FOUNDERS IN OUR LAND

      H.A Krishnapillai, as the name suggests, was born in a family which believed Hinduism, and grew and was enriched in that belief. He is now known as the "kirustava kambar". Kambar is known as the all-time Tamil poet. Isn't that amazing, here's what happened.

    In his childhood, he learnt the works of the Hindu God, Vishnu and he also read the Ramayana, another Hindu epic. And he was very fond and stubborn in his belief. So, he joined a group which resisted or dissaproved Christianity. And he began his anti-Christian efforts. One day, during that phase of his life, he met a missionary, 'Huxtable' and became acquainted with his family. He was very pleased with their ways and he, like Paul, became a great Christian follower and gospel proclaimer. The reason he is called "kirustava kambar" is because he was the one who translated, John Bunyan's "Pilgrim's progress" and the "New Testament" and many very important Christian works.

The next song is by Pastor Santhiagu.

Devane, nan, umadandayil
Lord dear, all my heart and soul
Inum nerungi servathe en aval boomiyil
just wants to be closer to thee
Mavaliya Koramaga Van Siluvai Meedinil Nan
Though a day may come, when I like you
Khove, thonga, neridinum, avalai um andai serven
Hang on my cross, my soul thirsts only for thee




Yakobaipol pogum padayil 
As like Jacob, on my long journey
Pozhudhu pattu, ravil iruzh vandu moodida
When daylight dies, as the night draws nigh
Thookathal Nan Kallil Sayndhu
And I close my eyes in my slumber
Thoonginalum En Kanavil
Even then, I am getting closer, more closer
Nokki umai kitti chervaen
To thee, my Lord
Vakadanga, Nalla Nadha
How can I ever stop nearing you

Parathukerum, padigal polave
Let me see the way to you
En padai thondra pannum ayya, endran thevane
 as I know the way to heaven
Kirubayaga, neer enaku tharuavadhellam
 All those which thou gracefully give me
Umadhandai, Arumaiyaga ennai azhaithu
 I will give up all, please beckon me to thee
Anbin thoothanaga cheyyum
That I may partake and be an angel of love
 

LIVING THE FIRST HOPE

    Hi, I am Sharon, and I am a Tamil Christian, a protestant, and I would like to tell about the beauty of songs, hymns that were written long ago, I want to tell you how they were written and the Tamil translations of the song. These hymns were written by three wonderful poets, Vedanayagam was one of the three who was the main contributor. They bring out the feelings and the trials of those early Christians, they capture a feel which no one can even hope to capture for we don't have trials like that anymore. They simply are too beautiful for words so I don't see why they must only be understood or loved and cherished by Tamil Christians alone. I want all the world to marvel at the beauty of these songs. I will start off with my favorite one. Its called:

                              SATHAI NISHKALAMAI (O GOD OMNIPOTENT)

Sathai Nishkalamai, oru samiyamamadhai
O Lord widespread, there is none like you
Sithai Anandamai, Thigazhgindra thiruthavame.....
O faith so wondrous, keep on growing forevermore

Emma vikurigi, uyireendru pirandadarkor
You were born here just for my soul
Kymar undukolo, karayayinai kiyidayan
How can I ever repay, my dearest Lord
 Summa ratchanai sei, solsudandaram yadumillai
No one watches over me like you do
Amman unnai allal, yenakarthunai yar udavi
Without you, who have I, who's my Lord


Thiraiser Vembavamam, Kadal Muzhgiye Theeyeremai
Lost at see am I, as I perish in sin and sorrow
Karaiserthuykavendre, puniyayinai kanniliyan....
Just to save me from the temptous seas, you arrived
Paraser patradalil, ennai patriya patruvidai
Ne'er let go of me till I reach my eternal home 
Arase Unnai Allal, Enakarthunai Arudavi
O mighty King, Without you, who have I, who's my Lord


Thaye, Thandhai tamar, Gurusambathu natpevayum
 Of all, my parents, my teachers, my friends
Neeye em peruman, Kathi Veriyillai Ninnayangan
Thou art my destiny, my Lord, and my all
Aeye, endrigazhum, ulagodenakennurimai
What have I to do with those who despise me
Aaye, unnai allal enkarthunai arudhavi........
O love divine, without you, who have I, who's my Lord