BCANA Biennial meeting and Burmese Christian Youth and Young Adult Conference

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Burmese Christian Association of North America (BCANA) planned to hold Biennial meeting and Youth & Young Adult Conference as following schedules:

Theme for the events:

“The Lord God is My Strength”

(Habakkuk 3:19; Isaiah 40:31; Psalm 28:7)

Youth & Young Adult Conference

Date: June 26-28, 2009

(Starts June 26, 12:00 pm and ends June 28, 2:00 pm)

BCANA Biennial Meeting

Date: June 26-29, 2009

(Starts June 26, 5:00 pm – ends June 29, 12:00 pm)

Place: Adoniram Judson Memorial Baptist Church

1272 N. Glendora Ave. Covina, CA 91724

http://www.ajmbc.org/

Registration: $ 25.00 (T-shirt Included)

Conference Speakers:

Bible Study Leader: Rev. U Myo Maw

Devotion Leaders: Saya San Lwin, Rev. Lone-Wah Lazum,

Rev. King Mang, Sayama Aye Aye Thaw

Theme Presentation: Rev. Dr. Biak Hlei Mang, Sayama Hsi Mu Shein

Worship Preachers: Rev. Dr. Yawba Lasaw, Rev. Henry Ang,

Rev. Zauya Lahpai,

Revival Service: Rev. Dr. Latt Yishey

Youth Program: There will be special speakers invited by youth.

Special Programs:

Sightseeing trip on June 27, - 1-5 pm

Talent Show on June 27, 7:00-9:30 pm

Dinner meeting with Burmese Pastors June 28, 5:00-6:30 pm (Facilitator: Rev. Samuel Saw)

Recommended Hotel:

Hampton Inn West Covina (626) 967-5800

BCANA Secretary William Min Sein said, “motel rooms (2 double bed/4 persons) close to the events have been reserved at group rate $89.00 par night. Please book in to get this rate no later than June 3, 2009 under BCANA or William Sein.”

Recommended Airports:

Ontario and LAX Airports are recommended for the easiest

pick-ups for the hosts. For pick-up from airports, please contact Rev. Than Oo (626) 915-7001 and Rev. Livingstone Zan (909) 816-0822.

Please contact William Min Sein at (646) 761-2698 or williamminsein@yahoo.com for information regarding this special event.

In Christ,

Pastor Latt Yishey

President, BCANA

I have been so cruel to you and you were so kind

Lenten Devotional- Day 40

God’s Word: “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.” (Romans 5:8-10)

Story: We had practiced long and hard for this Annual Easter Musical. Over 200 people were involved in the production. More than a thousand would be coming to each of the four presentations. Orchestra, choir, actors and soloists were involved. A cross stood to the side of the stage. At the final rehearsal, a movie critic and a journalist both said they would score us 9.5 out of 10. However, we did not know that this musical would have a profound effect on one of the main characters in the presentation.

Jay, an amateur actor and a bit arrogant, was asked to be the Roman Centurion who would flog Jesus. Of course, he did not mind. He loved acting. He bragged to friends that he would do a good job beating Jesus. The first presentation went well for Jay. He could distance himself from Jesus on the cross. That night, however, he could not sleep. Memories of the flogging he delivered rushed through his dreams.

The next presentation was not easy for Jay to handle. It was hard to beat a man like Jesus in front of thousands of people. Guilt overcame him. The third presentation was more difficult yet. The audience, still thinking he was a professional actor, were shaken as he whipped Jesus. This time, however, as the blood dripped down from the cross, he suddenly realized that this blood was shed for him. Jay realized that this Jesus was dying on the cross for all the cruel acts he was doing. And Jesus was doing it out of love for His people. As He heard Jesus cry, "My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?" Jay almost broke down in front of the audience. It was hard for him to contain himself and after the drama, he collapsed in anguish.

As Jesus was dragged by his fellow soldiers, the audience detected Jay's voice crackle as he yelled, "Crucify him, hang the man!" He dabbed a tear from his eye. "Jesus" cried out, "My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?" Then, "It is finished!" The lights cut, the roll of thunder could be heard and it grew very still. All could hear the sobs of the disciples and Mary, kneeling by the cross. Jay, too, was quietly crying out, "Jesus, you did this for me? You died on this old cross so I can have new life? I have been so cruel to you and you were so kind. The blood on my hands was a sacrifice for ME! I'm sorry for what I've done. Forgive me, please! I give you my heart and life. I am finished with my own struggles. I want you as my Savior and Lord!"

It was like the lights went back on for Jay. He could scarcely believe it. He felt like a new man! God had heard his prayer. He had come to know Jesus, at the foot of the cross, in front of a 1,000 people or more. Jesus' blood was meant for him. He wiped another tear and felt joy come over him. As the choir sang the last selection, "I Pledge Allegiance to the Lamb" by Ray Boltz, he knew he had to go tell the pastor, friends and family.- Shared by George Prins

Pray: Today in prayer, give thanks to God for His love and grace which changed your life. Give thanks also for forty days of journey with Jesus by readings of the word of God, prayer and meditation along with other devotional readers.

My Sacrifice Was So Small Compared to His

Lenten Devotional- Day 39

God’s Word: "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you," is God's great promise to us”. (Hebrews 13:5)

Story: "I'm a surgeon in the Gold Coast, Australia," said the voice at the other end of the phone. "Your son is just being wheeled into surgery for a major abdominal operation following a surfing accident. I think it best that you and your wife come immediately."

Such words spoken in the middle of the night would be terrifying to any parent. It was 5:40 a.m., Good Friday. Our son, Josh, had been surfing with three friends in Australia for the preceding two months. Earlier that day, toward the end of a ride, the pointed end of the board had stuck into the sand and the blunt end dug into his stomach region, with all the force of the wave behind him. In great agony, he'd managed to crawl back on his board and swim to the lifeguards for help.

The hospital had diagnosed severe abdominal injury, along with the possibility of a broken back. With the likelihood of a ruptured intestine and the resulting leak of toxins into the body, surgery wasn't an option. What can parents do upon receiving such news on the other side of the world, but to get on their knees? I thought of God's love and never-failing presence, especially comforting when feeling helpless. Paul's encouragement to the people of the church at Rome came to mind:

Romans 8:38-39 - For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

When Josh learned of his parents' pending arrival, he was amazed at our dedication to him, that we would fly halfway around the world to be at his bedside.

On that Easter day, as I flew over the Pacific on the way to my son, I thought of our heavenly Father and the great lengths that He would go to, to be with us, holding back nothing, not even His only Son. My "sacrifice" was so small compared to His.

Just as I didn't question my trip to Australia to bring my son home, so too, does the Father not question what it takes to bring each of us home, into an everlasting relationship with Him.

Prayer: Loving God, You reach out to us with open arms, with a love that we so often fail to see. Help us to remember that You are always there for us, and just a prayer away.

Your problem isn't dying; you're already dead

Lenten Devotional- Day 38

God’s Word: "For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God." (Colossians 3:3).

Story: A pastor visited me a few years ago, and he was in real turmoil. "I've been struggling to live a victorious Christian life for 20 years. I know what my problem is. Colossians 3:3 says: "For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.' I've been struggling all these years because I haven't died like this verse says. How do I die, Neil?"

"Dying is not your problem," I said. "Read the verse again, just a little slower."

"For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.' I know, Neil. That's my problem. I haven't died."

"Read it once again," I pressed, "just a little bit slower."

"For you have died--" and suddenly a light switched on in his understanding. "Hey, that's past tense, isn't it?"

"Absolutely! Your problem isn't dying; you're already dead. You died at salvation. No wonder you've been struggling as a Christian. You've been trying to do something that's already been done, and that's impossible. The death Paul talks about in Colossians 3:3 isn't something God expects you to do; it's something He expects you to know, accept and believe. You can't do anything to become what you already are."

Meditation: Thanks to the incredible redemptive work of Christ in your life, your old self has been replaced by a new self, governed by a new nature, which was not there before (2 Corinthians 5:17). Your old self was destroyed in the death of Christ and your new self sprang to life in the resurrection of Christ (1 Corinthians 15:20-22). The new life which characterizes your new self is nothing less than the life of Jesus Christ implanted in you (Galatians 2:20; Colossians 3:4). - Dr. Anderson, Freedom

Pray: Today in prayer, thanks Jesus for what He has done for you and me. Meditate upon the journey of Jesus to Calvary, and thanks again for how He suffered there for you and me.

It was the finest thing I have ever seen this side of heaven.

Lenten Devotional- Day 37

God’s Word: “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.” (John 15:13-15)

Story: February 3rd, is known as “Four Chaplains Day.” It was designated this title by Congress after a heroic act by four military chaplains who were serving on the S.S Dorchester during World War 2. Rev. Clark Poling (Dutch Reformed), Rev. George Lansing Fox (Methodist), Father John Washington (Roman Catholic priest) and Alexander David Goode (a Jewish Rabbi) sacrificed their lives as their ship went down.

The Dorchester, which was transporting 904 troops, was torpedoed by a U-Boat on Feb 3, 1943. The initial torpedo killed more than 100 young soldiers and the second plunged the ship into darkness. The survivors panicked and scrambled, trying to find life jackets. In the midst of all the disarray and chaos, the four chaplains worked with then men, bringing order with their words of assurance and prayers.

The chaplains gave up their own life jackets to save four others. As the Dorchester finally began to sink, the four chaplains were seen linking their arms together. They had all been friends since their days at Chaplain school at Harvard University. Witnesses said that they heard two prayers amid the screams of pain and horror that permeated the cold dark night. It was the strong voices of the Chaplains. "Shema Yisroel Adonai Elohenu Adonai Echod." "Our Father, which art in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done."

Looking back they saw the slanting deck of the Dorchester, its demise almost complete. Braced against the railings were the Four Chaplains...praying...singing, giving strength to others by their final valiant declaration of faith. Their arms were linked together as they braced against the railing and leaned into each other for support, Reverend Fox, Rabbi Goode, Reverend Poling, and Father Washington. Said one of the survivors, "It was the finest thing I have ever seen this side of heaven."

The word ‘transfiguration’ means a remarkable display of God’s Glory, which illuminates the person, notably Moses, Jesus, and Elijah from the Bible. Perhaps, in the darkness of February 3rd 1943, God’s glory was also seen in the sacrifices of these four Chaplains. - John Stuart

Prayer: Pray today for the salvation of many lost souls, and involve in soul-winning ministry of your Church, one soul at a time.

The Crucifixion of Jesus is sufficient for all of Us

Lenten Devotional- Day 36

God’s Word: And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.” ³³ This He said, signifying by what death He would die. (John 12:32-33).

Story: Max Lucado, in his book, “Six Hours One Friday,” tells the story of a missionary in Brazil who discovered a tribe of Indians in a remote part of the jungle. They lived near a large river. The tribe was in need of medical attention. A contagious disease was ravaging the population. People were dying daily. A hospital was not too terribly far away — across the river, but the Indians would not cross it because they believed the river was inhabited by evil spirits. And to enter its water would mean certain death. The missionary explained how he had crossed the river & was unharmed. But they were not impressed. He then took them to the bank & placed his hand in the water. They still wouldn’t go in. He walked into the water up to his waist & splashed water on his face. It didn’t matter. They were still afraid to enter the river. Finally, he dove into the river, swam beneath the surface until he emerged on the other side. He raised a triumphant fist into the air. He had entered the water & escaped. It was then that the Indians broke into a cheer & followed him across. Isn’t that what Jesus did? He entered the river of death & came out on the other side so that we might no longer fear death, but find eternal life in Him. SOURCE: Max Lucado, "Six Hours One Friday.”

Meditation: "The crucifixion of Jesus is sufficient for all, but is efficient only for those who accept His gift." – Unknown

Quote:: “If you haven’t looked at Christ on the cross, you’ll have to look at Him on the throne—with great trembling. The sacrificial death of Christ will be brought before the eyes of all who refuse to accept His free gift of forgiveness and eternal life. In Bethlehem He came in mercy to forgive sin. In the future He will come on the clouds in glory to establish justice. What will we do without a Savior? On the day of judgment there is nothing we can do if we have not trusted Christ.” - Charles Spurgeon

Prayer: Today in prayer, give thanks to the Lord for His sacrificial love for you and be a true follower of His. Commit to lead other people to Him so that they may have eternal lives. Be His evangelist.

Never forget what’s been done for you

Lenten Devotional- Day 35

God's Word: And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves; 16 And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple. 17 And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves. (Luke 11:15-17)

Story: A severe potato famine occurred in the 19th century motivating many of the Irish to come to the New World to find new opportunities. One of the stories that came out of these events is about a little boy who did not have the money to pay his fare to board a ship to the New World. But, he secretly boarded the ship anyway becoming a stow-away.

As the ship was traveling on the high seas it ran into an iceberg and began to sink. Passengers began filling the lifeboats to escape to safety. At first the little boy, who had been hiding in the hull of the ship, was not aware of what was going on. When he realized what was happening, he rushed up to the deck and saw the captain taking the last seat in the last lifeboat. In the highest tradition of the sea, the captain got out of the lifeboat and gave the boy his seat. As the lifeboat pulled away the captain said to the boy, “Never forget what’s been done for you.”

The boy became successful in the New World and was asked the secret of his motivation. He said, “Whenever I begin to doubt myself or let up from what I ought to be doing, I always remember a captain standing on a deck and saying, “ Never forget what’s been done for you.”

Meditation: YOU and I are much like that little boy! ALL of us have sinned and fall short of the glory of God and the “ship” onto which we have boarded is sinking, headed for destruction (Romans 3:23; 6:23). Noticing our plight, the “Captain” of the Universe- - Jesus Christ, the Son of God – willingly and lovingly gave His life that we might be saved (1 Thessalonians 5:10).

Steps to follow: Because of His death on the cross, WE can be saved from our sins when: we place our trust in Him (Hebrews 11:6), repent of our sin (2 Corinthians 7:9-10), confess Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), and are baptized (immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of our sins (Acts 2:38). “And He died for ALL, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again” (2 Corinthians 5:15). Jesus will continue to cleanse those who continue to live for Him.

Prayer: The call from the cross of Calvary upon which Jesus died is, “Never forget what’s been done for you.” May each of us gratefully respond to that wonderful gift by submitting our lives to the One who died for us.

It was nothing compared to the suffering of Jesus on his behalf

Lenten Devotional- Day 34

God’s Word: “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? ²⁷ For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.” (Matthew 16:26-27)

Inspired Story: Bob Kraemer of Campus Crusade Canada tells this story: Over 1000 homeless people have now seen the movie, The Passion of the Christ, received evangelistic literature and a $5.00 voucher to McDonald’s through the ComePassion project in British Columbia’s lower mainland. The idea brought together concerned benefactors, career missionaries to the homeless and local congregations, in a tangible demonstration of God’s love. That idea was shared with friends in Edmonton who rented out a large theatre in the downtown area. The night of the showing more than 600 homeless people came to the theatre. Prior to the film they were fed some snacks and after the film they were fed the Word of God. A former cocaine addict, now a minister to homeless people, who lived on the streets for years shared his testimony of how Christ changed his life.

This was followed by a clear presentation of the Four Spiritual Laws. Almost 300 indicated they prayed with the speaker to receive Jesus as Savior and Lord. Among those in attendance was a lady who had been not only homeless, but hopeless as well. The fresh slash marks on her wrists testified to her attempt just the day before to take her own life. But after seeing the movie and responding to the invitation to accept Christ, she appeared hopeful, changed by the One who suffered and died for her. Three media outlets covered the event and publicized it throughout the city. One radio station interviewed a man confined to a wheel chair. He told them how he suffered daily with his affliction, but it was nothing compared to the suffering of Jesus on his behalf. What started out as a witness to 600 homeless people became a witness to the entire city of the difference Christ makes in an individual life. - ShareTheLife.com Newsletter.

Quote: "The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others." – Author Unknown

Prayer: Today in prayer, pray with compassionate heart for the poor and needy people both physical and spiritual.

He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver

Lenten Devotional- Day 33

God’s Word: “He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi, And purge them as gold and silver, That they may offer to the LORD An offering in righteousness.” (Malachi 3:3)

Inspired Story: The story is told of a group of women that met for Bible study. While studying in the book of Malachi, chapter three, they came across verse three which says: "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver." This verse puzzled the women and they wondered how this statement applied to the character and nature of God. One of the women offered to find out more about the process of refining silver, and to get back to the group at their next Bible study. The following week, the woman called up a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him while at work. She didn’t mention anything about the reason for her interest, beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver.

As she watched the silversmith work, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire, where the flames were the hottest as to burn away all the impurities. The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot, then she thought again about the verse, that "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver." She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the entire time the silver was being refined. The man answered yes, that not only did he have to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on it the entire time it was in the fire.

If the silver was left even a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed. The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "But how do you know when the silver is fully refined?" He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that’s easy - when I see my image in it."

Quote: "We are told to let our light shine, and if it does, we won’t need to tell anybody it does. Lighthouses don’t fire cannons to call attention to their shining they just shine." – Unknown

Prayer: Have mercy upon me, O God, According to Your loving kindness; According to the multitude of Your tender mercies, Blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin. Amen. (Psalm 51:1-2)

God whispers to us in our pleasures; but shouts in our pains

Lenten Devotional- Day 32

God’s Word: A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. ³⁵ By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)

Story: The founder of World Vision, the international Christian relief agency tells a story about Bob Pierce. Pierce had advanced leukemia, but he went to visit a colleague in Indonesia before he died. As they were walking through a small village, they came upon a young girl lying on a bamboo mat next to a river. She was dying of cancer and had only a short time to live. Bob was indignant. He demanded to know why she wasn’t in a clinic. But his friend explained that she was from the jungle and wished to spend her last days next to the river, where it was cool and familiar. As Bob gazed at her, he felt such compassion that he got down on his knees in the mud, took her hand, and began stroking it. Although she didn’t understand him, he prayed for her.

Afterward she looked up and said something. "What did she say?" Bob asked his friend. His friend replied, "She said, ’If I could only sleep again, if I could only sleep again.’" It seemed that her pain was too great to allow her the relief of rest. Bob began to weep. Then he reached into his pocket and took out his own sleeping pills, the ones his doctor had given him because the pain from his leukemia was too great for him to sleep at night. He handed the bottle to his friend. "You make sure this young lady gets a good night’s sleep," he said, "as long as these pills last." Bob was ten days away from where he could get his prescription refilled. That meant ten painful and restless nights. That day his servanthood cost him greatly. But even in the midst of his suffering, God had infused a supernatural sense of satisfaction that he had done the right thing. - Lee Strobel,

Quote: C. S. Lewis describes the role of suffering in the life of the believer as “soul-making.” It is the shaping of the Christian with the hammer and chisel of adversity. Lewis also said “God whispers to us in our pleasures; speaks in our consciences; but shouts in our pains.”

Pray: Today in prayer, ask God to add a little more love on the inside of your heart to be able to suffer for other to show God’s love through you.

I will see you one day in heaven

Lenten Devotional- Day 31

God’s Word: “As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.” (Psalm 18:30)

Inspired Story: A young Colombian Girl who received a new testament in her school. She read the new testament until one day her father caught her reading it…and told her not to read it any more because it was full of lies and fantasy.. But the girl kept on reading until one day her father came home unexpectedly found her with the NT grabbed it from her hands and put it in his pocket. The father went off to work where he was a mining engineer. Several hours later sirens went off in the community there had been a cave in at the mine.

The father was trapped in the mine. The rescue workers took 5 days to finally reach the men, but it was too late. All 31 men died including the father of this little girl Curiously, workers found the man clutching the New Testament between his praying hands. When they opened the front cover they read a note “To my daughter” Keep reading this New Testament, it is true and right, and I will see you one day in heaven. Then they turned to the back page where the father had signed the commitment card after having said the sinner’s prayer. But that was not the end of the story, Turning the page there were signed the names of the other 30 workers. (This illustration came from the Gideons International)

Quote: "Christian unity is not found in uniformity, organization or a particular church, but rather in Jesus and our commitment to His teachings and living them out in our livesIt is only as we join together with others who look different than we do but share a common love and commitment to the Truth that is Jesus, that we can know the completeness of the body of Christ."

Prayer: Today in prayer, make another commitment to study the word of God and to share others to guide them the way to our Savior Jesus Christ.

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. – 2 Timothy 3:16-18