Ministry of the Word to Shimla, HP

This capital city of Himachal Pradesh has been in my heart for the introduction and spreading of the ministry of the word. But I had no contact to visit until last week. Out of burden from the Lord, it was planned that Shimla would be covered as well. 

When we were in Solan one night, a group of students were contacted by the Lord’s sovereignty. One of the student leaders gave me a brother's number as I told them that Shimla was our next destination. This brother whose number I got became our initial contact for this city visit. When I called him, his immediate reply was, "call me whenever you reach Shimla, at new bus stand." He readily made arrangement for our accommodation and food, and welcomed us to his guest house. 

Our first meeting was with a group of Bible translators where I fellowshipped on the importance of proper translation of the word of God by introducing New Testament Recovery Version with footnotes and other ministry books. Though they were a little hesitant about brother Witness Lee's books, they placed order for Watchman Nee's book. This was due to a brother calling up their organizational leader in Kerala who has some false notion about brother Lee. I simply exercised my spirit to minister the word of God to these brothers as much as I could. I ministered on the truth concerning regeneration, growth in life, the church, the economy of God, etc., using relevant Bible verses. By and large, they were very impressed with the presentation of the truth, though one of them tried to find fault in my speaking, his interjection and comment all turned out to be good for me to expound the the truth further with much clarity.

We also met with all the mainline churches' Christian leaders, and each of them paid close heed to all that we spoke. Besides agreeing with the truths presented, they had nothing to say further on the contrary. In fact, there was no way to speak otherwise as all that we spoke were all from the Bible. One of the Pastors and his son were so impressed with the truths that they ordered the entire set to be displayed for the believers in their congregation especially during Christmas time, though their bookstore would not display books other than their own publication. They found another better way out. Sensing the potential of this young brother, 1985 the Pastor's son, I gifted him a copy of the Recovery Version Bible New Testament as it would be a blessing to him. May the Lord gain this young man for His testimony. 

Another noteworthy meeting was a brother who is a Government servant and is shepherding a group of believers in Shimla. He was so sober and seeking that every book I introduced he wanted to have them. The truths in the books were his key attractions as he realised his and his congregation need for the proper and healthy teaching. He also ordered the entire set and wanted to study the truths, speak the truths, and introduced to others as well. 

Our last meeting in this city was with a Pastor, a missionary, and a youth leader who turned out of be the most seeking ones and open among all those we met. As we fellowshipped on the Christian life and the church life with an emphasis on the church from the view of God using the book "The Glorious Church" they were so impressed and convinced that they all need to be recovered to the orthodoxy of the church and each of them be reconstituted with the truths for the Lord's testimony. The leading Pastor who has already established fourteen assemblies ordered two copies of the entire Hindi ministry books and promised to order more for all his coworkers. He wanted to have more fellowship and was especially thankful that the Lord sent us to meet their timely need. Though many new believers have been gained, their is a great need for the proper and healthy spiritual food. This is where the ministry material played a vital role.

We were glad that the Lord led us to various Christian leaders and seekers in this city, and especially glad that the riches of the ministry have been made known to the key Christian leaders. The seeds of the ministry have been sown, and now looking forward to the growth, development, and manifestation of these seeds. 

Lord, gain Your testimony in Shimla!