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Colombo Theological Seminary
Sri Lanka
Interdenominational . Multicultural . Multilingual . Sri Lankan
IN-FORMATION
NEWSLETTER
JANUARY—MARCH 2013
VOLUME
8.ISSUE 1
From The Principal’s Desk
Citizenship and the Christian
Also seek the peace of the city to which I have carried you into exile.
Pray to the LORD for her,
for in her peace you will find peace.
Jeremiah 29:7
The modern concept of citizenship goes back to the roles undertaken by
members of ancient Greek cities. Aristotle in The Politics (335BC) was
the first to explore the subject of the identity and the requirements of a
‘citizen’. The idea at the time was that a citizen was someone who
participated in the process of cultivation and exercised a shared right in
popular self-governance. In this scheme, the emphasis was on the
responsibility of citizenship within the context of the rights of belonging to
this exclusive “urban community of equals”.
See pages 2-3 for glimpses of the first-ever CTS Sports Day
The Romans continued the concept, except that Roman citizenship
could not be restricted to “city limits”; a Roman liked to enjoy his
privileges wherever he went in the far-flung empire! So, Roman
citizenship essentially became a legal status where, in exchange for the
individual’s pledge of uncompromising allegiance to the Roman
republic, he was assured of legal protection by Roman soldiers and
judges. With the Romans, then, the emphasis shifted to rights of
citizenship over and against responsibility.
Modern notions of citizenship are more Roman than Greek. The word
has evolved to connote what an individual can get out of the system, with
little thought of what one might contribute to community. This is what
makes the prospect of dual-citizenship or the experiment of the
European Union so attractive. They increase the potential of what
citizens can “get out” of it!
Students from the CTS Study Centre in Anuradhapura spent a day at the CTS campus in
Colombo. For many, this was their first visit. They are seen here with CTS faculty and
Pastor Asoka Perera.
Global discourse following World War II has been almost exclusively on
our human rights. It was only because a sick earth groaned under the
weight of our manic narcissism, that we now hear a few voices calling us
back to our human responsibility, at least toward the environment.
Jeremiah sounds a different note (29:4-14). The Judahites had been
traumatically exiled to Babylon, which would remain their home for
seventy years. And, the Babylonians weren’t exactly disposed to be nice
to them. In fact, they enjoyed their superiority over the exiles and often
cruelly sported with them (see Psalm 137).
Some natural reactions could, therefore, be easily rationalized. One
would be to hate and resist everything Babylonian. Another, to be
depressed and inactive until the way opened to return to Jerusalem.
God wanted neither. In his letter, Jeremiah proposes a third alternative:
that of active, incarnational engagement. His idea was counter-intuitive,
and yet marvellously liberating. Building, settling down, planting, eating,
marrying, and increasing in number (29:56), is what people do best.
Jeremiah wants them to thrive in these. In addition, he presents two
other responsibilities: to seek the peace of the city, and to pray to God for
the city (29:7). Jeremiah explains that in pursuing the shalom of the city,
the people of God would find their own prosperity.
On February 4th 2013, Sri Lanka marked sixty-five years of
Independence from 543 years of foreign rule. Yet, the brief history of the
continued on page 2
400
CTS Principal, Ivor Poobalan, and Librarian, Simon Fuller, inspect the new collection of
books at the CTS Study Centre in Exceeded
Kotahena. See page 4 for more details
IN THIS ISSUE
Message from the Principal
Snapshots: People and Events
Introducing: Certificate in Christian Studies (Counselling)
For Prayer
Resourcing North Colombo
Coming Up...
How to Give to CTS
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2 and 4
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3
4
4
4
FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK - continued
renewed nation has been chequered. We have struggled to develop our selfidentity because the nation has been rocked by three ethnic riots, two marxist
insurrections, one 34-year civil war, and multiple economic shocks during this
brief time. Christians, with their sense of assured citizenship in heaven, can be
tempted to either hate the hassle of Sri Lankan living, or passively put up with
these “momentary” frustrations.
Or, on a more biblical note, the Christian can choose
responsibility over rights in our call to citizenship. We can
become incarnate and engage, as we work for our beloved
people’s peace, and pray for our nation’s prosperity.
Ivor Poobalan
Everything Has Become New! is a concise
commentary on Paul’s letter to the Ephesians.
This is Ivor Poobalan’s first publication.
NEW
PUBLICATION
Teaching @ CTS: January–March 2013
Master of Arts
The CTS MA programme is designed to train teachers, researchers,
and writers for the church.
Investing in this enterprise
through their teaching expertise
were (L) Dr Mark S Young
(President, Denver Seminary,
USA) and (R) Dr Graham
Simpson (CMS ACT and
Southern NSW). Dr Young
taught Hermeneutics of Culture
in January; and Dr Simpson taught Exegesis of Colossians in March.
During their time at CTS, they also conducted special sessions for the
CTS faculty.
Modular Courses
In his recommendation of this book, Prof G P V Somaratna, CTS
Research Professor, says: “This book will stimulate ardent Bible
study and greater zeal for Christian living. It offers
encouragement for deep commitment in congregational life.”
He recommends it “as a valuable guide for Christian living in
the 21st century.”
Three Sri Lankans living and serving overseas spent some of their
time back in Sri Lanka teaching at CTS.
Dr Ananda Kumar a professional in the field of
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (USA) taught Theology of
Work in the English medium.
The publication is available in English, Sinhala, and Tamil.
Returning to teach at CTS a second time, was Rev Mohan
Jayasekara (Senior Pastor of Grace Communion
International in Perth, Australia, and GCI National
Director Sri Lanka). He taught The Life of Jesus: Who He is
and Why He Matters, in March.
Rev Benjamin Devadason (Pastor of New Life Christian
Church Toronto, Canada) spent an extended period of
time teaching in CTS’ Study Centres in the North. He
taught Theology of Suffering in Jaffna and Vavuniya, and
The Letters to the Seven Churches in Kilinochchi.
Visiting CTS: January–March 2013
L-R: John Tucker (Director of Ministry
Training, Carey Baptist College, New
Zealand) and Paul Windsor (Associate
Director, Langham Preaching) stopped by for
a brief visit in early February.
Prabhu Singh Vedhamanickam (Professor,
Missions Department, SAIACS India) spoke at a
chapel service and spent time with students during
the few days he spent at CTS.
NEWS
Joining the Team
Tabea Binder (Lecturer)
Tabea served for the past seven years as faculty and Dean of Women Students at
Allahabad Bible Seminary (India). She is currently working on a EdD in
Leadership in International Theological Education from the Akademie für
Weltmission (Korntal/Columbia International University). A member of CTS’ fulltime faculty, she is also the MA Coordinator. She worships at the Wellawatte
Methodist Church.
Ruwani Gunawardene, a longstanding friend of CTS,
dropped by on a flying visit in March. Ruwani has
served for many years as Administrator of the Music
and Worship Department at the London School of
Theology, UK. We were delighted to learn that she
now also serves on its governing board.
Melissa De Silva (Academic Administrative Secretary)
Melissa has trained in the HR profession and has worked as HR Manager in a
corporate setting prior to coming to CTS. She worships at the Colombo Gospel
Tabernacle, Wellawatte.
NEWS
Ramani Rebeira (Assistant Librarian)
In addition to her many years of experience in secretarial as well as translation
work, Ramani brings with her a great love of books. The wife of the late Rev Roy
Rebeira (a former CTS Council Member), Ramani worships at the Christian
Reformed Church, Bambalapitiya.
Shiranee Fernando and Ruvini Koch resigned from their posts as
Academic Administrative Secretary and Administrative Secretary,
respectively. We are grateful for their service and wish them well as they
attend to family responsibilities.
Moving On
C T S
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IN-FORMATION/Jan-Mar 13
S p o r t s
For Prayer...
Sri Lanka commemorated 65 years of independence on 4th February 2013. The Bishop of Colombo, Rt Rev Dhiloraj Canagasabey, made a stirring appeal to
believers to repent and lament for the Church’s failings as the body of Christ in Sri Lanka. In line with this call, we ask that you join with us in praying for Sri Lanka.
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
(Micah 6:8)
GOVERNANCE
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession
and thanksgiving be made for all people for kings and all
those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in
all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our
Saviour. (1 Timothy 2:1-3)
Ruler of the nations, your word tells us you ordained governments to punish
evil and safeguard good that people may dwell in safety and peace. We
thank you for the way you have watched over this nation, granted us a
peaceful handover into independence, raised up local leaders and guided
our leaders and nation to this 65th anniversary.
Response: O Lord we bring you thanks and praise for your
faithfulness to us.
Every government is made of fallen people, so they all fall short of your
ideal. As you have commanded, we pray for our leaders. Lord, instill in them
a fear of doing evil and a love for righteousness. Give space for the voices
that challenge and speak truth into situations of chaos and lies. May we
heed their wisdom. Stop the hands of those who plan evil, bring instability
and spread dissension and fear.
Response: O Lord help us.
Raise up leaders who will have a vision for the future that seeks the good of
all our peoples, who see leadership as service, and who are accountable to
the public. Prosper, strengthen and protect all those genuinely seeking to
govern with righteousness and integrity. We especially remember before
you Christians in parliament, asking for your protection, your boldness and
your wisdom in their roles. We pray that all of us may rightly exercise our
responsibility as citizens, with sound judgment and using the rights and
responsibilities given to us wisely and courageously.
Response: O Lord hear our prayer, have mercy on us and heal our
nation.
ECONOMY
Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker,
but whoever is kind to the needy honours God. (Prov 14:31)
God our Creator, we thank you for the growth in various sectors of the
economy, for our natural resources that draw in tourists, our beautiful hill
country that produces fine tea, for advances in technology, medical care,
and many other sectors of the economy.
Response: O God our Creator we thank you the beauty and
abundance of our land.
SOCIETY
This is what the Lord says:
Do what is just and right.
Rescue from the hand of the oppressor
the one who has been robbed.
Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner,
the fatherless or the widow,
and do not shed innocent blood in this place.
(Jer 22:3)
3
Righteous and Merciful Father, we thank you for our people, for our
traditional values of hospitality, care for the elderly, strong extended family
systems, kindness to those in need and deep spirituality.
Response: Father, thank you for the honourable and beautiful values
in our culture.
Yet O Father, we are appalled at the violence we have bred within our
borders. We hear news of so many senseless deaths over land disputes,
through robbery, gang violence, reckless driving and suicides; we see
violence against women and children; and justice denied to many because
of corruption and unjust structures; we see religious intolerance and racial
bigotry. And so we pray for our people. Help us as a society to unite to
uphold righteousness. Help us to cultivate respect and tolerance between
communities and religions.
Response: O Lord help us.
We pray for our nation's children and young people, that you will protect
them from life threatening diseases, from abuse and neglect, from poverty
and homelessness; protect their hearts and minds from evil influences that
come at them , through media, through the legacy of war and through the
patterns of behaviour they see around them. We pray for our elderly that
you will grant that they be treated with dignity, and have their basic needs
met. We pray for our families that you will strengthen family life in spite of
the stresses of daily life. And so may we experience true peace in our land.
Response: O Lord hear our prayer, have mercy on us and heal our
nation.
SALVATION
Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name
under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.
(Acts 4:12)
O God our redeemer, as those who have been redeemed by the precious
blood of Jesus, we thank you for the gift of eternal life, the assurance of sins
forgiven and an eternal security that no one can take away.
Response: O Jesus thank you for saving us.
Yet we know many in our land are hopelessly trapped in poverty; made
homeless by natural disasters and the war, left behind and even exploited in
the race for progress. Grant us all the strength and courage to work
together to rid ourselves of the rampant corruption that causes resources to
be channelled dishonestly, teach us to be honest in our own dealings, help
us to recognize before it is too late the legacy of debt, mismanaged and
depleted resources and instability we will leave our children, if we do not
change.
Response: O Lord help us.
Your Word tells us that Jesus is the unique redeemer of the world. We pray
for those in our land who do not know you. Send your Holy Spirit on us in
power, revive your church, unite us and send us out to make disciples of this
nation. Give us boldness and wisdom to share Christ with our neighbours.
Help us live such holy and attractive lives that people will see our good
deeds and glorify our Father in heaven.
Response: O Lord help us.
Give wisdom and courage to those who manage public funds; we pray that
transparency, honesty and love for the nation will govern economic
decisions. Give this nation the will to lessen the gap between rich and poor.
And then, O Lord bring prosperity to our land.
Response: O Lord, hear our prayer, have mercy on us and heal our
nation.
Especially we pray for evangelists, church planters and evangelistic
organizations. Work even now in people’s hearts convicting them of sin and
righteousness, open blinded eyes and deaf ears to receive the good news.
Lord Jesus may your name be glorified in this land.
Response: Merciful Father accept these prayers for the sake of your
Son our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Author: Mano Emmanuel
First prayed at Kollupitiya Methodist Church on the 65th National Day Sunday (3rd February 2013)
D a y
2 0 1 3
IN-FORMATION/Jan-Mar 13
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same address. new look. new features.
check out the updated CTS website @
www.cts.lk
FAREWELL
In February, CTS bid farewell to Mr Clifford Rodrigo and Mrs
Lalitha Bandaranayake.
CLIFFORD RODRIGO served as Administrator of CTS for
the past 5 years. Prior to coming to CTS, Clifford had worked
for many years in the plantation and corporate sectors.
Having been a sportsman from his school days, Clifford
brought with him the experience of team work, leadership,
and a keen sense of discipline.
Under his leadership, the administration of CTS has
reached new heights. His constant challenge was that CTS
should “reach beyond excellence” because “the best is yet
to come!” Clifford’s tenure of service at CTS is bracketed by
two inaugural events which he spearheaded: the CTS Day
2008 and the CTS Sports Day 2013.
Clifford exemplified what it means to be committed to the task at hand, disciplined in
attitude, and above all, passionate in the service of the Lord. While he will be
missed, we are confident that he has left behind a legacy that will help CTS in
undertaking the work ahead!
this is a work in progress.
your ideas for improvement would be much appreciated.
email us at <[email protected]> with your creative concepts.
Resourcing North Colombo
The CTS Study Centre in Kotahena commenced in January 2012 to
meet the theological training needs of the churches in North Colombo.
Weekly classes are conducted in the mornings and evenings and cater
to approximately 100 believers from the region. Through a generous
gift from Serving In Mission (Australia), the Study Centre is now
equipped with a library of 1,800 volumes which include several of the
latest Tamil commentaries, Bible dictionaries, and lexicons—many of
which are not available elsewhere in the
country. At a dedication service held on
27th March, CTS Principal, Mr Ivor
Poobalan and faculty member, Dr
Kumar Abraham (who spearheaded this
project) addressed the gathering and
encouraged those present to use this
God-given resource for the benefit of
the churches in the area. Please pray
that like the verdant tree (just outside
the Study Centre) growing valiantly
amidst the concrete jungle of the town,
the mission of equipping believers in
North Colombo will take root and be a
channel of refreshing to the churches
there.
Coming Up: Special Project for 2013
Construction of a chapel, faculty and publishing offices, and a
state-of-the-art bookshop and canteen, and more...
Colombo Theological Seminary
189 Dutugemunu Street, Kohuwela, Sri Lanka
t: +94 11 5524257
e: [email protected]
w: www.cts.lk
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IN-FORMATION/Jan-Mar 13
LALITHA BANDARANAYAKE served as Librarian of CTS
for the past 4 years. Science graduate turned Library and
Information Science professional, Lalitha’s wide and varied
experience in setting up and managing special library
collections was a veritable boon to CTS. Under her guidance
the CTS library made the significant transition from a manual
library management system to an electronic one. Lalitha and
her team worked tirelessly to ensure that the new .eLM
system functions in an user-friendly manner. During her time,
Lalitha led many initiatives to upgrade the CTS library, such
as: furnishing the library with comfortable tables and chairs; accessioning close on
20,000 books; setting up a modernised security system; and organising the ISSR
Science and Religion collection.
We thank the Lord for Clifford and Lalitha’s joyful service at CTS, and pray that the
Lord who brought them here would constantly be their guide in the “best that is yet
to come”!
Coming Up: Graduation 2013
A flurry of excitement and tension could be felt
thrilling through the CTS campus on Thursday
28th March, as BTh students heard rumours that
their research paper results would be out that
day. The months of gruelling research and writing
for students who plan to graduate this July came
to a joyful climax (for most!) when that vital notice
was published. Seen here is one of the first
hopefuls to check the noticeboard! Please
uphold in prayer the preparations that have
already begun for this important event.
How to Give to CTS
Contact the Resource Development Manager ([email protected]) for more
details.
Remit your gift in any of the following ways:
Cash
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In favour of:
Forward to:
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Colombo Theological Seminary (Account Payee)
The Principal
Colombo Theological Seminary
189 Dutugemunu Street, Kohuwela, Sri Lanka
Standard Chartered Bank
Maya Avenue, Colombo 6, Sri Lanka
Colombo Theological Seminary
02-1185543-01
SCB LLK LX
Online Remittance Details (USD)
Step 1. Log on to www.worldventure.com; click on ‘Give’ and then ‘Donate’
Step 2. In the field ‘Give to Other’ enter the account number for CTS: 6441- 901
Step 3. Enter the size of the gift in the field for Amount, click ‘Add’ and then ‘Next’
Step 4. Follow the prompts to enter billing and credit card information
Step 5. Email us at [email protected] informing us of your remittance
* Note: USD remittances can also be made via phone or mail through WorldVenture.
Please contact Rochelle ([email protected]) for more details.