Judson Bible College Tin Jubille Magazine by Thuam Khai

10th Anniversary Magazine

Judson Bible College & Seminary

Organized by BOARD OF DIRECTORS, JUDSON EDUCATION CENTER JUDSON BIBLE COLLEGE AND JEC MINISTERS NETWORK 2

Board of Directors of Judson Education Center

Thuam Cin Khai, EdD, PhD-President Keith E. Yoder, EdD -Vice-President

Ngo Thian Pau, ThD - Secretary Cing Pum Neam, MBA -Treasurer

Nang Sian Thang, BA - Board Member

Thawng Takkon Indiana co-ordinator

Pastor John Lian Khai, BTh - Auditor

Mang Lam. Nuam, BAâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Administrator

Piang Khaw Lian Mid-West co-ordinator

Pi Pi, BSc - Web Designer

Thawng Tunngo Graphic designer

Brief Message from the President Dear readers and participants, With the overwhelming support and help of our friends, we are here celebrating the goodness and faithfulness of our LORD over 10 years. As the LORD impressed upon the people of Myanmar and Myanmar immigrants in the United States, who use Judsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s translated Burmese Bible to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to the lost souls, six JBC students have earned Bachelor of Religious Education (BRE) from Davis College, Johnson City, New York, five students have graduated from Judson Bible College (JBC) with Bachelor of Arts (BA) and one student has earned Master of Arts (MA) from Judson Bible College (JBC) as well. In addition, fifty eight students have successfully completed Diploma in Ministerial Studies, nine students have successfully completed Certificate in Ministerial Studies totaling seventy students. 95% of our graduates currently serve in various ministries of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Currently, twelve students are doing Diploma in Missiology courses, fifteen students are doing their Bachelor of Arts in Ministry (BA) and organizational leadership, eighteen students are pursuing Bachelor of Arts in Bible (BA), and six students are working on their Master of Arts in Theology (MA). The total number of current students is fifty one. The publication of magazine in conjunction with JEC-JBC Tin Jubilee would not be possible without the support and tireless help of Ngo Thian Pau, who serves on the JEC Board as Secretary, Pastor Awi Khawmhuai Tunngo, who serves on the JBC faculty as a lecturer, and Dr. Keith E. Yoder, who serves on JEC Board as Vice-President. My appreciation also goes to JBC Faculty members, Alumni, JBC students, friends, and ANTS faculty members for making this publication as well as the auspicious event possible by contributing articles. Many thanks to JBC faculty members, ministry partners, Alumni, JBC students, representatives of SRBA, representatives of Yangon-Tedim Baptist Church, representatives of Zo Baptist Association, and representatives of Elim Education Center. My special thanks goes to our heavenly Father GOD and the staff of US Consular, Yangon, who issued visa to the representatives from Myanmar. I am also thankful to our hosting students from National Capital Region Campus, pastors and elders, and members from various churches. We plan to implement three important tasks in near future in line with the vision, mission, and objectives of Judson Education Center aka Judson Bible College & Seminary. Our goal is to set up ten teaching sites (campuses), provide consultation services for education, mission, and congregational ministries through JEC ministers network focusing on the eight ethnic groups from Myanmar by occupying a building and

to encourage each member from churches to sign up for Diploma courses. Thus, we continually would need your support, partnership, and prayers for fruition. May the Lord God bless each one of you! Your co-laborer in His vineyard,

Dr. Thuam Cin Khai President

TABLE O F CONTENTS Board Of Directors Of Judson Education Center -----------------------------------------

Brief Message From The President -------------------------------------------------------

Table Of Contents---------------------------------------------------------------------- --

History Of Judson Education Center Aka Judson Bible College & Seminary ------------- -

Healthy Mind – Healthy Future------------------------------------------------------------

Finishing Well As A Leader ---------------------------------------------------------------

How To Become Successful In Life ------------------------------------------------------

Congratulatory Message -----------------------------------------------------------------

Faked News -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

A Chosen People -------------------------------------------------------------------------

Know Him ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Come And Join JBC ----------------------------------------------------------------------

A Word Of Encouragement To Immigrants Women --------------------------------------

A Brief Biblical Theology Of Ministry -----------------------------------------------------

Mission And Immigration ----------------------------------------------------------------

Two Schools Of Instruction --------------------------------------------------------------

A Long Journey Into Burmese American Christian Society --------------------------------

Reasons Why I Chose To Study At Judson Bible College --------------------------------

About Me --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My Christian Education Journey In America ----------------------------------------------

Healthy Family For Global Transformation -----------------------------------------------

The Greatest Employee ------------------------------------------------------------------

Faith As Radical Obedience – A Study On Genesis 22:1-20 ------------------------------

The Man Who Gave The Bible To The Burmese ------------------------------------------

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Photo Gallery ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

History Of Judson Education Center Also Known As Judson Bible College & Seminary By Dr. Thuam Cin Khai Translated by Ngo Thian Pau

ore than a decade ago, the Christian ministers, who arrived here earlier in the United States from Myanmar started out Mission for Christ (MFC), a ministry for the purpose of the fellowship of Christian ministers among Myanmar immigrants. The pioneers held annual fellowship meetings from place to place. Later on, leaders from different groups that joined the annual gatherings indicated their desire to set up a Bible School. Thus, the group led by U Ba Taung Tin (Chairman), U Myint Htay Maung (Secretary), and devoted leaders of Mission for Christ (MFC) established a Burmese Bible School in partnership with Central New York District of the Wesleyan Church in Syracuse, NY in July 2008. The refugees, who arrived in the United States from the ethnic minority states of Myanmar expressed their interest in joining the Bible School while the plan was being finalized and six students out of eight students continued with their courses at the school.

served as the Senior Pastor and Wayne B. Wager, who served as District Superintendent for the growth of Bible School, the leadership of Mission for Christ walked away from the school, which they have established not long ago but set up again another school, MFC Utica Christian Bible School, Utica, NY. However, the principal of Burmese Bible School continued operating the school as he also concurrently served as the Assistant Pastor at Lyncourt Wesleyan Church. After things were cleared out, Dr Thuam decided to engage in church planting as he was fully aware the fact that he wouldn’t be able to operate the school effectively without reaching out to various Myanmar indigenous groups. He served as a church consultant for the establishment of the following churches. 1. Lyncourt Wesleyan Church Burmese Service, Syracuse, NY 2. Matu Wesleyan Church, Syracuse, NY 3. Matu Christian Church, Buffalo, NY 4. Zomi Christian Fellowship, Syracuse, NY 5. Karen Wesleyan Church, Utica, NY 6. Emanuel Mission Church, Milwaukee (formerly MCF, WI 2009) 7. Siyin Chin Baptist Church (USSBC) Columbia-Laurel, Maryland (2011) 8. Asian Wesleyan Church (Mizo), Indianapolis, IN (2016) 9. Indiana Siyin Baptist Church, Indianapolis, IN (2017) As a result of his personal initiative and effort, additional campuses were added respectively in Milwaukee, WI; Buffalo NY; National Capital DC Area region, MD; Midwest: Wheaton, IL; Ft Wayne and Indianapolis, IN. On top of this, another milestone was reached as an agreement was signed between Burmese Bible School and Davis College and that BBS was recognized as one of David College’s teaching sites. In view of its affiliation, network, and partnership with various denominations, Burmese Bible School became interdenominational. Although BBS was

Mission for Christ’s leaders approached Dr. Thuam Cin Khai, and the leadership of Sizang Burmese Mission Church to release him to serve as the principal of the school on March 1, 2009 while he was serving at the church as interim and visiting pastor. However, during the first year at the Bible School, Charlie, who was one of the students died of cancer. More students from diverse backgrounds have been added to the institution from across the country since then. It was enormously agreed to work hand in hand with the leadership of Central New York District of Wesleyan Church at the annual conference. However, no budget was discussed for the principal prior to the annual meeting. Thus, the leadership of Evangelism and Mission Department, The Wesleyan Church set aside $10,000 as endowment for the Bible School. The leadership of Lyncourt Wesleyan Church was assigned to take care of the wages of the principal and appointed Dr. Thuam as Assistant Pastor for both English and the Myanmar congregation. Although he worked alongside Wayne Wager Jr. who

operated under the umbrella of FLAME, Central New York District of Wesleyan Church, the leadership of BBS also worked alongside Frontier Baptist Association and Mid-Maryland Baptist Association as ministry partners.

JBC and Development Associate International as well as All Nations Theological Seminary, Yangon, Myanmar. The primary reason is that those, who are interested in getting American Baptist Ordination Courses (The Ministers Council of ABCUSA), Myanmar Baptist Convention, Southern Baptist Convention, interdenominational and nonprofit organizational leadership courses can now have access to the designated courses at JBC and apply what they will learn to their real life and practical situations. The leadership of MidMaryland Baptist Association assisted us in securing a spot at Hope Baptist Church, where JBC national region campus was set up and is being used until today. We partner with multilingual churches, which are members of MidMaryland Baptist Association. The leadership of Siyin Region Baptist Association recognized JBC as one of its outreach institutional ministries during the annual conference held in 2017. There was a time when the participants of SRBA annual conference held this year set aside and prayed for and blessed upon the reinstatement of SRBA Theological Department and opening Theological College. Judson Education Center is also not for profit organization and an institutional member of Association of Christian Distance Education (ACCESS), Bible Training Center for Pastors, Maryland Nonprofits, Adult Division of Evangelical Training Association, and American Theological Library Association.

To avoid unnecessary misunderstanding between Baptist Association and Central New York Wesleyan Church, Dr. Thuam sought the advice of his co-workers in the Lordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vineyard and individual students from all campuses. They overwhelmingly supported the idea of renaming the school and upgrading its status to College and operating it independently. Some non-Burmese students were not big fans of Burmese Bible School as they thought it was not relevant. Thus, Dr. Thuam began to ponder about the most relevant and appropriate name and eventually came up with the idea of naming the institution after the first American missionary to Myanmar, Adoniram Judson. And it was enormously agreed to adopt his name during the Boardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s meeting. The year 2013, the leadership wanted to adopt his name for the College coincided with bicentennial celebration of their arrival for mission work in Myanmar. The institution was named after the first American Baptist missionary couple as Judson Education Center Inc. (JEC) aka Judson Bible College and Seminary (JBC & S), and JEC Ministers Network on March 1, 2013. It was registered with the State of Maryland as a legal entity. We have been an independent religious organization since having a brand-new name and obtained Internal Revenue Service 501 (c) 3 Status, Non-Stock Non-Profit of State Department of Assessments and Taxation, Religious and Educational Institutions Tax Exemption, Registered Charitable Organization (24699) with Secretary of The State of Maryland, and formed Board of Directors in line with state regulations.

Graduation ceremony or commencement exercises have been held nine times. Seventy students have graduated from Bible College and Seminary. The current total number of students is forty-two and most of them are from the National Capital Region (DC-Area) Campus, and the remaining students are respectively from Indianapolis campus and Wheaton, IL campus. In addition, MoU was signed between JBC and ANTS for Diploma in Missiology program and those, who are interested in signing up can do so in Yangon, Myanmar. 96% of the graduates from Judson Bible College & Seminary currently serve God in various ministries whereas 5% are either graduates, who are breadwinners or current students. The names of the graduates and their respective classes are written down in the photo gallery section.

In addition, Judson Education Center aka Judson Bible College and Seminary is blessed to be affiliated with Teaching the Word Ministries as its founder, Dr. Keith E. Yoder, also serves on JEC Board of Directors as the Vice-President. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between JBC and Seminary Extension, which recognized JBC as one of its certified teaching sites for broader scope of ministry. In addition, MoU was signed between JBC and Northwind Institute. It is also signed between

Healthy Mind... Healthy Future By Dr. Thuam Cin Khai or image (Gen. 1: 26-27 NIV). However, Satan deceived Eve to eat the forbidden fruit by twisting the fact that she will not die but be like God instead. So she sinned against God by eating it. For this reason, let us not forget our own identity of being the image of God as well as being the ethnic groups of people from Myanmar, who are saved by the blood of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary and immigrated to the United States. Or else you should make decision now to accept Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and Lord.

Preamble t is a privilege and an honor to contribute an article for the publication of magazine to commemorate Tin Jubilee of Judson Education Center Incorporated (JEC) aka Judson Bible College (JBC). The vision and objectives of JEC are to train the students bilingually in English and Burmese respectively for church planting and leadership development among ethnic minority groups from Myanmar. The approximate population of these Myanmar immigrants is three hundred thousand in the United States of America. As JEC’s vision is rooted in the love of our Lord Jesus Christ and in the compassion of Adoniram Judson, who is the first American Baptist missionary and Burmese Bible translator. Moreover, it is accepting as true that this article will impart an insight from the aspirants. It is anticipated to be articles that create healthy mind in our lives. May Christ’s attitude create healthy future through the right connection with God! Know yourself, be sure of your calling, and healthy mind may trigger healthy future.

Vision and Calling King Solomon declared that where, there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint or perish (Prov. 29:18a (NIV). To disregard God’s divine revelation and calling, one’s prosperity would be pointless. “Tuibua sa ki luak kik thei lo” meaning “there is no way to restore the poured water”. As stated by sages, no one can reverse the past. Now put God first by paying attention to His revelation and calling, manage your life and time well, then you may be blessed as promised. God has revealed your future and instructed you well according to His Word, and if you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commandments, you will be blessed. Otherwise, you will be cursed (Deut. 28:15-68 NIV).

Connexion with God Have you been connected to God? There are two types of people: who are connected to God and who are not. Adam and Eve listened to Satan rather than God, and the ultimate outcome of their disobedience to God was that all their offspring (human generation) became disconnected from God (Rom 5:12 NIV). As a result, they were disconnected from God and the ultimate result is death (Rom. 6:23a NIV). However, the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord, which means that you are connected to Christ (Rom. 6:23b NIV). There is no other means than Jesus Christ, Who is the only way, truth, and life for the glory of God. (John 14:6 NIV). As for every one of us, Christ is a very unique fully man and fully God, the absolute way, truth, and life.

Healthy Mind First, the term “mind” in Hebrew “lebab” (Strong’s Concordance) meaning the inner man which expresses about consciousness, thinking, feeling of oneself, or spirit. The conscious mind ( ) is connected to the entire human body, so all decisions making must be done in the mind ( ) God made. Only one rule for Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, is not to eat the tree of good and evil, and the rule is if they eat, they must die. Once Eve and Adam decided to eat the fruit of good and evil in their mind, sinned entered in their mind and against the rule of God and that for wages of sin is death (Rom. 6:23a NIV). For the second time Christ gives us only one rule to all nations that is for whosoever believes in Christ shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16 NIV). The gift of God is eternal life in Jesus

Who Am I or Self Awareness Do you know who you are or yourself? There are two kinds of human: (1) Man and (2) Woman. The living word of God describes evidently that God created man and woman in His own likeness

in Jesus Christ our Lord. However, whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. (John 3:18b NIV). Now is your turn to make a decision.

other areas. Paul taught believers of Corinth at the conversion that “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, the old has gone, the new has come” (II Cor. 5:17 NIV). Absolutely, the conformity of the Word of God and condition of healthy mind may help your success in all you are doing in your biblical higher education or career both in secular and sacred.

So, what then is to have a healthy mind? No one can make their minds healthy through religion, good deed, and attitude, but rather end up being an evil crooked mind. With your evil mindedness, you will always be displeased with your way of life and you may be irritated. Consequently, they must be full of hatred, bitterness, and covetousness even towards your brethren. If you accept Jesus Christ into your mind(spirit), not only with head and heart, you are connected to Christ to possess His healthy mind, you may be contented. You may be prosperous. Apostle Paul encouraged the believers of Philippians that “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 2:5 NIV). There is possibility to shift paradigm from all evil-minded and corrupted acts to imitate the attitude of Jesus Christ, which is to cherish healthy mind. Such paradigm shifted proceeds from self-centeredness to satisfy oneself by nurturing healthy mind and the betterment of

Conclusion Imagine, there are 7.6 billion people who live in the globe and out of the total population of the world. According to United Nations, Myanmar inhabitants are sum up that 53,689482 as of Tuesday, February 27, 2018. Imagine, Burmese American Community Institute research finding affirmed that there are 169,949 refugees, who were admitted since the year 2000. There are about three hundred thousand of Myanmar population in the United States, who need the right connection with God, passionate in sharing their faith and disciple their neighbors for the greatest glory of God and building His Kingdom. Jesus Christ is counting on you to be a healthy minded!

 About the author: Thuam Cin Khai: BA, Faith Baptist Bible College, Tedim; BS, State University of New York; MA, Asia United Theological University, S Korea; MDiv., Philippine Baptist Theological Seminary; Ed.D. Central Philippine University, Iloilo; PhD Vision International University, Ramona, CA; DMin in progress@Baylor University, Waco, TX. President and CEO: Judson Education Center aka Judson Bible College, Laurel, MD; Church Pastor: Siyin-Chin Baptist Church, Laurel, MD; Chaplain (Captain): US Army reserve 11st Psychological Operations Battalion (Airborne); Membership: Society of Church Consulting; Christian Educators Association International; Association of Professional Chaplains; Ordained by The Ministers Council of ABC-USA; Development Associate International; Military Chaplains Association-USA; Assistant Pastor: Lyncourt Wesleyan Church, Syracuse, NY; Interim Pastor: Sizang Burmese Mission Church, Potomac, MD; Vice Principal-Academic Dean: All Nations Theological Seminary, Myanmar, and former Missionary to Asho Chin of Chin (Zomi) Baptist Convention, Falam, Chin State, Myanmar. Email: dr.tckhai@judsonbiblecollege.us

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Finish Well As a Leader By Dr. Keith E. Yoder

hether our area of leadership is in the marketplace, congregation, or family, it is important to begin well and to finish well. To finish well is to come to the end of our time of service with faithfulness in our responsibility, godly character, and wise preparation and transfer of responsibility to the next generation leader(s).

acted against this warning by taking a census of his soldiers. The king must not take many wives to himself in that they may turn his heart away from the Lord. To focus on sexual satisfaction or to dominate the other gender becomes as substitute for intimacy and loyalty to the Lord who has called one to leadership. King Solomon did not finish well because he did not listen to this warning.

The Call When we are given the responsibility to lead others, we usually feel strong emotions. We may feel the seriousness that our influence will shape the direction for others. We may feel like we do not have the ability needed for what God is calling us to do. We may be excited about the promise and vision before us.

To accumulate large amounts of wealth in silver and gold for himself may in turn become an idol, Moses warned. Whether one is given to greed and seeks more money in unethical ways or finds security in stinginess, the leader is drawn away from stewardship before God to trust in riches instead. Solomon came found this to be true for himself in his observations of life.4

Moses and the children of Israel were just outside of the land of promise. Moses had led these people through many difficult situations. His fortyyear period of leadership was ending. He concluded his leadership by carefully giving the people instruction from the Lord.1 Then he publicly transferred leadership to Joshua whom he had prepared well for leadership.2

The common theme in these warnings is that a leader must not use oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s position for selfish reasons and have his heart drawn away from trust and dependency upon God. Challenges Moses also presents three challenges for kings regarding scripture, humility, and family. These practices give the leader the capacity to lead wisely and finish well.5

Warnings As Moses spoke to the people and wrote a thorough list of instructions, he looked ahead to a time when they may choose a king as their leader. Moses had three warnings for the king (leader): power, sex, wealth.3

First, he outlined that when the king is in office he must write a copy of the instructions Moses was gave the people of God. The king was to do so in the presence of the Levitesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;his accountability. He must keep a copy with him and read it daily as long as he lives. He was to keep all the instructions and decrees. In this way he would continually be learning and growing.

He warned against self-sufficiency based on the power of military might. Power in that time was associated with the number of stables and horses that one could amass. In short, the king should not depend upon his own resources. King David 1 2

Deuteronomy 1:1-8 Deuteronomy 31

Deuteronomy 17:14-17

Ecclesiastes 5:8-17 Deuteronomy 17:18-20

The practice of this daily discipline promotes a posture of humility instead of becoming proud and acting as if he is above his fellow citizens. Moses challenged kings to stay focused on the obedience to God to avoid the many faces of pride. Pride is evident in acting independently, ignoring spiritual counsel of others God has given us; excepting ourselves from expectations we set for others; displacing a self-righteous and judgmental attitude; staying vested in opinions that need to be repented; refusing to accountable to those we serve; failing to recognize other’s accomplishments. Uzziah was a great king until he acted in pride to do the work of a priest.6

To finish well,  Keep in mind that the source of your leadership is God  Stay dependent and attentive to direction in and from the presence of Christ  Keep the big picture view, making choices with a long-term, life time perspective  Honor the mission and vision to which you are called  Keep your skills sharp  Exercise the spiritual disciplines actively and creatively  Maintain a learning posture—read widely, seek feedback  Keep relationships authentic through mentoring for oneself and with others  Protect the priority of family commitments and relationships

Moses challenged kings to prepare the legacy of leadership for their descendants by fulfilling the challenges above. It was important for them to be attentive to the needs of their family. King David prepared resources for buildings but not his sons for leadership.

What a joy to finish well as Paul, the Apostle, testified, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.” _________________________________ II Timothy 4:7

Counsel The qualifications to be appointed as a leader in the church are qualities of character that have been proven in responsibilities in the home and marketplace. It is interesting to that note that recognition one has finished well is also based upon character.

About the author: Keith E. Yoder, BA Millersville University, MS Drexel University, EdD University of Pennsylvania – Founder, Teaching the Word Ministries and Vice-President of Judson Education Center (JEC) – Judson Bible College & Seminary and JEC Ministers Network

How to Become Successful in Life – By Ngo Thian Pau Focus on Myanmar Immigrants efinition of success may vary due to different perspectives. But, it is imperative that our definition of success is not self-centered. Thus, we must strive to achieve our goals in line with biblical principles.

other hand, one must persevere amid adversity to achieve his or her personal or spiritual goals. Having goals is not sufficient as there is no continued work for a bigger purpose following the success or achievement. It is very important for a man or woman to set goals and achieve them in relation to his or her vision. A man, who has goals without having a vision can be defeating as the Bible said that where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained - Proverbs 29:18 NASB. Several years ago, I had set a goal of running a business for financial freedom while having a vision of getting involved in the ministries of God and helping the needy with financial assistance. To cut the story short, I had set a goal for financial freedom and planned on setting up a virtual Bible College in line with my vision. The LORD has blessed me with my company, Shine Forth Commercial Cleaning Service, LLC with eight part-time staff members. I have achieved part of my financial goal but I am still working on to accomplish my vision by setting up a virtual Bible College in our remote hilly Siyin region in Chin State.

Wisdom is the key principle to success. What the Bible said about wisdom, which is key principle to success, is found in Proverbs 9:10. – NASB. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. The Bible clearly states that fearing God is the beginning of wisdom. Fear can be slightly different in terms of its meaning based on different situations. For instance, there is a terrifying situation in Deuteronomy 2:25, a respecting situation in Joshua 24:14 and having reverence or awe experience in the presence of God in Isaiah 6:5. Thus, the fear of the LORD (God) consists of the three types of fear. Genuine success can be achieved based on religious conviction To be successful, one needs to work diligently towards achieving his or her personal goals. But, we must be mindful that our primary motive is in line with our religious conviction that we are to please God but not to curry favor with men. Apple-polishing is very common at workplace. It is pervasive even in churches and domestic and international politics. But, God sternly warns us not to conform ourselves to the standards of this world. We must earn success through our commitment and dedication to carry out the task entrusted to us. “If we don’t easily give up our hope but hang in there no matter how long it takes to reach our goals despite trials and difficulties along the way, success is achievable.” On the

The best season of life for us to succeed is when we are still young. The best time of our life is when we are still young, healthy, and energetic. It is imperative that the choices we make are for the good of us. Parents have high expectation from their children. There are no flawless persons on earth; not a single one. We must learn from the mistakes we made in the past and continue to strive in pursuing our dreams. Thus, we should be able to continually improve and eventually succeed in life. In fact, the successful people had many failures prior to their ultimate success. Don’t believe lies or superstition or negative perspective that tells you otherwise that you are prone to failures. We are never inclined to failures. Don’t believe the

opposite. You should memorize; “The LORD will make you the head and not the tail, and you only will be above, and you will not be underneath, if you listen to the commandments of the LORD your God, which I charge you today, to observe them carefully,” Deuteronomy 28:13 – NASB

Reflection on the incredible loss of many young people’s lives due to the use and abuse of alcohol and drug. It is sad to have learned that many young people ruined their lives in vain by using excessive drugs and alcohol in our motherland. Back in our motherland, it is devastating to see many young people are indulged in excessive use of alcohol and drug primarily because of unemployment, idleness, or peers pressure. I think it is partly because of their parents, who are supposed to raise them properly. It could also be because they do not heed their parents’ instructions regardless of how invaluable they are. Whatever the cause may be, it is sadly the case that those, who are involved in substance abuse, would end up in jail or dying untimely. Isn’t it heart-wrenching?

Do not let other people belittle you while you are still young and can be successful if you work hard consistently. Do not be content living on handouts, which might eventually lead to an idle and aimless life on the dole while there are many opportunities out there. Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example [a]of those who believe. 1 Timothy 4:12 - NASB Reflecting on this selected scriptural verse, I want to encourage young people to grasp this biblical verse, take possession of it, and apply it to your personal life.

Success is within reach as many of us now live in developed countries. We have ample opportunity in terms of education, job, and business in our respective host countries. We now live in developed countries such as Australia, New Zealand, United States, Canada, Norway, Denmark, and Sweden. Thus, it is imperative that we make a good use of the resources being made available to us. The most important question is how you can be a resourceful person amid many challenges and ultimately become a successful young man or woman by making a good use of the resources being made available to you.

It is vitally important for the youth to be competent but not complacent. In this competitive world with the extensive use of cuttingedge technology, we can’t be indifferent and sluggish in pursuing the knowledge and skills needed to achieve our personal, spiritual, or organizational goals. We cannot afford to be lagging behind in the necessary knowledge and skillset. Remember! We only live one life on earth and there is God’s divine purpose for our precious lives. God wants us to live our lives according to His divine purposes.

About the author: Ngo Thian Pau, Secretary of Board of Directors; Judson Education Center, Director of Admissions and Records, Judson Bible College; President, Shine Forth Commercial Cleaning Service, LLC, Computer Operator, Zimmerman Associates Inc. (FDA Contract), Division Leader, Primerica Inc, - BA, Phoenix International University, London, UK; BBA, International American University, CA; MA (Suma Cum Laude), ThD (Great Commission Bible College, MO, EdD Candidate Andersonville Theological Seminary, GA.

Congratulatory Message from Dr. Brent Leichty

congratulate the Judson Bible College and Seminary on their completion of 10 years of preparing leaders for service in the Kingdom of God. I am thankful that I have been privileged to be a small part of the Holy Spirit’s continuing work of equipping the saints for the work of ministry through you. In the courses which I have taught, I have found that the students’ desire was to serve Christ fully. It was for that reason that these men and women, young and old, were willing to sacrificially use the time and finances necessary to prepare themselves by joining the family of students of Judson Bible College and Seminary. I anticipate that the fruit of this continuing endeavor will result in a bountiful harvest of disciples of Jesus Christ. Not only the fruit of people of Burmese background, but of many nationalities, whose lives will ultimately be affected by the light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ shining forth through your students. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ continue to rest upon you, and may He empower you by His Spirit as you equip His disciples. ____________________ About the author: Brent Leichty, BA Eastern Mennonite University; Studied Masteral; DPM, Wagner Leadership Institute, Pasadena, CA, Faculty member of Judson Bible College, Fort Wayne, IN.

Fake News By Pr. Piang Khaw Lian

uch of today’s news has little concern for accuracy. News outlets often fabricate, or at least manipulate, biased reports with the goal of swaying our thinking, rather than to inform us of what is actually happening. Only through honest reasoning, Bible study and prayer will God help us discern the truth. But fake news was not invented by modern media or politicians trying to destroy their opponents. Twisted facts, exaggerations and outright lies have always been around.

disobeying God would be to her benefit. Eve shared Satan’s fake news report with Adam, and he bought into it also. We are still paying the consequences for that today. Believing false reports can lead to dangerous and far-reaching fallout. In Nehemiah 6:6, an open letter said, “It is reported among the nations” that Nehemiah is leading a rebellion and wants to build a wall at Jerusalem, so he can be king. (Judging someone’s motives is behind many fabricated reports.) But Nehemiah would not have distracted by fake news. Instead, he wisely “...sent

Phony news is as old as the Garden of Eden where the serpent reported to Eve that God was lying when He said eating the forbidden fruit would bring death. The devil convinced her that

messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?” (6:3). What would have happened if Nehemiah and the Jews gave heed to this fake news? Would the city of Jerusalem even exist today?

Jesus said no man born of woman was any greater than John the Baptist. But news reports of the day called John a madman, controlled by the devil (see Matthew 11:18, Luke 7:33). No doubt many people believed those lies, although the very opposite was true. John was controlled by and filled with the Spirit of God.

Fake news is often just glorified gossip, agendadriven, often to hurt and destroy others. God has seen fit to allow your school here at Judson Bible College to be the target of a lot of fake news, especially on the Internet. For example, one modern website, pretending to be a reliable “encyclopedia” of truth, has an article on Judson Bible College. Almost every sentence has been spun by “contributors” who have an anti-Christian, anti-Bible bias. And we have not been allowed to make corrections.

The same news outlets said Jesus Himself was a glutton and a drunkard who hung around with the wrong crowd (Matthew 11:19). Many people today still fall for the outrageous lie that Jesus and His followers are evil at worst, and unimportant at best. God is obviously not pleased with anyone who propagates false news. In Exodus 23:1, He commands: “Thou shalt not raise a false report...” 2 Timothy 3:3 lists “false accusers” in the description of the perilous times during these last days. Dr. Lonnie Skinner said, “I’ve had the honor of being in God’s service for about 50 years. During this time, I’ve observed (and experienced) that when an individual or ministry is blessed enough to gain the Enemy’s attention, then unfair opposition and false accusations escalate. Someone said, A leader is easy to recognize. He is the one with arrows in his back.”

But as Christians pray and seek His will, God continues to lead people to take, and be blessed by these courses. Praise the Lord! Journalism has fallen on hard times. News programs are now called “shows,” and are in the same format as reality TV — entertainment. They are aimed at our emotions, designed to stir anger, fear, sorrow/ sympathy, with an occasional heartwarming love story mixed in.

What should we do if we are the target of false accusations? Pray. Thank God that nobody really knows us as well as the Lord does, and He still loves us. We should not allow ourselves to be too distracted, but press forward in God’s plan for our lives. H.A. Ironside gives good advice: “If what they are saying about you is true, mend your ways. If it isn’t true, forget it, and go on and serve the Lord.”

These folks attempt to tell us what to think and how to feel. If we are not careful we may wake up to find we’ve been deceived into supporting the false and opposing the true. Unfortunately, accurate reporting is optional these days. But this is nothing new.

About the author: Piang Khaw Lian, BA University of Yangon, BA inc, MUAC, BD Emmanuel Theological Seminary, M.Min, MDiv Eastern Theological Institute and Seminary, India, JBC Milwaukee, WI & Wheaton, IL Coordinator and faculty member.

A Chosen People By By Karl H Mueller

n Genesis 12:3 the Lord tells Abram that “all peoples (families, tribes) on earth will be blessed through you”. This was the first clear statement of God’s global redemptive purposes. His desire has always been to have a relationship with men and women from every “nation, tribe, people and language” (Revelations 7:9).

When we think about migrants coming to the United States, we know that some people come here from nations where there is little access to the Gospel. Others have come to this country because they have been persecuted for being Christians. Now that they are in the USA, Christian migrants often establish churches and communities that help their members adjust to their new homeland but are also focused on reaching people from their own tribe, ethnicity or nation with the Gospel – here in the USA as well as in their homelands.

Scripture clearly states that God’s purpose has never changed. As I Timothy 2:4 tells us: He wants not only us, but everyone saved, . . . He wants everyone to get to know the truth we’ve learned; that there is only one God and one mediator between God and us. . . This and this alone is our appointed work: getting the news to those who have never heard of God, and explaining how it works simply, truthfully and by how we live.

Christian immigrant communities need to ask themselves what God’s will is for them in their new homeland. Jeremiah 29, which is written to the children of Israel while they were in exile, gives us some direction and guidance. This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says to those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon; Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage; so that they too may have sons and daughters. . . . seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper. . . . For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29: 4-7, 11

This is God’s purpose and it is from this perspective that we need to understand one of the most significant phenomena in the wo rld today - migration. According to the 2017 “International Migration Report” of the United Nations, over 258 million people around the globe are migrants and refugees. People become migrants for many reasons – religious or ethnic persecution, natural disasters, war, economic circumstances or opportunities, etc. No matter the seemingly obvious reason for people migrating, it is important, especially for Christian migrants, to see the hand of God in their lives – not only for them personally, but also for Kingdom purposes.

God, through the prophet Jeremiah provides Christian immigrant communities in the USA with an encouragement to:

 Become part of the communities in which they

not be easy – and at times very difficult, but Christian immigrant communities have been brought to the USA “for such a time as this”. The call of God is for communities to be a holy nation that declare His praises in word and deed to everyone they come in contact with.

live, because He has a purpose for placing them there. Remember, that just as God carried the Israelites into exile (verse 4) He has also carried them here to the United States.  Become part of the “fabric” of their community. Don’t stay separated in language or ethnic groups. Become part of the society in which God has placed you. Marry. Work. Build businesses.  Pray for the community and nation in which you now live. Pray for the leaders, for your neighbors, for the police, for the schools and the businesses. Pray for peace and prosperity and for the Kingdom of God to be established and extended.  Remember that God has called you to your new home. He has plans for you, your family and your community. He has called you to reach out to your neighbors – whether or not they are from your cultural background.

It is for this reason that I personally, and DAI (the ministry I work with) have invested in Dr. Khai and Judson Bible College and Seminary for more than three years. Not only do we believe that the students attending JBC have the potential to make an impact among their own people, but they have the potential to see neighborhoods and communities transformed here in the USA and overseas. JBC has a vision that is aligned with God’s global redemptive purposes and we are privileged to be a small part of training some of the current and future leaders of the American Church. Over the years we have learned to not despise small beginnings. We believe that the future of JBC is bright. That God wants to do beyond anything we can think or ask in the next 10 years. May God richly bless the leadership of Judson Bible College and Seminary as it moves into the future with a vision to see God’s Kingdom come and His will be done here in America and around the world.

I Peter 2:9 summarizes this call of God: But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation. God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. God is calling us to be part of His global redemptive purposes – even in our new homes. It will

About the author: Karl H Mueller, BA, BEd University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada, MA Missiology, Fuller Theological Seminary, Ministry Center Director, Development Associates International, Canada, Faculty member, Judson Bible College, National Capital Campus.

KNOW HIM by Karole Edwards Gen 12:1-3; Matt 28:16-20 GOD’S MISSION oted theologian Christopher J.H. Wright writes “Mission means inviting all the peoples of the earth to hear the music of God’s future and dance to it today.”7 God’s overarching mission is to bless all the nations with the knowledge of Himself through Jesus Christ, the risen Lord.8 This mission is declared in the language of the Abrahamic Covenant (Gen 12:13) and its New Testament rendition, the Great Commission (Matt 28:16-20). These passages not only affirm God’s redemptive, kingdombuilding endeavor throughout the course of history; they also carry His promise to fulfill it (1 Thess 5:24).

the discipleship of all nations (Matt 8:19), finds its fulfillment through the authority, initiative, faithfulness of God. It is His authority and initiative that are the foundation and form for promise fulfillment. Theologically, imperative statements are often couched in the context of indicative statements in the Scriptures. Indicative statements declare facts, conveying what is true (e.g., triumphant declarations about who God is or what He has done). These indicatives provide the groundwork for the imperative statements – the commands and exhortations – that follow. In other words, imperative commands find their fulfillment on the basis of To bless others, one must firm, foundabe (ontologically) a blessing. tional indicaTo effectively make disciples, tive truths; imperatives the Christian leader must flow from and be a disciple. depend upon the indicative’s authority. Obedience to these imperatives is both the outgrowth and evidence of God’s initiative, pronouncements, promises, and finished work (i.e., His indicatives) (Hebrews 11:6; Philippians 2:12-13; James 2:14-26; Psalm 119:113-120). It is God’s gospel in advance (Gal 3:8).

OUR CALL Those who are of faith in Jesus’ finished work on the cross are children of Abraham (Gal 3:7) and are called to be engaged in God’s mission, to be a blessing. As members of Christ’s body and leaders in His Church, we are recipients of and participants in the Abrahamic Covenant (Gal 3:29). This universal passion and privilege is reiterated in the Great Commission: Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything He has commanded.

CHRIST, OUR CONFIDENCE The blessing for all nations comes through the seed of Abraham by God’s promise and gracious provision of Jesus the Messiah (Gal 3:15-18). On the basis of His all-encompassing authority in heaven and on earth, Jesus, the Son of Abraham (Matt 1:1), calls on every member of His Church to join His great missional endeavor to bless all

We are not intended to fulfill this mission by our own devices. Chris Wright rightly observes, “The greatest human achievements cannot solve the deepest human problems.”9 The blessing promised to all peoples of the earth (Gen 12:3), 7 “Mission of God: Unlocking the Bible’s Grand Narrative.” Mission of God: Unlocking the Bible’s Grand Narrative, by Christopher J. H. Wright, Intervarsity Press, 2018, p. 134.

8 9

Ibid., pp. 207, 122-123. Ibid., p. 202.

nations with salvific knowledge of Himself (Matt 28:16-20). It follows that, to bless others, one must be (ontologically) a blessing. To effectively make disciples, the Christian leader must be a disciple. It is a leadership truism: Effective leaders cannot lead others to places that they themselves have not gone (Matt 10:24-25).

Him (2 Cor 4:18; Psa 119:113-120); and worship13 Him, in Spirit and in Truth (John 4:23-24). It is to be united with His initiative, purposes, character, and heart (John 17:6-23). This is the essence of the Life we live in Him (Gal 2:20). This is the marital affection we enjoy with Him as members of His Body (John 3:29a). In this Life, our personal transformation unfolds (Rom 12:1-2; 2 Cor 3:18); His testimony and our obedience flow (Prov 4:23); and the world In this Life, our personal hears not only transformation unfolds; His what we believe, testimony and our obedibut Who we ence flow; and the world believe. Only by hears not only what we knowing the Author and believe, but Who we Finisher of our believe. faith (Heb 12:2) and abiding in our new life in Him can we be the agents of blessing for which we are purposed.

As leaders in Christ’s Church, we are called to be Jesus’ disciples. A disciple is one who is in a living relationship with God. It begins with crossing over from death to eternal life through salvific faith in Christ’s sacrifice (John 5:24), and is furthered through knowledge of the Law. But the journey does not end there. Ultimately, the Law is a schoolmaster, a tutor, a pedagogue intended to lead to Life, to personal relationship with Him (Gal 3:21-25; John 5:39-40; Romans 8:1-2). God’s mission to be known10 is a theme carried throughout Israel’s history. In the Old Testament, the Lord released Israel from bondage, that they may worship Him (Ex 3:12, 8:1, 12:31). He later sent Israel to the land of the Babylonians, to exile, so that they and the surrounding nations might know Him (Jer 24:4-7; Zech 2). In the New Testament, He sent His Son, the Apostle and High Priest of our confession (Heb 3:1), to make Himself known to humanity (Heb 1:1-3; 1 John 4:9; John 3:17; 1 John 5:7; John 10:30).

THE COMMISSION Over and over, the ‘Love that will not let us go’ invites us to hear and know (and, therefore, obey) Him, and join Him on the intimate journey to make Himself known to all nations. Let us make it our ambition to honor His sacrifice and know His heart. By abiding in His grace and our relationship with Him, we become an effectual means of the blessing He offers.

This is the disciple’s work: To believe11 in Jesus (John 6:27-29; 1 John 3:23); hear12 His voice (Deut 4:36a,6:3); fix the thoughts of our heart on

About the author: Karole Edwards, B.S, Pennsylvania State University; M.S, George Washington University; M.A., Capital Bible Seminary of Lancaster Bible College, PA; Faculty member, Judson Bible College, National Campus Region Campus.

Strong’s H3045, “yada”, meaning to “know”, “understand”, “discern”, “distinguish”, “observe”, “perceive”, “realize”… 11 Strong’s G4100, “pisteuo”, meaning to “believe”, “trust”, “be persuaded”, “have faith”, “credit”, “place confidence in”… 10

12 Strong’s H8085, “shama”, meaning to “hear intelligently”, “listen to”, “hear with attention”, “yield to”, “obey”… 13 Strong’s H5647, “abad”, meaning to “serve”, “work with”…

Come and Join JBC By Rev. Dr. Vungh Lian

ne of the dialogues that intrigues me most in the new testament was between Philip and Nathanael. Perhaps it was inspired out of prejudice against the little town of Nazareth. Can anything good come out of Nazareth? It was where our Savior was brought up in the carpenter’s shop was skeptical. Philip was delighted exuberantly at his discovery of Christ in the person of Jesus of Nazareth. Philip was brave enough to invite Nathanael to “come and see” (John 1:46) for himself … a true fact of experience. This experience is the surest way to get firsthand knowledge not second rate; not what you read about but what you see and feel. We can learn from the past, but we must have experience; it must be our own. Therefore, I invite you to come and see our Theological Institute if for no other reason at least for experience sake.

this statement, allow me to draw your attention to two simple facts. First, the vision of the initiators is noble and humble to spread the good news of Christ to the unreached people. Secondly, the sole purpose of concentrating the minds only on one focal point, that of keeping our attention fixed on things pertaining to the Kingdom of God. The founding of Judson Bible College is always be a matter for gratification and satisfaction to you who were actively involved in this missional program, that the great result has been achieved to a considerable extent by the grace of God and by your own efforts in the service of Christ, for which I would like to join in happiness. I would like to exhort you not to bask in idle complacency but to exert yourselves along the path laid down by the “Pioneers” of our Christian Faith, because there are many things we need to learn and to know about our spiritual progress and about our destination. Perhaps there are many pseudo Christians or even counterfeit Christians who need to be born again to be able to reach that destination. Today, we face with increasing opposition, and are in danger of recantation of our faith for worldly glamour. If you are curious and would like to experience the reality of theological understanding, “Come and Join JBC”

The Judson Bible College is a non-descriptive theological institute situated in the bursting and busy part of Laurel county yet inconspicuous to the eyes of those who are not accustom to religious learning. But for those who are enthusiastic about theological learning it is the place of solace. To come back to the main theme, “Come and Join JBC” the institute is but a small and unpretentious school of theological learning. Its entire existence covers a span of more than ten years but not without significance. To substantiate

About the author: Vungh Lian, BSc, University of Yangon, BRE, BD, Myanmar Institute of Theology, MTh, SEAGST, Hong Kong; DMin, Union Theological Seminary/MIT, Myanmar, Church Pastor of Indiana Siyin Baptist Church, Indianapolis, IN. Faculty Member of Judson Bible College, National Capital Region.

A Word Of Encouragement For Immigrant Women By Awi Khawmhuai Tunngo

any immigrants came to the new land in order to escape poverty and war. And the promise of a better life for their families, job opportunities, and the possibility of greater freedom and security are some of the reasons of migration stated by Jamang Ngul Khan Pau.14

now. On the other hand, she should abandon all behaviors and mindset, which cripple selfconfidence. Actually, speaking English like native speakers is almost impossible if we started learning English only after middle adulthood age. However, speak bravely and confidently can make people understand what she is trying to say about. Therefore, overcoming low self-esteem and state of being worrisome is very important. Kareng Zau Nan described, “Myanmar society has been traditionally and culturally male dominated one,. This inferiority complex is a psychologically –infected disease in women’s mind. They were never recognized as capable to do things men can do. Sociologically and psychologically, a person needs to be recognized in society as he or she is able to use her talent. Unless she is recognized as a capable person to do things as others can do, she is insecure to do thing. Inferiority complex causes the women to lose self-confidence.15

Hope for Future Education I asked about the reason why they immigrated to America, to over 40 mothers whom I visited regularly for nine months and taught how to live in the United State while I was working for International Rescue Committee (IRC). 99% of the answers were the same for quality education for their children that they did not receive in their lives from mother’s land. Jamang Pau mentioned that “Chin people are leaving their hometown on a daily basis; the bad thing is that teenagers cannot attend formal school as they have to work in other countries for their livelihood” in his book. I agree with his statement, as many Chin people are behind education for their living especially women.

Self-Empowerment Having inferiority mindset is not the will of God. This is not the original design of God. The Bible clearly mentions in Genesis 1:27, “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created male and female. “ The image of God is gender neutral. The image of God manifests itself in human so that only human can be aware of the existence and presence of God, and is capable of fellowshipping with Him. The position of human, who can fellowship with God is very high spiritual level which God put us in. There is not inferiority spirit, which is planted in human nature in the original creation. This subordinated mind is created by human environment with man-made culture.

Challenges in New Country Without a basic higher education, living in a new country is very challenging. Besides, new comers have to adjust their lives to local culture, customs, the civic and high living standard and new careers. Language barrier is one of the main issues that followed by culture shock and stress during the adjusting period. There are a lot of good things and cultures, which she needs to adopt in new country. At the same time, she should quit some inappropriate living styles and mindset that she brought from her previous country. One example, learning and speaking English is a good habit because she is living in English- speaking country

15 Kareng Zau Nan, ”Does God Have A Gender? Doing A Theology of Gender Equality,” Our Theological Journey (2006): 161.

Jamang Ngual Khan Pau, Zomi in Diaspora (Siliguri: Bibhawana Prakashan, 2012), 51 14

It is true every person has various talents and skills not based on gender. One person is very talented in homiletic whereas the other one excels in administration. Everything is learned through experience. Experience is the best teacher for building up skills that God has given each of us. Without testing and touching hot water, no one can know if it is hot. Only by experiencing how hot it is, people can know how to deal with it. It is essential to deal with it or face it. . On one scenario, a person will never become a chef without cooking many times and failing to taste it to see if it becomes the way he wanted. Eventually, it is accomplished through endurance and persistence.

imaginations. That is why we have different intelligences to solve our daily problems.”16 Hidden Treasure A mother knows how to handle the domestic chores and taking care of her children at the same time. Sadly, she never realizes how skillful she is in administration, which she can apply to the environment, where she can build up her career and ministry. However, she needs proper education. I heard about a quote: “it is better to learn late than never,” “it is never too late to learn.” Learning is never ending until our last breath. It’s never too late to acquire an education. As a mother, we encourage our children they can become whatever they want when they grow up but sometimes we fail to convince ourselves of the same concept. Therefore, now is the time for you, mothers. Never give up in your life! If you have to give up, give up your inferiority! That would be the smart choice.

God gives us a variety of gifts which you never imagine before you utilize it. In 2 Corinthians 12:4-7, “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the spirit for the common good.”Angela Pun wrote in her article, “God created human beings in a special unique way. Everybody is different from other people in forms, shapes, personality, behaviors and intelligence. Even twins do not have exact similarities in many ways. We possess different talents and ways to express our profound thinking and

In my conclusion, I would like to encourage all women from the bottom of my heart, live for your family, community, and for yourself. Abandon inferiority mindset, build up positive mindset by learning. Remember! God made you in His own image. God bless you to uphold human dignity for His glory!

About the author: Awi Khawmhuai Tunngo, BA, Kalay University; BTh., Chin Christian Institute of Theology; MDiv., Myanmar Institute of Theology, Yangon, Myanmar, Associate Pastor, Calvary Burmese Church, Washington DC, Faculty, JBC, National Capital Region.

Angela Pun, “Multiple Intelligences Theory (MIT) As A Tool For Teaching-Learning,” Our Theological Journey (2006) : 182. 16

A Brief Biblical Theology Of Ministry By Timothy Rucker

he following traces the lines of biblical ministry from the Garden to Sinai to the Monarchy to Jesus. May JBC produce such ministers in Christ’s image!

Solomon, to be the one who builds the temple. Solomon establishes the house of David by building YHWH’s house, which YHWH then dramatically indwells (1 Kgs 8). The temple was made to be “a microcosm of the whole creation.”19 If the king submits to YHWH, the priests reverently minister in the temple, and the people obey YHWH’s instructions, then YHWH will bless them and increasingly use them to bless the surrounding nations. The people of Israel experience the great blessings of Deut 28:1-14 under Solomon’s rule (1 Kgs 4:20-21), and progress towards Eden and Gen 12:3 again occurs…for twenty years (1 Kgs 9:10).20 Calamitously Israel is again unfaithful (1 Kgs 11-12), and the people begin the twisted road towards the greatest curse of Deuteronomy: exile. The temple is destroyed. What was gained through Moses—the presence of YHWH with his people—has again been lost. The people await for YHWH’s return, in order to establish his true kingdom among his true people through his true presence in his true temple. As Wright constantly reminds, they are awaiting the fulfillment of Deut 30:1-10.21 In the midst of this extended exile, the Messiah comes.22

John Walton, Greg Beale, and Peter Gentry have demonstrated that the Garden of Eden was a temple in which man was supposed to work.17 Beale views the Garden of Eden as a sacred space that was supposed to grow to the ends of the earth, as Adam and his family joyfully worked in it.18 Adam is priest and king, and he dwells and serves in the presence of YHWH. YHWH was his God, and Adam and Eve were YHWH’s people; this is the epitome of human existence. Tragically Adam and Eve sin (Gen 3), the ground is cursed, and YHWH expels humanity from his presence in the Garden of Eden to toil among the thorns for their food. Thankfully, the story is far from over. In the wilderness of Sinai, YHWH makes a new covenant with his chosen people: the Israelites. They will be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation (Exod 19:6), if they keep the covenant. YHWH then begins to give Moses the plans for his dwelling place among His people: the tabernacle. Progress is made towards Eden…for forty days. Regrettably the people break their covenant with YHWH for a golden calf, and only the Levites are given the opportunity to be priests.

The true Messiah, Jesus, is of Abraham and David’s genealogy (Matt 1:1), is empowered by the Spirit (Matt 1:18, 3:16), reenacts Israel’s impending return from exile (Matt 2-3), and perfectly keeps the twin (paternal) covenants of the wilderness: the original (Exod 19-24), and the covenant of the land (Deuteronomy) in Matt 4:111.23 Jesus begins his kingdom work (Matt 4:12-

Eventually YHWH anoints David as king, and David desires to build a house for YHWH (2 Sam 7). Instead YHWH chooses David’s son,

19 N.T. Wright, Paul and the Faithfulness of God (Minneapolis: Fortress, 2013), 101. 20 Solomon led the way in being unfaithful to YHWH well before his death. He began his unfaithfulness somewhere after twenty years on the throne but before reaching the fortieth year of his reign. 21 Wright, Paul, 147; a passive meaning is not intended for “awaiting,” but rather the biblical use of “wait”: an active clinging to YHWH. 22 See Gentry and Wellum, Kingdom, 538-564. The absence of the Shekinah in Ezra 6:13-18 was not lost on the Israelites.

17 John Walton, Genesis, NIVAC (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2001), 147-57; G. K. Beale, A New Testament Biblical Theology: The Unfolding of the Old Testament in the New (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2011), 45-46; Peter J. Gentry and Stephen J. Wellum, Kingdom through Covenant: A Biblical-Theological Understanding of the Covenants (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2012), 209-17. 18 Beale, A New Testament, 45-46.

25), and he redefines what effective kingdom service looks like (Matt 5-7). Jesus then begins the process of building the new temple (Matt 16:18-19; 21:12-44), which will be his community.24 Jesus has redefined Spirit-empowered living, obedience, ethics, the temple, and who will be part of YHWH’s people; now he will physically display how YHWH expects his imagebearers to serve in a world that is marred by sin.

ily true because of the Fall. To redeem a world overgrown with thorns, he took them head on. To redeem a broken world, he broke his body. To redeem a world of bloodshed, he shed his blood. Redeeming ministry in a dark and sinful world entails living as a sacrifice (Rom 12:1). The Messiah redeems a sacred people for YHWH through his humble sacrifice, and he reestablishes ministry for his people within YHWH’s presence. Now he works through his people to build his community (the temple) when they live as humble sacrifices.

Jesus’ destiny was to save his people from their sins. Jesus knew that his mission would require an inordinate amount of sacrifice. This was necessar-

About the author: Timothy Rucker, BA, Wheaton College; MDiv, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; ThM, Western Seminary; PhD (progress), Catholic University of America, DC

Mission and Migration By Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Pau Do Lian

ver the last couple of decades, the refugee crisis has hit epic levels. According to the United Nations High Commissioners for Refugees agency 1 in every 113 people globally is now either an asylum-seeker, internally displaced, or a refugee. This is unacceptable. A new chapter in the global refugee crisis is unfolding in Burma as millions of ethnic minorities have poured into neighboring countries due to extreme poverty that has stricken the ethnic groups of people. This short essay is a reflection on the correlation and impact of ‘mission and migration’ rooted in the biblical narrative with the contemporary issues of Burmese migration in the States.

There are two specific elements, which correlates mission and migration. First, when you look at the Bible through the lens of migration, in fact migration is a major theme in the Bible from individual migrants such as Abraham, Joseph, and Paul and to the mass migrations recorded in the Old Testament. Second, an in-depth observation into the Bible clearly demonstrates that migration is not merely a human movement but God has significant purposes to use the movement as a primary means to spread the Gospel. Be it voluntarily or by force, so many Burmese Christians and non-Christians alike move outside their country of origin for work or other opportunities. This movement has negative and positive

Note the following OT allusions: 1) the return from exile imagery in Matt 3:16, where the Jordan River (Josh 3) and the Spirit (Ezek 36-37) explosively combine; 2) that the Israelites transgressed the covenant of Exod 19-24 after 40 days by worshiping a false god (Exod 32), but Jesus remains faithful to his Father after 40 days (Matt 4:10); and 3) that when tempted in Matt 4:1-11, Jesus demonstrates that Deut 17:14-20 is on the forefront of his mind by thricequoting from Deuteronomy. 23

Before dismissing the possibility that Matt 16:18-19 evokes temple imagery, one should wrestle with this question: what kind of building would the true Messiah be constructing upon a rock, especially in light of the fact that the building is going to be made up of the Messiah’s community (see 1QS VIII, 5-6)? In the OT, anointed ones (priests, kings, and prophets) are primarily preoccupied with one type of building: the dwelling place of YHWH on earth. 24

impacts on their country of origin and to the host community. This essay is solely devoted to the positive contribution of Burmese migration.

is biblical that Christians are called to recognize in serving their neighbor in concrete ways, their lives may be enriched in the process. This is opportunity for Burmese migrants in the States as they are actively engaged with individuals and social systems in order to transform the society.

Christianity remains a migratory religion not captive to a particular culture, which allows every migrant Christian to become a potential missionary from everywhere to everywhere, no longer from West to the East. The scriptures recorded many accounts on migration and refugee voluntarily or by forced. For example, God called out Abraham to leave Ur for Canaan (Gen 11:3112:6). Famine struck the land of Canaan and forced Abraham and Sarah to go to Egypt, and Joseph was sold off as a slave to Egypt, which ended up saving his own family. Moses, upon the rejection of Israelites to be their leader, lived as a refugee in the land of Median for forty years before he delivered the Israelites from the hands of Egyptian. These are a few accounts the scripture demonstrates the correlation of migration and mission for redemptive purposes.

Now the U.S. is both a mission force and a mission field for two reasons due to unstoppable migrants’ influx: to serve Christian migrants and host communities, and to evangelize non-Christian migrants community. What remains subtle is when people move they carry their ideas, beliefs, and religious practice with them. This factor is key in the global spread of world religions, especially the Burmese migrants are largely people of different faiths – Buddhism, Christianity, and Muslim. It has opened new opportunities for the Gospel to encounter Buddhists and Muslim just like many of the people mentioned in Acts – Jews and Gentiles appear in places where they were not born. The impetus of migration as missionary among the Burmese migrants in the States, be it Christians or non-Christians, is that they’ve shared the same language and culture (foods, ideas, arts, music, social habits, and knowledge). The shared social elements and interactions opened up opportunities for the Gospel within immigrants themselves and for the host communities. For example, a Burmese Buddhist resided near my home in Indianapolis invited me to his son’s birthday celebration and I had an opportunity to share the Gospel with him and then he began to read the Christian Bible every day. In June 2015 heavy rains caused a serious flood and a landslide that affected people across twelve states in Myanmar. According to the Natural Disaster Management Committee, 125 people were killed and some 1.7 million people were temporarily displaced.

Now Burmese Christian refugees have arrived in the United States with enormous challenges as they were displaced in camps for extended periods of time before their resettlement in the U.S. Moreover they have no formal educational background except a strong work ethic and are eager to gain employment. Therefore, Burmese immigrants are inspired by job opportunities and education available in North America. As a result, many children who would not have accessed high school education in Myanmar are now able to finish high school and even pursue colleges and universities in America. Burmese refugees in the States find confidence as every adult family member gets a job with basic income for living, which is not the case in Myanmar. Burmese Christian immigrants who resettled in North America find comfort in familiar religious traditions and rituals, and celebrate holidays and special occasions with traditional music, dance, cuisine, and leisure-time pursuits. While readjusting their own identities to a new culture, Burmese Christian migrants in the U.S have to make spaces for other in a diverse community. It

Those Burmese Refugees resettled in the States have contributed significant financial means which saved hundreds of victim’s lives. In August 2017 Hurricane Harvey wiped out some parts of Houston, Texas. On September 17, 2017, Aletheia Church (an American church), Grace Baptist Christian Church, and Emmanuel Christian

Church (both Burmese immigrant churches) in Indianapolis held a combined worship service and contributed the collected offerings to the victim of Hurricane Harvey. These are some of the accounts that show how Burmese refugees in the States have made an impact on their home country and to the host communities. In addition, Burmese migrant churches across the States are involved in mission work among unreached group of people in Myanmar. The consequences of

migration were often due to poverty, persecution, loss of status and opportunity. However, the tradition of dispersion and deportation led to a number of religious innovation such as the synagogue, the spiritual survival of Israel through the centuries without cult, temple and land. Similarly the Burmese migrations in the States not only innovated and revived the form of worship but also greatly contributed for the betterment of relevance to society.

About the author: Pau D. Lian: BTh, M.Div. Bharat Bible College, India; DMin, Andover Newton Theological School Boston; Ph.D, (ABD) Asbury Theological Seminary, Faculty member, Judson Bible College, Indianapolis, IN.

Two Schools of Instruction By Rev.Khamh Tin Uk

here are two schools of instruction which are vitally important for God’s people to equip for the work of fulfilling the Great Commission of our Lord Jesus Christ to which they have been called and assigned. One is the school of spiritual instruction and the other is school of theological instruction. Both are equally essential to be wellequipped ministers of the Gospel in a multicultural and technological context of our secular world today with complicated and challenging issues. One cannot be overemphasized to the negligence of the other. Holding to such unbalanced notion can result in ineffectiveness in ministries. Both should go simultaneously.

In this school, Jesus our Lord is the Principal, the Father is the founder and owner, and the Holy Spirit is the prime teacher, instructor and trainer. But They have one unified mission and purpose for the universe, which is to save all men and lead them to the knowledge of the truth (1Tim.2:4). Jesus said, “But the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” (John 14:26, NKJV). Here in the Scripture, Jesus specifically described the job the Holy Spirit would perform in advance of His descending on the day of Pentecost, i.e. to teach and remind of all things He said. Jesus promised us that the Holy Spirit shall teach us all subjects about life-- in ministries and practical life, and He shall inspire us with understanding of all our Lord Jesus has already said in the Scriptures, so that we can personally know and experience God. Unless the Holy Spirit teaches, no man can conceive by himself how to live a life pleasing to God. In this school, the Holy Spirit imparts

The School of Spiritual Instruction School of spiritual instruction is the type of instruction through which the Holy Spirit personally, individually and directly prepares, teaches, trains, molds, breaks, shapes and equips student of the Word to be conformed to the image of Christ and become fully equipped with the divine power and wisdom to serve God and the world.

dreams, visions and spiritual gifts to His students for a blessed life and ministry.

The reason why the disciples of Jesus Christ, despise they were unschooled and illiterate, could boldly preach and come before the Jewish ruling council with strong confidence was because they are educated and empowered by the Holy Spirit (John 4:13). The Jewish leaders themselves recognized that they had been with Jesus.

It is a blessing that there are great numbers of theological students and graduates from different seminaries with advanced academic programs. They have the privilege to be trained by highly qualified theologians, scholars and experienced professors. Admittedly, they become well equipped with theological education and knowledge. Sadly, however, many of them will graduate with few spiritual resources that will vibrantly empower and preserve them in the ministry. Though they are academically and intellectually enlightened, their lives have not been transformed. Though they know much about theology, psychology and philosophy, they don’t have the vision which will move them forward into the direction God wants to lead. Though they could acquire the art of preaching, they don’t possess the power to change life. Though they could project and strategize ministries, they don’t have the living message to bring about life change. Instead, their efforts are meaningless and dead. They have not been spiritually educated by the Holy Spirit who alone has the power to give life. Jesus said, “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63). Jesus doesn’t say, “It is seminary or theological instruction that gives life,” but, “it is the Spirit who gives life”. Therefore, in order for us to have life, and have abundant life to share with others, we first need to receive the Holy Spirit, the Life-giver, and become His faithful students. Only the Holy Spirit can teach and reveal beyond what we can learn in the classroom.

The School of Theological Instruction Is it still necessary to acquire further theological education and skill after one has been personally and directly trained by the Holy Spirit? Is it enough to be spiritually educated? Of course, it is certainly sufficient in itself. Yet, it is still absolutely necessary for one to be fully equipped to serve God and His people as we live in a different cultural, technological and historical context than did the first Christians. Learning in the school of theological instruction is the process during which the Holy Spirit indirectly trains, educates, shapes and equips students of the Word through His anointed scholars, theologians and professors with advanced technological means. This doesn’t include any type of instruction or seminary that embraces liberal doctrines of universalism and religious pluralism and sabotages the radical teaching of the Bible. It is extremely important for prospective students to select a Bible-based institution for further study. Ministry students must be aware of the danger of choosing anti-biblical schools which are instrumental to Satan to deceive people and suppress the truth. As theological education is a complement to the direct, personal training of the Holy Spirit, there are many benefits both formal and informal to be derived from engagement with it. As for benefits in general, it helps students or ministers understand and interpret the Bible in its hermeneutical context, helps sharpen their visions and dreams for ministries, provide them with resources to be used to strengthen the ministries of others, provide them with opportunity to connect with others in their fields and to learn from their

Only students who are aware of the need of being faithful students of the Holy Spirit and willing to open themselves up to His discipline and supervision become the useful vessels of God. In this school, students have opportunity to have direct access to the Holy Spirit and learn variety of things far beyond what seminaries can provide.

experiences, assists them to better understand their faith and facilitate their spiritual growth, helps them learn from challenges faced by others and helps them do ministry more effectively. In addition, theological education is also required by many denominations as a prerequisite for official enrollment of pastors and for ordination. Therefore, theological instruction is necessary, constructive, biblical, and a practical endeavor for the ministers of God to be engaged with.

and ministers fully equipped with supernatural and natural abilities to serve God and the world. Both are equally vital that overvaluing theological instruction to the exclusion of spiritual instruction may result in a dead traditionalism, and vice versa may lead to a mere spiritualism or an emotional anti-intellectualism. Therefore, I wholeheartedly encourage anyone who has a call to serve God and the world today to learn first from the Holy Spirit, the best Life-teacher, and pursue theological instruction.

Conclusion These two schools of instruction are God’s anointed mechanism to produce effective leaders About the author: Khamh Tin Uk: BTh, Myanmar Theological College and Missionary Training School; MDiv, New Life College in Bangalore, India, Faculty member, Judson Bible College, Indianapolis, IN

A Long Journey Into Burmese American Christian Society By Thawng Khancin Tunngo

hen I arrived USA in the year 2003, Burmese-speaking churches are very few in Washington DC Metropolitan area. I can remember only three or four Burmese Churches were planted. But after a decade, more than 25 Burmese-speaking churches were established in the capital Washington DC area.

and the largest Burmese ethnic groups includes the Chin and Karen. Most of the Chins and Karens are believers, so I am confident over my suggestion that the population of Burmese Christian community if I am not mistaken is approximately 70%. or around 70,000 Burmese living in USA today are Christians.

According to the 2010 United States census, the population of Burmese community in the entire United States is 100,200, which is an increase of 499% over the year 2000 - census, which recorded only 16,720 individuals of Burmese community. Most of that has occurred since about 2006. More than 830,000 Burmese arrived in the US over a decade, to make their living. Out of this population, I believe, more than 70% could be Christians. It could be even more than 80%, but the exact figure is difficult to trace. Most Burmese who came to US since 2006 via Malaysia were Christians, fleeing religious and ethnic persecution. That is the reason why I believe more than 70% of the Burmese population in US could be Christians.On August 4, 2015, Fox News reported over 11,000 Burmese refugees were resettled in USA in the year 2014 alone,

A brief history of Burmese Christians According to the “A History of Burma” written by Htin Aung, printed by Cambridge University Press in 1967, Christianity was first introduced to Burma by Portuguese Roman Catholic mission during 1600s. In the year 1603, Filipe de Brito e Nicote established Portuguese rule at Thanlyin. But war occurred between the Portuguese and Burma, and Portuguese were defeated in 1613. During that time, one of King Bayinnaung’s grandsons, Prince Natshinnaung was converted to Roman Catholicism, and was baptized by a priest from Goa. He was recorded as the first Burmese Christian believer. In the Portuguese - Burmese war, he was captured together with Portuguese by his cousin King Anaukpetlun, and executed. In 1813 American Baptist missionary Adoniram

Judson and his wife arrived in Burma. He learned Burmese language and grammar for three years, and started sharing Christianity with the Burmese. His first worship service with 15 Buddhist adults and some children was held on April 4, 1819. After six difficult years, in 1819 he baptized his first Burmese convert, Maung Naw, a 35 year old timber worker. Maung Naw became the second Burmese Christian, or we can say he is the first Protestant Burmese Christian. Judson once said “to gain a convert from Buddhism is like pulling the tooth of a tiger” [c] . Adoniram Judson translated the Bible into Burmese in 1834.

during their elementary and middle school years. However, only 55 percent of them attended church regularly during high school, and only 11 percent of them were still regularly attending church when in college. This is a big problem for evangelical Christian leadership in the US. The reality is that young Americans are deserting the Church in America. Pew Research Center’s latest research also showed 46.3 percent of American say they don’t have any faith, or religion. Once, America sent a lot of missionaries to every corner of the world, but today many churches in America are empty. Though 70 percent of American say they are still Christians, but many of them do not attend Church regularly. You may think or say Christianity in America is still very strong and healthy. But the numbers found out by various research groups indicate that America started drifting away from Christianity. American Christians need to ask in the wake of this situation is “What can the churches do to help stop the declining of Christianity in America?”

Burma Baptist Convention, now known as Myanmar Baptist Convention, was established in 1865. In 1927 the Willis and Orlinda Pierce Divinity School was founded in Yangon. Sometime later, the institute’s name was changed to Myanmar Institute of Theology, and is still operating today. During the second world war Japan invaded Burma, the British and American missionaries left, but they returned in 1945.In 1966, all foreign missionaries were expelled by U Ne Win government. But Christianity grew rapidly especially among Chin, Kachin, and Karen ethnic groups, even after all foreign missionaries left. The 1983 census recorded only 4.9 percent Christians in Burma, but 2014 census showed 6.2 percent Christians, that is three more million Christians to the previous. Nevertheless, the fact that Burma was evangelized, mainly by American Baptist missionaries, is undeniable. We, the Burmese Christians owe American Baptists a debt of gratitude for introducing the gospel and ushered our souls into the eternal life.

For with God nothing will be impossible The journey of Burmese American Christian was very long, and bumpy. But God is with us, and blessed us tremendously in many ways. Now is the time to stand on our own legs, and help others. We should now act like an adult in the spiritual warfare. As I mentioned above, we the Burmese Christians owe Americans a tremendous debt of thankfulness for the gospel. So, we need to ask to ourselves “What can we the Burmese American Christians do to help stop declining of Christianity in America?” You might think that I am nobody, I don’t have enough qualification to do this, there is nothing I can do, or this is too much for me. But if you truly believe and trust in God, you should also believe in yourself. Luke 1:37 said “For with God nothing will be impossible.” Only God knows the correct answer to this question, but you need to play your part. At least you can pray for America. God did not call us to make history; God called us to be history.

Christianity in America is declining Before I came to America, I heard so many times from elders and friends that America is a county flowing with milk and honey. Some even said it is a heaven on earth. If we look back into history, it might be true, but various researches recently show that Christian belief in America is declining. According to a survey made by America’s Research Group, 95 percent of 20 to 29 year old American evangelicals attended church regularly

About the author: Thawng Khancin Tunngo, BSc. Physics, University of Yangon, Graphic designer, JEC, Judson Bible College, National Region Campus.

Reasons Why I Chose To Study At Judson Bible College By Nang Sian Thang

mong the many reasons why I chose to study at Judson Bible College, there are three reasons which made the school an easy choice. Judson Bible College offers flexible schedule, manageable tuition fees and assistance for people like me with limited English. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from this school and her many wonderful professors whose love for the Word and the Lord was unparallel. It has been one of the most fulfilling part of my life. I always wanted to go to a seminary since the Lord saved me- almost four decades ago but the business of living always got in the way until now. I am deeply grateful to be called JBC alumni.

thing aside from the teaching we get in classes that kept me in the school. I do want to point out the fact that one could never pay enough learning more about the Word. This is by no means an exhaustive of all the reasons I came to Judson Bible college, but it was the vision I saw in our President’s eyes that draw me to the school. He started our school for students like me from all walks of life to learn about the Word of God. Judson Bible College made it possible for students like me with limited ability to speak and write English. I not only grew tremendously in the knowledge of God and His Word but also in English which is useful for me in my daily life living in America.

If it was not for the flexible class schedules on weekends and nights I would not be able to start this journey. The classes on weekends although intense at times due to the amount of materials we had to cover with many homework fit perfectly my schedules with work. The materials are also just enough to keep us busy for the week leading up to the next class. They not only cement my understanding of what’s being taught in class but also propel me to read my Bible daily. This kept me grounded in the Word and encourages me daily in my ministries at church and home.

So once again, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity Judson Bible College has created for me. I truly believe that it is a powerful force from God and I pray that He will use it more and more in the coming future. My Spiritual Journey The Christian life is not an easy one as we can see in the lives of the Apostle and early believers. I am by no means comparing my life with them, but I believe it is worthwhile to constantly reexamine our walk with the Lord as the writings of the Apostle reminded us in their letters. In my view, with the new surge of “Prosperity Gospel” and “word of faith” movements, our views on the life of a Christian changes in the last three to four decades.

At this stage in my life, going back to school is hard for many reasons. One being, the bill. The cost of attending school is expensive. I know because I have two sons in college. Judson Bible College made it possible for me to attend and pay as I go. I do believe that we should buy wisdom at any cost but with a family to support, it was a hard decision to go back to school. The affordable tuition and payment plan invited me to go to the school and needless to say, it was the one

I grew up in a very liberal church in my teenage years. A Christian used to mean to me as just a person who goes to church on Sunday and act

like the rest of the world in all the other days. I attended Sunday schools and memorized many verses from the scriptures, but I was never a born-again Christian. When the time was right, I was baptized but it did not mean anything to me. In all account, I considered myself a Christian because I grew up in a family who goes to church and I did not do anything really bad. I believed that I was a “good person.” The blood of Jesus did not mean anything to me.

save me from my sins which deserved the punishment of death. It was Christ through His death on the cross that saved me. My spiritual Journey was not easy, but it was worth it. Now, as I grew older all I could say to myself is that I don’t know why Jesus loves me. I believe all Christian will say the same. The joy of salvation, the ticket to heaven, seeing my Maker face to face kept me going through the lows and highs in my journey. I had to learn that I am but a sojourner on earth and soon I will be joining the party in Heaven. Here we will stay for a little while but before long we will all be going home. My Christian life was truly a narrow road. I slipped and fall so many times; I may even have walked to the wrong directions. But it was God who’s started a good work in me through his grace relentlessly and tirelessly will surely carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Phil 1:6)

In the early 1970, there was a crusade held by an Evangelist in Tedim in Burma. He talked about being born again that we needed a savior and that we are all “by nature, children of wrath.” It was nothing like the sermons we have ever heard before in church. Through the powerful working of the Holy Spirit, my father was saved. He and five other deacons in our church accepted the teaching and were saved. Consequently, they were eventually ejected from the church as they started sharing the new saving gospel that they have found. The Lord saved me not long after my father got saved. I still vividly remember that day. The Lord saved me from my wrong religious perspective. It was a spiritual rebirth because I was never alive spiritually as the scripture tells us that “we were dead in our trespasses.” And it continues, “ But God...” It was the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ that saved me and made me alive in Him. The old hymnal puts it “I was lost but now I’m found.” I understood that no amount of good works and church visits would

The journey has been long, but I am that much closer to him every day. I have now seen closer with more certainty where true home is as my journey draw me closer Christ each day. Oh, I want to see Him, look upon His face, There to sing forever of His saving grace; On the streets of glory let me lift my voice, Cares all past, home at last, ever to rejoice

About the author: Nang Sian Thang, BA in Bible /Theology, Judson Bible College, MD, Board member of Judson Education Center

Testimonies from JBC Students

About Me

would like introduce myself. My name is Tha, Thla. K. My nick name is Tha Tha. I am twenty- four years old. I am from Burma. I was born on April 20, 1992. I was born in Lailen Village, Thantlang District of Chin land. My first language is Mara (Mares) Chin and my second language is Burma (Burmese). I can speak two other languages Malay (Malaya) and China (Chinese). Also I can speak a little bit of English.

was my first concert. The room was very hot. There were no open windows, and there were many people in the room. I didn’t want to play guitar because I was scared. Then I saw my parents, who smiled at me, and that helped me. I sang with my guitar. It was great! I often talk about this memory. Talent shows were becoming a very popular form of entertainment those days. The contestants in the shows tried to be famous. I play guitar every week. Millions of people watch these chows have good music. For example, this season, there was a woman who played opera in concert. Secondly, viewers can vote for the winners’ very week. Third, the contestants in the shows come from ordinary backgrounds.

I have five siblings. I have two elder brothers, one younger brother, and two elder sisters. My parents are Mr. Hito and Mrs. Ngoso My father was a head- master (Principal) at Basic Middle School in my village. My mother was a former and good housewife. Both of them love us very much. My father’s interests are playing music and soccer, and he can play the piano well. My mother’s interests are singing and cooking, and she can sing songs. She has a nice voice. We live at Vaithie word, Lailen. My family is in Burma.

One day, the army came and threatened me with guns and made me into a porter. A porter is a slave! So, I don’t like to the army Burma. Then I escaped to Malaysia. I stayed in Malaysia for six years. I had been working two jobs. I worked in a cake store and a restaurant. I was working at a cake store for three years. And I was working in a restaurant for three years. They were paying me good money. It was good enough to cover all my expenses help my family in Burma. I had a good time with my friends and we went to a lot of vacations. We had fun times.

My interests are swimming and music. One day, I went to river with my friends. We had fun. We went to swimming and fishing at the River. They were polite to me. So I loved them. I played music every day. Sometimes I played concert in my country. I had known a lot of people there, and also I went the church to do my prayers. I start to learn music. My favorite musical instrument is guitar. I have been learning guitar for six months, then I started to play guitar in the church. I liked to play music and go to swimming. All my friends and many people liked to me and I liked to them.

I was concerned because I was not living legally in Malaysia. I was scared of the police because I didn’t have a passport. There was a lot of process to live legally in Malaysia. The first time of all, I went to the refugee office and they did a lot of stuff, then they gave me a form, then they helped me complete it. After that they gave me a refugee card. I felt free because nobody was going to scare me anymore.

I always want to be a great guitar player. I was taught when I was 15 years old. I was in a talent competition at my school. I registered for the guitar in the show. I was very nervous because it

And then I came to United States of America 2014. At the beginning, I don’t know English. I was new and I didn’t know any place or anywhere. I worked for ten months at API Company and they used to pay me $ 10.00 per hour. I went to the IRC (International Rescue Committee) office, which gave me the opportunity to enroll in Job Corps. They gave me information about Job Corps Center and helped me get enrolled to Job Corps and I was transferred to Potomac Job Corps.

Then, the internet will change education completely in the future. Maybe collage will not be building with people and furniture, but complex websites. Teachers’ maybe characters in virtual worlds like second life. In the future, students can “travel” to different countries using their computers. They can walk around the world’s famous museums without leaving home. Maybe students will go back in time. They can possibly “talk to” famous people from the past, like Washington. History students can watch or be part of historic events. We can buy artificial brains so we won’t to go to school at all! There may be many changes to education, but learning can differently never stop.

Then I was study an Electrical and high school. They were polite to me. And I liked to them. I was completed my school in 2016. Then I work at East Coast Electric. They use to pay me 40 hours a week. And I want to more study the word in God. I applied five school. But they don’t have English class. I don’t speak English very well. So, I really want to speak English very well. Last I applied at Judson Bible College. Now I am learning a lot of reading, writing, listening, speaking and the word in God. In the future, my family will have everything that I didn’t know get where a life there will be no much suffering where God will bless me and my family that way in my company I will help many people that are struggling and are refugee in my country. I would like to study all the time.

I am going to help others as I was helped. I can show an example as they have shown me here in Judson Bible College and workplace. I love Judson Bible College staff especially my teachers I wish I had the chance to tell them all at once, I love my friends and I am grateful for Judson Bible College. I will be sad when I leave because I will not be able to see them anyone. That is story of my life.

My Christian Education Journey In America By Tin Sang

was born in Khuahrang village, Than Tlang, Township which is located West side of Chin State in Myanmar. I started Judson Bible College [JBC] in the 2nd week of February in 2011 and graduated with a Diploma on May 25, 2013 Buffalo, New York. I went to Davis College on August 22, 2016. I graduated with Bachelor Degree in Religion Education on May 13, 2016. I started Master of Divinity [M.div] program at Central Baptist Theological Seminary Kansas

City, Kansas in August 28, 2017. CBTS is among the top 12 Seminary the US. Judson Bible College offered me 90 credits, $150.00 per subject. Davis College B.R.E. requires 121 credits, $- 450.00 per credit. Central Baptist Theological Seminary Kansas offered, [M. Div], requires 75 credits $- 360.00 per credit. This Seminary have Burmese Scholar-

ship $-150.00 per credit and CBTS Scholarship $-500.00 per Semesters.

Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.10 The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!”Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”

Judson Bible College [JBC] helped me to enhance my Christian’s life, Education, Bible knowledge and Spiritual formation. Offering the discount tuition’s fees and the Professors have adequate experience of Theology gave me the opportunity to grow and fulfill my academic goals. I respect and admire all of my former Professors at Judson Bible College and Davis College. They are good both as teachers, preachers and mentors to Students. Especially Dr. Thuam Cin Khai, and Dr Dale Meredith, I met them, and they are like Epiphany in my life. I truly affirmed that God is leading and guiding my Christian’s journey through them.

This Text-segment emphasized that Eli served as God’s interpreter to Samuel. Nevertheless, Samuel heard the voice of God but he did not understand who was communicating with him. Without understanding the meaning of the Scripture is useless. It is dangerous to serve God by misunderstanding the Scripture meaning. Even though Samuel stayed with Eli in the Tabernacle, he hadn’t heard God’s words before, he never understood the meaning and never communicated with Him until Eli taught him how to respond and communicate with God. A Christians must learn the Bible from those who have a good relationship with God and experience.

I left my jobs and took a loan, but I never regretted making that decision, because I am happy Schooling. Even though I faced some challenges, I gladly go through my suffering. But, they are lifting up every step that I need to take to be up on the ladder of spiritual success.

There are many issues that several people believed that God speaks and communicate to whoever He calls and there is no need to go school to learn Theology, I think this is wrong. I therefore, invite you to submit yourself, listen and learn his word from those He called and ordain.

Samuel learned first God’s word from Eli before serving 7 Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD: The word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him.8 A third time the LORD called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”Then Eli realized that the LORD was calling the boy. 9 So Eli told

May God bless you all!

Healthy Family For Global Transformation By Ngin Lamh Cin Thang, ThM Introduction uman beings were created by God in his own image male and female, man and woman came together in marriage to manifest God’s ideal of completeness. Marriage is the foundation of family and that family becomes the beginning of learning, teaching and forming center for all living beings. For better or worse, family life is inevitably formative in a spiritual as well as a physical and emotional sense. Therefore, we may look some indispensable factors in order building what healthy family is.

Theological Basis for Family Relationships The relationship between God and the children of Israel, as well as between Christ the groom and his church the bride, are models that lend themselves to a theology of family relationships. The logical beginning point of any family relationship is a covenant commitment, which has unconditional love at its core. Out of the security provided by this covenant love develops grace. In this atmosphere of grace, family members have the freedom to empower each other. Empowering leads to the possibility of intimacy between family members. Intimacy then leads back to a deeper level of covenant commitment (Gen. 6:18; Eph. 5:22-6:9; Col. 3:18-4:1). The Biblical account of the relationship between God and the children of Israel can best be understood by pointing to the analogy of an unconditional parental commitment to a child. The incarnation is the supreme acts of God’s grace to humankind. This act of divine love and forgiveness is the basis for human love and forgiveness. It is desirable that family members verbally communicate feelings of love and affection toward one another, as well as ask forgiveness and forgive each other. This will bring the relationship to full maturity.

Definition of Family The word family comes from the Latin word familia, which means “household” a designation that included both servants and relatives. According to Laurence Stern, “Family is a simple machine, as it consisted of a few wheels, yet there was this much to be said for it, that these wheels were set in motion by so many different springs, and acted one upon the other from such a variety of strange principles and impulses that thought it was a simple machine.” Family is also like fingers on the hand which develops its own “personality” in relation to the rest of the hand. Of one fingers is lost, the whole hand is affected and can no longer function as it has, each finger has to adjust to that loss and learn some new functions. Family is where we are loved unconditionally, and where you can count on that love even when you least deserve it. The meaning of family can also be defined in this way too: F is refers to “Father”, A is refers to “And”, M is refers to “Mother”, I is refers to “I”, L is refers to “Love” and Y is refers to “You”. It means “Father and Mother, I Love You”.

The Foundation of Family While the beginning phase of marriage is technically the first stage of family life, mate selection is a necessary preliminary. Family life comprises the processes of two persons’ joining together, reproducing children, nurturing them, and eventually separating from them. Mate selection is important starting point at which two young people separate from their parents and unite to form their own new family. There are different types of mate selection process in this world though there are also Christian types of selection to seek God’s direction about marriage. First, the

couple should seek God’s will directly through prayer, Bible study, and meditation. Second, they should seek wisdom from parents, other family members and friends, and also should go to premarital counseling. Third, the couple should seek wisdom from other Christians with whom they are in close fellowship.

are denied a strong emotional bond with their mother and father must go through life compensating for this lack. When it comes to expressing love in a marital relationship, the greater the expression of positive feelings between a husband and wife, the better adjusted the marriage. Great dissatisfaction and problems are likely to emerge when there is an imbalance in the amount of selfdisclosure. When God created marriage, we cannot ignore for the role of sex. Sex is not evil, it is beautiful and wonderful. Sex is a perfect blending of two personalities, an expression of loves that taken in the whole range of man’s being-at once a physical, intellectual, and spiritual encounter. In the act of sex, a man and woman have both responsibility and duty, to express the essential unity which overarches their separateness.

Parents are powerful role models to their children. They teach their children through verbal communication, but their nonverbal behavior is probably even more influential. Children learn important lessons about marriage by observing how their parents communicate with one another how they express their feelings of love, affection, and anger. Everything that parents do in their role as marriage partners will have profound influence upon their children’s behaviors and attitudes as marriage partners. Research indicates that social, emotional, and financial support from parents and other relatives is very important factors in helping a newly married couple establish a solid marriage. And marriages are strong if both partners are committed to the institution, to the relationship, and to each other as persons. A man and a woman who choose to unite in the bond of marriage do so with a full commitment to remain married for life and become one flesh is to reveal something of the purpose for which they are created, which is to participate in the kingdom of God. Divorce should not be in Christian marriage because making promise the sacred vow before God and community of faith. It means that the main foundation of family is love because God is love.

We can see three responsibilities in the heart of family. The primarily of a wife is to give of herself, her time, and her energy to her husband, children and home. She has been given the duty of raising children and doing housework in the relative isolation of the home and has been prevented from achieving economic independence and vocational fulfillment outside it. It is within this pattern of Divine order that the Lord will meet her and bless her, and make her a blessing to her family and her community. The order for the husband is to love their wives means sacrifice themselves for her, care for her spiritual welfare, go the way of the cross before her and exercise authority in humility. God’s order for children is to obey their parents considered as they obey God.

The Heart of Family It is ironic that the three words, “I love you” which ought to be the most effortless and pleasurable phrase for us to say to those we love. Everyone surely knows that nothing would make another person happier than to hear such an expression of “I love you”. The emotional bond between child and parent is the most important factor in the development of a child. Children who

Being a human we cannot run from internal and external conflict toward betterment. When we handle any conflict can be either destructive or constructive. There is constructive way of handling conflict, which is fair fighting. Fourteen rules for fair fighting as following: identify the issue, choose the right time, choose the right place, begin with a positive stroke, stick to the issue, do not bring up the past, do not hit below the belt,

take the other seriously, express anger non abusively, do not play games, no not be passively aggressive, avoid asking for explanations of behavior, avoid labeling and name calling and avoid triangles.

God’s plan for them to establish a family and should encourage existing marriages and families to witness to God’s goodness, wisdom, and faithfulness in Christ to the surrounding culture. It should also recognize that some of its members may be called to remain unmarried for the sake of God’s kingdom and integrate them fully in the life of the church. Without collapsing the distinctions between the church and the home, the church ought to make every effort to make strengthening marriages and families a vital part of its mission.

Family is Forming Center Family is considered as the forming center where we can learn or teach us to develop the sense of personal identity between the family member’s relationships. Family is closely small society to children, where is the place for children to learn about the emotional feeling—love, hate, equality, kindness, forgiveness, anger, enjoy, etc., and physical actions—helping, relationship, communication, tender behavior, bad behavior, etc. Children absorb knowledge of world by what they experience and observe. Children learn more from what adults do than from what adults say. The home is also considered as the primal place of worship, and each home had a central, sacred place for prayer and remembrance of larger spiritual realities in daily life. Family is the nurture spiritual growth in the home.

The key for best relationship is communication. To live in unity and pursue common goals communication is essential. There are five areas of communications that is vital for healthy relationships with family. (1) Healthy communications begin with healthy attitude. (2) Vocabulary plays a vital role in the communication. The choice of word is very important. Word could encourage others and build them up. (3) Listening is very important and significant in family. (4) The Method or Style of communication is also important for good relationship in family. (5) Learn to resolve, ignore and forget play a vital role in family. Admitting wrong, asking forgiveness is maturity and true spirituality.

Family Life in Modern Society Stephen Post advocate what he calls a “new nuclear familialism” that is “consistent with gender role equality and the gains of women, as well as with the truth that families often need significant social support.”The conservatives are concerned with showing that family structure has been fairly consistently lived out by people across time and culture and affirmed in religious traditions. The ethical imperative for them is conforming to the model of “the family” and pointing out that those who desire more diversity are moving in an immoral direction. For Christian family, parents need to setting time for children’s spiritual development to prayer, worship, reading Scripture toward growing in knowledge of religion, education, and physical.

It is important to invite, inform and involve Jesus Christ in family life. The first secret of success in family life is inviting Jesus to become the head of the family by the couple. The second is to have a dynamic intimate relationship with the loving and living Saviour. The third is to hear his instruction, obey without questioning and do what he bids us to do. There is an alphabet E that stands for excellent families. They are: embrace, encourage, empower, excuse, energize, engage together, explore together, endure together, enjoy together, and excel together. One of the best weapons for excellent families is biblical modeled family in the crooked generation.

The Church should teach young couples the proper biblical roles of husband and wife and

Conclusion Family is a fleshing out of God’s plan for marriage. That the primary vocation of human beings is to love, and the marriage covenant is the primary structure given by God for the living out of this love. The children are the greatest gift of marriage, and a family is a communion of persons devoted to living the Christian life. Christian families are acknowledged as the primary interpreters of the Gospel and magisterial teaching on the family. They are called to accept and live out those aspects of God’s plan that apply to them.

Marriage and Family. New York: Paulist Press, 2003. Kostenberger, Andreas J. and David W. Jones. God, Marriage, and Family: Rebuilding the biblical foundation. Wheaton: Crossway, 2010. Manokaran, J.N. Christ and Families: Strong Families for Global Transformation. Hyderabad: GS Books, 2015. Richardson, Ronald W. Family Ties That Bind: A Self-help Guide to Change Through Family of Origin Therapy. 2nd ed. Toronto: Self-Counsel Press, 1989.

Bibliography Balswick, Jack O. and Judith K. Balswick. The Family: A Christian Perspective on the Contemporary Home. 2nd ed. Michigan: Baker Books, 2002.

R. Andrew Cecil. The Meaning of the Family in a Free Society. Texas: The Univerisity of Dallas, 1991.

Christenson, Larry. The Christian Family. Minneapolis: Bethany House Publisher, 1970.

Thompson, Marjorie J. Family: The Forming Center. Nashville: Upper Room Books, 1989.

Hanlon, Rubio, Julie. A Christian Theology of About the author: Ngin Lamh Cin Thang, BTh, All Nations Theological Seminary; BD, Clark Theological College, Mokokchung, Nagaland; ThM, Myanmar Institute of Theology; Vice Principal and faculty member, All Nations Theological Seminary, Thanlyin, Yangon

The Greatest Employee By Lian Khan Mang

here are many employees in the world in many different companies and in the government’s department. They and their families were so proud of their children and their jobs. Of course they would, because those jobs were their dreams

job is just being an employee of another human being, but the fact and the actual greatest job is being an employee of the Most high and living God. Rewards for Employees of God The one who dedicated their life for God, the least minister at a Church is also serving the most high God. He or she might be paid a very little amount payment by the church, but that very little amount is incomparable with the people who got the highest paid on earth when that least servant get his or her full payment by Jesus after He takes

and those jobs were the best they could think of. But what they does not know is that there is far more better and greater job and far more higher ever than all those jobs of what they felt so proud. Which is to be the employee of the most High God. What they thought of the best and greatest

us Home in Heaven. Every faithful follower of Jesus Christ will receive the best gift of all; eternal life. The question is only whether or not there is an additional reward waiting for some of us, especially in MATTHEW 20:1-15, MATTHEW 19:28-39. This last statement is important. Jesus told the disciples some who come late would also be in the Kingdom. Who were these late comers? The parable of the vineyard workers answered this question. When read in the context of Matthew Chapter 19, it’s easy to see the parable of the vineyard is all about the Salvation of the Gentiles. The parable was designed to illustrate the fact the Gentiles (who actually heard the Gospel and entered the Kingdom very late compared to the Jews who possessed the scripture all along), would also enjoy the same privileges and rights as the Jews who were “chosen” and “favored”. This parable DOES NOT teach all reward in heaven would be the same. In fact, if you read the parable in the context of Matthew Chapter 19, we can easily see all reward in Heaven will NOT be the same.

wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who “will render to each one according to his deeds” Since we know from the scriptures God does not render SALVATION according to our deeds, what is it He is rendering? He is rendering REWARD according to our deeds. This means as our deeds increase, our reward increases as well. Let us see what Paul wrote to the Corinthians. He clearly told them their Salvation was built on Christ alone, but in addition to this, each of us, as saved Christians, also builds on this foundation of Salvation resulting in our reward in Heaven. 1 CORINTHIANS 3:11-15, “For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.” Paul clearly proclaims rewards are waiting for us as saved Christians. But he is also clear about the fact some of us will receive more reward than others. Some will work here on earth to create something persevering and as a result will obtain an enduring reward in Heaven. Others will not produce enduring work here on earth, and while they will still be saved, their reward in heaven will be nothing more than Salvation.

Christianity also teaches our salvation is not the same as our reward. We serve an equitable and fair King, who loves us and is also just and holy. GRACE alone brings us into the kingdom. Nothing we can do on our own can ever ‘earn’ this for us: EPHESIANS 2:8-9 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” In this sense, the gift of “eternal life” is given to all believers equally based on their faith alone. But there is plenty of Scripture suggesting there is a reward awaiting us in Heaven beyond our Salvation, and this reward will be distributed to us on the basis of our obedience and love for God demonstrated in our mortal lives.

Even Jesus Christ and apostle agreed and talk about the rewards for the believers and the servants of God, in all those award, the one whose award were burned also still saved, which is far, far more greater and incomparable with the worldly greatest employee. Because in the Bible Jesus clearly speaks about how bad were the worldly people and employees of worldly companies in Matthew 16:26, “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?”. Their payment would be as high as the whole world, yet it is incomparable with what

Apostle Paul seemed to understand this as well. When writing to the believers in Rome, he used language very similar to the language used by Jesus: ROMANS 2:5-6 “But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of

each and every believer equally received. Therefore, we are the greatest employees ever in human history.

teachers, by teaching, are claiming to know what they ought to do and, therefore, they have greater judgment if they fall short. Also, knowing more makes one more accountable. The failure to speak wisely when we know more will receive a greater judgment. For example, in Luke 12:47–48, the servant who knew his master’s will but did not get ready or act according to his will receives a severe beating, and the one who did not know but did what deserved a beating receives a light beating. And the principle comes in Luke 12:48b: “everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.” Behind this statement about teachers being judged with greater judgment is that they know more.

The Risk of Employees of God One of my professor always warned us of the risk of an employee of God. He said that, we supposed to be careful of what we teach and what we preach to the people. We supposed not to make any mistake in our teaching and preaching. Other employees could make any mistake, but that mistake would be a big helps for their job, they also have a saying, “Mistakes were the steps to succession.” A barber would mistakenly cut his clients’ hair, but it will become new hair style. A carpenters’ mistakes will become new design furniture. The masons’ mistake will become a new house design. An architect mistake will become new construction design. But a pastor or Bible College teacher mistake will remained as mistake and we will be judged more strict, James 3:1-2, “My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment. For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. “ “will be judged with greater strictness.” Literally it is knowing that we will receive the greater judgment. If we stumble or compromised in teaching either in some unholy way, we use language that is an unholy way or we teach some error, then the judgment is going to be stricter for us.

Conclusion Among the worldly employee, there is most risky job employment, which is a physician job or a doctor job. Not like the other employee, the doctor mistake could end a life, physically, but if that very person is a born again believer, his or her soul will be saved from eternal hell. But the job of a pastor or a Bible School teacher, or even a Sunday school teacher is far more risky and dangerous than a physician or a doctor. If we teach the wrong massage the people who received and heard our teaching, their physical body and even their soul would be lost in Hell for eternity.

Knowing what to do makes one accountable to do it. Paul says in Romans 1:20, “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.” The principle is that I would have an excuse at the judgment day if the invisible attributes of God compelling me to worship were not known by me. So, the principle behind the judgment is: I will be judged because I knew what I should do. And the assumption is

We are the greatest employee in the world and our different awards awaits in heaven, but what we must not forget is that our job is also the most risky and dangerous job. Lets us take part happily in our own department of serving our God and let us be faithful and served our Lord with gratitude. In the mean time let us also remember that we will be responsible of what we teach and preach to the people. May our God be glorify forever through our life and ministry.

About the author: Lian Khan Mang, (Suum Kip), Faculty member, All Nations Theological Seminary, Thanlyn, Yangon.

Faith as Radical Obedience: A Study on Genesis 22:1-20 By Man Hau Lun and Sarah that God has promised. In the midst of enjoying and celebrating God’s promise in Abraham’s life, God command him his only son to sacrifice as burnt offerings. It is un-believable for Abraham that God demand the only son that he had given in this old age to sacrifice him as a burnt offering. The question is; how will God promise be fulfilled if his only son Isaac is sacrifice? In that critical context, it is impossible to have another son in Abraham’s and Sarah’s life. Another question is, why Isaac, human sacrifice?

Introduction he three great world religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam are called Abrahamic religion. It means that they are religions of faith founded upon the invisible Spirit, which is revealed to Abraham. Faith, therefore, is the foundation of religious beliefs in Christianity, which is engrafted upon the faith of Abraham – the chosen people (Rom 11:11 – 24). The nature and character of faith is clearly portrayed in Abraham’s life and his journey of pilgrimage. From his faith journey, one can easily observed that faith is total dependence upon God, which is formless and untouchable that comes from the bottom of human heart. Faith is radical obedience to God in action to fulfill the will of God.

To begin with, burnt offerings are central to religious rituals in ancient Israel. Sacrifice, therefore, was seen and practiced to prove the allegiance of trust to deity or deities. It was considered as burnt offerings are offered in food to deity or deities and, considered as a meal fellowship between deity or deities and the adherent(s) or the sacrificer(s). In this offering, fellowship is important as human needs cordial relationships with gods or deities and the deities need attention as befits from the worshippers on the other hand. By offering foods as a sacrifice to gods or deities, the intention of the worshiper is to persuade gods or deities indirectly in order to force them to cooperate in the befitting of the worshipers. On the other hand, animal sacrifice or human sacrifice as burnt offering was considered as symbol of submission to God. It is the expression of worship and commitment.

The intention of this paper is to look at Gen 22:1 – 20 in order to have a clearer understanding of faith from the story at Mt. Moriah as faith is radical obedience to God. The paper will make a study on the historical background of the text and then will make discussion on the text and the meaning of faith for Christian life. Faith as a Test of Trust Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love – Isaac – and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt

However, a closer look at the narrative in Gen 22 clearly proved that the sacrificial ritual performed by Abraham is totally different from the ritual practice of his religious context in terms of motif and intention. It is clear that the ritual is not a customary practice one has to observe but is a demand from God. God demand Abraham to sacrifice his only son Isaac.

offering on a mountain I will show you.” (Genesis 22: 1 – 2, NIV) When Abram was called by God in Haran, God promised him to be a great nation (Gen 12) and re-affirmed his promise by giving new names both to Abram to Abraham and Sarai to Sarah to be a great nations (Gen 17). However, after long awaited promise, Isaac was born to them at their old age. Isaac is the only son, born to Abraham

It was a critical period for Abraham to response to the called of God to sacrifice his son Isaac. It was not a sacrifice to do in order to observe the

religious practice of those days: not a sacrifice given out of gratitude to God or to prove their allegiance to God. The narrative clearly provides the account that the sacrifice was not given to God in order to receive his favors or blessings. In other words, the sacrifice was not perform by Abraham’s part. The sacrifice was a demand.

and interpreted as a parable of stewardship and profits.26 For this line of interpretation, the parable is not about faith or risk. It is about resources, work, time, and profit. In other words, it is endresults. It is about investment of resources, work, time and profits. Investing and making profits of five talents and two talents is a great end-result. They are called ‘good and faithful servant.’ The other person who received one talent did not invest or make profit of his resources, work, and time. Therefore, the result was ‘no profit.’ He was called ‘lazy.’27

It was a critical period in the life of Abraham as God demand him to offer his only son Isaac as burnt offering. It was a test from God and at the same time is to prove his allegiance and trust to God. It is indeed a test of trust upon the one whom he worshipped as God. The question that Abraham had in mind at that critical moment was ‘how can God’s promise be fulfilled if his son Isaac be sacrifice to worship God? Or, God has any other way to fulfill his promise? He has choices. This choice is a critical point of test for Abraham – whether to response to the call by disobeying or to response by listening to the call with obedience. In other words, in this context, choice is a test; response is a test, whether to obey or disobey is a test.

Contrarily, from my understanding, the parable of talents is more than investing and making profits of resources, time, and work. It is risking talents and life for the master. It is clear that, in the end, the master commanded the one who did not risk to be put to the darkness where there would be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Mt 25:30). Therefore, this parable of talents is risking five talents and two talents respectively for the master. In risking, they were called “good and faithful servant.” Therefore, to trust is to ‘risk’ life for God.

According to Oxford advanced learner’s dictionary, the meaning of test is defines as “to put in a situation which will show what their or its true qualities are.” Abraham was tested in order to show that what his or his true faith and trust. The test that Abraham encountered was more than belief in but is trust.

God tests the hearts of people, not because He does not know them, but rather, that they themselves may understand who they really are both inwardly and outwardly. In other words, God tests people to trust and have faith in him. Abraham obedience is based on is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. (Hebrew 11:1) Faith is acting like God is telling the truth. God will try our faith by giving us test.

It is not only a belief in the existence of God but is an act of faith. This act is trust. Therefore, test and trust are related and are inseparable in faith in God. Trust is totally relying on something which is more powerful that one-self.25 It is upon the powerful God. It means, trust is not trusting in something that is seen as trustworthy. On the other hand, trust has an essential nature of risk. Faith is risking. Abraham risked his faith by obeying the voice to sacrifice his son, Isaac. Jesus’ parable of talents is traditionally accepted

Faith as Trust in Promise Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, “Father?” “Yes, my son?” Abraham replied. “The fire and wood are here,” Isaac said, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And

25 Joseph J. Godfrey, Trust of Peoples, Words, and God: A Route for Philosophy of Religion (Notre Dame: Notre Dame University, 2012) 15, 16 https://www3.nd.edu/~undpress/excerpts/P01533

Matthew 25:14 – 30; Luke 19:12 – 28 http://acrod.org/assets/files/PDFS/Stewardship/ Parableof%20theTalents.pdf accessed on April 26, 2018. 26 27

the two of them went on together. When they reached the place God had told him about…(he) bound his son Isaac laid him on the altar…(he) reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. (Gen 22:7,8, NIV)

And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” (Gen 12:2-3, NIV).

According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, promise is defined as ‘to tell someone that you will definitely do something or that something will definitely happen in the future.’ This definition is very close to the biblical understanding of promise, especially, in the relationship between God and Abraham on promise. In the biblical concept of promise, a promise is given by God to Abraham that a nation will be blessed through him (and through his offspring). It is not given to a person on the basis of a person asked for or demanded to another person.

However, this promise came into question when God demanded Abraham to sacrifice his only son Isaac. In the context of Gen 22, the question to deal with is “how can Abraham will become a great nation if he offers his only son as a burnt offering to YHWH?” The answer is Abraham trust in the promise of God and that promise will fulfill by God himself. “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son (Gen 22:7b),” is the confession of Abraham in his trust upon the promise of God. In the narrative, there were father and son alone on the mountain. There was ‘no thing’ to sacrifice accept his only son Isaac. On the other hand, Isaac knew that there was ‘no thing’ to sacrifice with them accept himself. However, Abraham still had hope that God will be there to fulfill his promise.

It is not based on a contract and not a contractual agreement between two parties: equal party. On the other hand, the promise is given to Abraham by a God who has power and sovereign over powers, authorities and gods. It is right to say that a promise made and given by a powerful God to a person out of his freedom by himself. The relationship between God and Abraham in terms of promise was on the ground one-sided-promise. It was not a contract promise relationship of suzerain and vassal relationship.

With his trust in God’s promise, God indeed provided and Abraham received his son Isaac back. As mentioned above, to sacrifice life was considered as the peak or the highest thing in religious rituals. Abraham believed that even he sacrifice the life of Isaac to God, God could bring life back from the dead. In the Epistle to Hebrews, the faith of Abraham was clearly states as:

As mentioned above, the promise was a onesided-promise it was challenging for a person to trust in that promise as a person has to trust promise that was made one-sided. Therefore, to trust in that promise is to obey that promise. In other way, obeying means trusting God’s promises. We can see that this is how God wanted Abraham to obey, by noticing what God says to him. God starts with a command: Now the Lord said to Abram, ‘Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you’(Genesis 12:1, NIV). But God follows this command with astonishing promises:

By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had embraced the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, even though God had said to him, “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.” Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead, and so in a manner of speaking he did receive Isaac back from death. (Hebrews 11:17 – 19, NIV)

Conclusion: Faith is Radical Obedience The two of them walked on, and when they reached the place that God had told him about, Abraham built an altar and placed the wood on it, Next, he tied up his son and put him on the wood. He then took the knife and got ready to kill his son. But the LORD’s angel shouted from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!” “Here I am!” he answered. “Don’t hurt the boy or harm him in any way! The angel said. “Now I know that you truly obeyed God, because you were willing to offer him your only son.” (Gen 22: 8 – 12, CEV)

because you have obeyed me” (Genesis 22:15– 18). Therefore as we study on Genesis 22:1-20, we learn how to live faithfully upon God’s promises in our journey of faith. Where there is faith, there is obedience. Bibliography Lombaard, Christo. Isaac Multiplex: Genesis 22 in a new historical representation, HTS Child Sacrifice, a Traditional Religious Practice in Israel? www.patheos.com accessed on April 16, 2018. Names of God in Genesis: El, Elshaddai, Elelyon, Elohim, and even the name Israel(El).

Contemporary English Version (CEV) rightly rendered the act of Abraham as obedience – you truly obeyed. Other translations rendered the act of Abraham as fear of God. “Obeyed” would be the correct rendition of the act because in the reaffirmation of the promise followed in Gen 22: 18, the word obeyed is used. Other translations also used the word obeyed in the re-affirmation of the promise. In this case, CEV is consistent in using the word obeyed in narrating the event. Other translations are not consistent in using the word both fear and obeyed.

Klawans, Jonathan. ‘Pure Violence: Sacrifice and Defilement in Ancient Israel’ in The Harvard Theological Review, Vol 94. No. 2 (April 2001), pp. 133 – 155. Musana, Paddy. “The Judeo-Christian Concept of ‘Sacrifice’ and Interpretation of Human Sacrifice in Uganda,” International Letters of Social and Humanistic Sciences 30(1)(2014) 45. Godfrey, Joseph J. Trust of Peoples, Words, and God: A Route for Philosophy of Religion (Notre Dame: Notre Dame University, 2012) 15, 16 https://www3.nd.edu/~undpress/excerpts/ P01533-ex.pdf accessed on April 17, 2018.

Moreover, the action of faith in Hebrews 11 is described as obeyed. The patriarchs and matriarchs have faith and they obeyed. Therefore, faith is to obey God. According to Gen 22, faith is a radical obedience to God to risk life.

Matthew 25:14 – 30; Luke 19:12 – 28

In Christianity, being faithful means deny our desire and submit our life for the will of God. If you have strongly faith in God, you will have more obedient and you will know more that nothing is possible without God. Also we can see in the scripture that God promises will follow in the life of the believers who are obeying and waiting patiently. “Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed,

http://acrod.org/assets/files/PDFS/Stewardship/ Parableof%20theTalents.pdf accessed on April 26, 2018. Kaiser, Walter C, Jr. The Promise Theme and the Theology of Rest, http:// www.thepromise.typepad.com/197304.pdf accessed on April 17, 2018.

About the author, Man Hau Cing is a MA student from Judson Bible College.

The Man Who Gave the Bible to the Burmese By Richard Pierard As a preacher, Translator, prisoner, Husband, and homeland hero, Adoniram Judson demonstrated his conviction that a missionary is a missionary for life

n 1803, in a house overlooking Plymouth harbor, a 14-year-old boy lay dangerously ill. Before this time, he’d never given much time to serious thought about the course his life would take. But during his year-long convalescence, he began to reflect on the possibility of future fame. Would he be a statesman, an orator, or a poet? An eminent minister of a large, wealthy church? Where did true greatness lie? He was shocked out of his reverie—and very nearly out of his bed—by a mysterious voice that uttered the words “Not unto us, not unto us, but to Thy name be the glory.”

backfired: Adoniram graduated as class valedictorian three years later, but during his college years he had become a deist who no longer believed in the existence of a personal God or a Savior. After college Adoniram briefly ran a school in Plymouth, composed an English grammar and mathematics text, and went off to New York City where he eventually joined a troupe of itinerant actors. “I was then a wretched infidel,” he later said of these years. A turning point came one night while Judson was staying at an inn. In the adjoining room Adoniram could hear the groans of a man in the last throes of life. The next morning, Judson discovered that the man had died, and that it was none other than the college friend who had led him to reject his youthful faith. The prospect of what awaited this unrepentant friend after death shook Adoniram so much that he returned to his parents’ home in Plymouth.

Adoniram Judson would remember that startling revelation for the rest of his life. With his strong academic training, keen intellect, and linguistic abilities, he might well have become a prominent theologian, scholar, or politician in 19th-century America. But his profound desire to do the will of God led him down a very different path. “The motto for every missionary, whether preacher, printer, or schoolmaster, ought to be ‘Devoted for Life.’” Adoniram Judson

The 20-year-old Judson, full of enthusiasm for life and a passion for excellence, decided to enroll in the newly-founded divinity school at Andover, north of Boston—but as a special student, not as a candidate for the ministry, because he had not yet made a profession of faith. He arrived at Andover Seminary in October 1808 and at once was engrossed in his studies. But he also reflected on his spiritual condition during long walks in the dense woods near the campus. Then, on December 8, 1808, he wrote in his journal: “This day I made a solemn dedication of my life to God.” At last he had found the Christ whom he had evaded for so long. Five months later, he formally confessed his faith and joined his father’s Congregational church in Plymouth.

Prodigal son Born on August 9, 1788, in Malden, Massachusetts, Judson was a precocious youth. He learned to read at the age of 3, did especially well in reading and mathematics in the schools he attended, and even mastered Latin and Greek. His father, Adoniram Judson, Sr., whose theological strictness had led to a series of unsuccessful pastorates before he finally ended up at a conservative congregation in Plymouth, believed that his promising son would be safer at a nominally Baptist school than at liberal Harvard. So he sent young Adoniram to Rhode Island College (newly renamed Brown University) in 1804. The plan

Judson now set aside his earlier ambitions for literary and political fame and considered to what

kind of service God might be calling him. In September 1809, he came across a copy of a sermon entitled “The Star in the East.” The author was a former Anglican chaplain for the British East India Company and advocated opening the company’s territories to missionaries. This account of the progress of the Christian message in the vast Indian sub-continent kindled Judson’s imagination, and a book about Burma further piqued his interest. The following February, he firmly resolved to go as a missionary. “For some days,” he recalled later, “I was unable to attend to the studies of my class, and spent my time in wondering at my past stupidity, depicting the most romantic scenes of missionary life, and roving about the college rooms declaiming on the subject of missions.”

At least for Judson, another event of even more momentous significance occurred that weekend in Bradford. He met an attractive, well-educated, and deeply devout 20-year-old schoolteacher named Ann Hasseltine and fell madly in love with her. After a failed attempt to establish a relationship with the Congregationalist London Missionary Society, the awaited opening finally came: The American Board received a large bequest from a lady in Salem that would enable it to support four missionaries and their families. With war between the United States and Britain imminent, it was imperative to move quickly. On February 5, 1812, Ann and Adoniram were quietly married at her home in Bradford, and the next day a dramatic service took place at the spacious Tabernacle Church in Salem, where Judson, Samuel Newell, Samuel Nott, Gordon Hall, and Luther Rice were ordained as “Christian Missionaries to carry the Gospel of Salvation to the Heathen.”

Missionary pioneer In a remarkable convergence of events that would have long-term consequences for the history of American missions, Adoniram’s determination to become a missionary coincided with the beginning of several important friendships. He met a small group of Andover seminarians who, while students at Williams College several years earlier, had held a prayer meeting in the shelter of a haystack during a violent thunderstorm and pledged themselves to the cause of foreign missions. These young men, led by Samuel Mills, decided to form an association called the Brethren Society. Adoniram Judson soon became a member of their group.

On the cold, blustery morning of February 19, with the Judsons and the Newells on board, a small, heavily-laden cargo ship called the Caravan eased out of Salem harbor to begin the fourmonth journey to Calcutta. Baptist convert Adoniram knew he would meet the pioneer English Baptist missionary William Carey when he arrived in India, and in fact he carried a letter of introduction. While at sea, therefore, he carefully studied the New Testament in an effort to understand the differences between the Congregationalists and Baptist views on baptism. Although his plan was to refute the Baptist teaching, the opposite happened: He became convinced that believers’ baptism was correct. Though painfully aware that this would mean cutting ties with friends and supporters, Ann agreed. After the Judsons arrived in India, they decided to have Carey’s associate William Ward baptize them by immersion. Luther Rice, who had had similar doubts, was immersed several months later.

In June 1810, Judson and three other members of the Brethren Society went to a meeting of the evangelical Congregationalists at Bradford and petitioned for a missionary support agency. A motion was adopted to form a “Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, for the purpose of devising ways and means, and adopting and prosecuting measures, for promoting the spread of the Gospel in foreign lands.” The ministers advised the students to put themselves under the direction of the board and to wait for the “openings and guidance of Providence” for their “great and excellent design.”

For the Judsons, the decision to become Baptists had enormous implications. They resigned from the Congregationalist American Board and found themselves in a foreign land with no home base of support. To make matters worse, neither the local authorities nor the British East India Company wanted Americans evangelizing Hindus in their area, and the small group of missionaries were forced to separate and seek out other fields of ministry. Through a set of circumstances they saw as “Providence opening the door,” the Judsons ended up on a boat to Rangoon, Burma. But for Ann the trip across the Bay of Bengal was to be the first of many tragedies: On shipboard she went into labor and lost her first child. On July 13, 1813, Judson finally arrived in the mysterious kingdom that he had read about as a student at Andover.

version of a nation. Noting that the Burmese were a “reading people” with an extensive literature, he became more and more convinced that the written word was a vital evangelistic tool. In July 1816 he composed a manuscript about Burmese grammar and the text of his first tract, “A View of the Christian Religion.” The English Baptists in India supplied him with a press, and the American Baptist Board’s first new appointee, missionary printer George H. Hough, arrived three months later. Judson completed the translation of the Gospel of Matthew in May 1817 and began compiling a full-fledged Burmese grammar—all while suffering from diseases and from grief over the death of a second child, seven-month-old Roger. More missionaries arrived in 1818, and the time was ripe to begin holding public worship. Just as Judson worked hard to translate Scripture into the language of the people, he also adapted his evangelistic style to the cultural surroundings. He erected a zayat—a small, open-air, hut-like building built on posts, located on a main road where interested passersby could sit on mats and listen to a Buddhist teacher, or in this case, a Baptist one. Every day Judson sat on the porch calling out, “Ho! Everyone that thirsteth for knowledge!” When he preached, said one listener, “It was impossible to escape the conviction that his whole soul was in his work.” Missionaries would repeatedly use zayats as a means of evangelism in the future.

Carey, who was highly regarded in America, urged the Baptists there to support the work. Meanwhile, Luther Rice, who had been in poor health, returned to the United States and energetically promoted the new Baptist mission. The result was the founding of the first Baptist mission board in May 1814: the General Missionary Convention of the Baptist Denomination in the United States of America for Foreign Missions. Commonly known later as the General or Triennial Convention because it met every three years, it appointed Adoniram Judson as its first missionary. Translator and evangelist For the new arrivals, existence in Rangoon—a hot, steamy, dirty city with no European society and untouched by Western influence—was extremely difficult. The community was firmly Buddhist and controlled by officials who had no understanding of religious diversity.

In June 1819, Judson baptized his first convert, Maung Nau, a 35-year-old laborer. By 1822 there were 18 converts. Prisoner of war At the end of 1823, Adoniram set out on his next great venture: a mission to Ava, the capital of the Burmese empire and the site of the court of the powerful “Golden” Emperor. He hoped to influence the emperor to grant religious toleration, without which no real progress in Christian conversions could take place.

Being gifted linguists, Ann and Adoniram quickly learned to speak Burmese, and Adoniram spent years studying the structure of the language. His ultimate goal was to translate the entire Bible into Burmese—this, he firmly believed, was his first priority as a missionary and the key to the con-

He could not have chosen a worse time. A few months after he arrived, a war broke out between the emperor and the British over a disputed region on the border with Bengal. All Englishspeaking foreigners were regarded as spies, and on June 8 Judson, a co-worker, and several others were thrown into a death prison, first in Ava, then at Oung-pen-la. Their 17 months of captivity under the most appalling conditions seemed to Judson afterwards like “a horrid dream.” During the forced eight-mile march from one prison to another on scorching hot sand and gravel, Adoniram’s feet were so lacerated that he had to be carried by the end—he apparently even contemplated suicide. Ann commented that he and his fellow prisoners “looked more like the dead than the living.”

Contemplating his grave The barbaric treatment he had endured, the “bitter, heart-rending anguish” of losing his beloved Ann, and the total destruction of his little church at Rangoon left Adoniram overcome with grief. For over a year he lived in a retreat in the woods, mourning his wife and child and struggling with his own past pride and ambition. He even dug his own grave and sat beside it, imagining how he would look lying in it. On the third anniversary of Ann’s death, he wrote, “God is to me the Great Unknown. I believe in him, but I find him not.” But Adoniram’s faith sustained him, and he threw himself into the tasks to which he believed God had called him. He worked feverishly on his translation of the Bible. The New Testament had now been printed, and he finished the Old Testament in early 1834. He also ordained the first Burmese pastor—Ko-Thah-a, one of the original converts—who refounded the church in Rangoon.

The only reason they survived was because of Ann’s tireless efforts. While pregnant with her third child, Maria, Ann brought food and clothing to the prison and bribed the guards to make life a little better for the prisoners. Again and again she went to Burmese government officials and the royal family, arguing the case for her husband’s innocence and begging for his release. According to legend, she sneaked Adoniram’s Bible translation into prison, hidden in a pillow, so that he could continue working.

During this period after the war, missionary reinforcements had arrived—most notably George Dana Boardman and his wife Sarah. Judson and the Boardmans had launched a new mission at Moulmein in southern Burma and in 1827 had established the first permanent church in Burma. Since Moulmein was the capital of those Burmese provinces now under British control and enjoyed full religious toleration, it became the center of Baptist missionary activities.

For two years missionary colleagues and American supporters heard no word from Ava and feared the worst for the Judsons. An easing of the worst conditions finally came when the Burmese government decided on peace negotiations with the advancing British forces, and Judson, because of his excellent linguistic skills, was needed as an interpreter. After the peace treaty had been signed, the Judsons were allowed to return to Rangoon and then to a nearby new settlement that the British named Amherst. During these difficult times the child was born, but the effect of these hardships proved too much for Ann, who died on October 24, 1826. Maria followed her mother in death six months later.

Boardman mentored Judson’s convert, Ko Tha Byu, a member of the animistic Karen people who inhabited the mountainous jungle area, and traveled with him on preaching missions. He also established a new station at Tavoy and began ministering among the Karens. The result was the growth of an indigenous Karen church, one of the great success stories of Burmese missions. George Boardman died of tuberculosis in February 1831, and three years later Adoniram married his widow, Sarah Hall Boardman. They were to have eleven happy years together. A loving wife and capable schoolteacher, Sarah bore him eight

children, five of whom survived into adulthood.

of his late wife Sarah was followed soon after by a proposal of marriage—despite considerable controversy, since she was half his age and, as a fiction writer, she did not fit the saintly image that the public had bestowed upon Adoniram. Emily proved to be a delightful companion and devoted mother to her stepchildren as well as to their daughter Emily, born in 1847.

During these quiet family years, Judson revised his Burmese Bible and continued the mission work in Moulmein and in the Karen region, where he encouraged his converts to become missionaries to their own people. Meanwhile, additional workers came from America, and the mission expanded into other parts of Burma and even Thailand.

Adoniram devoted the last years of his life to writing an English-Burmese dictionary. The Burmese-English half was halted, however, when he developed a serious lung infection and the doctor prescribed a sea voyage as a cure. It was to no avail; on April 12, 1850, he died on board the ship and was buried at sea in the Indian Ocean. He had spent 37 of his 61 years of life in service abroad, with only one home leave, and inspired countless young people to follow his example.

American hero In late 1844, Sarah’s health began to fail, and the local physicians believed her only hope for survival was to return to America. Adoniram and three of their children traveled with her, but she died at St. Helena in the South Atlantic on September 1, 1845. Though grieving once again, Judson continued on to Boston, where he was welcomed six weeks later as a missionary hero. For 30 years the religious and secular press had recounted his exploits, and in the next weeks he was acclaimed from city to city. More enjoyable for him was returning to his old haunts in Massachusetts and renewing the acquaintance with Samuel Nott, the only other survivor of that group of seminary students who conceived the idea of American foreign missions.

“All missionary operations, to be permanently successful, must be based on the written word,” he had said in an address to the American and Foreign Bible Society. His belief in the power of Scripture to transform people’s lives was indeed the driving force in Judson’s missionary career and, for many, the source of his greatness. At home, Adoniram Judson became a symbol of the preeminence of Bible translation for the Protestant missionary. He was, above all else, the man “who gave the Bible to the Burmese.”

While visiting in Philadelphia that December, Adoniram met Emily Chubbock, who wrote popular fiction under the pen name of Fanny Forrester. His proposal that she write a biography

Richard V. Pierard is professor of history at Gordon College in Wenham, Massachusetts. Copyright © 2006 by the author or Christianity Today/Christian History & Biography magazine. Click here for reprint information on Christian History & Biography https://www.christianitytoday.com/history/issues/issue-90/man-who-gave-bible-to-burmese.html

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Faculty List (2008 - Present) Thuam C. Khai: BA Faith Baptist Bible College and Seminary, Tedim; BS State University of New York, Saratoga Spring, NY; MA Asian Center for Theological Studies and Mission of Asia United Theological University, South Korea; MDiv Philippine Baptist Theological Seminary, Baguio City; EdD Central Philippine University, Iloilo City, Philippines, PhD Vision international University, CA; Additional Studies at University of Maryland, Columbia International University and Baylor University. Keith Yoder: BA Millersville University; MS Drexel University; EdD University of Pennsylvania (Founder, Teaching The Word Ministries) Ngo Thian Pau: BA Phoenix International University, London, UK; BBA International American University, CA; MA (Suma Cum Laude), ThD Great Commission Bible College, MO; Karl H Mueller: BA, BEd, University of Alberta (Edmonton, Canada), MA Fuller Theological Seminary: Development Associates International Vungh Lian: BSc University of Yangon; BRE, BD Myanmar Institute of Theology, MTh SEAGST, Chung Chi College, Hong Kong, China; DMin Union Theological Seminary/MIT, Myanmar Go Van Mung: BTh., MDiv, Myanmar Institute of Theology; MTh, University of Edinburgh, UK; ThD (In Progress), Yonsei University, Korea Timothy Rucker: BA Wheaton College, IL; MDiv Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, KY; ThM Western Seminary, OR; PhD (progress) Catholic University of America, DC Awi Khawmhuai Tunngo: BA Kalay University; BTh Chin Christian Institute of Theology; MDiv Myanmar Institute of Theology, Yangon, Myanmar Karole Edwards: BS Pennsylvania State University, PA; MS George Washington University, DC; M.A., Capital Bible Seminary of Lancaster Bible College, PA James F. McCaffrey: BS Lancaster Bible College; MRE Liberty University; MDiv Luther Rice Bible College & Seminary, Atlanta, GA Kip Thian Pau: BA Mandalay University; BRE Chin Christian Institute of Theology (Zomi); Diploma in Journalism Africa Literature Centre, Zambia; MMin Myanmar Institute of Theology Joel Rainey: BA North Greenville University; M.Div., PhD Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, KY

W. Stephen Neel: BA Washington Bible College, ThM Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; DMin Dallas Theological Seminary, TX James Sing Za Khai: MBBS, Mandalay Institute of Medicine, DD, PhD in Religion and Theology, Christian International School of Theology, Philippines. Saw Ler Htoo: BA, BD Myanmar Institute of Theology; DMin Studies Virginia Theological Seminary; DD Karen Baptist Theological Seminary James Edmonson: BA Texas Tech University; MDiv., PhD (ABD) New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary: MA in Apologetics at Biola University Suinawn Thangpaw: BTh Myanmar Institute of Theology; MMin Theologi Seminari Malaysia Paul P. Zawkhai: BTh New Life College, Bangalore, India; MMin Trinity Christian Center, Singapore; DTh Carolina University of Theology, VA Zam S. Khai: BTh, BD Berean Baptist Bible College & Seminary, Bangalore, India; MDiv Bob Jones University, SC, STM Dallas Theological Seminary, TX; PhD Asbury Theological Seminary, KY. Cing P. Neam: BA University of Yangon; BS, MS Strayer University Patricia Tillman: BS Wilmington University; Master in Theological Studies at Chesapeake Bible College; Lancaster Bible College, PA William H. Smith: BS SUNY Buffalo State College; ThM Dallas Theological Seminary, TX Dale Meredith: BS, MS, PhD in Engineering University of Illinois, Emeritus Professor Civil, Structure, Environment Engineering at University at Buffalo, NY Matthew Evans, BA, MACE Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, TX C.C.R. Lian Cung: BTh Gospel for Asia Bible College, Yangon, MDiv New Life Theological Seminary; MTh Tabernacle Baptist Bible College and Seminary, India Michael D. Flannery: BA Louisiana College; MRE Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Director of Mission, Frontier Baptist Association. Rasheed Akhtar: BA, MA Punjabi Bahauddin Zakariya University BZU Multan, Pakistan; BTh Zarephat Bible Institute, Pakistan Karen Meinzer: BA English and Political Science, Canisus College; JD Albany Law School, State University of New York

Eden: BTh Kohima Bible College, Nagaland, India; BA in English Yadanabon University of Mandalay; MDiv Yangon Christian Seminary, Myanmar; ThM Asian Center for Theological Studies and Mission of Asia United Theological University, S Korea; DMin MIT, Myanmar/Central Baptist Theological Seminary, Kansas, MO Ronald Thorington: BA Central Bible College; MA AG Theological Seminary; PhD Newburgh Theological Seminary. IN Gene Miller: BS in Engineering, Pennsylvania State University: Diploma, Elim Bible Institute, Lima, NY Ordained Minister of the Mennonite Church Timothy Bissell: BBA Texas A&M University, MDiv Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, TX; DMin Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary, TN Joseph Liddick: BA Houghton College, NY; MA Wheaton College, IL, DMin Asbury Theological Seminary, KY Eric Paashaus, BS Eastern Nazarene College, MA; MS State University of New York; MTh, DTh Freedom Bible College and Seminary. Matthew Pickering, BA Houghton College. NY, MDiv, DMin Asbury Theological Seminary, KY Than Aung Sumlut, BA University of Myitkyina; MDiv Myanmar Institute of Theology; MA Princeton theological Seminary, NJ; AA Onondaga Community College; MBA State University of New York Kelvin Jones: BA Houghton College, NY, MDiv Asbury Theological Seminary, KY, DMin Drew University, NJ Robert Wuethrich: BA Houghton College, NY, MDiv, Indiana Wesleyan University Matthew Stewart: BA Houghton College, NY, MDiv Indiana Wesleyan University Abraham Cin En Thang: BSc University of Yangon; MA Cincinnati Christian University, Cincinnati, OH (Pastor of MICC) Kenneth E. Cole: BS Cedarville University; MD Ohio State University College of Medicine; MRE Grand Rapids Theological Seminary of Cornerstone University, MI Khamh Tin Uk: BTh Myanmar Theological College and Missionary Training School; MDiv New Life College in Bangalore, India

Pau D. Lian: BTh, M.Div. Bharat Bible College (India); DMin Andover Newton Theological School Boston; PhD (ABD) Asbury Theological Seminary, KY Robert E. McGuire: BS in accounting, International Business College; BA in Theology, Appalachian Bible College, WV Richard M. Rinker: BS University of St. Francis; Certificates: Teaching English, Grace College & Seminary, IN and Taylor University Kham H. Mung: BA, MDiv Asia Pacific Theological Seminary, Philippines; PhD Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN. Tung Za Pau, BSc., BD, Union Biblical Seminary, MTh SAIAC, India; DMiss United Theological Seminary, OH. Don Ngaih Lian: BA University of Mandalay; BRE, Chin Christian Institute of Theology (Zomi); MDiv Trinity Lutheran Seminary, Columbus, OH Brent Leichty: BA Eastern Mennonite University; Studied Master Degree; Doctor of Practical Ministry, Wagner Leadership Institute, CO James Keller: BA Concordia Teachers College, River Forest IL, MA in Exegetics Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN (2000) Daniel Kham: BTh, MA Faith Baptist Theological Seminary, Yangon, Myanmar Oliver Byar Bowh Si: BA University of Myitkyina, MDiv Myanmar Institute of Theology, Myanmar; MTh Oxford University; STM Yale University. Lian Sian Mung: BSc Mawlamyine University, Mawlamyine, Myanmar, MA, MDiv, ThM Asia Pacific Theological Seminary, Baguio City, Philippines; PhD, Trinity International University, Deerfield, IL Zam S. Piang: BCM Bethel Bible College, Manila; MDiv Asia Pacific Theological Seminary, Baguio City, Philippines; ThM Chicago Theological Seminary, IL Piang Khaw Lian: BA University of Yangon; BA inc, MUAC, BD Emmanuel Theological Seminary, MMin, MDiv Eastern Theological Institute and Seminary, India (JBC-Milwaukee, WI & Wheaton, IL Coordinator). Thet Kyaing: BE Yangon Institute of Technology; MBA Yangon Institute of Economic, MA Trinity Evangelical Divinity School of Trinity International University, IL;

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