AUGUST 2001
Volume 30 Issue 8 No. 305
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AUGUST 2001 Volume 30 Issue 8 No. 305 |
R. Stanley
One of the magnificent themes of the worship of God is His greatness. Moses told God’s people, "The Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome" (Dt 10:17). David in his prayer of thanksgiving confessed, "You are great, O Lord God, for there is none like You" (2 Sam 7:22). Paul calls Christ as "our great God" (Tit 2:13). Losing sight of the greatness of God chills our worship and fills us with worldliness.
The eleventh chapter of the Epistle to the Romans illustrates the greatness of God as no other passage in the Bible does. The truth is explained in the context of the failure of Israel which turned to be a blessing to the Gentiles. There are atleast three lessons here relating to this truth. (The reader is requested to go through the 11th chapter of Romans atleast once before reading this article further.)
vv 17,18, "If some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them, and with them became a partaker of the root and fatness of the olive tree, do not boast against the branches. But if you boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you."
The reasons why there can be no boasting before God are multiple. First, we, non-Jews, are saved because of the failure of the Jews. vv 12, 15, "Now if their fall is riches for the world, and their failure riches for the gentiles, how much more their fullness!... For if their being cast away is the reconciling of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?" Their rejection resulted in our reception and reconciliation. That is what we read in John 1:11,12. "Jesus came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them gave He the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name." We are saved because of someone’s failure. Hence no boasting!
Also, we are saved only by God’s goodness and mercy. vv 6,7, "And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work. What then? Israel has not obtained what it seeks; but the elect have obtained it, and the rest were hardened." Look at v22b, "Towards you He showed goodness." Again in v31, "Even so these have now been disobedient, that through the mercy shown you they also may obtain mercy." We are saved by His grace, goodness and mercy. Absolutely no boasting before God! Apostle Paul captures this truth better in Eph 2:8,9, "For by grace you have been saved through faith and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." Note how he emphasises, "not of yourselves," and eliminates boasting altogether.
Again, we can stand only by faith. vv 20,23, "Well said. Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty but fear...And they also, if they do not continue in unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again." It is a total dependence on God! We find the same truth in 1 Cor 10:11,12, "Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, on whom the ends of the ages have come. Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall." If we are saved by grace, we stand by faith on the power and strength of God. There is not an iota of allowance for boasting.
Another fact that requires attention is that we have nothing good in ourselves. We are designated as wild olive branches in v 24. There is no worth in us. Unconsciously we sometimes believe there is something good in us deserving God’s salvation. But Paul confesses unabashedly in Rom 7:18a, "For I know that in me (that is, in my body) nothing good dwells." We are wild branches and our fruit is sour. So any boasting is ruled out.
Finally, our knowledge is limited. v 25a, "For I do not desire, brothers, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion." How highly we at times think of ourselves whereas in truth we know little. The Bible admonishes anyone "not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly" (12:3). Yes, we have nothing to boast of, because of our limited and imperfect knowledge.
To summarise, we are saved because of somebody’s failure. We are saved only by the goodness and mercy of God. We can stand only by faith. We have nothing good in ourselves. Our knowledge is limited. So there can be no boasting before God, but only a confession, "God is great!"
vv 21, 22, "For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either. Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off."
Impartiality! The fact that God chose the Hebrews of all the peoples of the world shows Him to be apparently partial. But it was not partiality but just the purpose, plan and programme of God. Turn to the great missionary chapter of the book of Genesis, chapter 12. Missions have their genesis here. The first three verses are of paramount importance: "Now the Lord had said to Abram: Get out of your country, from your kindred and from your father’s house, to a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed." Abraham was the first Hebrew. God chose him, not to bless him and stop there but that through him all the families of the earth may be blessed. God was not partial to Abraham but He chose him as a carrier of His blessings to all the peoples of the world. God’s goal was the world but His method was the people of Israel.
Another example: Just like salvation came to the non-Jews by faith, the restoration for the Jews also is going to be by faith. So there is no partiality! v 20, "Well said. Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith..." v 23, "And they also, if they do not continue in unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again." The Jews despised the gentiles as dogs. They considered themselves a higher race. They had no dealings with the gentiles. God chose the Jews to be a blessing to the other peoples. But instead they practised seclusion and failed to transmit the blessing. They built a partition between them and others which was growing thicker everday. But God in His wisdom made the Cross as the only common ground for the Jews and the non-Jews to meet. Jews or non-Jews are saved by faith alone on Calvary’s cross. No partiality.
God showed a special love for Israel no doubt. But He balances it by hardening their hearts till we are saved! We will miss this mystery if we do not carefully understand verses 7,8, "What then? Israel has not obtained what it seeks; but the elect have obtained it and the rest were hardened. Just as it is written: God has given them a spirit of stupor, eyes that they should not see and ears that they should not hear, to this very day." v 25, "For I do not desire, brothers, that you should be ignorant of this mystery,... that hardening in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the gentiles has come in."
Very few Jews have so far accepted Jesus Christ and the majority are yet to. So we cannot charge God of partiality towards the Jews. He has sent a spirit of hardening among them that our times may be fulfilled. Paul calls it a mystery. So if you do not understand it, just accept it with an amen. God did choose the people of Israel and showered upon them special love. But now He is balancing it by hardening their hearts until our time is fulfilled. God is great! There is no partiality with Him.
v 29, "For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable." Another translation reads, "The gifts and calling of God are without repentance. " An old time prophet proclaimed, "God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do it?" (Num 23:19). We revise our thoughts and plans. But God has only one edition — because He never makes a mistake and there is no need for revision!
Let us for example see Gen 6:5-8. "Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. So the Lord said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping things and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them. But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord." A casual reader of this passage may think this contradicts what we read in Numbers 23:19. God did not think that His plan of creation of man was wrong. Rather, God felt bad that His expectation was shattered. God did not rethink the validity of the creation of man but He was sorry over the crushing of His glorious hopes from His creation. The devil challenged God by pointing to the seeming failure. But God threw back the challenge on the devil that He would raise up a Man, the Messiah to crush his head (Gen 3:15). Hallelujah!
Also, God’s foreknowledge never fails! v 2, "God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew." Read 8:29,30. "For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brothers. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called: whom He called, these He also justified: and whom He justified, these He also glorified."
Even during times of apparent defeat, God keeps His purpose marching on! Turbulence and trouble may cross our path but the Captain leads on! Sometimes God may seem silent or stand still. His people dwindle, 1000... 100... 10... 1. Even that final one life may be a broken reed or a smoking flax. Elijah was at the brink of resignation when he cried, "They have torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life." Sometimes a prophet may be completely wrong. What does the divine response say to him? "Yet I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal."
Beloved, God makes no mistake, His army always marches on. The volumes of Church history record of dark ages when all seemed lost for God’s purpose. But in every age God had always kept His remnant. It was out of the remnant that men like Martin Luther would spring up. God’s people will always be a minority but they will be a significant minority —affecting the majority! Jesus Christ told the twelve, "Fear not little flock... it is your Father’s desire to give you the kingdom." God’s big kingdom is for the little flock!
God made no mistake when He bypassed Israel and blessed the gentiles. That was salvation for the gentiles and stimulation for the Jews. v 11, "I say then, have they stumbled that they should fall? Certainly not! But through their fall, to provoke them to jealousy, salvation has come to the gentiles." Everytime a gentile was saved the Jew was stirred. Paul used that to his advantage. vv 13,14, "For I speak to the gentiles: inasmuch as I am an apostle to the gentiles, I magnify my ministry, if by any means I may provoke to jealousy those who are my kinsmen and save some of them."
God makes no mistake. He convicts all, both Jew and Gentile, of disobedience that all may partake of His free unmerited grace. vv 30-32, "For God has committed them all to disobedience, that He might have mercy on all." God, have mercy on me!
Conclusion
We cannot elaborate this truth any further. That’s why Paul consummates it with a note of worship: "Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has become His counsellor? Or who has just given to Him and it shall be repaid to Him? (No one!) For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen!" (vv 33-36).
All things are "of Him"— God is the Source. All things are "through Him"—God is the Enabler. All things are "to Him"—God is the Goal. Let’s say, "Yes, Lord, You are great!"
Compiled by R. Stanley
Worship of God is not to stop with the Sunday Service but must spread to everyday of the week. Everyday is a day the Lord has made in which we are called to rejoice in Him with the celebration of His praises. Seven outstanding characteristics of God are chosen here so we may pick up one each day of the week as the theme of worship.
Mercy of God"Sing praise to the Lord, you saints of His, and give thanks at the remembrance of His Holiness." (Psa 30:4)
"Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!" (Rev 4:8)
"Sing to the Lord and... praise the beauty of holiness." (2 Chr 20:21)
"Hallowed be Your Name!" (Mt 6:9)
Truthfulness of God"Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! Because His mercy endures forever." (Psa118:1)
"I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever... For I have said, Mercy shall be built up forever." (Psa 89:1,2)
"Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning." (Lam 3:22,23)
"To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness." (Dan 9:9a)
Wonderfulness of God"The Lord, the Lord God, ... abounding in truth." (Ex 34:6)
"A God of truth and without injustice; Righteous and upright is He." (Dt 32:4b)
"Happy is he whose hope is in the Lord his God... who keeps truth forever." (Psa 146:5,6)
"Jesus said... I am the Truth." (Jn 14:6)
(Isa 9:6)"His Name will be called Wonderful."
"Who is like You, O Lord, among the gods? Fearful in praises, doing wonders?"
(Ex 15:11)"Blessed be the Lord God ... Who only does wondrous things!" (Psa 72:18; 136:4)
Triumph of GodFriendliness of God"I will sing to the Lord, for He has triumphed gloriously!" (Ex 15:1,21)
"Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power and the glory, the victory and the majesty." (1 Chr 29:11)
"Then comes the end, when Christ delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet." (1 Cor 15:24,25)
Sovereignty of God"Abraham believed God... And he was called the friend of God." (Js 2:23)
"The Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend." (Ex 33:11)
"No longer do I call you servants... but I have called you friends." (Jn 15:15)
"The Son of Man ... a friend of sinners." (Lk 7:34)
(Dt 4:39)"The Lord Himself is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other."
"The Lord Most High is awesome; He is a great King over all the earth." (Psa 47:2)
"Whatever the Lord pleases He does."
(Psa 135:6)"Our Lord Jesus Christ... who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords... to whom be honour and everlasting power. Amen!" (1 Tim 6:14-16)
My child, I have a message for you today— let Me whisper it in your ear, that it may gild with glory any storm clouds which may arise, and smooth the rough places upon which you may have to tread. It is short—only five words—but let them sink into your inmost soul, use them as a pillow upon which to rest your weary head.
"THIS THING IS FROM ME!"
Have you ever thought of it, that all that concerns you, concerns Me, too? Because "he who touches you, touches the apple of My eye" (Zech 2:8).
I would have you learn, when temptations assail you, and the "enemy comes in like a flood," that this thing is from Me; that your weakness needs My might, and your safety lies in letting Me fight for you.
You are very "precious in My sight" (Isa 43:4). Therefore it is My special delight to educate you.
Are you in financial difficulties? Is it hard to make both ends meet? This thing is from Me, for I am your Purse-bearer, and would have you draw from and depend upon Me. My supplies are limitless (Phil 4:19). I would have you prove My promises. Let it not be said of you, "You did not believe the Lord your God" (Dt 1:32).
Are you in difficult circumstances, surrounded by people who do not understand you, who never consult your taste, who put you in the background? This thing is from Me. I am the God of circumstances. You came not to this place by accident; it is the very place I meant for you. Have you not asked to be made humble? See, then, I have placed you in the very school where this lesson is taught; your surroundings and companions are only working out My will.
Are you passing through a night of sorrow? This thing is from Me. I am the "Man of Sorrows, and acquainted with grief." I have let earthly comforters fail you, that, by turning to Me, you may obtain everlasting consolation (2 Thess 2:16,17).
Has some friend disappointed you? One to whom you opened out your heart? This thing is from Me. I have allowed this disappointment to come, that you may learn.
I want to be your Confidant. Has someone repeated things about you that are untrue? Leave them to Me, and draw closer to Me" for I "shall bring forth My righteousness as the light, and My judgment as the noonday" (Psa 37:6).
Have your plans been upset? Are you bowed down and weary? This thing is from Me. You made your plans, then came asking Me to bless them, but I would have you let Me plan for you, and then I take the responsibility, for "this thing is too much for you, you are not able to perform it by yourself" (Ex 18:18). You are only an instrument, not an agent.
Have you longed to do some great work for Me, and instead been laid aside on a bed of pain and weakness? This thing is from Me. I could not get your attention in your busy days, and I want to teach you some of My deepest lessons. They also serve who only stand and wait. Some of My greatest workers are those shut out from active service, that they may learn to wield the weapon of prayer.
Are you suddenly called upon to occupy a difficult and responsible position? Launch out on Me. I am trusting you with the possession of difficulties. "For this thing the Lord your God will bless you in all your works and in all to which you put your hand" (Dt 15:10).
This day I place in your hands this pot of holy oil; make use of it freely, My child. Let every circumstance as it arises, every word that pains you, every interruption that would make you impatient, every revelation of your own weakness, be anointed with it! Remember, interruptions are divine instructions. The sting will go as you learn to see Me in all things.
The moment we accept the fact that our ordeal has been permitted, even intended by God, our perspective on disruptive moments will totally change. We will find ourselves saying, "God, You have allowed this in my life. I don’t understand it, but I know that it couldn’t have happened to me unless it was filtered through Your loving hands. So,
this thing is from You!"Nichole DeWitt, a High School Student in
USAJesus is my best Friend. I can tell Him anything and everything. He is always there for me. He inspires me. He excites me. He is the essence of my life. Without Him, I have nothing. Without Him, I am nothing. He brings the best out in me. He stands by me when no one else does. He fights my battles for me when I am too weak. He holds me when I am crying. He listens to me. He guides me when I am lost. He is everything to me. I never leave home without Him.
Jesus told His Father to forgive me, for I know not what I do. He knows all and sees all. He knows me better than I know myself. He knows what is best for me. He knows exactly why I do the things I do even when I don’t know myself. He has the blueprints of my life in the palms of His hands. He understands I am only human.
Jesus gave me all the world. He awakens my spirit from sleep with a dazzling sunrise. He tells me He loves me with the sweet smell of morning dew. He brightens my spirit with just one breathtaking glance of purple mountains in the far distance. He brings out my laughter with the presence of amorous people. He challenges my character with life’s obstacles. He shows me the beauty of existence in all I come across. He tells me He loves me with a whisper of the wind.
Jesus’ love is unconditional. He loves me when I am weak. He loves me when I am selfish. He loves me even though I made bad choices. He still loves me when I am on the verge of breaking down. I question Him sometimes and yet He loves me. He loves me for all that I am. He doesn’t judge me by what I drive, what I own, what I look like, or who I know. He looks past my flaws and shortcomings and sees the soul within me. He loves me even when I feel that no one else does. He knows I am prone to mistakes, and still He loves me.
Jesus died for me. He hung on that cross with nails in His hands and feet. His side was pierced with a spear. He had a legion of angels ready to save Him, but He never attempted to summon them. His heart burst and He sweat great drops of blood. Upon His head lay the most crucial part of His death, a crown of thorns. He suffered just to make amends for my sins. He loved me so much, He laid down His life for me. If that isn’t love, then tell me what is!
An Update by Dr. Lilian Stanley
Looking at the enormity of the task our hearts fail. We keep singing, "Nothing, nothing, absolutely nothing, nothing is too difficult for Thee!" Mother Theresa’s words—"What we do is a drop in the ocean. But if we do not do what we can do the ocean will be less by one drop!"— keep coming to our minds often and lift us up.
As decided by the leaders we took on a crash programme with one lakh rupees on hand to supply grains to the starving in the drought-hit areas of Orissa. Missionaries Biswanath Samal, Prabudoss and our driver Jena worked like bulls (or shall I say coolies?) loading and unloading sacks of grains. First we gave 10 kg rice, 2 kg dhal, 2 litres oil, eggs and biscuits. Then we increased the quantity. Then we further increased. At the end we still had Rs.5000/-. We supplied to so many starving and needy. Truly we felt your money kept multiplying like the five loaves and two fish. God be praised!
We had a meeting with Rt. Rev C. K. Das, Bishop of Sambalpur, who suggested we use the Diptipur Christian Hospital and their Old Age Home
(OAH) for our purposes. Hence we have decided to keep Diptipur, Bargarh District as our base. We have also rented a house here. Mr. and Mrs. Samal our missionaries will shift here from Umerkote.Our leaders Dr. Arthur John, Mr. J. Shanthakumar, Mr. John Thomas and Mr. Ponnuswamy visited these places and decided that we would confine ourselves to helping starving people and TB patients only and that in Bargarh District alone upto December 2001. Then we will review the work and see how the Lord leads.
God gave us strength to travel the rough roads in an old jeep for 10 days. In one place our jeep got stuck in the mud and nearby villagers pulled it up. 20 km before Diptipur our jeep broke down when it was pouring cats and dogs. Then we hired a tractor from a village which towed us to Diptipur. In May the land was barren and cracked. Now there is torrential rains. We are happy but people are not so enthusiastic. They say unless the rain countinues the crops will die halfway. There is no water conservation system. So much so, much of the rain water goes waste. Many are without money to buy seeds for their one acre land. We paid Rs. 360/- for three people to buy seeds.
During our visit in May, Aladini and Premi, both widows, were so bad that they could not even get up and receive what we offered them. They were mentally unsound. We arranged with the neighbours to help them. Then Mr. Sagar and Dr. Soren visited them at our request and brought them to the
OAH. For three days they had eaten well and recovered physically and mentally. Then they wanted to go back to take care of their homes. So they were sent away with some rice and bus fare. This time when we visited them they were carrying water from the borewell and doing household chores. O what joy it was for us!In April we appealed for help for 5
TB patients. Because of your generosity we were able to take up another 20 patients. This month we plan to help another 20 from the long queue with sunken eyes and showing ribs looking to us for help. May God bless every one of you.Please pray for us as we leave again for Orissa on the 23rd of July. I will be back by the 20th of August. Pray that the Word of the Lord may run swiftly and that the people will be introduced to the True and Living God. Pray that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men (2 Thess 3:1,2). Let us do our best for the poor and the Lord will honour us. Please contact your friends, relatives, Churches and Fellowships for help.
Send your contributions to Blessing Youth Mission, Church Colony, Vellore 632 006 earmarking it for
FEED ORISSA.We thank you once again for giving us your right hand of fellowship in this venture.
BYM Missionaries’ Children
The names of the dependent children (upto 25 years) of our fulltime workers are listed here in alphabetical order with their Birthdays. The second name is that of the father. As their parents are in the frontline to liberate the captives from the bondage of the devil, the children become the primary target of the enemy. Pray regularly for these children that they may grow in "wisdom, stature, favour with God and men" (Lk 2:52). You can also cheer up these kids by sending them a Birthday greeting or a gift through Blessing Youth Mission, Church Colony, Vellore 632 006, India. Detach this sheet to be kept inside your Bible or daily devotional.
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1. Abhishek S. Kuldip (31 May 2000)2. Abishek Pushparaj (29 Sept 2000) 3. Abishika Kusha (17 Dec 1994) 4. Adin Mohan (25 Jun 1981) 5. Allen Jeyakumar (29 Jan 1994) 6. Amelia Christmas (15 Ju1 1987) 7. Amos Raghavan (21 Mar 1997) 8. Amy Pani (14 Jun 1989) 9. Anand Narayan Siddi (24 Jul 1987) 10. Andrea Luis (24 Aug 1992) 11. Angeline Jothiraj (28 Feb 1984) 12. Angeline Stephen (6 Sept 1980) 13. Anita Bishoyi (13 Aug 1981) 14. Aromalin Jeyakumar (18 Nov 1996) 15. Arpitha Kusha (27 Aug 1996) 16. Arputharani Gnanapragasam (10 Oct 1991) 17. Asha Devakumar (9 Jun 1994) 18. Asha H. Khosla (9 Dec 1996) 19. Asha Ramanathan (13 Mar 2000) 20. Ashir Ramanathan (11 Oct 1996) 21. Asish Devakumar (24 Jan 1993) 22. Asish Nag (17 Jul 1990) 23. Augustine Samidass (31 Oct 1992) 24. Banita Korada (9 Aug 1987) 25. Benita Albert (30 July 2000) 26. Benison C. Kuldip (30 Mar 2000) 27. Beulah Kumar (11 Feb 1981) 28. Beulah Sundaramoorthy (20 Jul 1985) 29. Beulah Vinayagam (6 Oct 1995) 30. Bikash Bilendra Mandi (7 Jan 2000) 31. Blessie Thomas (3 Sept 1977) 32. Blesson Tamilarasan (28 Oct 1993) 33. Blessy Venkatasamy (11 Oct 1997) 34. Brengle Chelliah (9 Feb 1984) 35. Bezaleel Vinayagam (16 Apr 1991) 36. Caleb Chezhian (15 Jun 1995) 37. Caleb Robinson (6 Feb 1995) 38. Calvin Chezhian (26 Nov 1998) 39. Chalapathi Joseph (10 Feb 1990) 40. Christina Simon (11 Oct 1995) 41. Christobel Selvaraj (4 Apr 1992) 42. Daniel Luis (13 Jan 1994) 43. Daniel Sada Nag (1 Aug 1997) 44. Davidson Devanesan (3 Jun 1991) 45. Dayaban Sada Nag (23 Sept 2000) 46. Deevana Dinakaran (28 Jul 1984) 47. Deborah Dhanaraj (16 Apr 1996) 48. Dewarchan Parasuram (17 Jun 1988) 49. Dorothy Dhanaraj (9 Jul 1998) 50. Eapen Thiagaraj (27 Sept l994) 51. Elijah Ratnakar (30 Apr 2001) 52. Elizabeth Samal (25 May 1984) 53. Enoch Subhanand Siddi (12 Sept 1997) 54. Esme Robinsam (7 Nov 1993) 55. Esther Siddappa (29 Aug 1998) 56. Esther J. Santa (28 Oct 1997) 57. Eunice Christmas ( 21 Apr 1986) 58. Evelyn Tamilarasan (1 Feb 1984) 59. Faithlina Ponniah (11 Apr 1986) 60. Febi Mohan (25 Feb 1985) 61. Feblyn Tamilarasan (7 Apr 1987) 62. Felix Samal (17 Feb 1991) 63. Finney Vijayakumar (18 Apr 2000) 64. Gilead Pani (29 Jun 1985) 65. Gifta Samidass (5 May 1996) 66. Gifty Myla John (10 Dec 1989) 67. Gifty Pani (12 Sep 1991) 68. Gladwin Regunathan (5 Feb 1982) 69. Glory Myla John (1 Sep 1995) 70. Godwin Sudhakar (16 Sep 1999) 71. Gordon Ponnusamy (4 Mar l984) 72. Gosend Ponnusamy (23 Nov 1980) 73. Grace Raja (15 Jan 1998) 74. Graceraj Bilod Mandi (15 Feb 1998) 75. Graceton Winston (1 Feb 2001) 76. Hanny Christopher (9 June 2000) 77. Hazeal Gently (20 Nov 1986) 78. Helen Sundaramoorthy (2 Jan 1987) 79. Hopeland Ponniah (12 Mar 1990) 80. Hosannah Regunathan (27 Mar 1983) 81. Ida Sundaramoorthy (4 Mar 1992) 82. James Suresh Siddi (8 Sept 1997) 83. Janeela Mathansingh (10 Jul 1988) 84. Jeresiah Stephen Jeyaraj (9 Jul 1999) 85. Jebamani Jaisimhan (5 Jul 1995) 86. Jedidiah Stephen Jeyaraj (6 Aug 1996) 87. Jeffry Jaisimhan (21 Oct 1993) 88. Jemima Selvaraj (21 Feb 1995) 89. Jerusha Ebenezer (3 Jan 1979) 90. Jeshua Jesupatham (20 Jan 2001) 91. Jeshuran Mathansingh (26 Jun 1985) 92. Jessica Luis (21 Feb 1991) 93. Jessita Jeyaraj (30 Sept 1985) |
94. Jesvin Devanesan (28 Mar 1994) 95. Jezliah Stephen Jeyaraj (9 Jul 1999) 96. Jim Ebenezer (5 Apr 1985) 97. John Paul (20 Jan 1997) 98. John Pushparaj (29 Dec 1997) 99. Johnson Siddappa (1 Dec 1995) 100. Joshua Mothis Siddi (5 May 1991) 101. Joshua Ebenezer Samuel (8 May 1991) 102. Karmugil Durai (30 Nov 1996) 103. Karuna Pawar (14 Apr 1993) 104. Karuna Hiran Vyas (29 Jan 1999) 105. Kezia Jeremiah (19 Apr 2001) 106. Kingsley Gnanapragasam (15 Jul 1990) 107. Kingsley Xavier (17 Aug 1989) 108. Kirti Hiran Vyas (10 Nov 2000) 109. Kirubaharan Durai (26 Aug 1998) 110. Krupa Pawar (6 Jul 1991) 111. Leonard Ebenezer Samuel (15 June 1989) 112. Lincy Stephen (26 Mar 1985) 113. Lionel Robinsam (13 Jul 1997) 114. Livingstone Myla John (4 Aug 1991) 115. Lovina Ponniah (8 Oct 1984) 116. Magima Benjamin (30 May 1997) 117. Mahima Kesavan (7 Dec 1996) 118. Mahima Kuldeep Kumar (20 Jun 2001) 119. Mallika Amalraj (12 Sept 1978) 120. Mamatha Murugan (18 Dec 1994) 121. Manna Benjamin (3 Jul 1991) 122. Maranatha Mohendra Pal (11 Dec 1996) 123. Margaret Gently (19 Dec 1982) 124. Mariam J. Santa (16 Aug 1993) 125. Mary Murugan (16 Sept 1996) 126. Mercy Thomas (19 Feb 1980) 127. Mirdula Kesavan (1 Nov 1998) 118. Nabina Pangi (25 Jan 1988) 129. Neha Elisha (30 Sept 1992) 130. Newbegin Chelliah (1 Jan 1981) 131. Nibadita Pangi (6 Jun 1996) 132. Nikhil Elisha (26 Feb 1990) 133. 0sborn Dinakaran (5 Jun 1982) 134. Prabhasini Suresh Santa (15 Oct 1998) 135. Prarthana Mothis Siddi (10 Jul 1993) 136. Preeti Periyasamy (12 Nov 2000) 137. Prince Jeyaraj (3 Feb 1980) 138. Priscilla Iyyadurai (18 May 1978) 139. Ragland Vijayakumar (13 Oct 1996) 140. Rangarao Joseph (7 Nov 1991) 141. Ranjan Korada (13 Mar 1989) 142. Rashmi Raja (20 Jan 1996) 143. Ruthamma Joseph (23 Sep 1985) 144. Rebecca Parasuram (3 Jun 1999) 145. Revivan Selvam (25 Jan 1981) 146. Richardson Prem (23 Aug 1999) 147. Roselin Mohendra Pal (4 Jan 1995) 148. Rubel Manivannan (9 Jun 1990) 149. Reuben Subhanand Siddi (5 Apr 2000) 150. Ruben Ajay Suna (22 Aug 1998) 151. Ruth Mothis Siddi (26 May 1989) 152. Salome Anandaraj (3 Feb 1990) 153. Sam Karunakaran (23 Dec 1986) 154. Sameer Malarselvan (23 Apr 2000) 155. Samraj Gunasekaran (22 Mar 1985) 156. Samraj S. Khosla (26 Sept 1998) 157. Samson Pangi (21 Jun 1994) 158. Samuel Robinson (2 Jan 1992) 159. Samuel Venkatasamy (17 Apr 1999) 160. Sarah Gently (24 Jul 1984) 161. Sarah J. Santa (6 Nov 1995) 162. Shantharaj S. Khosla (9 Dec 1996) 163. Shanthi S. Khosla (11 Dec 1994) 164. Sheeba Gunasekaran (29 Mar 1987) 165. Sheeba Nag (3 Jul 1987) 166. Sheela Nag (26 Jul 1993) 167. Shulamite Anandaraj (19 Aug 1991) 168. Sophia Sadamal (15 Aug 1988) 169. Susilkumar Suresh Santa (9 Sep 2000) 170. Soundharya Dinakaran (11 Mar1995) 171. Stanley Xavier (12 Jul 1985) 172. Stephen Jothiraj (24 Sept 1982) 173. Sudhanshu Malarselvan (16 Nov 1996) 174. Sukanti H. Khosla (11 Jun 1998) 175. Sunitha Bishoyi (15 Feb 1980) 176. Susanna Digal (18 Apr 2000) 177. Susanna Regunathan (14 Mar 1990) 178. Sushanti Parasuram (9 Sept 1995) 179. Teena Sadamal (20 Jan 1987) 180. Tyndale Saravanan (25 Nov 1997) 181. Victoria Samal (17 May 1983) 182. Vijay Amalraj (25 Oct 1981) 183. Vijay Narayan Siddi (25 Jun 1985) 184. Vijayakumar Venkatasamy (17 Apr 1999) 185. Vinaya Christmas (24 Dec 1989) 186. Wesley Jaishankar (19 May 1998) 187. William Sadamal (8 Sept 1990) |
A Soulwinning Testimony
Cornelius G. Christie, Gujarat
Some 5 years back while I was travelling by a bus, I shared the gospel with Bhikhabhai a young college student sitting next to me. At the time of parting I gave him some tracts with my address and a request to keep in touch. He was a commuter to my city from a small village, 60 km away for his college.
In his village there was another young man who had been regularly listening to Christian radio programmes. Bhikhabhai gave those tracts and my address to him. He immediately wrote a post card to me. I wrote him back. Within a short time he came to my home with his friend. As such, I did not know alphabets of visiting such contacts and using the opportunity to plant a church. But praise be to God that in His providence at about this time the Friends Missionary Prayer Band posted a missionary couple in my district headquarters. I told them about these young men. We went to their village and conducted a night meeting which was attended by about 15 people. Encouraged by this response, the FMPB missionary started visiting this village and conducting meetings regularly. Within a short time, Bhikhabhai professed faith in Christ publicly through baptism.
Immediately after Bhikhabhai’s baptism, the missionary was transferred elsewhere. I was worried. I wrote to Mr.M. Jeyakumar of BYM at Junagadh, Gujarat to pray for an urgent posting of another missionary in Kutch district. He wrote me back, "Brother, sure, I will pray for the posting. But till then, why don’t you go?" And though I did not know anything about such work, with God’s grace and Brother Jeyakumar’s prayer backing, I took up the challenge and started visiting the village every month. During such visits Bhikhabhai told me that he was interested to go for fulltime ministry! I praised God!
A little later I met one friend in Ahmedabad who is the founder director of a small missionary organization and shared with him the story of Bhikhabhai. He immediately told me that he would take him as his worker, give him training and post him as a missionary in his own village to work among his own people. Thus, Bhikhabhai is working as an evangelist since March ’97 and has been able to establish a small worshiping group of about ten believers and several seekers. They meet on Wednesdays for prayer and on Sundays for worship and Bible study.
Now Bhikhabhai wants to move to another village which is his in-laws’ place with an intention to plant a church there also. A new believer is ready to take his place in his own village. This new believer is a poet! He composes good songs and leads the local believers wonderfully in worship. It seems, as if, God is sending ripples of blessings started with a small act of sharing the gospel to a copassenger during a short journey together! Amen.
From the Finance Coordinator...
A. Jeyaraj
When Jesus sent forth the seventy disciples two by two to preach the gospel He told them not to carry any money with them. He promised them that He would take care of their material needs wherever they would go. Later He checked up with them, "When I sent you without money bag... DID YOU LACK ANYTHING?" They answered, "Nothing!" (Lk 10:4; 22:35).
This is what we in the Blessing Youth Mission are experiencing year after year since 1971, especially in the financial year 2000-2001. God’s wonderful supply of our needs this year is another reminder to us that we are doing what we are doing because the One who backs us has "all authority in heaven and earth" (Mt 28:18,19).
The contributions received from the people of God between April 2000 and March 2001 have totalled Rs. 2,68,90,000/-. This is an increase of 35% over the receipts of the previous financial year, 1999-2000. While we praise the Lord and thank His people for such a blessing, we are humbled to realize that
BYM is one of the very few indigenous Missions in India which are not caught up in financial crisis. The economic crisis in the secular world is also too acute.A question does arise in our minds: "Why has not the Blessing Youth Mission got into financial crisis anytime in its 31 year history?" Are the
BYM workers and supporters holier and more honest and dedicated than the others in the world of missions? The answer is a resolute "No!" It’s sheer sovereign grace of God. In the words of C.H. Spurgeon, "It’s all of grace!"However there’s one Scriptural principle that Brother Stanley and the other leaders have stressed from the beginning: "When we primarily mind the spiritual aspects, God takes care of the material needs. When we feed God’s people richly with spiritual truths we can in turn reap material blessings from them." Please see Matthew 6:33 and 1 Corinthians 9:11. This I state not to boast of ourselves but to encourage fellow ministries to incorporate this eternal principle in their plans and programmes.
An analysis shows that over 90% of funds received in 2000-2001 has been from Indian Christians. We do respect what the European and Western Churches do to Indian ministries, but self-supporting has to be stressed more because it indirectly increases local accountability.
Mr. Rajasingh, a leading Christian financial consultant, and his staff help us a lot in internal audit. Mr. A. S. Raman continues to be our regular auditor to liaison with the Income Tax Department. Thanks for the excellent services of these friends.
On behalf of our Treasurer Mr. J. Gabriel, our Asst. Finance Coordinator cum Payments Secretary Mr. S. Ebenezer, our Receipts Secretary Mrs. Geetha Amalraj and all the staff of the Accounts Department I thank you all for your generous support extended so far and request you to abound in it because what is yet to be accomplished is much more than what is already done. God bless!