Shepherding in Shillong: A Family

One evening in Shillong a brother and sister invited us for fellowship and for love-feast. It was a surprise to me as this family has been through tough times, as far as I know. The way the Lord shepherded them into the church is also through the shepherding of a brother who shepherded them in times of hardship especially when they lost their daughter prematurely and unexpectedly years ago.

In my previous visits, one time with a couple from the USA, they had a doubt about the teaching of the outer darkness. We did our best to reply to them, hopefully, the answer would satisfy them. The other time, they came with questions which to me were a repetition of some opposers' attack on the Lord's recovery available online. To my knowledge, we did our best to address their questions. Though the fellowship did not end on a satisfactory note, I was not disturbed at all. To me, they are my brother and sister, and they have the right to question any teaching and practice of the church-life. Though they may not be clear of all teachings and practices then, they are still precious members of the Body of Christ and my fellow brother and sister in Christ. I trust the Lord will continue to shepherd them and fully recover them and make them pillars for His testimony.

Later, I was told that this couple was not in good terms with one of the brothers entering politics. Immediately, I texted them to encourage them in the Lord and even, if possible, visit other local churches within India and also abroad to have a better view and experience of the practical church life. I requested them that I would text them ministry messages on a regular basis and continue only if they read and reply back. I did that in a way of shepherding for quite some time until I was requested to join the church WhatsApp group where I could post messages regularly for all the saints including them.

Last month they had been to China for their daughter's medical college when the sister contacted me for the saint's contact detail. Through fellowship, I did my best to contact the saints in China. A sister from the local church visited them at their hotel and invited them for the Lord's Table Meeting and fellowship in the local church there. I believe the Lord had used that as a channel for them to see and taste the church life practically. Perhaps, that too was their first contact with a local church outside their locality.

After passing through all these, I was glad to hear that they have been recovered back to the fellowship of the church there. I was glad to fellowship with them in their home and their invitation came as a surprise to me. May the Lord continue to bless my brother and sister.

With much burden for the family, I gifted them The Vision of the Age and Lessons on Prayer.

Praise the Lord for His faithfulness in shepherding the saints and the church in Shillong!