CROSSINGS
>> Through long-established relationships, LCA International Mission seeks to equip, encourage, engage in and support the growth of holistic ministry carried out in relationship with our partners overseas and the individuals, congregations and districts of the Lutheran Church of Australia.
SINGAPORE
MALAYSIA
William Barclay wrote of Jesus and his disciples, “Jesus chose these men that he might write his message upon them. They were to be his living b ooks. They were to share his company so that they might someday take h is message to all people.”
Rather than embarking on his mission alone, Jesus invested his precious human life to training, empowering, equipping, encouraging and investing in those who would become his vessels. The disciples would abandon, disbelieve, deny and betray their Lord. Yet they also witnessed with deep conviction about their Messiah and many people came to know Jesus a s their Lord and Saviour.
It is easy to fall into patterns which steal us away from being kind, present to others or from listening deeply. Our capacity to pour into these sacred s paces is often challenged by the noise of other commitments which threaten to take over.
The disciples received all they needed in order to connect with Jesus and those around them. The same is true today for us. As we share company w ith Jesus, the Holy Spirit reassures us of God’s deep and abiding love and reminds us of the promise of eternal life resting in our Heavenly Father’s arms. A s we allow God to reveal himself afresh to us through his Word, our heart is transformed with a deep longing to share the hope that we have, in ways w hich other people can understand.
I pray that each of the stories in this edition of Border Crossings, are an encouragement for you to cultivate time resting in the love of God. I pray that God may give you the wisdom, patience and empathy to dwell in the beauty of company with those who don’t yet have a relationship with him. I p ray that these stories reflect the work of the Holy Spirit, who uses us to s hare the gospel promise of Jesus Christ's saving love with the world.
INDONESIA
Interim Assistant to the Bishop – International Mission
L utheran Church of Australia
Erin Kerber
PRACTICALLY SHARING THE GOOD NEWS
Our kindergarten community was super excited to be holding our Obstacle-a-thon again this year in support of the Heldsbach Kindergarten Project in Finschhafen, Papua New Guinea (PNG). Our support is a practical way we can ‘Share the Good News’ which is the vision of our church community at Good News Lutheran Church, Middle Park, Queensland.
To run the event, we turn our entire playground into one giant obstacle course. The children are encouraged to complete the course five times. They get sponsorship for each lap they complete. How amazing to think three-, four- and five-year-olds c an help other children and communities in need around the world. Along the way the kindy children develop other skills and competencies such as perseverance, p ride and confidence in who they are, as well as a willingness to keep trying, empathising with others, taking turns and developing gross motor skills and s patial awareness.
We continue to run our Obstacle-a-thon as we believe that all children can make a difference to the lives of others. 100% of monies raised is donated to supply much needed learning materials such as stationery, books, balls and puzzles, as well as training for the volunteer mums who run the kindergartens. Coral Gallasch who pioneered the program with her husband Tony in 2008, recently advised that the program now has a total of 980 children enrolled and 90 volunteer teachers!
Our kindy immediately had an affinity with this project as we believe in the value of early childhood education in setting children up for success, and we know the importance of having loving, skilled and committed adults who believe in children a nd want to lift them up to be the best they can be. Training mums to be the k indergarten teachers is simply incredible and really reinforces how a child’s parents are their first and most important teachers.
In building an awareness at a young age of the needs of others, we are teaching children to be global citizens. Many children give their own pocket money and one c hild said she would love to visit PNG one day. We are planting seeds just like Coral did. The children love seeing the photos that Coral sent through of the kindy children and their classrooms in PNG. They are learning that God loves every child and that we can be more like Jesus when we help others.
This is what the children had to say:
“I liked running up the hill. (the children in PNG) look pretty happy, it makes me feel n ice in my heart to help people” (Daniel, 5)
“I liked going in the maze. It was super-awesome to help other kids!” (Arthur, 4)
“I liked going on the wobbly blue thing” (Ezra, 3)
“It was fun going down the hill. It makes me happy to help” (Maeve, 5).
Patricia Morgan S ervice Leader/Early Childhood Teacher
C entenary Christian Kindergarten
Reachi n g out i n an onl i ne world
Do you remember the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic? Soon after lockdowns and border closures were enforced, connecting across the globe in real time became a simple and affordable reality for most as almost everyone began to engage in livestreaming in its vast iterations.
Face-to-face real time engagement is now a reality that is ubiquitous. Live streaming and video conferencing, once the domain of the tech geek, has been transformed into a tool which is accessible to all. Online meetings have become part of our everyday experience, all thanks to a pandemic which became a significant but also positive disruption.
For me, the online world is now a regular part of my weekly interaction as I connect with young people living in countries which are closed to most people, especially educators. From Australia I have been able to reach out and develop genuinely supportive relationships with people in a wide range of situations across the globe as I spend time in English conversation with them.
Recently, I was involved with a team of volunteers from Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. We met regularly with Lutheran Church in Cambodia (LCC) staff who provide English language classes for young people living in areas where LCC churches are established. Through this mission initiative, LCC English teachers share the gospel with their students and embody Christ's love and forgiveness as they join the Holy Spirit in spaces where he is already at work. Where previously there may have been hostility toward the church, the English language program enables LCC to meet regularly with the non-believers in their communities and demonstrate a deep care for them. Through meeting this English language need, the church can connect with those who don't yet know Jesus as their Saviour and friend.
As the students practice an aspect of the language with one another and with the teachers, there is interaction and exchange. The communal nature of language learning also opens doors for the LCC teachers to meet and form relationships with their student’s parents and share God’s love with their family.
Although the LCC teachers are enthusiastic to learn and to share their knowledge with the young people, most do not have teaching degrees. The most significant aspect of our online interaction with the Cambodians was the opportunity it provided us to reach out into communities who are often under-resourced or feel abandoned.
The online world meant that the volunteers from Australia were able to provide an hour once a week to offer real support and hope in the form of suggestions for teaching and encouragement as the teachers continue to strengthen their own English.
As we met regularly with the Cambodians, we also formed relationships with them. The Cambodian's presence in our lives became a blessing and delight as we built trust and became more comfortable with one another.
I thank God for the privilege of serving alongside our partners in Cambodia and pray that LCC's commitment to the English language program will not only improve student's grammar but will also have an eternal impact.
Doug Fitzpatrick
VITAL RESOURCE TRANSLATED FOR CHRISTIANS IN MYANMAR
For many years, theological books written by Lutheran scholars were passed down through the generations. Among them, Rev. Daniel Preus's book Why I am a Lutheran offers a profound exploration of Lutheran doctrine that extends beyond personal reflection to serve as a vital resource for Lutheranism globally. Its influence reaches beyond individual reflection, providing a solid foundation for understanding Lutheran doctrines in a modern context. Recently translated into Burmese, Why I am a Lutheran now holds the potential to significantly shape the theological development and communal identity of emerging Lutheran communities in Myanmar.
Contextual Relevance to Myanmar
Myanmar's religious landscape is diverse, with Buddhism being the predominant religion. The Christian minority, including Lutherans, faces unique challenges in practicing and spreading their faith. Rev. Preus's book offers a valuable resource for these communities to anchor their beliefs firmly in Lutheran doctrine w hile navigating the complexities of their socio-cultural environment.
Strengthening Doctrinal Foundations
One of the primary impacts of Why I am a Lutheran is its clear and compelling presentation of Lutheran theology. Rev. Preus articulates key Lutheran doctrines such as justification by faith alone, the sacraments, and the authority of Scripture, with clarity and conviction. For emerging Lutheran churches in Myanmar, this work serves as a vital educational tool. It provides pastors, lay leaders, and congregants with
a d eeper understanding of their faith, equipping them to articulate and defend their beliefs within a predominantly non-Christian society.
Fostering Unity and Identity
In a context where religious identity is both a personal and communal anchor, this book helps in fostering a strong sense of unity among Lutheran believers in Myanmar. By emphasising core Lutheran tenets, Rev. Preus's work encourages a collective identity that transcends cultural and geographical boundaries. This sense of unity is crucial for the growth and resilience of emerging churches facing external pressures and internal challenges.
Encouraging Evangelism and Outreach
The clarity and passion with which Rev. Preus communicates the Lutheran faith can inspire a renewed commitment to evangelism among Myanmar's Lutheran communities. Understanding and articulating their faith more effectively enables these communities to engage in meaningful dialogue with their neighbors, fostering opportunities for witness and outreach. The work underscores the importance of living out one's faith in everyday life, encouraging a practical and approachable form of evangelism that resonates with the relational culture of Myanmar.
Addressing Contemporary Issues
Why I am a Lutheran does not shy away from addressing contemporary issues facing the church. Rev. Preus’s insights into modern challenges such as secularism, moral relativism, and interfaith dialogue are particularly relevant to Myanmar, where rapid
social and cultural changes are taking place. By providing a Lutheran perspective on these issues, the book equips church leaders and members to navigate them with wisdom and grace, ensuring that their faith remains relevant and robust in a changing world.
Educational Resource for Theological Training
The book’s thorough exploration of Lutheran theology makes it an excellent resource for theological training in Myanmar. Seminaries and Bible schools can incorporate it into their curricula, ensuring that future pastors and church leaders are wellgrounded in their faith. This investment in theological education will have long-term benefits, raising a generation of leaders who are confident in their Lutheran identity and capable of leading their congregations effectively.
In conclusion, Rev. Daniel Preus’s Why I am a Lutheran has the potential to be a transformative resource for the future of Lutheranism and the emerging Lutheran churches in Myanmar. By strengthening doctrinal foundations, fostering unity, encouraging evangelism, addressing contemporary issues, and serving as an educational resource, this work can significantly impact the growth and development of Lutheran communities in Myanmar. As these churches embrace the insights and teachings of Rev. Preus, they will be better equipped to navigate their unique challenges and opportunities, contributing to the vibrant tapestry of global Lutheranism.
Rev. Martin Lalthangliana President Lutheran Church of Myanmar
BLESSINGS OF CONSISTENT connection
For a relationship to grow and develop, it is essential that there be an intentionality to spend quality time together and have moments of consistent connection.
Though his time on earth was consumed with teaching, healing the sick, and performing miracles, Jesus was never too busy to constantly and purposefully make himself available to his disciples. Just as the disciples discovered more about his love for them as they dwelt in his midst, as we wade into the deep waters of being present with Jesus, our understanding of the Triune God’s love for us will grow.
Friendship is God’s gracious and life-giving gift to us. A s we are drawn into relationship with God the Father through His Son, the Holy Spirit stirs in us the longing for connection among our earthly relationships. We receive blessings from the friendships we have with fellow believers. We are also given the privilege of inviting those who don’t yet have an intimate relationship with him, to share in the beauty of Jesus’ grace.
Fifteen churches in Thailand have recognised the opportunity to deepen their relationships with non-believers in their community and are now involved in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Thailand (ELCT) diaconal department’s Saturday Club program.
This program started in the north of Thailand, where children are left home alone on Saturdays while their parents are working. The inital idea was to provide a nutritious lunch and a safe place for these children to s pend the day, however the program soon evolved to involve Bible sharing, activities, songs and crafts.
The program is designed to encourage weekly, safe interactions between members of the church and the children from the surrounding community. Although the Saturday Club usually runs from 9am until 12noon, many times the children are enjoying themselves s o abundantly that they ask to stay longer.
Miss Prayaweh Inchampa, aged 16 years, and Miss Woranan Laoklomm, aged 17 years, support the Saturday Club which is run from the Ang Sila preaching place i n the north-east of Thailand.
“Since helping to lead the Saturday Club, we have more courage to face what we fear and are more daring to do things that we have not done before.
There are many different activities to do as part of the Saturday Club. Most of them are activities that the children can use in their daily life:
• We teach the student basic English, so we can have small conversations in English. There are many English words for the children to learn and understand, words that they may not have known before. We have games that the children can play, such as vocabular y guessing games, and use prizes, so that the children will not get bored with learning.
• We read from the Bible aloud so everyone can practice reading the Thai language. We teach the children about the Bible and about Jesus.
• We provide activities and quizzes to coincide with various impor tant days, including important religious days.
• We provide training in how to solve problems by playing games such as guessing words from pictures, sudoku, and werewolf.”
Investing in relationships long term can be difficult and complicated, however our Creator has promised to equip us with all we need to live out his design for us, his beloved children. Through ELCT’s Saturday Club program, fellow Christians in Thailand are demonstrating the essence a nd central purpose of the life which God has designed: to dwell in loving relationship with him and to live in closeness with others.
SEEKING FIRST HIS KINGDOM
It was only for ten days, but the blessings from the journey of thirteen of St Paul’s Lutheran, Box Hill members to visit our partner church, GKPS Jalan Jenderal Sudirman in Pematangsiantar, North Sumatra, Indonesia have already proved to b e mighty – both for the participants and for the congregation.
We knew before we left that we were the ‘little sibling’ in the relationship, based on their membership size (around 2,000), but it was only by participating in their church life that this started to take on real meaning. Apart from the 73rd Anniversary church service, we attended the women's, children’s and youth services, exercises and worship w ith the elderly, weekly Friday night ho me group meetings, and the leaders training. None of these activities involved less than 50-100 p eople. Despite the large number, the people always showed both a direct and heartfelt connection to Christ, and displayed that love to us personally. We were treated a s honoured guests and as family. From the moment we landed i n Indonesia, we felt the joy from everyone we met. This was expressed by our hosts in many ways, including our team being welcomed into the culture when they gave us Indonesian last names, which made us honorary members of many people’s families.
Our partnership is based on supporting and sharing resources and ideas, especially in three key areas:
1. children, youth and young adults
2. suppor ting women into leadership roles
3. ministr y to elderly members.
Our brothers and sisters in Siantar took us on a journey through their ministries in each of those areas, showed and shared their faith and their challenges, and asked us about our ministry and challenges. We discovered that many of the ch allenges were fundamentally the same, just perhaps on a different scale.
We met with their leadership and agreed on key actions. Some of these are on a congregational level (sharing prayer points and services over Zoom), and some are on a direct and personal level (connecting our youth and young adults electronically, including catechism (confirmation) classes).
The passion that the people of Indonesia have for the church and their faith can be seen in everything they do as a congregation, especially in their beautiful singing, their fun cultural dances, and in how much time and energy they give to the church.
Personally, one of the things that changed me the most was seeing h ow our brothers and sisters live according to the words in Matthew 6:33 – ‘But seek first his kingdom a nd his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well’ One of the biggest differences between our church cultures is that in Indonesia, their lives revolve around their faith, and faith is at the forefront of who they are, whereas in Australia we get caught up in our more material focused culture, and most often our faith ends up fitting in around our lives. It is my hope that this focus on putting faith first is one of the many things that we will learn from our partners, as we strive to grow our relationship further.
Kathy Harrison and Chris Day
• those who care for the children who are involved with Centenary Christian Kindergarten, Middle Park and the kindergartens in Heldsbach, Papua New Guinea. Pray they will be given all they need to facilitate the total development of the children’s abilities, talents and interests in relation to God, his world and each other.
• the Lutheran Church in Cambodia English teachers. Pray they are aware of the opportunities to witness Christ-like love and exemplify the true meaning of the gospel to their students through the lessons.
• those who have and will read the Burmese translation of Why I am a Lutheran. Pray they will be reminded of the Holy Spirit’s presence in their lives as a gift of God’s grace, rather than a response to an act of their will.
• the children who attend the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Thailand’s Saturday Club. Pray they will become acquainted with the stories, teachings and promises from the Bible, while learning about compassion, forgiveness and the importance of treating others with kindness.
CAMBODIA – NATIVE ENGLISH SPEAKER
Support and mentor the Lutheran Church in Cambodia’s English teachers online, as they use conversational English teaching to b uild deeper relationships with the church and non-believers.
INDONESIA – OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Work with children who experience disability to achieve and ma intain optimal functioning in interaction with their environments. O ccupational therapist qualifications required.
PAPUA NEW GUINEA – LIBRARY SUPPORT
Support the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea seminary libraries by accompanying a former librarian who is currently living in Melbourne as she develops consistency among the libraries and sets up an online cataloguing system in each of the seminaries.
(Please indicate the ministry you would like to support and write the amount of your gift/s in the spaces provided.)
L utheran Church in Cambodia English teaching $ program
Translation of theological resources into Burmese, $ My anmar
S aturday Club in Thailand
I would like to leave a bequest for LCA International Mi ssion in my will (please send me information).
You can support one or more of the above mission projects i n any of the following ways:
o nline at www.lca.org.au/international-mission/ act-now/donate/ (credit card)
OR Electronic Funds Transfer; please contact LCA International Mi ssion on 08 8267 7317 for more details
O R fill in your details here (credit card or cheque)
• the development of the partnership between St Paul’s, Box Hill and GKPS Jalan Jenderal Sudirman, Indonesia. Pray they continue to use their God given strengths and gifts to offer and graciously receive from each other, as they e ndeavour together to build the body of Christ.
To download monthly prayer points, go to www.lca.org.au/international-mission/ join-gods-mission/pray/
THAILAND – CHILDREN’S PROGRAM DEVELOPER
Support Evangelical Lutheran Church in Thailand’s Saturday Club through providing resources which they can use to connect the c hildren with the good news of Jesus’ saving love.
AUSTRALIA/NEW ZEALAND – EDITOR
Edit articles/stories which are written to share what God is doing through LCA International Mission. Articles/stories will be loaded to the LCA International Mission website, included in publications a nd shared at speaking engagements.
WHAT TO DO NEXT
If you would like to know more about volunteering in mission overseas, go to www.lca.org.au/international-mission, email lcaim@lca.org.au or phone 08 8267 7317.
E nclosed is my cheque for $ (cheques payable to LCA International Mission) Please debit my V isa M asterCard