Israeli Ambassador visits Myanmar church headquarters

His Excellency Yaron Mayer, Israeli Ambassador to Myanmar, paid a courtesy call and visit to the Adventist church headquarters in Myanmar (MYUM), June 11. He was accompanied by Ms Michal Strahilevitz, special consultant; and Ms Morine Po, project secretary at the office of the Ambassador. The Ambassador was received by Maung Maung Myo Chan, MYUM director for Public Affairs and Religious Liberty (PARL).

Ambassador Mayer reiterated his government’s desire to work with the Adventist church in implementing the “Eye Project,” a community service program funded by the Israeli Embassy.

In that meeting, Maung Maung Myo Chan, also disaster response coordinator for the church, explained how the church was implementing other community services which were being administered in cooperation with the Metta development Foundation. This program particularly provides relief and rehabilitation activities for the victims of Cyclone Nargis that claimed the lives of more than 150,000 people in Myanmar in May 2008.

The decision for the Adventist Church to implement Israel’s “eye project” was influenced by the strong program of the church in community services. Such project will be implemented in Myaumgmya, where a strong network of community programs and activities is being done by the church.

Myo Chan was assisted by Dr Htwe Lay, health ministries director of the church, at this very important meeting. [AND Staff]

Adventist schools are mega city witnessing centers

Seventh-day Adventist schools worldwide have become evangelistic centers that bring young people to the Lord while in their tender years. The schools in Myanmar similarly fulfil this mission.

Enrolment has ended in this country of the golden pagodas, and parents have enlisted their children at Adventist seminaries in the mega cities of Yangon, Mandalay, Taungyi, Pathein, and Pyin Oo Lwin.

Primarily established for Adventist children, Adventist schools have been chosen by non-Adventists, too, as best schools to send their children. Looking at the benefits of learning many skills using English as a medium of instruction has influenced such decisions. And a very good knowledge of the English language is beneficial to people who are in search of international placements.

Beyond spiritual development of the young people, the Education department of the Adventist church in Myanmar (MYUM) also endeavors to develop their physical, mental, and social faculties.

For its part, the Yangon Adventist Seminary (YAS), which was established in 1975 primarily for the Adventist workers’ children, has now become a center of learning for children of both Adventists and non-Adventists. “This academic year 2009-2010, 75 percent of the 334 students enrolled at YAS are non-Adventists,” reported Ler Moo Aye, YAS treasurer. “And we take to heart our role of integrating faith and learning in our academic community.”

Foreseeing the influx of students in the near future, the school administrators look at the need of “providing more classrooms so as not to prevent the communities’ children to come to our schools.”

It is of note that YAS has upgraded its computer laboratory in order to enhance the skills of students in the information technology courses. [Myo Chan/AND]

A Historic New Broadcast: AWR Begins Airing to Laos

On July 16, Adventist World Radio will begin airing programs in the Lao language to listeners in the county of Laos. This is a historic occasion,” says AWR president Ben Schoun, “as this will be the first Adventist media broadcast to the people of Laos in their own language.” Laos is a small country with population of about 6 million.

Ethnic Lao, the principal lowland inhabitants and politically-and culturally-dominant group, make up the bulk of the Lao Loum population. Most people live in the valleys of the Mekong River and its tributaries. Vientiane prefecture, which includes Vientiane, the capital and largest city of the country, has about 700,000 residents.

Lao is a communist country with very stringent regulations on religious liberty. Public evangelism is restricted. There have been instances of the Laotian government attempting to make Christians renounce their faith and have several time closed down Christian churches. Often, the government officials are also known to detain clergy because of their religious activities.

In August 2008, the AWR studio at Mission College in Thailand took up the challenge to produce Laotian radio programs to broadcast from the AWR shortwave station in Guam. With the help and guidance of Pastor Surachet Insom, AWR Thailand coordinator, Pastor Brian Wilson, of the Southeast Asia Union translation center, took the initiative of working toward this goal with a few Laotian students studying at the college. Recently, the team found a key church member in Laos, Brother Boala, to produce these programs.

AWR will broadcast the Lao programs from Guam, which can be heard every Thursday and Saturday, between 8:30 and 9:00 PM, local time. Listeners can tune their shortwave radios to 11880 KHz on 25-meter band. In addition, AWR also plans to reach the hearts of approximately 700,000 people in Vientiane through FM radio programs from the Thai province of Nongkai.

“We praise our Great God for His providence throughout the radio work,” says AWR Asia/Pacific program director Anniston Matthews. “He loves every Laotian, and desires to reach out to all people in this country.”

Matthews adds, “The studio needs your help by contributing stories, features, and music for producing quality radio programs. Everyone can contribute by sending your articles to AWR Thailand at awrthai@hotmail.com. For those who have music talents and can produce ethnic Lao Christian music, you ma e-mail us your content.” [AWR News Release]

A model of hospitality

I was walking to my hotel one evening when I noticed someone following me not too far behind. The street was poorly lit so I couldn’t clearly recognize the person. I paced faster. The one trailing me did as well. I could see the gate of my hotel from a far distance but it was quite awkward to run.

That day, I had befriended the locals. From the boys on the streets to the motorcycle drivers, to the street vendors and just about anyone I met. This somehow jaded me on my first day while making acquaintances in that foreign country.

As I walked faster, I tried to comfort myself that it just could be one of the locals I met earlier. I decided to shake my fear off. I was too soaked in my thoughts that when I looked back, I was surprised to see the person gaining speed and was pacing along.

Brushing off my fear I blurted, “Hi, good evening!”

The lady replied, “Good evening, too.”

In her early 20s she was obviously uneasy in the dark. This time I was relaxed and started talking to her.

“Where have you been?” I inquired.

“From the salon to have my hair cut,” was her kind reply.

I asked her name and told her mine. “Where are you from,” she asked. I told her I came from the Philippines.

“Surely?” she exclaimed, “You know what, I’m going to the Philippines tomorrow. And I’ll be there to represent my country for the Miss Earth 2008 beauty pageant in Manila,” she proudly added.

I never expected to meet and talk to a beauty queen that night, more particularly in a dark street.

Sometimes, on unexpected circumstances and unholy hours we meet special people.

While Abraham was sitting by his tent door on the plains of Mamre (Genesis 18) he noticed three strangers at a distance. He ran to meet them and with utmost respect invited them to drop by his place. They accepted his sincere invitation. He gave them water that they might wash the dust of travel from their feet.

While the visitors were resting under the shade of the tree, Abraham ran to the flock and took a good and tender calf. When the bread and the meat were ready he took the steamy food to his visitors and they ate under a cool shade and Abraham stood respectfully beside them while they partook of his food.

Ellen G White related: “Abraham had seen in his guests only three tired wayfarers, thinking little that among them was the One he might worship without sin and this act of courtesy God regarded of sufficient importance to record in His word” (Patriarchs and Prophets, 138).

We usually give value to a person based on how we know him. And that value is usually associated with how we treat him or her. A person who is unknown to us is always of less value even though we know that he needs help. In my case, my reactions could have been different had I already known that the person walking behind me was a beauty queen.

Usually, we change our treatment toward someone if we already know something about him or her. That lady was not comfortable to be walking alone in the dark but I misunderstood her predicament and attempted to flee from her.

Abraham executed that utmost hospitality no matter how unknown those men were to him, notwithstanding the fact that entertaining strangers is not always safe to do. He cared for them though it was not evident that these strangers in any way could repay him.

Thousand years later this incident became a reference to this text: “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.” Hebrews 13:2

Can’t this be our model in helping, accommodating, and entertaining people including those unknown to us? [Jerson Paican]

God is faithful to fulfill His promise

Fear gripped a lot of people as 2009 sipped in with the reality of economic meltdown creeping through the New Year. The United States government was quick to pump in trillions of dollars to save the fledgling economy, hoping that it would arrest the sliding trend sooner. Other governments followed suit.

The church employed measures to keep liquidity of church funds at normal levels despite the crunch. The first quarter of 2009 is about to end and the governments and church institutions are optimistic that the financial threats would not plunge their operations to abnormal bottoms.

Within the region of the southern Asia-Pacific, thus far the church is glad to find insignificant dents caused by the recession. Church members prove that faithful returning of the tenth of whatever increase in wealth—financial or material—the good Lord keeps His promises to open the “windows of heaven” where no room can contain them. Indeed, what a sight to see church people providing liberally for the Lord’s work all over the world.

Faithfulness is at work in any situations, and church members cling to God’s faithfulness to fulfill His promises as His children partner with Him in their endeavors.

“Ask and you will receive, seek and you will find, knock and the doors will be opened…” (Luke 11: 9-10), is never an idle talk. It is not conditional. It is God’s character at work! But you will ask, “Why did the petitioner in the story need to ‘pester’ her neighbor, leaving him no choice but give what she asked for?” Would God similarly need prodding before He grants our requests?

To me, the transition between asking and receiving was a period of self-examination whether or not we trust in a Provider-God; a moment of proving the faith that knows no doubt that God answers our prayer. In other words, we confirm our belief that He provides our needs. It was to our faith-building advantage that such space existed.

One theologian said, “God is always at work but that work is not always visible.” Yes, it is in the invisible that our faith is confirmed and established, erasing any doubt!

Healthy buffet lunch in church lobby

The lobby of Petaling Jaya (PJ) English church was abuzz with excitement as the 60-over crowd hovered around a wide array of healthy food ranging from local to western delicacies.

The menu consisted of entrees of vegetarian chicken chop with mushroom sauce; potato au gratin; rice stack which consisted of layered brown rice; sautéed red beans, romaine lettuce, tomatoes and topped with cheese; tomato rice, chapatti dipped over spinach curry and potato masala on the side; corn soup and bruschetta for starters and for dessert was a delectable apple flat cake and tropical salad. These delicacies were prepared without harming any animals!

“This is a good way of presenting the Adventist lifestyle to our friends, especially to those who do not know about us yet,” said Mrs. Marcia Rajakumar, the woman behind the event and health leader of PJ Church.

“The food is nice and healthy, and also cheap–you can eat as much as you want!” exclaimed one visitor.

“What a good way to fellowship with fellow Adventists and non-church members alike,” said one participant.

The food was cooked by every church member, with the help of the Adventist Community Health Centre team headed by Jane Yap. This served as an avenue of fellowship among members of the church. Amid the laughter, fun and light atmosphere, everyone did their duty with zest and dedication.

The event is done bi-monthly at the same location. [AND]

99 take stand for the Lord

The Health Expo and Hope in Times of Crises evangelistic seminar ended June 13, with 99 people accepting Jesus as their Savior and Lord. Hundreds more were inspired and blessed as they attended the nightly meetings and witnessed the baptism that was held at Villa Julia Resort located in Silang town, just a short distance from the headquarters of the church in the southern Asia-Pacific region (SSD).

The Expo reached out to the community and brought in more than 300 people to the nightly meetings that lasted three weeks despite occasional downpour. During the nightly meetings, May 24-June 13, health and gospel presentations stirred the attendees as they came to the convention hall at Unida Christian Church.

This 21-night event was a joint effort of the health ministries department under Pastor Abraham Carpena, director; and the SSD leadership with Pastor Alberto Gulfan Jr, president, in coordination with the churches in Silang. Pastor Carpena conducted most of the health lectures and Pastor Gulfan presented the gospel message during the first week and the health presentation at the last few days of the event.

Pastor Gerry Karst, vice president for the World Church continued the biblical presentations starting on the second week and was later joined by the Emmanuel Quartet, who work for the Adventist World Radio (AWR) and were on their mission tour from America. The members of the Quartet were Philip White, Joey Davis, Tim Reutebuch, and Ryan Pierce.

For the health expo, a team was organized to facilitate the CELEBRATIONS booths. The booths’ caretakers were doctors, nurses, health promoters, student volunteers, young professionals, masseuses, physical fitness coach, teachers and missionaries.

The booths started buzzing from 5:00-7:00 in the evening and closed just before the health and biblical presentations started. Music supplied by singers gave life to the program. The Visionaries led by Judy and Jun Briza from Angeles City, Pampanga, volunteered as song leaders for the three-week event.

On Saturday, June 13, after the baptism rites, the new members were welcomed with songs of praise provided by guest singers and the Adventist University of the Philippines along with the Emmanuel Quartet. They were also accepted for church membership at the church of their choice within Silang the following Sabbath (Saturday).

Nanay Raquel Asuncion, daughter of a pioneer missionary in Silang, threw a victory party for the steering committee and the teams, greatly encouraging Pastor Alberto Soltero, district leader and coordinator of the 3-week event.

As of press time, preparation is being made for 20 others who will be baptized as a result of the follow-up work by the lay pastors. [Romhelyn Gay Deles]

Trust services introduced in Southeast Asia

God has appointed mankind stewards. The material things that they own, great or small, are blessings God has abundantly poured on them to enjoy, preserve and by any chance, share.

The Adventist church in the southern Asia-Pacific region (SSD) endeavors to strengthen this program on stewardship and trust services, providing opportunities for church members to entrust personal property to the church to further its gospel commission.

In Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, Wendell Mandolang, SSD Trust Services director; Edmund Liah, director for south-east Asia (SAUM); and Atty. Wilfredo Sumagaysay, associate director for the world church (GC), conducted seminars to pastors and church members, June 10-13, in Chiang Mai, Thailand; June 15-16, Phnom Penh, Cambodia; and June17-18, in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

While the team saw first-hand the fascination of people coming to know more of the Trust Services program of the church, Vietnam this time, bears more interesting stories.

At Ho Chi Minh City, Pastor Mandolang noticed two ladies listening intently to the presentations. The ladies who were sisters come from an affluent family and are members of the Adventist church. The ladies were introduced to the guest lecturers by Tran Quoc Khoi, Trust Service director for the church in Vietnam.

The growth of the Adventist church membership in Vietnam, especially after the government has given recognition to the church to operate in the country, has become an inspiration to the world field. By the second quarter of 2009, seven churches and more than 120 house churches were established.

“A certain family who owns a small lot and a house opened their home for a group of worshipers. This family later decided to donate their property to the church in order not to bother worship services and looked for a place to rent as their home,” said Pastor Mandolang during his report at SSD headquarters.

“One particular need was of a 10,000 square meter-property to build a Bible Seminary to train young ministerial workers. While a piece of property was seen costing 200,000 US dollars, no money was available to pay its cost. And the pastors could do nothing but pray,” continued Mandolang.

“At the end of our two-day seminar, Pastor Tran came to us sharing the good news that the two ladies—Dinh Thi Thanh Tan and her sister who have been attending their seminars decided to donate their 1-hectare piece of land located in Long Khanh area, about 1.5 hours drive south of Ho Chi Minh, where the Adventist mission headquarters is located. We praise God for this development,” concluded Mandolang. [Romhelyn Gay Deles/AND]

MYUM conducts medical missionary refresher course

The health ministries department of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Myanmar (MYUM) conducted a medical missionary refresher course in Yangon on June 14-19. Organizers considered a great blessing for the church in Myanmar that the gospel came to the country through the medical missionary work.

Fourteen medical missionaries from five mission fields attended the course and actively participated in the workshop.

Implented by the health ministries department since 2008, this program serves to enhance the skill of medical professionals involved in church work.

“We are doing the best we can and with God’s blessing this work will touch the hearts of our non-believer friends,” said the participants. [Myo Chan]

GCAS Associate Director moves to Russia

Ruel Arce Baculanta, GCAS (General Conference Auditing Services) associate director for the Adventist church in the southern Asia-Pacific region with headquarters in the Philippines, has accepted a call from Euro-Asia regional headquarters in Moscow, Russia. He will be serving on the same capacity at this new territory.

He will be joined by his wife, Amy, a medical doctor; and second son, Kyle. The family is expected to travel to Moldova in July this year, where their new home will be located.

Kevin, their eldest son, will continue his studies in accountancy at the Adventist University of the Philippines.

Their church family in the Southern Asia-Pacific Division will miss the faithful services of the Baculantas but pray that God will bless and inspire them as they take their post in another territory. [Romhelyn Gay Deles/AND]

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