavanai izhanthavarkku Kattuvathil.." are words from the Tamil Epic Sillappathikaram.

No one can be shown as a substitute to a woman who has lost her husband is the meaning. Yet, I would like to give a verse from the Gospel of John as a means of consolation:"...he has crossed over from death to life". Jn.5:24 May our Lord God give the required strengh and courage to bear the loss. Let the peace of our Lord be upon the family and the church.

Rev. J. Bavani rajan, Pastor, ALC

Medan, December 2008

Dear Mrs. Julius Paul and the family in Malaysia

We Lutheran churches from Indonesia are very sad of the tragic death of our friend Bishop Julius Paul during his service in Guatemala. On behalf of the Lutheran churches in Indonesia I send you our deep condolence. We give thanks to God for his leadership and for his awareness for the congregation of the Lutheran Batak Congregations in Malaysia, especially among members of the Batak congregations in Kuala Lumpur. “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.” (Psalm 116: 15). We pray for you Mrs. Julius Paul and all of your families.

Yours sincerely,

Bishop emeritus J R Hutauruk

Council Members

Deep condolence for this very sad news. May God comfort the family and the ELCM. My last meeting with him was in January last year when we participated in 2 seminars in Port Wayne, USA. We missed Bishop Julius Paul very much. I know him since 1995, when we join the CCA General Assembly in Colombo.

God bless.

Willem T.P. Simarmata

With very deep condolence from members and leaders of

Indonesian Christian Lutheran Church. We are very sad over the passing away of Bishop Julius Paul. I last met him in a symposium in Fort Wayne USA in January 2008. May the Holy Spirit comfort his family and all members of ELCM. I will miss a good friend and a good servant of the Lord.

With best regard and prayer

Bishop Sahala Sinaga

GKLI, Indonesia

"Bishop Julius Paul was a remarkable advocate for the marginalized and the oppressed in our Malaysian society, and also, a distinct voice of the minority churches in the worldwide Lutheran Communion."

Bishop Philip Lok

Lutheran Church in Malaysia & Singapore (LCMS)

But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not,

even as others which have no hope.

For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Deut 30:4 Matt 24:31

Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

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The Old Lutheran Church

I wish to convey my personal condolences to the Bishop's family who passed away sadly. I had a opportunity to meet with him while he was visiting at kodaikanal on our ALC pastor's conference during 2007.

Yours Sincerely,

Rev.A.Solomon Rajan Babu, Pastor, ALC. Tamilnadu, India

I send my very deep personal condolences to Mrs. Paul and your family. Truly very unexpected by every one to accept the fact not may rejected. When you and your family are still want to enjoy together our dear brother Bishop Julius D. Paul, God have called him. May God gives strength and comfort you and your family to pass long trip in the future.

Rev. Natal B. Simamora