Ministry of the Word Literature Journey: Ujjain

Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, I have been pursuing the truths and praying with a brother from Ujjain. In our prayer, the Lord burdened us to pray for His testimony to be raised up in Ujjain too, and also for His move all over Madhya Pradesh. The burden that began with his mother's salvation developed into a burden for the whole state. Last month, the burden took a new shape and we prayed specifically for the literature distribution trip.

One lawyer from Ujjain became an initiator for the visit to different parts of Madhya Pradesh surrounding Ujjain as he knew most of the Christian leaders in the Malwa region, being a local himself. Thereby, with his suggestion, we boiled down to seven cities or towns for the distribution-Ujjain, Dewas, Dhar, Nagda, Indore, MHOW, and Bhopal. Later, in my prayer time, I had the leading to call a brother from Ratlam who has been reading the ministry books since January 2020. On calling him up, more light was shed as he himself made arrangements for Ratlam, and more practical arrangements for the distribution in the other cities and towns as well.

Thus, the plan was made, and prayer burdens were sent out.  A brother serving in Rhema and I executed the plan. On the 16th of Oct, we arrived at Ujjain and began the distribution. We spent two Lord's days in the city. The first Lord's day was spent for books exhibition at Masih Mandir on their 75th-anniversary celebration, and the second Lord's day was spent with a Christian group whose pastor we met the day before the Lord's day. 

Among all the Christian leaders we met in Ujjain this brother stood out and we had a very good feeling within us to fellowship with him further. In fact, while listening to his testimony how the Lord called him from Tamilnadu to come to Ujjain and how he lived and served by faith, starting from nothing, and now established a  Hindi speaking congregation impressed me so much. I had a strong feeling within to cancel any other appointment on that Lord's day in order to spend time with him. Even as I considered so, he also invited us to minister the word the following Lord's day. Therefore, on the Lord's day, we visited his congregation and ministered the word of God, and fellowshipped with him over lunch. I believe this brother would enjoy the Lord's grace to take the stand on the ground of oneness for His testimony in Ujjain one day.

Though we met other Christians who purchased the ministry books and the Recovery Version Bible, my inner feeling was so positive for this brother and his group. I even fellowshipped with the brother in Ujjain to fellowship with this group of Christians until the local church is raised up whether through the same group or other. 

By the way, I could also testify and minister to the mother of my brother who hosted us in Ujjain. Though she was deeply rooted in her religious belief, she gave us good hospitality. We prayed for her salvation and the Lord's spirit to move in the family.

Lord, gain Your testimony in Ujjain!

When Nature Obeys

On the 17th Oct, Lord’s day, morning as I woke up, the weather was cloudy and drizzling. It was a perfect weather to spend the day. But we had to exhibit the ministry books outside the largest and oldest Christian meeting hall as we were granted permission to do so in their 75th anniversary celebration. As we were heading toward the venue for the exhibition, I prayed to the Lord that though the weather was pleasant it was not conducive for our books exhibition. I prayed that it should not rain and that it should shine for the sake of the ministry books exhibition. I prayed by faith that it should not rain.

As we reached the venue, still there was no sign of sunshine at all. But by faith we started arranging tables and displayed the books right outside the meeting hall of the church. From morning till afternoon I was standing with the books, exhibiting, explaining, selling, and distributing the ministry books. The Lord answered my simple prayer and it never rained as long as I stood with the books exhibiting. It was bright sunshine, a good number of believers came and saw the books, some purchased the books, and I was more than satisfied for this opportunity to be able to exhibit the ministry books in the heart of Ujjain city. 

In the afternoon when we finished exhibiting, the weather changed to a gloomy sky again. I knew it would rain. The duration for which I asked God to stopped that rain was over. All our work for the day was done. As soon as we finished  packing and was ready to leave, it started drizzling again. Then we could enjoy a pleasant  weather after all our day's work.

When we are one with God in His move, nature is under our control as much as we are under God's control. As Christians, we must always be in oneness with God in His move. All things will then fall in line. All are under God's control. 

Yes, when we obey God, nature obeys us too. For we are for God and nature is for God too. Amen.

Jesus is Lord!

“Therefore also God highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name,That in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, And every tongue should openly confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:9-11, RecVer)

It was the 16th Oct night. I had just arrived Ujjain for the ministry of the word literature journey. My host is a brother in the Lord whom I first met in 2010 and whom the Lord graciously saved despite him being such an intelligent man, highly educated, and a Rajput. His mother is a strong devotee of many deities as apparent in her house, full of idols. But she welcomed me as she knew me through her son, who now has become a brother in Christ. She treated me with the best hospitality she could offer. I addressed her as aunty and with due respect testified to her of how I became a Christian and what made me do what I have been doing. In fact, the testimony was of her initiation as she wanted to know what made me become a Christian, in our friendly conversation.

Later in the night as I rested and slept, I had a strange dream. Not too sure if it was a dream or real. I was sleeping and felt the attack of Satan, making me numb in my whole body. I struggled for a while. My mind was fully awake, I could perceive things clearly in the room but could not move an inch physically. So I called upon the Lord’s name inwardly, over and over again. As I was struggling to move and yet still calling the Name of Jesus, another brother who was with me in the same room called out to me and enquired, "Brother Palmei, what happened?" I could not reply to his query. I struggled and struggled for a couple of minutes, still calling upon the Lord’s name, "Jesus is Lord!"

Then suddenly, all the invisible bonds broke loose, and I called out audibly, "Jesus is Lord!" Then I woke up, went to use the restroom, and slept again peacefully.

The following morning, as I prayed and considered what transpired the night before, I realized it was a spiritual attack on me personally. God knows what I am up to, and does Satan. Though Satan tried his best to stop me from serving the true and living God, he could not. At best, he could only bind me for a short while which in turn helped me to turn to God absolutely and desperately, and thereby won the victory in the name of Jesus Christ, the Victor! This was a sure sign that I am on the right path and Satan could not stop me in any way. I knew for sure that the path I tread with God will be victorious. For Jesus is Lord! Yes, Jesus is my Lord!

What a dream! What an experience! Jesus is Lord!

Do Not Withhold Good

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in the power of your hand to do so. Do not say to your neighbor, Go, and come back; And tomorrow I will give it— when you have it with you. Proverbs 3:27, 28

I have been blessed to pray with some young brothers in the church in Gururgam and a few other brothers in Delhi and NE. I reckon this as a blessing from the Lord to be able to pray with young brothers. It also helps me in my prayer life. In praying together, we are mutually helping one another to pray. By praying together they also opened up about their situation for prayer. 

One brother from Delhi has been very desperate in his prayer concerning his father being unable to pay his school fees. Due to the pandemic, lockdown, and economic crisis going on in the country, his father who is a cab drive and a daily wage earner has not be able to make enough money to pay his school fees. The school he was enrolled in had sent him a reminder and a warning to pay his fees by all means otherwise he would not be allowed to sit for the upcoming high school board exam.  When he brought this burden, we prayed for the Lord's provision. 

After the prayer, I had the burden to ask him a few more detail. In fact, they have not been paying the fee for the entire year, except the first installment. On further enquiring, he opened up that he needed to pay Rs. 56,000 which is a lot of money for a daily wage earner. I did not promise anything but encouraged the young brother to pray and learn to trust in the Lord, exercise his faith. I assured him that the Lord will definitely provide.

When the matter was brought up it was on a Thursday night prayer. On Saturday morning I felt it good to bring it to the local church brothers' fellowship for all the brothers to consider. But in the church brother's fellowship, it was felt that loaning such an amount at one go may not be a wise thing to do as this would set a trend among all the other saints too. Now that many are in need due to pandemics. Therefore, it was decided that an announcement be made to the saints on the Lord's day for the saints to offer for the needy saints, which then can be directed to those who need like this brother who had to pay his fee. Actually, that fellowship was very timely for the church and also for the education of the saints to care for the needy saints.

For the immediate need of the brother,, in fellowship, the brothers felt good for me to take care of now. Offerings for such needy ones will be used to reimburse back to clear up the loan. Therefore, I took the burden upon my shoulder, fellowshipped with my wife, and made arrangements to loan the said amount. The need was immediate and time-bound, as it had to be met by the following Monday. Therefore, on Monday the 4th of Oct, I made the transaction to the brother's account.

When the Lord placed me in a position to be able to help, I must not close my door. I must do all that I can to care for the needy saints. It is indeed a blessing to be able to help. Especially to see a young brother desperately praying to God to meet his need. As an encouragement to him in his trust in the Lord, and as a responsible brother who cares for the younger saints both spiritually and physically too, as much as the Lord provides, I have been graced to help.

After the help, he called up, and his father also called to say thank you. But I told them that it is the Lord's provision and that we all should thank the Lord together. This young brother has been so encouraged and his lips are now full of praises and thanksgiving whenever we pray. I felt that this itself is worth the little help. After all, everything we have is from the Lord! 

So, "Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in the power of your hand to do so. Do not say to your neighbor, Go, and come back; And tomorrow I will give it— when you have it with you". (Proverbs 3:27, 28)

Conscience Pure

Acts 23:1 And Paul, looking intently at the Sanhedrin, said, Men, brothers, I have conducted myself in all good conscience before God until this day.

Acts 24:16 Because of this I also exercise myself to always have a conscience without offense toward God and men.

The Lord has given me opportunity after opportunity to learn to exercise my conscience. These days, I have been blessed with elderly men with needed my help. To the best of my ability, I took time out to help them. In fact, both are retired Government officers of high ranking; one in the foreign ministry of India and the other in the state department of Haryana. The Lord has sovereignly brought me to contact with them. Despite being my father's age, they treated me like their "friend" and "son." And I am glad to render help in whatever way I can; in fact, I did best, whenever they requested help.

In a few cases, out of their gratitude for my assistance, they even wanted to offer me money which I outrightly denied. In some of the ways I help, there were also opportunities from my side to take advantage of them, if I wish to. But the Lord warned me to maintain a good conscience in all my dealings with them. I spent my time, my energy, and even my money for their sake. I took that as a blessing, learning to serve people. My intention was that their hearts would be touched, melted and that they would see, believe and receive the Christ that enables me to befriend them and help them. My only goal in helping was to somehow show the love of Christ to these friends of my father's age. In their case, I prefer to preach the gospel by my good deeds. Of course, I did not gag my mouth from preaching the gospel. I did preach the gospel a couple of times too to both of them when I felt it was alright to do so.

I continue to maintain my relationship with them as their friends or helpers and pray for them that they would experience the love of God and be saved, especially one of them who is an unbeliever. I learn from brother Paul and learning to be able to say, "I have conducted myself in all good conscience before God until this day."

The unbelieving friend has offered me his cow milk which I promised to pay as per his rate. Last week, I went to settle the milk fare I owed him. I decided to do at the beginning of each month and maintain a proper record of milk supply and payment made by me. I did this purposely not to give any ground to the enemy. Though he did not want such formality and asked me to simply give him whatever I felt good about. But I insisted that I should give him exactly what is due with a proper record. And in doing so I told him I did not do it for the sake of money, but for the sake of conscience. That touched him so much as I could see in his facial expression. Money matters must strictly be dealt with with utmost accuracy. It's for the Lord's testimony to touch his heart and let him see the true and living God in His believers. In this way, I can testify like Paul, "I also exercise myself to always have a conscience without offense toward God and men."

Praise the Lord for such opportunities to be able to exercise my conscience with all purity by His sure mercy and amazing grace! Lord, preserve my conscience pure. Amen.

Brothers' Visit

Let brotherly love continue. Do not forget hospitality, for through this some, without knowing it, have entertained angels. Hebrews 13:2

Last weekend, a brother from Mathura visited us here in Gurugram for fellowship and also for participating in the Lord's day meetings. I had visited him last month, accepting his invitation. The Lord has been preserving a good number of believers in Mathura for His testimony. As he was with us, it was my pleasure to serve him in the way I can. It was a good exercise for me. Giving hospitality to the saints is what I need to learn as I am not good at it. So I did my best to serve any guest the Lord would bring to our family.

The day he arrived last Friday, I also requested him to share his testimony in the online gospel meeting. It was such a blessing to hear his life's story and an encouragement to many new believers who joined the gospel meeting. On the Lord's day he participated in the bread-breaking meeting of the church in Gurugram; in fact, the first-ever for him to partake of the bread on the ground of oneness. He was so impressed. He even requested for the hymn in Hindi for him and the other brothers to learn to sing. Generally, new-seeking groups who are from charismatic backgrounds would stick to the "praise and worship" song and follow the local way of singing. But in his case, without us touching the way of worshipping God, he himself initiated to learn the proper way with the proper hymns. May the Lord lead him and all the believers to take the way where everybody functions for the building up of the Body of Christ.

A few days later, two brothers from the Christian group I used to be paid me a visit. With them too, I simply ministered whatever the Lord burdened me to. I respect them as fellow believers in Christ and gifted them some free Rhema books. This is how I am learning to give hospitality to others. 

Generally, I used to defend the truth whenever believers from other Christian groups fellowshipped with me. But this time, the Lord led me not to unnecessarily try to minister if the Lord Himself did not lead me so. I no longer depended on the knowledge I have but looked to the Lord for what to speak and how to speak. In this way, no room was given to the enemy.  This is an important lesson I have been learning through giving hospitality.

In the two visitations by brothers, I have been trained as a host to give hospitality to guests who could have been "angels" sent by God and also learn to let a brotherly continue among fellows Christians.

Praise the Lord for such brotherly visits!

Adieu Old Friend

On the 11th of October, one of our high school classmates died. In fact, the first one among the rest in his middle age. Though I was not very close to him, I served with him in the students' union; I was the President and he was the finance secretary of the SSPP when we were in Class IX at St. Mary's School, Tuibuang, CCPur, Manipur. As far as I know, his grandfather was the first person who translated the Bible into the Paite language. His demise was very unexpected yet not very surprising to me either.

When I got the information in our school WhatsApp group, my first thought was to remind the others who are alive about the importance of our lives while we are on this earth. I shared a gospel hymn that speaks volumes, Life at Best is Very Brief. And use this opportunity to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to those who may not yet have been saved.

Besides, I also send the following message as a reminder to all my classmates:

“Teach us then to number our days That we may gain a heart of wisdom.”  (Psalms 90:12, RecVer)

As we mourn the demise of our beloved classmate, let us also consider the life we live on this earth today. All have to die one day, it's just a matter of time. 

When that day is yet to come, may we number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom; 

a heart that seeks God, 

a heart that loves God, 

a heart that believes into Jesus Christ and receives Him, and

a heart into whom Chrst makes His home.

That Christ may make His home in your hearts through faith, that you, being rooted and grounded in love, May be full of strength to apprehend with all the saints what the breadth and length and height and depth are, And to know the knowledge-surpassing love of Christ, that you may be filled unto all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:17-19, RecVer)

Imitating the apostle Paul, I was grasping any available opportunity to preach the word in season and out of season; whether by audible voice or readable text. The latter was most convenient in these days of social networking. Having preached the gospel message to the ones who are still alive, it's adieu to my old friend and office-bearer. Adieu, old friend...