MAY 2002
Volume 31 Issue 5 No. 314
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MAY 2002 Volume 31 Issue 5 No. 314 |
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A message on the Helps of the Holy Spirit by R. Stanley
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to him!
My Predecessor introduced Me to His disciples as "Another Helper" (Jn 14:16). They were worrying what they would do when He would be taken away from them. He was not only their Master but also their Friend. For everything they approached Him, for help and consultation. He told them not to be troubled in their hearts because He would send Me in His place. His last sermon was about Me. I prompted His bosom disciple John to record it in his Gospel (Ch 14 & 16).
The very mention of My Name was allergic to people for a long time. They thought I belonged to the Pentecostal Church because I came down from Heaven on the Day of Pentecost. But over the years they have found out from the study of the Scriptures that I am a Gift from the Father to any of His children who would want Me (Lk 11:13; Acts 2:39).
Eventhough many Christians have now received Me, they stop with their initial encounter with Me. What John the Baptist referred to as the "baptism with the Holy Spirit" is only an introduction to a life with Me. I want you to walk with Me moment by moment (Gal 5:25). My Greek name is Parakletos, which means an ever-present Helper alongside. Would you, My child, give me a patient ear as I want to tell you how I can help you? It’s all for your good, dear!
God through Moses had given to His people many laws on worship. It all became a mere ritual without spirit. But God is a Spirit, not a substance. Worship therefore must be spiritual (Jn 4:20-24; Acts 17:22-25). I am sent to enliven your worship. When you open up yourself to Me I will release your inner man so your soul will be raptured into joyful praise (Phil 3:3).
To what extent you empty yourself and seek Me, to that extent I will fill you. I will make your heart rejoice and tongue glad. I will cause psalms and hymns and spiritual songs flow out of your heart. You will make melodies and your spirit will soar high in exultation (Eph 5:18-20). Not even David or Deborah had experienced this dimension. This was reserved for you who is drenched in My endtime showers!
Because language is the chief means of worship I specifically touch your tongue. If you desire I will gift you with the ability to speak in languages which you have neither learnt nor can understand (Acts 2:4; 10:46). Through this gift you can bypass your mind and bless God in your spirit. I will grant deep restfulness to your inner man and you will be thoroughly refreshed.
My child, I also understand your difficulties in prayer. Many times, especially when you go through difficult and confusing situations, you do not know how and what to pray. You are unable to find God’s mind. Don’t worry, I am there for you. I will not only guide you in prayer but also pray for you. I will groan for you when your language cannot adequately express your sorrow. Depend on Me. I will help in your weakness (Rom 8:26,27).
Your natural mind cannot understand the deep things of God. I will enlighten your mind so you will understand His mysteries. Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, not have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him. But He reveals them to you through Me. Just as your spirit alone knows what is in you, I only know the things of God, because I am His Spirit. I do not want you miss any of what God has promised you in His Word. My true ministers will not attempt to explain to you those blessings through their brilliance. Rather, they will speak to you under My anointing (1 Cor 2:9-13). When you learn to recognize My voice and whisper, no one can easily deceive you with false teaching (1 Jn 2:26,27). I will grow you in the art of discernment (1 Cor 2:15; Heb 5:14).
Don’t ever neglect to meditate the Bible. That is the only guiding star in this world of darkness (2 Pet 1:19). Don’t be deceived by strange voices. I also will not speak on My own authority. I will only take from what the Father and the Son have spoken (Jn 16:13; 15:26). Unless you saturate your heart and mind with the written Word, what can I remind you of at crucial situations? (Jn 14:26).
I am gentle as a dove. I won’t force Myself on anyone. Unless you invite Me to help you, I will not assist you in your study of the Scriptures (Psa 119:18). If you give Me a free hand, I will transform you stage by stage so you as a child of God will become like the very Son of God whom you meet in the Holy Writ (2 Cor 3:18).
You are engaged in a warfare that is both within you and without. I assure you of My help whether it is inner conflict or external battle.
The inner conflict is between your body and your mind. You are not able to do what you desire, but you keep doing what you hate. I hear your cry, "Who shall deliver me from this wretched condition?" Fear not, I will take care of you. I am the Spirit of Life. I will give you new strength. I will empower you to overcome your sinful desires (Rom 7:22-24). Keep walking with Me. Obey My promptings whether you like them or not. If you resist Me who has actually come to help you, will I not be grieved? If you keep on grieving Me, I may become quiet. It’s not good for you, beloved (Gal 5:16).
I am a "holy" Spirit. I cannot tolerate anything unclean in you. You are My temple. How can I see My temple being defiled? (1 Cor 6:19). I create in you a love for holiness and a hatred for sin. Keep your conscience sharp and clear. Don’t close yourself when I turn My searchlight on you (Rev 2:23). If you run away from Me without hearing My voice, you will become an easy prey to Satan who is roaming about as a revenous wolf and a roaring lion. If you must chase the devil, you need My backing. I will stand with you only when you stay submitted to Me (Js 4:5,7).
The enemy comes in like a flood, suddenly and overwhelmingly. Don’t be scared. Hold your ground. I will lift up a battle flag against him (Isa 59:19b). I will also train your hands and fingers how to wield My sword against the spiritual powers of wickedness (Eph 6:12,17). The devil has no argument against My Word and Christ’s blood. But don’t expect instant victories. The war may be long drawn. The devil will not easily give up. Keep drawing from My plentiful riches and drinking from My perenniel rivers lest you get exhausted. It is neither by might nor by power but by Me all battles are won (Zech 4:6).
If you lose a battle don’t get discouraged. For My people failure is never final. As long as I am here with you, and the Father and the Son are up there for you, don’t quit. Come apart with Me and I will tell you why you failed. You will become more than a conqueror.
When problems mount up and pains increase, remember you are not alone. I am not just with you, but in you! (Jn 14:17b). I understand your pain more than you feel it, because as God resident in you nothing is hidden from Me. I suffer with you (Isa 63:9). I am your Comforter for ever. I will strengthen your weak hands and feeble knees. Lean on Me, My child, lean on Me! I will heal your broken heart. I will give you beauty for ashes and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness (Isa 61:1-3).
Eating and drinking and such physical pleasures don’t last long. Revel in Me. That’s what life in God’s Kingdom means (Rom 14:17). I make the joy and peace of Jesus real to you. It’s what the world cannot give or understand or take away (Jn 14:26,27).
Sometimes you may feel lonely and orphaned. You would wonder whether I had left you. Remember, dear child, I don’t make shunting trips between Heaven and earth according to My moods and your condition. No, I am always with you whether you feel so or not (Jn 14:16b). If I have to vacate your heart everytime you displease Me, I cannot be resident in any saint on earth (Psa 51:11).
Be filled with Me. Don’t consider your timidity or boast of your oratory skill. Depend on Me. I will grant you boldness in all situations to speak forth the message of the Cross (Acts 4:31). Your educational qualification is not the criterion. You will see souls saved when you witness to them for Christ in My power (Acts 1:8).
I will equip you with My gifts (1 Cor 12:7-10). You can discern spirits. You can drive out demons. You can deliver people from sin and sickness. You can demonstrate My power through signs and wonders. You can denounce evil through prophetic words. You can declare words of faith into hopeless situations. You can demoralise the enemy’s agents. You can dethrone wicked powers from governmental seats. You can declutch youth from drugs and deception. All these and more in My power!
Satan will fight aginst you tooth and nail when you go proclaiming the Gospel. He will not easily loosen his grip on souls. Just because you go in My power, don’t think he will stay silent. He will instigate people to work against you. He will incite them to beat or burn you. I won’t promise that no stone pelted at you will hit you, but I will make your face angelic even if you will have to bleed to death. I will keep your spirit sweet and not turn bitter against the persecutors (Acts 6:15; 7:60). You will overflow with My joy (Acts 13:50-52). I will rest on you as the Spirit of Glory (1 Pet 4:14). Take heart!
As much as I anoint your words I will also adorn your life with My fruit. I will radically change your temperament if you let Me work deeply in you. I will make you a loving Christian, joyful friend, peaceful citizen, patient sufferer, kind boss, good neighbour, faithful husband, meek wife and self-controlled minister (Gal 5:22,23). There will be no argument against a life well lived.
I filled Joseph with My wisdom and he saved Egypt in famine. I filled Bezaleel with understanding and he excelled in artistic works for the Temple. I filled Daniel with knowledge and he interpreted My revelations for kings. I am the Spirit of Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Might and Knowledge (Isa 11:2). There is no work or profession where I cannot help you. But what I told you I am telling you again: You must ask for My help, accept it and acknowledge it.
I will fill you afresh each morning when you wait before Me before starting off to work. My presence will be with you in the workspot.
Offices, workshops and business centres all over the world are plagued with corruption. Say no to malpractices. Dare to be different. I will strengthen you. Through you I will burn the chaff. Your superiors and colleagues will come to you for counsel because I have filled you with My wisdom (Gen 41:37-40). If you are treated unjustly, turn to Me. I will fill you with the fruit of patience. Promotion comes from Me.
I have endowed the Church with the gifts of healing. Pray for one another in faith. You will see the gifts operating. I also want you to enjoy soundness in mind.
My dear child, you are engaged to be married to Jesus. I will be with you until I reach you Home safe into His loving arms. Together as the Spirit and the Bride, let’s say, Amen!
Receive the Holy Spirit A. Lionel
I was already a believer when I joined the Engineering College in Karaikudi in 1965 for my graduate studies. But the first thing that Brother Stanley and his prayer group members in this campus wanted to know when they met me was whether I had received the Holy Spirit. I was not quite comfortable with this question because of my church background. However I was very impressed with the lively worship and powerful witness of this group. I started studying the Book of Acts afresh. Before I had hardly come to the end of this Book I was convinced that the first blessing I should seek from God after I believed on Christ was the Gift of the Holy Spirit. Among the other passages what appealed to me most was Apostle Paul’s first question when he met a dozen disciples in Ephesus: "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" (Acts 19:1,2).
In God’s sovereign grace I was baptized with the Holy Spirit in a couple of weeks. I soon found myself helping others also to receive the Holy Spirit. As unworthy as I am, the Lord has been using me since then to lead hundreds and thousands of believers both individually and en masse to experience the infilling of the Spirit. I have put together in this article what I have learnt from the Scriptures and observed from experience to encourage you to help people receive the Holy Spirit.
Stay aflame!
Spiritual fervency is a must if we are to be effective instruments in the hands of God. "Not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord" (Rom 12:11). Apollos was "fervent in spirit" and he "greatly helped" those who had believed (Acts 18:25,27). Fire begets fire. Spend sufficient time each day with the Lord in prayer and Bible meditation. Walk transparently before the Lord claiming the cleansing of His blood every moment. Give God the first place in all your affairs. Obey His revealed will in every area of your life. God is the Source of all blessings but we are the channels. "All peoples will be blessed THROUGH you" (Gen 12:3c). See that nothing blocks the flow. Stay full of the Spirit (Eph 5:18,19).
Evoke interest!
The Pentecostal experience of the disciples followed days of expectation. The Lord Jesus had evoked in them a genuine interest in the baptism with the Holy Spirit by explaining to them its blessings and benefits. We must do the same for our candidates. Unless we help to create in them a deep thirst and intense hunger, their prayers will be half-hearted and they will go empty. God fills the hungry with good things but sends away the disinterested empty (Lk 1:53). Among the numerous blessings of the infilling of the Holy Spirit, the following are the primary ones to be stressed to the candidates.
1. Love of God
"God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit" (Rom 5:5). The love of God manifested in the sacrifice of Christ is immeasurable. It is the Holy Spirit who makes us understand and appreciate this divine love. Christian life is nothing but a positive response to the love of God. "We love Him because He first loved us!" (1 Jn 4:19).
2. Joy of Assurance
When we believe on Christ we instantly receive an inner assurance through the Holy Spirit that we are the children of God (Rom 8:16). This assurance is further confirmed when we get filled with the Spirit. He makes us cry out spontaneously with a joyful release, "Abba, Father!"(Rom 8:15). The Holy Spirit is called the "seal," the "guarantee" and the "deposit" of God’s ownership on us for the day of redemption (2 Cor 1:22; Eph 1:13; 4:30). Even in moments of defeat and despair, the Holy Spirit quickens our spirits to the realisation of our sonship in God’s family.
3. Help in Prayer
Everyone is weak to some degree in prayer. "The Spirit helps us in our weaknesses. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans which words cannot express" (Rom 8:26). Prayer is energised when offered in the Spirit (Jude 20). Prayer is no more a drudgery or mere duty but becomes a delight when we are filled with the Spirit. See how the prayer life of the disciples of Christ was transformed following Pentecost.
4. Understanding of Scriptures
Who can explain a book better than its author? The Bible is authored by the Holy Spirit (2 Pet 1:20,21). Jesus introduced the Holy Spirit as the Spirit of Truth who would guide us into all truth (Jn 16:13). The Holy Spirit not only enlightens our understanding of the Scriptures but also interprets the message of the text practically for our personal needs and situations.
5. Victory over Sin
The Holy Spirit fights against the works of the flesh (Gal 5:16-21). He enables us to say no to the lusts of the flesh. As His very name suggests, He creates in us a passion for holiness and leads us in the paths of righteousness. The Holy Spirit makes a holy people. Our part is to open up ourselves to His fullness and possession.
6. Relationship with Fellowmen
Apostle Paul lists nine virtues as the fruit of the Spirit. Note that almost all of them are relevant to interpersonal relationships. "Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control" (Gal 5:22,23). Relationships become smooth when oiled by the Spirit. Loving the unlovables is impossible without the Spirit of God’s love.
7. Power to Witness
The disciples who deserted Jesus and denied Him became daring witnesses of His resurrection when the Holy Spirit filled them (Acts 1:8; 4:31). It is possible for a believer to witness for Christ and manifest certain gifts of the Spirit before being anointed with the Spirit. But newer dimensions and fuller manifestations can be experienced in ministry when we receive the Holy Spirit in His baptismal power (1 Cor 12: 7-10). Though Christ is the very Son of God, He worked in the power of the Spirit rather than His own strength and abilities, thus giving us a pattern (Acts 10:38).
Clear doubts!
Explaining the benefits of the Spirit baptism alone may not suffice for certain candidates. Depending on their background they will have several questions. Though it is not always possible to satisfactorily answer every question, it is necessary that the basic questions are tackled and deep-rooted doubts cleared. I have normally come across the following questions while dealing with the candidates.
Those coming from Brethren, Baptist and such non-charismatic Evangelical background usually pose this question. This is a genuine theological question which must be answered clearly from the Scriptures.
The names of the disciples had already been written in Heaven (Lk 10:20). And before His ascension Christ had breathed on them saying, "Receive the Holy Spirit" (Jn 20:22). This cannot be dispensed with as a mere symbolic act. The disciples did receive a measure of the Spirit at that instant, but they received the Spirit in His fullness as a "baptism" (indicating totality) several days later (Acts 2:1-4).
Crowds of men and women in Samaria were baptized by Philip when they believed on Jesus Christ. When the news reached Jerusalem, the apostles from there came down to visit the new believers. They found that they had not yet received the Holy Spirit. Therefore they laid hands on them and they received the Spirit (Acts 8:12-17). Note that the Spirit baptism is distinct from conversion.
Saul is another example. He accepted Christ as Lord on the Road to Damascus. But he got filled with the Holy Spirit three days later (Acts 9:6,9,17).
So also the case of the Ephesian disciples which is self-explanatory (Acts 19:1-6).
Though some people may experience rebirth and Spirit baptism simultaneously, we cannot deny that they are two distinct experiences. In the first we are baptized "BY the Spirit" into Christ and in the second we are baptised by Christ "INTO the Spirit. "Apostle Paul has put them orderly one after the other in 1 Cor 12:13, "BY one Spirit we were all baptized into one body... AND have all been made to drink INTO one Spirit." Conversion is the work of the Spirit applying the benefits of Calvary. Spirit baptism is the work of Christ applying the blessings of Pentecost. The Holy Spirit leads us to Christ (Jn 16:811). And Christ baptizes us in the Holy Spirit (Jn 1:33).
Over the years people have heard preachers asking, "Who would pour milk into an unclean vessel?" This illustration has led believers into a misconception that they must become holy enough to receive the Holy Spirit. But the truth is that the Holy Spirit does not fill us because we are holy or perfect but in order to make us holy. Sanctification is through the Spirit (1 Pet 1:2).
No gift of God can be merited by our worth or works. Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit are God’s parallel Gifts. Salvation through Christ is "not of works lest anyone should boast" (Eph 2:8,9). In the same way the Gift of the Holy Spirit is ours by birthright and inheritance because we are inducted into the family of God (Acts 2:38,39).
This of course does not mean that the reception of God’s gifts is void of human responsibility and cooperation. When we come to God for Salvation through Christ, what is expected of us is repentance and faith (Mk 1:15). When we come to God for the Gift of the Holy Spirit, what is required of us is faith and obedience (Acts 5:32). Water baptism is a basic step of obedience in Christian life. That’s why Peter told the enquirers on the day of Pentecost, "Repent... be baptized... and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:37,38). Though God in His sovereignity may baptize in the Holy Spirlt some of those who are not baptized in water, it does not negate the need for water baptism. See Peter commanding the Spirit-baptized congregation in Cornelius’ house to be baptized in water (Acts 10:44-48). You don’t need to send a thirsty candidate away to come back only after water baptism, but do check whether there is a willing mind. God honours the attitude that precedes the act (cf. 2 Cor 8:11,12).
While we are saying that God does not expect us to be perfect to receive the Holy Spirit, we must ensure that known sins are confessed and cleansing sought by the blood of Christ. Typically in the Old Testament, sprinkling of oil on the unclean followed that of blood (Lev 14:13-18). While seeking the Lord for the anointing of the Spirit, He usually brings to our mind the matters to be restituted and the persons to be reconciled with. Obedience brings blessing.
The tongues controversy has been the main hindrance for many Christians for receiving the glorious infilling of the Spirit. There are two extreme views concerning tongues. One is that everyone must speak in tongues; otherwise he is not baptized with the Spirit. The next belief is that tongues have ceased with the apostolic era; and the tongues spoken today are just gibberish and not a genuine gift of the Spirit. Both these views are wrong as they are unscriptural. No one can prove from the Scriptures that speaking in tongues is the only sign nor that speaking in tongues is not for today. The Biblical understanding of this phenomenon is more balanced.
Instead of getting into unhelpful arguments, point out to the candidate the benefits of speaking in tongues, most of which are listed in 1 Corinthians 14. (1) Speaking in tongues is one way of praying to God in the Spirit (vv 2,14); (2) Speaking in tongues builds up oneself spiritually (v 4); (3) Speaking in tongues enhances praise and worship (vv 15-17); (4) Speaking in tongues may serve at times as a convincing sign to skeptic onlookers, as on the day of Pentecost (v 22; Acts 2:6-13); (5) Speaking in tongues usually prepares the speaker to move into the operation of the other gifts (Acts 19:6). Tell the candidate that the supernatural and the miraculous in Christian life cannot be fully explained but they can be experienced by simple faith (1 Cor 13:9,12).
Though speaking in tongues is not the only sign of the baptism with the Holy Spirit, get your candidate turn to the Biblical examples and see how this gift was a manifestation associated with most of the instances of the Spirit’s outpouring (Acts 2:1-4; 10:44-46; 19:6). Encourage him positively.
Don’t assume that every candidate has all these doubts and questions. I have found in all these years that most of the candidates are so deeply desirous of the Gift that they are least bothered about things on which they are not clear. Don’t start giving answers to questions someone does not ask!
Lead candidates!
We have now come to the final step, that is leading the candidate into the Spirit Baptism. Here we go.
a) Tell the candidate to BELIEVE that God is more interested in filling him with the Spirit than he is anxious to be filled. The Gift of the Holy Spirit is "the Promise of the Father" to His own children (Acts 1:4). "God who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all—how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?" (Rom 8:32).
b) Encourage the candidate to ASK God for the Gift. Following His teaching on prayer, the first thing Jesus encouraged His disciples to ask for was the Holy Spirit (Lk 11:13b). True praying means asking until receiving, seeking until finding, and knocking until entering. But in most of the instances people get filled instantly when they pray just as they get saved instantly when they believe. You also pray for the candidate (Acts 8:15).
Some would prefer to pray alone for the Holy Spirit whereas others would find the presence of other Spirit-filled believers supportive.
c) Stir the candidate to RECEIVE the Holy Spirit with thanksgiving. "If we know that God hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have that we asked of Him." (1 Jn 5:14,15). Some have a notion that they must "tarry" in order to receive the Spirit. Explain to them that tarrying was necessary before the Holy Spirit was sent into the world. Now that He is already here, we need to simply take Him in.
Lay hands on the candidate if you feel at that moment that it would help him release his faith to appropriate God’s blessing. Laying on of hands is not a must in every case. There was no laying on of hands in the outpouring incidents of Acts chapter two or ten. In the other incidents of Acts eight, nine and nineteen, the laying on of hands was by the apostles except in the case of Paul for whom it was just an ordinary disciple called Ananias. With these two observations I would advise you not to indiscriminately rush to lay hands on everyone. In any case don’t shake the candidate’s head with your hands or push him. The Bible does not specifically speak of laying hands on the "heads" of people, rather just on "them"—may be gently on the shoulders.
Don’t blow on people to receive the Holy Spirit. Christ blew on His disciples because the Holy Spirit was His own as the Father had given Him the Spirit without measure (Jn 3:34). Don’t exceed your limits.
d) Encourage the candidate to SPEAK OUT the words the Holy Spirit prompts from within (Acts 2:4). The source of every gift is God, but no gift operates without human cooperation. Casting of demons is by the power of Christ’s Name but nothing happens until "we" cast them out. Healing of the sick is by God’s power but "we" are to lay hands on them. In the same list of sign gifts comes speaking in tongues, in Mark 16:17,18. The prompting is by the Holy Spirit but "we" must do the speaking.
Because our spirits are subject to our control, we normally will not become "unable" to speak in languages known to us (1 Cor 14:27,32). One cannot speak in two languages simultaneously either. Therefore a deliberate choice on our part to stop speaking in our language and start speaking in other tongues is essential. But don’t coach the candidate to speak in tongues by shouting into his ears or screaming. Avoid all that’s unseemly so that we can enjoy the beauty and dignity of the miraculous.
With such instructions some candidates fear that they may receive a counterfeit or get into flesh. It was to alleviate such fears that Christ gave the examples of stone for bread, snake for fish, and scorpion for egg. Make the candidate read for himself Luke 11:13. Fear leaves and faith comes by hearing the Word of God.
Allow variety!
Though the Gift of the Spirit is one in its essence and nature, the response of candidates to its reception may vary according to so many factors like the background of the person and his emotional make-up. Therefore don’t insist on uniformity but allow variety. Some may jump and shout whereas others may quietly rejoice and whisper praise. Physical manifestations are not the indicators of the depth or reality of the experience. The most important and conclusive evidence is that the candidate will "know" that he has received the Holy Spirit by an inward assurance.
If after prayer a candidate is not sure that he is filled with the Spirit, encourage him to go home seeking the Lord and trusting His Word. Several people receive the Spirit while on their way back home or working in the kitchen. The Holy Spirit is known for surprising us with His "sudden" descent (Acts 2:2; 10:44).
You can quote the right Scripture texts, give correct answers to the candidate’s questions, and follow the steps diligently; but the outpouring is not guaranteed. Your job is similar to that of a midwife. I quote the reply of a king of Israel to a woman who cried for help: "If the Lord does not help you, where can I get help for you? From the threshing floor? From the winepress?" (2 Ki 6:27).
Thanks to the Haggai Institute! Dr. M. Arthur John, Chairman, BYM
Immediately after Jesus began His public ministry He started training men He had chosen to continue the work after Him. We in the Blessing Youth Mission have been doing our level best over the years to train the fulltimers and the non-fulltimers for ministerial activities and leadership responsibilities. But we don’t attempt to do it all by ourselves. God in His sovereign will has raised several specialised ministries for leadership training to equip the Body of Christ. We send our fulltime missionaries as well as lay leaders to such organisations for short term training. One such organisation which is such a blessing to us in BYM is the Haggai Institute (HI).
The objective of the Haggai Institute is to advance the skills of qualified Christian leaders and help them effectively evangelize their own people and train others to do the same.
The BYM’s then Orissa State Coordinator missionary John Thomas and the present Maharashtra State Coordinator missionary Mohan Deenadayalan attended the Advanced Leadership Training at the Haggai Institute in Singapore in 1995 and 1998 respectively. They found the training quite helpful in their evangelistic and revival ministries.
During February-March this year three of our senior staff had the privilege of attending this Institute. They are Mr. A. Jeyaraj our Business Administration Coordinator based in the Mission’s headquarters office in Vellore, Mrs. Vasanthi Regunathan, missionary in Karnataka, and Mrs. Lalitha Mathansingh, missionary in Uttar Pradesh. Brother Jeyaraj attended the programme in Hawaii (USA) and the others in Singapore. Here are their brief testimonies—
A. Jeyaraj, L.C.E.
"The 30 days I spent at Haggai Institute, Mid-Pacific Centre, Maui, Hawaii are unforgettable. I was refreshed both spiritually and physically. It was a welcome break from my hectic schedule. I was very challenged by the vision and faith of Dr. John Haggai the founder of Haggai Institute. The devotional talks and Bible studies were highly illuminating. The sessions handled by Dr. Aldo an eminent cardiologist from Argentina, Dr. Prakash Yesudian from India and Dr. David Wong warmed my heart and encouraged me to attempt great things for God. The trip was a dream that came true!"
Vasanthi Regunathan, B.Sc., B.Ed.
"This being my first air travel and overseas trip, I was rather nervous. But my husband and my fellow missionaries and the leaders encouraged me a lot. I could get my passport on the 18th February and the visa to Singapore on the 26th only, whereas my flight was on the 27th! The hand of the Lord was real at every step. My room-mate was one Ruth from Phillipines. Fellowship with her and the other delegates was sweet. I could not enjoy the non-spicy food very much! The oft-repeated Bible verse in the Institute was 2 Timothy 2:2. My vision has been broadened and burden for souls deepened by the training. Thanks to the Haggai Institute!"
Lalitha Mathansingh, M.A., M.H.Ed, M.Ed.
"There were 44 participants from 19 nations in the programme. All the sessions were a blessing to me, but I particularly enjoyed the subjects of goal-setting, integrity, audio-visuals in teaching and preparation of lesson plans. The 3-week prog- ramme was for me a time of learning as well as unlearning. Meeting with various nationals and interacting with them was a rich experience. The BYM’s tentmaking missionaries in Singapore—Viji and Watson—took me and Sister Vasanthi for shopping and sightseeing and made us happy every way. We were very impressed by their commitment and simple lifestyle."
We from the Mission paid just 500 US dollars for each of these three delegates as registration fee. Air travel, boarding, lodging and other expenses were taken care of by HI. They spend about 10,000 US dollars for each delegate. We salute Dr. John Haggai for his contribution to the universal Body of Christ through those trained in his Institute. We thank Mr. Valentine Davidar and the other leaders of HI in India for their kindness to BYM. God bless Haggai Institute more and more in the years to come!
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