Judson Welcomes Two New Friends

With an outpouring of donations of household goods to furnish an apartment, Judson is welcoming Tluang Cer Tial (called A Cer, pronounced aht-tserre) and Jessica Van Iangpar, wife and daughter of Hrang Hlei, a Luther Seminary doctoral student from Myanmar (Burma).

At the end of January, Hrang was reunited with A Cer after two and a half years and met two- year-old Jessica for the first time.  The family had communicated often via Skype and the internet, but Hrang had never met Jessica in person.

A Cer is a graduate of Mandalay University and worked as accountant for a small congregation in that city.  She and Hrang have been married five years.  For the past two years, she’s been a stay-at-home mother, but now she’s left her home in Chin State in western Burma to join Hrang’s adventure.   A Cer likes to cook and to sing.

Their little daughter has a very special name: Biblical root: Jessica [Iscah (Heb) which means 'God beholds/the gift of God'-- Gen 11:29], Van [God/heaven], and Iangpar [beautiful flower]. So Jessica Van Iangpar simply means a gift of God, a beautiful flower from heaven.  She loves to talk, listen to stories and sing.  She’s also learning the alphabet.

Judson is one of three congregations supporting the family’s coming to the US.  Prince of Peace Lutheran in Appleton, Wisconsin, arranged for their travel.  Flemington New Jersey Baptist Church is contributing $5000 annually for health insurance.  Judson has committed to two years of housing support at the rate of $8,400 annually.  That is, we hope that through our budget and additional contributions, Judson will support about half of the amount.  We will also invite other churches and individuals to partner with us for the other half.   A dedicated account has been established to receive contributions beyond our budget.

We have welcomed a stranger from Burma, Hrang Hlei.  Now we welcome two new friends, A Cer and Jessica!  Wonderful opportunities await our community!