Shepherding Young People

I have been praying together with a group of young brothers since the Lord burdened me to take care of the young people in the church in Gurugram. The very first burden and goal the Lord imparted into me for the young people was that each one of them would be graced to join and be trained in the two years full-time training. Initially, when the burden came to me, it was "impossible" considering the cases of the young people then. But the Lord is sovereign in working all things together for good in each one of them.

When the time came, the first young people to graduate also happened to be my niece. The Lord worked on her and she joined the full-time training. Later, another brother also was touched by the Lord through his circumstances and he also joined the training. A year later another young brother graduated, and he also decided to join the training. Now all these ones are enjoying the Lord's training in the training.

One brother who has been a little skeptical about the truths and the church life has been very passive in the church life. I used to pray with him whenever he picked my call. Otherwise, it was even hard to talk to him. But we have been praying for him. A few months ago, something transpired in his family which prompted me and another brother to fellowship with his father if he would be released for the training. But we got no response at all even after months have passed. Deep within my being, I wish that he could consecrate himself and join the training. But it seemed like an impossible case.

One Lord's day I got to fellowship with him along with his mom and brother to seriously consider joining the training. They all agreed and I even brought the matter to the brothers to fellowship. But no response came from them.

However, last month, something very bad happened in his life. He was "driven out" by his father out of rage for some reason. Even otherwise, he has not been on good terms with his father. Only God knows for whatever reason. What could I do? Nothing. It was a blessing to be able to do nothing but pray. That's what I did with a few other brothers. The Lord hears our prayers. Amen!

Last month, while I was on a literature journey to Madhya Pradesh in MHOW, I received a phone call early morning from this brother saying that he had been driven out by his dad and that he came to my home. Immediately, I welcomed him to stay with us though I was not at home then. I called my wife and my brother and advised them to make the necessary arrangement for his hospitality. I also called up a brother with whom I am coordinating in the church affairs to consider his case and how we could help him join the training immediately. Within a few hours, we were able to make all the necessary fellowship and the matter was decided that he would join the training. Finally, after all the impromptu arrangements and special circumstances, he joined the training after a few days. Praise the Lord!

The Lord knows how to gain people in His own way and in His own time. He knows best. I simply must do my duty faithfully, to pray and pray for the young ones. This is the best way I can shepherd them, and also usher them to join the training.

Lord, shepherd all these young saints; shepherd them and train them, make them useful vessels to You!