Ministering in the Combined Meeting

Today, three local churches, the churches in Marthandam, Nagercoil, and Kanyakumari, had a combined Lord’s Table Meeting together in Marthandam. This was my first time to attend the meeting with the saints in these localities. For this meeting, a few weeks ago a brother messaged me that the brothers had alloted me to minister the word in two sessions. I took the matter to prayers and considered before the Lord. The Lord then gave me a message for the first session, but for the second, I was not sure. While I was attending the national serving ones training, the Lord made it clear to me to respeak the Lord’s speaking to the saints.

Yesterday night and today morning I went before the Lord in prayer and also went through the outlines of the recent training on "The Ministry of the Word and God's Dispensing for God’s Economy". The Lord then made the message clear to me with a very clear burden on what to minister.

As the meeting began, I released the burden the Lord gave me. Beginning with Acts 6:4 on the need to continue steadfastly in prayer and the ministry of the word, the burden was fully released as I exhorted the saints to spend time with the Lord in prayers and also in the word of God daily and using the ministry to open up the word. Following this is the ministry of reconciliation in 2 Corinthians 5:18-20, then issuing in the ministry of life in 1 John 5:16. The burden rotates around these three points, and when it was sufficiently released, I stopped my speaking and let the saints flow out. Many saints overflowed their enjoyment of the ministry of the word, and the first session ended.

We then partook of the table and had lunch lovefeast, afterwhich, the second session started. I continued to release the burden on the ministrering life for the Body and dwelt on the need to stay within the measure of God's rule in 2 Corinthians 10:12-15 and fighting the spiritual warfare in the Body. Finally, to fulfill God’s economy,  there is a need for our cooperation with the Lord to carry out His economy by being His faithful stewards who minister the word with a burden from the Lord and who coordinate with one another in one accord. When the burden was thoroughly released within the one hour time allotted to me,  I concluded my ministering. The saints then continued to flow out their enjoyment of the word. 

In both the sessions, the saints testified that the Lord’s speaking was very timely and apt and it was the need of the churches at the present time. Thank the Lord for the ministry of the word. 

May the Lord grace all the saints in tbe churches to be man of prayer, man of the word of God, minister of the word, having been reconciled, ministering life for the Body, functioning within the measure of God's rule, fighting the spiritual warfare in the Body in the victory of Christ, and cooperating with God in fulfilling His economy.

Ministry of the Word in Marthandam, Kanyakumari

Following the recently concluded national serving ones training in Angamaly, Kochi, I coordinated with the brother serving in the literature service in Keralam for a week of ministry literature introduction and distribution in Marthamdam and the surrounding localities.

In the Maruti Eeco which was also an offering from a brother for the ministry literature distribution, we travelled over nine hours from Angamaly to the Marthandam where the literature is stocked in the serving ones' house. From last Monday till Friday, we went to visit Christian leaders of different denominations in and around Marthamdam. Everyone we visited paid a careful heed to what we ministered through the literature, especially the introduction of the Holy Bible Recovery Version. To me, it was all the ministry of the word, the ministry of life, through the minsitry books. 

As the Lord answered our prayers, He opened the hearts of all the ones He led us to meet, and everyone one of them ended up purchasing the Recovery Version Bible  we introduced, except one who was very busy for for any reading, but still gave us the opportunity to display these ministry books in the meetings he is leading. We enjoyed a sweet coordination in one accord as we visited various Christian leaders, praying together along the way, and serving in oneness. I did not feel any pressure whatsoever. Neither did I feel like doing a work. Rather, I enjoyed the Lord’s presence in a very human way, full of peace and rest. To such a blessing from the Lord, I can only praise and worship the Lord for His marvelous way. Praise the Lord! Glory be to God!

In addition to the official burden of distribution, I also enjoyed a time of bending with our serving ones in Keralam in the distribution. I enjoyed their hospitality where they fed me with sea food everyday, of differnt variety cooked in different ways, along with my favorite "Kerala dry fried beef in coconut oil". The Lord shepherded me so richly inwardly and outwardly too. What a grace and blessing to serve Him!

An update I message to the brothers summerise this ministry journey enjoyment. 

Update: Ministry Literature Journey in Kanyakumari

In the past one week, the Lord led us to the key Christian leaders in Marthandam and the surrounding localities. All the Pastors we met either purchased the Recovery Version Bibles or gave us opportunity to display the ministry books in their upcoming big meetings. The Lord answered our prayers and granted us open doors to the big Christian groups; A_, B__ I___, C__, etc., introducing the ministry to the key leaders at their head offices.

Besides, we also enjoyed a wonderful time of fellowship and blending with the saints in these areas, in the evenings.

Two new contacts, one, who purchased books online, and the other a local contact, came to meet us. The gospel was preached and both were baptised in coordination with the local brothers, and now have started meeting with the local saints.

Tomorrow, the saints have arranged a combined Lord’s Table Meeting of three local churches for blending, and on Monday, we will meet some more Christian leaders till afternoon and then I will be back to Gurugram. 

Thank you for your prayers. Continue to pray for the Lord to open up the Scriptures through the reading of the Recovery Version to all these dear brothers who have purchased the Bibles and the ministry books.

Lord bless Your move in Kanyakumari!

Baptism: Jesus is Lord!

Yesterday morning I was enjoying the word of God in Revelation 12:11 on the truth concerning the word of our testimony.

And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they loved not their soul-life even unto death. Revelation of John 12:11, RecVer

The word of our testimony is the declaration of the facts Jesus Christ had accomplished at the cross. At the cross, the Lord defeated Satan, our one unique enemy and the source of all the problems in the universe. Declaring this fact outloud to Satan is the secret to the overcoming life. Satan, as the tempter he is, tempts in every possible way at every possible time. Our one weapon is the application of the victory of the Lord Jesus Christ at the cross. We must declare again and again that Christ is Victor and Jesus is Lord! This is the word of our testimony.

As I was enjoying this fundamental truth during my morning watch, I proclaimed the victory of the Lord upon me, and the saints, and even upon the new one who was coming to meet me. I had no idea about who this new one was, but I already declared the victory of Jesus Christ over him. That he would come, for whatever reason, I would preach the gospel and lead him to salvation, and lead him to the word of God, even unto baptism, to enjoy God's complete salvation. 

After I had sufficiently enjoyed my time with the Lord in prayer and in the word, he came. I paid careful heed to whatever he had to say. He poured out his sadness, sorrow, anxiety, stress, and depression issuing from his marital issue. I told him truthfully that his problems were merely symptoms of the real problem of sin. The solution is in dealing with sin, the source of the problem, only which God in Christ Jesus can deal with.

Then, I ministered the word of God concerning God's eternal plan, Christ redemption, and the way to believe into the Lord Jesus Christ as the Saviour. As I ministered the word of life, I did so by using the Scriptures and leading him to read various Scriptures portions in Genesis 1:26; 2:7; 1 Cor. 15:45; John 3:16; Romans 8:9-13; Mark 16:16; Romans 6:3-5; Matt. 3:15-17; John 3:5.

The word of God is more than sufficient to lead people to salvation. Though I preached the gospel, I did so, using the word of God directly, verse by verse. The word of God is spirit and life. Therefore, the new one believed into the Lord Jesus Christ and also was baptised.

The local brothers in sweet coordination came together for the baptism of the new one! 

Then, we enjoyed our meal together. Afterwhich, as the church gave a gift of the New Testament Recovery Version in English to the new born brother, I helped him read Matthew chapter 1 along some footnotes, showing him how to read the Bible daily. Then, for his continual shepherding, I introduced the Shepherding Materials, online version, and read together with him the first chapter. So that he could continue reading by himself the following chapters, and I also gave him the freedom to call me whenever he wills for fellowship or doubt clarifications.

The baptism on Wednesday and Friday here in Marthandam were the first two fruits for this year in gospel preaching in the way of ministering life. In the North, the outward situation is no longer favourable to such, though we still preach and lead people to receive the Lord, we wait for baptism. Thank the Lord for this wonderful experience of ministering life.

Jesus is Lord! Christ is Victor!

Brotherly Fellowship and Baptism

As were meeting various Christian leaders introducing and distributing the ministry literature, especially, the Holy Bible Recovery Version, we also took time to visit some saints' family as a shepherding visit. One brother, who I have known since the time I was in college has been physically sick for decades now. I had a particular burden to visit him and his family. Though they have been struggling in many areas, the brother and his wife have been faithfully serving the Lord according to their capacity. Visiting and fellowshipping with them encouraged me inwardly. Despite their outward condition, they have been graced by the Lord to stand firm for the Lord’s testimony and also serve like full-timers. When meeting with such saints, I was convicted that with my situation I could have done much more. Even in outward poverty, they are rich in Christ. 

We also visited another brother and his wife, who were my training mate for a month or so while I was undergoing the full-time training more than two decades ago. He had arranged a meeting with his brothers' family whose two sons are Pastors. As they requested me to minister the word, I ministered my recent enjoyment of the word of God. The ministry of the word is the ministry of life from the minister being one with the ministry. There was a sweet ministering of life. One of the Pastors and his mother testified of how much they were supplied with the ministry of the word and confessed that it was the first time they heard such a ministry of the word. After prayer, they hosted us with my favorite "Kerala Beef Fried in Coconut Oil". It was an enjoyable time of brotherly fellowship and blending.

Today morning, the Lord brought one new contact who purchased the ministry books first from a Christian bookstore, then, online. As we spoke to him, it became clear that he wasn't baptised yet. He just came to the faith about a year ago, but had no solid foundation in the word. But he, being a book lover, liked to read all kinds of books. His love for books led him to the ministry literature. 

Therefore, I preached the gospel of Jesus Christ beginning from God's plan till Christ's redemption and led him to the Lord in a fresh way again. Further, to give him the complete gospel, I led him to read all the key Bible verses concerning the seven spiritual significances of baptism. After ministering the word, he, out of his own willingness and choice, exercising his free will in obedience to the sovereign word of God, decided to get baptised. 

The local brothers had their fellowship and made everything ready for baptism. So, we all went to a nearby river and baptised this new brother. I did not baptise it myself, but let the local brothers do. 

The local saints were very encouraged at what the Lord was doing in their local church. Though we came mainly for the ministry distribution, the Lord also opened the door for gospel preaching, saving soul, and fellowship with them.

Besides, on the request of the brothers, I also shared briefly in their small group meeting on loving the Lord, in line with the experience of breaking the outer man, the Lord’s discipline in love reciprocating with our love for the Lord.

May the Lord continue to bless His move in Marthandam and the nearby localities.

Burden for Manipur

The burden the Lord revived in me in the beginning of this year concerning the Lord’s testimony in the North East was released after the national serving ones training in Keralam this month in fellowship with a brother. Soon after the burden for North East was fellowshipped, what the Lord had revived and reserved within me was released gradually. 

As I was on a distribution van riding for over ten hours from Angamaly, Keralam to Thengapatnam,  Tamilnadu, I prayed and began to call the brothers in the North East one by one. There were two groups for which the Lord burdened me. First, the key leading brothers, to bring them into the fellowship in the Body on a regular basis, and second, for the younger brothers who have graduated from the full-time training who need to be shepherded and recover their God alloted portion in the Body. With much prayers and fellowship, the Lord opened the door of the brothers' hearts and I could first fellowship with them one on one. With the younger ones, I even enjoyed praying with them. 

The gracious Lord has paved the way for all these brothers to be brought into sweet fellowship in coordination. Besides, for the younger brothers too, we agreed to meet online once a week for prayers and fellowship. For this, I created a WhatsApp group and added the younger brothers. The Bible verses for this group is:

Practice these things; be in them, that your progress may be manifest to all.

Take heed to yourself and to your teaching; continue in these things; for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you. 1 Timothy 4:15-16, RecVer

In addition to the phone call confirmation, I sent the following message conveying the purpose of the group to the group members of Prayers and Fellowship.

Brothers, as we fellowshipped over the phone, let us use this group for prayers and fellowship, to encourage one another, supply life to one another, that we all may practice the things of the divine economy that our progress may be manifest to all as the testimony of Jesus wherever we are, to be ministers of the word supplying the divine life to the saints for the building up of the Body of Christ. 

In this regard, to start with, let us meet online for prayer and fellowship on Wednesday night at 9:00 PM for now.

In fellowship, we may adjust it accordingly. 

May the grace of the Lord be upon us all.

Since these are younger brothers in Manipur, I felt it good to let the responsible brothers especially of the local churches where these brothers are in fellowship with.

Dear Brothers in N_____ and I______

(List of brothers_____, and others)

With much burden and prayer, I am bringing this fellowship that I will be in prayer and fellowship with the younger brothers from Manipur who have completed their full-time training and are now in different localities in Manipur. 

The main burden is to pray, fellowship, and pursue the truth together with them. I also have formed a WhatsApp group called prayer and fellowship for this purpose. 

The brothers in the groups are: 

A, G, P, M, and myself.

Please pray for us that we all may be shepherded and perfected to be functioning members in the Body.

-------------------------------------------

Practice these things; be in them, that your progress may be manifest to all.

Take heed to yourself and to your teaching; continue in these things; for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.

1 Timothy 4:15-16, RecVer

This is the new beginning the Lord is initiating for His move in Manipur despite the outward problems in the state politically and socially. 

May the grace of the Lord lead all the brothers on and on for His strong and intensified move in Manipur. 

Training in Keralam

The Lord had gathered us together again on the national level this time at Angamaly, near Kochi in Keralam for three days. Twenty years ago, I came to this very city for the young people’s training. I still remember speaking to the young people on God’s complete salvation and giving testimonies. Two decades after, the Lord’s speaking to us is one the ministry of the word and God's dispensing for His economy.

I arrived to this city after over fifty hours of train journey, then waited for over an hour for bus, and another hour of bus ride to the venue. Despite all the travelling experiences, the Lord’s speaking was very apt. The need of the time is to be ministers of the word, dispensing the divine life to people, for the fulfillment of God’s eternal purpose. The speaking began by the releasing of the burden concerning stedfast prayer and the ministry of the word. 

But we will continue steadfastly in prayer and in the ministry of the word.

Acts 6:4, RecVer

The minister, who is the person, and the ministry must be one. To minister life, the minister must be filled with life first. To receive life, the minister must pray and receive the ministry of the Spirit. This receiving is accomplished through the ministry of the word. Only the word ministered into the minister can be the ministry of the minister. Apart from God embodied in the Son realized as the Spirit ministered through the word there is no ministry of the word. Such genuine ministry of the word can only build up the church that will ultimately consummate in the New Jerusalem. 

For three days, we received the Lord’s continual supply of life. The serving brothers were all blended in coordination and we all received the services of the saints in Keralam. What a blessing to witness such a service in this land! This time, the number of attendees doubled the expectation. So, the serving brothers had to make special arrangements for meeting in three different halls simultaneously connected via Zoom screening. And brothers from abroad served us via the same online tool. Though things have changed outwardly, the Lord’s move continues, and is being intensified by the year. 

This time too, I had a crucial fellowship with some serving brothers concerning their services. As one of our serving ones resigned, it was also a testing time for a young serving brother to pick up the burden what the other had left behind. It looked to me like the Lord is purging and purifying even the serving ones in the ministry. 

Then, after the training, I stayed back for spending time with another seving brother in Keralam and coordinated with him in the introduction and distribution of the ministry literature. 

As serving ones, we all must serve in the Body in sweet coordination under the headship of Christ in one accord, serving and functioning within the measure of God's measure, all for the accomplishment of God's goal.

Lord, grace us as Your ministers of the word.

Time in a Train

What do you do when you have so much time? The best thing I can think of doing is, read the Bible. That's what I actually did when I had so much time sitting in the train waiting for my destination. Initially, I thought I made a mistake by taking a train journey to attend the Serving Ones Training in Angamally, Kerala. The train journey is about 50 hours with delays. I thought to myself, if I had taken flight I could have saved two full working days when I could accomplish so much work. I almost regretted taking train. However, I accepted the situation arranged by the Lord. When my train ticket was booked, I thought I could change it to flight later. However, I did not feel good about it as there were other saints with whom my train ticket was booked. So, I decided to take the train journey. 

The first day was mostly rest as I had to complete all my works before I travelled. So, I did not have sufficient time to rest the previous night and we needed to leave by 3:30 AM to catch a morning train. Then, after sufficient rest, I continued to enjoy my  daily schedule of prayer and Bible reading in the train itself.

The following day, I had more time as I already rested sufficiently. Then, I decided to simply read my Bible. So, I read, and read, and read for hours the old testament and completed the books of Genesis from where I left off. Then, I had a time of prayer inside the train, releasing all the burdens the Lord blessed me with, in prayer. Then, again I continued to read the new testament, on and on until I completed the gospel of Matthew from where I left off. Then, a time of prayer with my family over the phone. And it was then time to rest.

So, no time was wasted. All the time I had, I used it for prayer and Bible reading. In between,  fellowshipping with the saints. Therefore, my train journey became meaningful and fruitful.

This train journey, though long, was really a good one. I had enough time to rest, which I would never had otherwise. And I can speed up my reading of the Bible as I have a goal to achieve. Thank the Lord for this over fifty hours of train journey. Time well spent in the train.

New Normal Life

Should the Lord grant me a century lifetime to live, I have lived almost half of my life. In these four decades and more of my human life, I have learned a lot. From the past, from the present, from failures and from successes too. Life is about living and learning to live. The only question is, what is the scale with which your life is measured. Is it ethic, or religiosity, or spirituality? Borrowng from the Scriptures, the best life to live is, Christ. 

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21, RecVer

Living Christ is the standard for a normal Christian life. In fact, to be a Christian is to be a normal human being. For without Christ, life is abnormal, no matter what standard one lives. Only Christ is the normal life. 

In Christ, everything of humanity and divinity is encapsulated. Loving what or who to love, hating what or who to hate, Christ is the standard. Love or hate outside Christ is just human feelings. Therefore, the normal Christian life is to live Christ in His divinity and in His humanity. A life in Christ is perfectly human and completely godly. 

But by the grace of God I am what I am; and His grace unto me did not turn out to be in vain, but, on the contrary, I labored more abundantly than all of them, yet not I but the grace of God which is with me. 1 Corinthians 15:10, RecVer

By the grace of God I am what I am. It is His grace that has been keeping me thus far. I have been learning to take Christ as my life. While in the ministry journey, I was fully occupied with the ministry I was involved in. While at time, I was also fully occupied with my responsibility as a father. While at the office, I was also fully occupied with my official responsibilities. There was no time to waste. Life, to me, was indeed worth the living.

The past few months, I was fully occupied with carrying out responsibilities; official, of the church, and of my family. From morning to late night, all my time was occupied. I was glad that the Lord enabled me to accomplish everyday my daily schedule. My personal time with the Lord in the word and prayer, time with my family, time with the saints for the church life, and all official works were all well spent day by day. This all were due to the grace of God specially bestowed upon me. Praise the Lord!

For instance, the last few days before I ventured off for another ministry journey was noteworthy. So many things came up that I needed to finish before I travel again. I had only three days from the time I came back till I needed to leave again. On the Lord's Day, as usual, I was fully occupied with the church meeting in Gurugram and brothers' fellowship in Delhi. On Monday and Tuesday, I had to complete all the pending official works along with taking care of the family's needs. Somehow, I determined in my heart, I would complete it, and I did so. Finally, everything that needed to be done was done. At times, I wandered how such accomplishment was possible in a few days. It was the grace of God. This is by Christ's life. This is what I call, the new normal. A balanced life between office, church, and family. That's why, I call this life, a normal Christian life, as it is possible only in Christ, by living Christ. 

May the good God grace me to live Christ as my life day by day all the days of my life.

Word, Spirit, Word

All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for conviction, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16, RecVer

It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words which I have spoken to you are spirit and are life. John 6:63, RecVer

The opening of Your words gives light, Imparting understanding to the simple. Psalms 119:130, RecVer

Out from whom all the Body, being joined together and being knit together through every joint of the rich supply and through the operation in the measure of each one part, causes the growth of the Body unto the building up of itself in love. Ephesians 4:16, RecVer

For the building up of the Body of Christ, the saints need to grow. For the growth of the saints, the word of God is needed. Not only the written word in letters but the living word that gives life. For the word of the Lord is spirit and life.

All Scripture is God-breadth. Only the word that is God-breathed can build up the Body. Therefore, the word need to become flesh in the believers. The word must be living and subjective. Only the subjective, organic, living, intrinsic word can truly build the saints for the Body. 

The Bible did not say, all Scripture is profitable. It says, all Scripture is God-breathed, first. Then, the Scripture that is God-breathed, is profitable for teaching, for conviction, for correction, for instruction in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16).

Without first receiving the word of God and enjoying it, the word will remain the word in letters only, at best as knowledge. Therefore, daily, moment by moment, one has to enjoy the word of God, make the word become flesh in him, be filled and constituted with the word, then and only then, the word will become profitable to perfect and complete the man of God.

Once one receive such a living word, it becomes the spirit in him. And the spirit as the word when enjoyed, will flow out as the word. The ministry of the word is the flowing out of the spirit from the living word constituted in the being of the minister.

Therefore, word-spirit-word is what builds the church, Christ Body. For this, the word must be enjoyed day by day. Practical ways like morning revival, reading the Bible, pursuing the ministry books, getting into the Life-studues, etc., help the saints in experiencing the "word, spirit, word" model. If this be the case, all the saints will function as the joint of the rich supply according to their measure, and in so functioning, will also build up the Body of Christ. 

This was the burden the Lord released to the brothers in this country when we gathered for the National Brothers Fellowship. The same burden now is being conveyed to all the saints in the localities in the North. 

By this way, the Lord is building up His Body through the saints who have been experiencing and enjoying the word-spirit-word model.

Lord, build up Your Body and prepare Your Bride for Your soon coming.

Ministry of the Word to Madhupur and Deogarh

Madhupur, a new city was introduced to us by a Bishop in Dumka. It took us about four hours from Godda to arrive here. We took a bus ride for over three hours to Deogarh, and then another auto ride to Madhupur. Since this was all our first time, we had no clue where to get down from the bus even. Much less, where to get on to another bus or train or auto to reach our destination. But we experienced the Lord’s sovereignty in leading us where to get down. We also got an auto carrying goods to take us along to Madhupur. In mysterious ways beyond human imagination, the Lord led us again step by step.

Once we arrived Madhupur, our host sent her driver, who then dropped us to a hotel booked for our stay. Then, her manager, a brother came to meet us to whom we introduced the ministry. After that, we basically took rest.

The following day, we had a time of fellowship with our host, an elderly sister. Upon hearing the introduction of the ministry literature, she purchased all the books we still had with us. Thus, our goods were emptied out there and then.

She then fellowshipped with us about what the Lord has been doing through the ministry she has been involved in for these thirty five years. She invited us again for a time of training all the serving ones with her. Thus, the plan for the next ministry journey was conceived. We commit the matter to the Lord again for His perfect will to be carried out again.

Then, finally, we came to Deogarh, our last stop, from which our flights back home were booked. My brother left earlier for Bengaluru, and I waited for mine to Delhi. 

Meanwhile, another Pastor from Deogarh was contacted and he came to meet me at the Deogarh airport. To him too, I introduced the ministry literature in Hindi and handed him all the remaining free books in Hindi for distribution. As I waited for the flight, I completed all my pending blogs for the month.

In all these places we came.not knowing. Now, the Lord has revealed to us how this state has been preserved for the seed of the ministry of the word to be sown and how He will recover His lampstands all over this North Indian state.

Lord, bless Your move in Madhupur snd Deogarh. 

Ministry of the Word to Godda

As introduced by the Bishop in Dumka, we came to this city, Godda. After a long local bus drive through the dusty roads under the hot sun, we arrived at a school run by a couple with the heart of serving the local people. 

Despite the busy schedule of the family, they gave us a warm hospitality serving us sweets, snacks, and a mutton curry dinner. After the dinner, we were listening mostly to the testimonies of the sister and the brother. They have been through many things in their service to the Lord and to humanity. The Lord has been faithfully supplying them richly so that they could in turn be helping hand to many others in need, mostly in material help.

In fact, there were other guests too who they gave hospitality on the same day and night with us. In addition, on the day we arrived, they were busy helping the local Pators with all legal procedures, of an unknown dead body of a brother transporting back to Kerala. Yet, they still entertained us as their guests.

Though we did not have much time to fellowship, the next day, we somehow met the local Pastor and introduced the ministry literature. And finally, before we left, we also met him at his office and introduced the ministry. This being the case, we felt the burden to gift the Holy Bible Recovery Version and some selected ministry books to the family as seeds of the ministry sown into their family. 

May the Lord recover His testimony in Godda one day.

Ministry of the Word to Dumka

Dumka has been in my heart for many years now, at least a decade, when I first heard about it based on the fact that one sister was gained through our books distribution in Delhi, being from this place. Finally, I got to visit this city for the introduction and distribution of the ministry literature. 

We arrived the city by about midnight due to the train delay. Our host took care of us so well as we stayed for two days and two nights. Though we had no idea how to carry out the distribution, two full days we were busy meeting Pastors who came to visit us for the books. Instead of us going out to visit people under the hot sun with no transportation facility, the Lord brought people instead.

One Pastor after another, we were connected to different people. Our meeting with one Bishop was noteworthy. As we introduced the minister, we ended up spending over four hours in fellowship with him and his wife. They were so impressed by the depth of the truth and became very open to us. In fact, he further introduced and encouraged us to visit his relatives who are in two different districts. Therefore, two more new localities were added to our distribution list. It was truly the Lord’s sovereign hand behind the scene in all our meetings with dear fellow brothers in Christ. The timing, the place, and the openness, only the true and living God can do this. I reported the matter to the brothers with a message:

Update on the Ministry Journey

After West Bengal, we went to Dhanbad, Jamtala, Chittaranjan, and Dumka. One contact after another, the Lord led us to all these new places.

Step by step, the Lord led us to meet the key people for the introduction and distribution of the ministry literature. 

In Dumka, Br. P___'s family took care of us very well. Many Pastors came to visit us in their house to receive the ministry books. Seeking Christian leaders and Pastors were very impressed with the ministry literature and purchased the ministry books. We also had a time of fellowship with an elderly couple who have been instrumental in bringing many political leaders and their family to salvation, including ex-CM's family members. He was so excited by the truth we presented through the ministry literature and requested us for at least 3 days seminars on the truth with all the Pastors in Dumka. He offered his meeting hall and accommodation in his campus for all who would join.

The Lord led us further to a new area, Godda. Yesterday night, we had meeting with a couple who have been serving the Lord among the locals. The brother happens to be one of the ministers in the present Jharkhand government. 

Today and tomorrow, we plan to cover Madupur and Deogarh.

Please continue to pray for the Lord’s move in Jharkhand.

Lord, raise up Your testimony in Dumka!

Ministry of the Word to Dhanbad, Jamtala, and Chittaranjan

Though we knew no one in Dhanbad, the burden within drove us to plan a visit to this city. From Asansol, we got a contact, and followed the Lord’s leading one step at a time. In fact, our train ticket to Dhanbad was booked just the night before we travelled. 

In Dhanbad, a young Pastor gave us a warm Jharkhandi hospitality. He also placed for himself the entire set of Hindi ministry books. And through him, we got a new contact in Jamtala. 

The burden to visit Jamtala was conceived when I was planing for this trip. As I looked at the map, this city lies in between Dhanbad and Dumka. Therefore, I deemed it proper to set foot in this city for the introduction and distribution of the ministry literature. 

As we arrived Jamtala, we were directed to go to Chittaranjan. We had an enjoyable "toto" electric four wheeler motor ride and met two brothers there. We saw the "goodland." They took us for a home meeting where I shared the word in Hindi, basically, the mystery of human life. Then, we board a train to Dumka.

In just one day, all these localities were visited. One after the other, step by step, for the first time, we tread our foot on these "goodlands." 

Every place on which the sole of your foot treads I have given to you, as I promised Moses. Joshua 1:3, RecVer

Ministry of the Word to Asansol, Maithon, Durgapur, Jamuria, and Sripur, West Bengal

The thought of visiting this city was ignited by a brother known to me being posted in this city. I had visited this place twice, this time, after some consideration, we decided to visit this city again for the ministry. A local Pastor was very helpful in making all the arrangements during our visit to this part of West Bengal. He was instrumental in receiving the minsitry books for distribution and in making all the practical arrangements. The entire state was in a campaign mode for the state assembly election. Still, we spent two days to visit whoever we could, for the introduction and distribution of the ministry literature. 

We arrived on 18th April, Saturday night and were lodged in a hotel in middle of the busy market. On the following Lord’s Day, the Pastor invited us to minister the word to the congregation he has been shepherding. Some two hundred believers, mostly, sisters were so seeking to worship the Lord in songs and prayers. They were all simple sisters from the lower section of the society. Its seems like most of their family members are yet to be saved. 

We ministered on the two gifts God gave to His children; the Holy Spirit and the word of God, the Bible. Using relevant Bible verses, we expounding the truth concerning the last Adam becoming the life-giving Spirit. 

So also it is written, “The first man, Adam, became a living soul”; the last Adam became a life-giving Spirit. 1 Corinthians 15:45, RecVer

We helped all the saints to enjoy the Spirit that they have received  by showing them and leading them to call upon the name of the Lord, "O Probhu Jesu!"

We also helped them to know the significance of the word of God. Using John 6, we led them to read the verses on Christ being the Bread; the bread sent from heaven, the living bread, the true bread, the bread of life, and the bread of God. Such a bread is for eating.

As the living Father has sent Me and I live because of the Father, so he who eats Me, he also shall live because of Me. John 6:57, RecVer

As the living Father has sent Me and I live because of the Father, so he who eats Me, he also shall live because of Me.nJohn 6:57, RecVer

In the afternoon, we visited Maithon and introduced the ministry to two key Pastors. Then, a lighted hearted moment of relaxation at Maithon Dam

The following day, we visited Durgapur, Jamuria, and Sripur and met the key brother in these cities. To whoever we introduced the ministry, they received it with much hunger. One Pastor even placed an order for five whole sets for the distribution in his evangelistic campaign.

Then, finally, we had hours of fellowship with a group of seeking believers who invited us for lovefeast lunch. We ministered the word to them on life and love. Having received the divine life, God as love also infused Himself into His believers as love with which they can love Him in return. In this way, the believers can love the Lord, love the word, and love the presence of God in spending time with God in prayers, and live a normal Christian life foe the Lord’s testimony. 

With these, we have released our burden in West Bengal. We left the city for our next destination, Jharkhand, on 21st, Tuesday, teo days before the election. 

Lord, bless Your move in West Bengal and raise up Your testimony in all these localities. 

Ministry Journey: God’s Sovereignty

And Jehovah went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them on the way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might go by day and by night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night departed from before the people. Exodus 13:21-RecVeecVer

The ministry literature journey was planned a month ago for the distribution in Jharkhand as we discovered that the land is still open for the Lord’s move.  After all the prayers, planning and fellowship, I booked a flight ticket from Hyderabad to Ranchi. Almost two weeks after booking the flight tickets, I was informed by my co-working brother that I had booked the flight from the "wrong airport". Instead of booking from Hyderabad to Ranchi, I had booked it from Delhi to Ranchi. I was pretty sure when I made the booking. In fact, this was the first error in my flight bookings for these many years. Immediately, I reconsidered the "mistake" and discoverd that the Lord had a better plan. 

First, if we had gone as planned to Ranchi, the brother who was to lead us was not ready at all. Especially with the vehicle and also with the places and contacts to visit. 

Second, one of my old college juniors was recently promoted and transfered to Asansol, so I thought it would be worth visiting him on our way to Dumka. With this, it was not wise to travel on road all the way from Ranchi to Dumka via Asansol. 

Third, there was a brother who I met first when I first visited Asansol. So, the burden to revisit him arose. 

Fifth, the flight to Ranchi from Hyderabad skyrocketed and I found it futile to pay such a price. 

Sixth, I discovered that we could fly to Durgapur, and from there, go to Asansol. 

Seventh, in fellowship, all these worked out to be perfect. 

Therefore, there was an adjustment to our plan.

Today, having completed the planned distribution trip, looking back, I realised that God was sovereign over all things. Even the mistake I made in wrong flight booking tuned out to be the Lord’s hand behind the scene to bring us to West Bengal just before the state assembly election. 

What a wise God we have! What a sovereign God He is! Invisible yet visible through circumstances, He worked all things for our good to cooperate with Him for His move in West Bengal and also for Jharkhand.

We simply follow the pillar of cloud by day and pillar of fire by night. Ultimately, we are doing the Lord’s work, according to His plan and according to His way.

National Brothers Fellowship: Hyderabad

For the perfecting of the saints unto the work of the ministry, unto the building up of the Body of Christ. Ephesians 4:12, RecVer

After twenty years of face to face fellowship with a senior and matured brother in the church life, this time I again attended a time of fellowship with the same brother though online. A few months ago, things have changed drastically in our country and he could not physically come to be with us. Nevertheless, we made use of the online facilty available. Thanks to the technology used properly for the Lord’s move.

For five and a half days, we had sessions after sessions felleoshipping on the word of God in Ephesians 4. Word by word, phrase by phrase, and verse by verse, the Lord unveiled His heart's desire concerning the building up of His Body, the church, through the necessary dealings and proper humanity in diligently keeping the oneness the Lord so desired snd prayed for, through His Spirit who Has been given to us already. Though this portion of the Bible is one of the most difficult prophesy to fulfill, it is being fulfilled at the present time with the help of the ministry of the word through the minister of the age. Though Satan's futile attempts seemed to disrupt the oneness of the Body, the Lord nevertheless is gradually building His church, His Body. For His prophesy will always come to pass.

And I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. Matthew 16:18, RecVer

Many brothers also contributed to the fellowship in a way of sharing what they have learnt from the Lord. Some testifed of their experiences based on what were fellowshiped, some asked questions, some echoed the sharings, and some confirmed through the word the burden the Lord released through the fellowship. 

Despite the busy schedule, five sessions everyday, I still could enjoy my time with the Lord in prayer and my daily reading of the Bible during the breaks. I also got to fellowship some important matters with the brothers related to the literature service and our serving ones, along with the present burden for the Recovery Version translation project. 

This gathering at the national level was a wonderful time of blending and fellowship for the Lord’s testimony in His recovery and for His going on in this country. 

Praise the Lord for the fellowship in the Body! Praise the Lord for His move in our country!

Marital Fellowships

Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and shall cleave to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. Genesis 2:24, RecVer

And said, “For this cause shall a man leave his father and his mother and shall be joined to his wife; and the two shall be one flesh”? So then they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has yoked together, let man not separate. Matthew 19:5-6, RecVer

And the two shall be one flesh. So then they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has yoked together, let man not separate. Mark 10:8-9, RecVer

For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall be one flesh. Ephesians 5:31, RecVer

Marriage is ordained by God. The biblical truth is, a couple wedded in holy matrimony according to God’s ordination is one flesh. This phrase "one flesh" sums up every marital issue. If this eternal truth is understood and practiced by all Christians, all marital issues would be no issue at all. It is practically impossible for two individuals to be one flesh. However, the Bible calls it "one flesh." God is right. The sooner a married couple realised this truth and keep it, the better it is for their marriage life. Otherwise, marital issues are spontaneous natural issues of two different individuals.

Like it or not, a brother came to fellowship about the issues he have been facing in his marriage life about two weeks ago. Another brother and I had to listen to all his "complaints" against his spouse of a little over a year old marriage. Immediately, I knew where they both went wrong. But I restricted myself not to say too much to him as I knew it would not help him much. I would rather say what I needed to say when we could meet together again with his wife. Though in the fellowship many suggestions and opinions were "discussed" rather than "fellowshiped," I prayed for the couple to turn to the Lord inwardly, and I just lent my ears to hear whatever was told in the meeting.

Almost a week later, we met again in a restaurant, this time with the wife present. Over the lunch lovefeast, I testified of the blessings I received from the Lord in my marriage life. On the human side, I prayed for years since I got saved for the Lord’s perfect will in my marriage life. When the Lord answered my prayers, I got married and since then, I have been praying together with my wife, fellowshipping with her for all important matters, making everything common including our bank accounts, hiding nothing from one another, showing love and respect to one another, etc. I dared not advise anybody what they should do, but I simply gave testimony of my marriage life according to God’s blessings.

Another brother with me too shared some experiences of his and had some practical fellowship on marriage life. Then, we all prayed together.

I believe, that lovefeast fellowship was the Lord’s way of shepherding this young couple and perfecting them in their marriage life.

I trust the God who ordained their marriage will also preserve and prosper the married couple. 

Lord, bless the couple and all the married brothers and sisters for Your testimony.

Experience of Christ: Exam Result

My son has been very actively participating in his extra curriculum activities in his school. In fact, I also encouraged him to do so as I myself had much participation in many school activities. These have helped me in my personality development to a great extend. For, to me, education is an all round development. Academic records are important, so also, all these scholastic experiences. 

He had been so much in the school activities to the extend that he even had to miss some of his preboard exams and in fact, did not have enough time to study for his preboards. Nevertheless, I still encouraged him to not miss all the school activities. I opined that there will be enough time to study before the actual board exam. So, his preboard results  were not good. But I knew he could do much better.

During the actual board exam, he was well prepared and he did well in all the papers. In fact, much better than all his previous school exams. When his result was declared a week ago, he got a very good score, just lesser by 2 marks for 90%. Though he expected above 90% as I did too, I felt this was also the Lord’s way of dealing with our being not to boast but to remain humble always. 

When he told me his result, I was glad that he really did well. As he has a goal to pursue his further studies abroad and he needed a good score in Maths, he immediately mentioned his desire to rewrite his Maths paper or go for re-evaluation as he felt he did much better than what he scored. As a father, I supported him fully to whatever decision he take, and prayed together with him, thanking the Lord for His blessing, and also for His further leading.

Now, he has re-applied for his second exam on Maths. He and I felt that in this way he can sharpen his Maths skill as he is pursuing on this line in his future studies too.

The Lord is faithful in blessing His children in a way of perfecting through circumstances. Through all these, we have been experiencing the Lord in our inward being in many practical aspects. Praise the Lord! 

Lesson from Resignation

A week ago, a video clip was sent to me of a brother involved in his business meet. This matter was addressed three years ago. However, he has been entangled in it since then, despite his words to discontinue. As from my side, I did all that I could to shepherd him and help him to recover. It was my desire that he be preserved in his service. But its all upto him and how he handle his matter before the Lord.

In the light of such incident, we had a phone call conversation to hear from his own mouth of the evidence we had gotten. Since the matter was a violation of what he had promised three years ago and the seriousness of this can affect his service effectively. Though my coordinating brother could not tolerate the confrontation and had to drop out of the call, I felt it was necessary to give him an opportunity again to take his own call whether to drop his unwarranted business or drop his service, as the two cannot go on simultaneously. Besides, no matter the violation of his promise, he is still a brother in the Lord. Therefore, I deemed it gracious on our part to give him time to pray and consider his own course with a brotherly word of fellowship and prayer.

Four days after the phone call conversation, he sent a mail of resignation to me. Once I saw it, I felt that this was from the Lord and prepared myself for the next course of action. The following week, we happened to be Hyderabad for a national brothers fellowship where we brought the matter also to the brothers in the state of his residence. The conclusion of the matter was to accept his resignation and to make arrangement for his substitute while making a formal announcement to all the leading brothers of the local churches in the state he had been serving. 

On the 14th April, I had a call with him in a way of brotherly fellowship and confirmed the matter that he took his decision to resign after he had brought the matter in prayer before the Lord and in fellowship with his family members. I also paved the way for the smooth transfer of his service to another brother and gave a time till the end of this month. And on the same day, I wrote a mail, acknowledging an official acceptance of his resignation. 

On the 15th April night, we had an online fellowship with all the key brothers of the churches his service had covered. I prayed sufficiently and made the announcement to all the brothers online in a brotherly way. I carefully worded my words just to convey the matter clearly with an exercised spirit as not to give any room for the enemy to do anything. The brother convening the meeting too handled the matter wisely and concluded the meeting with prayers for the brother. Thus, the matter was dealt with as it ought to be. In all the processes, I experienced the Lord a lot, praying and praying over the matter, and got through it. I accepted the Lord’s sovereignty in this regard.

Later, when another substitute was proposed too, I took it to prayer and concluded that the Lord's will be done again. I told a brother who made the proposal that I would not stand between God and the brothers to hinder His decision. I would only amen what the Lord had confirmed through the Body. In this matter too, I experienced the Lord.

The literature service is the Lord’s and I am a part of it by His mercy. It is all upto the Lord to decide who He choose to serve. I would only exercise to be one with the Lord and the brothers.

What an experience even in this matter of a brother's resignation from a service! What a rest and peace to simply trust in the Lord and let Him do His work! This was indeed a wonderful life lesson learnt from the resignation of a servine one.

Honor Thy Parent

“Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with a promise, “That it may be well with you and that you may live long on the earth.” Ephesians 6:2-3, RecVer

God has graced me to honor my parent in the best possible way. As they came to stay with us in Gurugram for a month, my wife and I did all that we could to honor them by taking good care of them.

I, on my part, took care of all their medical needs, the main purpose for which they visited us. Especially, their dental works, whihc took a lot of time, with manynvisits to the dentist. My mom's denture work was done to the best of her satisfaction. And on her request, I also purchase the shoe of her choice. And for my dad, twenty four root canal treatment were done and he got a brand new set of teeth! It was indeed joy to witness them being so joyful with their brand new teeth. No matter what the dental treatment cost was, the joy of seeing them joyful was worth the price.

Two and half decades ago, it was they who still took care of me financially. Now, the role has reversed. As they grew more mature in age, my responsibility was to take care of them. The Lord has blessed me and graced me to be able to do my best to take care of them. 

Often, in our family prayers, my mom and dad would pray prayers thanking God from the depth of their being for meeting all their needs and also prayed for us and blessed us. To me that was what matters the most. Their acknowledgment of God's blessing and their prayer to God for blessing us meant a lot. 

One day, we went out for outing to Ambience Mall and I showed them things around with a treat at an eatery. Another day, I took them out for buying shoes. And another day, for a dinner lovefeast at a brother's house. In these practical ways of time spent together, their visitation was memorable and joyful.

After all works were accomplished exactly after a month's stay with us, I dropped them to Delhi Airport on the 10th April and they left home for Manipur. Overall, it was a wonderful family time spent together in Gurugram. 

Praise the Lord for all His provision and blessing! This is a practical way in which we could honor our parent. May the good God grant them good health and long life filled with peace and joy in the Holy Spirit!