India: Appreciation of the New Testament Recovery Version

Last month, a brother from the publisher of the books we have been translating and distributing wrote to us, the serving ones in the minsitry of the word in India, to write a report on the distribution and the appreciation of the New Testament Recovery Version in India that were recently released, printed, and distributed in Malayalam, Mizo, Tamil, and Telugu. Initially, I thought to request to postpone this article as the distribution just began and the Mizo speaking saints had not yet receive the printed copies yet then though they already receive the Gospel of Matthew a few years ago, in fellowship with my coordinationg brother, we felt good to not change anything. So, as I considered before the Lord the points to write. The Lord gave me the burden to call up the leading brothers who oversee the churches speaking these languages. Therefore, I called up one by one, and got their feedback. Besides, I also requested them to collect testimonies of some saints who were so blessed by these Bibles. When I received the feedback and comments, I compsoed an article and compiled all the comments together. After checking with my coordinating brother again, some changes were made, and finally I submitted the article before the due date. On 16th Sept 2022 the article was published online.

A Report from India on the Distribution and the Appreciation of the New Testament Recovery Version in Malayalam, Mizo, Tamil, and Telugu (lsm.org) 

The article that was submitted is below:

In answer to the Body’s prayer and the supply from the Lord through the Body, the printed copies of the New Testament Recovery Version in Malayalam, Mizo, Tamil, and Telugu are now available! We praise and thank the Lord for His sovereignty and blessing over the entire project.

The distribution of these Bibles is now being carried out. Initially, to the saints in the Lord’s recovery speaking these languages and then, to the saints in various Christian groups. As soon as the printed copies were available, the saints started purchasing them for themselves, and some, for others for distribution within their relatives and friends’ circle. With the burden to help the readers to get the maximum benefit, we have started a weekly presentation for each language group highlighting the changes, with a view to preparing the readers to receive the New Testament Recovery Version with an open heart.  

Preparation of the Readers

The translation teams in fellowship and coordination with the leading brothers in the churches speaking these languages are preparing a PowerPoint presentation every week on the crucial changes from the existing translations. For example, new words and phrases used are being explained in relation to the original Greek text, and the proper interpretation based on the English Recovery Version. This presentation is being carried out weekly online and is open to all the saints speaking that language.

Reading Schedule

The saints are now pursuing the New Testament Recovery Version with the footnotes daily following the reading schedule prepared for two years.

Participation in Distribution

All the saints in these four languages are also encouraged to participate in introducing and distributing the Recovery Version to their relatives and friends. As much as it was through the supply from the Body that these New Testaments were made available, so much more the introduction and distribution be through the function of the Body.

Plan for Distribution

Besides email, phone calls, and social media promotion of the Recovery Version to all our Christian contacts, personal visits to the Christian leaders, bookstores, and Bible colleges have begun. One-on-one introduction has been very effective while pointing out some key verses and footnotes as a foretaste to the riches contained in this New Testament.

For Mizo in Mizoram, where almost the entire population embraces the Christian faith, we felt it best to conduct a formal meeting inviting all the prominent Christian leaders of various Christian groups and seekers for a day of the Mizo New Testament Recovery Version Introduction on 8^th September 2022 at Aizawl, Mizoram. Following this, a day or two of visiting the ones who could not make it to the meeting is also planned so as to ensure our best efforts to reach out to all the Christian groups making known the availability and benefits of the Recovery Version.

Testimonies from Readers

And when Philip ran up, he heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and said, Do you really know the things that you are reading? And he said, How could I unless someone guides me? Acts 8:30-31a

And they read in the book, in the law of God, interpreting and giving the sense, so that they understood the reading. Nehemiah 8:8

Many Christians have been reading the Bible, yet to understand the reading, interpreting and giving the sense, there surely is a need for someone to guide them. The Recovery Version serves as a wonderful study aid in interpreting and giving sense to the word of God. Many readers have testified the blessings they have received from the studying of this New Testament, particularly as a study aid to understanding the scriptures better with the interpretation of crucial verses, phrases, and words based on spiritual revelation. Below are some testimonies from the readers.

“I am reading the Telugu New Testament Recovery Version for more than a month now. This version is undoubtedly an indescribable gift to the Telugu speaking seekers of the Lord in and through His living Word. This translation is the Lord's marvelous work for the building up of His Body in this century. The language used for the translation of the text as well as the footnotes is quite simple for the readers to understand the new words used and the structure of the verses.  One unique feature of the Telugu Recovery Version is the footnotes that unlock the unsearchable riches of the Lord. May our dear and precious Lord use this Telugu Recovery Version to recover the lost, misunderstood, misinterpreted, and misaimed truths in the Word of God.”  IB

“I have been reading Telugu New Testament Recovery Version with great joy, because it gives light, life supply, and understanding of the Word of God. I am able to see the riches in the Word, which I never saw in my entire Christian life. Although there are many changes with new words, the language used is very simple and footnotes are so helpful to understand the new words, which are different from the old version.  Weekly Telugu Recovery Version presentation meetings also are a great help to me, where brothers are explaining the new words or change of sequence in the verses according to the Greek text. Through such an explanation I am able to understand fully the reason for every change and we realize what light or revelation we missed in the previous version. So, I really treasure this Bible. Praise and thank the Lord for this wonderful gift, the properly translated, interpreted, and explained word of God in my language.” RK

“The footnotes in Matthew 1:3, 5 concerning the five women and the explanation in Mathew 6:6 concerning the private room are really wonderful! I have never seen these before. In Matthew 1:12, just as for the first coming of Lord Jesus, there was a need for some to come onto the right ground, there is now a need for some to come onto the right ground (the ground of the church) for His second coming. In Matthew 5, the explanation of the difference between the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of heavens is marvelous!”  DA

Comments on the Tamil New Testament Recovery Version

From a Bible translator (PR), conversant with Greek and Hebrew, who took the lead in the latest revision of the most popular existing version of the Tamil Bible. 

1.       Improvement in accuracy is noticed in several places compared to the already available versions of the Bible. 

2.      It is good to see that the already existing Tamil translation for common theological terms such as Faith, Grace, Heaven, Prophets, Father, Son, Salvation, Baptism, Fasting, Altar are retained in this version. 

3.      The verse restructuring or re-ordering done wherever required, has enhanced the accuracy. 

4.      Good to see that slangs and obsolete words used in other versions have been replaced with more commonly used words. 

5.      So far in all the places I have read, grammar mistakes have been corrected well. 

6.      It is good to see that the rendering of some proper names which are not consistent with Old Testament in the existing translation have been made consistent in the Recovery Version.

7.      It is good to see words like Sanhedrin, Synagogue, Sabbath and several others have been transliterated, giving the unique meaning. The footnotes adequately explain their meaning.

 

Compared to all previous Tamil versions, this Recovery Version is truer (nearer) to the Greek Text. When read with the footnotes, it gives new insight into the Scripture, and believers can enjoy the Word more.  In summary, this is sincere hard work done with zeal for the Word of God. Their labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Cor. 15:58)

“Praise be to our Lord Jesus Christ!

I got this Tamil New Testament Recovery Version on 07.07.2022. I have no words to express my joy. This Bible is the greatest work in this century, and a precious gift from above.

Whenever I read this Bible, I feel that I am brought into the presence of the Lord. After receiving this Bible, I am always reading and keeping this in my hand and never feel like keeping it aside.

The first verse Mathew 1:1 starts with the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. After reading the footnote of this verse, I was excited to read that the New Testament is all about Jesus Christ. For 25 years I had a longing to study the Bible. God, through this Bible with its footnotes and cross references, fulfilled my longing.

My past experience is that when I read the verses from my earlier version of the Bible, I couldn't understand much. But the Recovery Version Bible helps me understand the truth in each verse and gives me additional facts and information. Also, while reading this Bible, I am able to touch God and know God in a deeper way.

The footnotes help me to clearly understand God's economy. Also, the Footnotes are clarifying all my questions and are an effective tool in studying the Bible. The outline of Matthew helped me to have a bird’s eye view of the entire Gospel of Matthew.

I thank the Lord for this wonderful Bible. I thank the Lord for this ministry, for the translation work and all the faithful serving ones who labored for the release of this Bible.”  GS

“The footnote in Matthew 24:14 on the gospel of the kingdom is a new revelation to me. I was saved by grace, so I only knew and care for the gospel of grace. But when I read this footnote, it speaks about the meaning of the gospel of grace and the gospel of the kingdom in a clear way, which is so wonderful.” LBM

“Mizo Recovery Version Matthew 16:18 footnote explains the Lord’s building of His church on the day of Pentecost and how it can only be fulfilled through the Lord’s recovery, in which the building of the genuine church is being accomplished. This really opened my eyes.” CST

“The Mizo New Testament Recovery Version helps me to understand God’s word clearly, especially concerning the nature of the kingdom people in Matthew 5, 6, and 7 with its footnotes, which portion I never understood from the reading of the existing versions. Other versions translate Matthew 5:3 as "poor in heart, for theirs is the heaven", but in the Recovery Version, "poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of the heavens" and its footnote clearly explains what the kingdom of the heavens is and not merely heaven as in other versions.” LSZ

“In Matthew 13:31-32, most existing versions in Mizo say, ‘and becomes wood,’ which does not give any meaning at all, but the Recovery Version says, "and becomes a tree" and explains what that means in the footnote.” FK

“Coming from a Pentecostal background, I was taught that the baptism by fire mentioned in Mattew 3:11 is the same as the baptism by the Spirit. Though I had my doubts about this interpretation I wasn't clear until I read the footnote of this verse in the Malayalam New Testament Recovery Version. Now I really understand the difference between the two.” AR

“In Matthew 1:11, the deportation to Babylon, the existing version renders a meaning of voluntarily going to Babylon, but the new Recovery Version translates the word accurately. Today when I read this version, I have total assurance and peace that this translation is accurate or closest to the original text. It gives tremendous confidence to one who loves to study the Bible in his native language!” GM

Overall, the saints’ reception of the New Testament Recovery Version has been very encouraging. We trust the Lord that the availability of the interpreted word will uplift the level of truth in this country and pave the way for the Lord to move further and faster in a fuller way.  

Please pray for the Lord to bless the ongoing distribution of the New Testament Recovery Version in India, and for the readers of these Bibles to be brought into the full knowledge of the truth (1 Tim. 2:4).

Fellowship with Saints in Northeast

Whenever the Lord leads me to visit the North East, there has always been His special anointing and blessing to flow out the divine life in a way of ministering the word and fellowshipping with the saints. I never prepared any message as such, but everything was instantaneous and the flow of life just went on and on. I have nothing personally in all that I fellowship or ministered to the saints, it was all that the Lord burdened me to minister.

Imphal
A brother picked me up at the Airport and took me to his house. There, we had a wonderful time of fellowship together. I was glad especially that he has been recovered from over a two years gap in enjoying the fellowship with the saints. Whatever he went through was also the Lord's dealing on him to gain him so that he can be made a pillar to bear the Lord's testimony. In fact, for his marriage, he invited me to minter the word. Based on that invitation, all the other visits were initiated one by one, and all fall into place. In addition to ministering the word in his wedding meeting, I could also fellowship with his in-laws' family on many practical aspects of the Christian life and the church life.  In all these, no preplanned or prepared messages, but I simply followed the Lord's anointing within me and spoke what the Lord led me to speak. In all the fellowship, we had prayers and the saints' responses too, all were richly supplied by the Lord.

In my Aunty's family, I had a time of fellowship and updated them about the Lord's move in India, and the plan for the upcoming ministry journey to Nagaland.  There, I encourage a young brother to join the full-time training, FTTND. May the Lord lead him so.

In the Lord's table meeting at Imphal, the brothers requested me and another brother to minister on the significance of the church and the practice of the God-ordained way. I fellowship at length on the seven aspects of the church as revealed in the book of Ephesians. A good number of stains have responded to the points they touched concerning the church and nullified many wrong concepts they had previously about the church. I also had a wonderful time of fellowship with the responsible brothers in Imphal on the need for constitution with the truth, shepherding the saints, and loving one another. They had been through some situation concerning a young brother who came back from the training without completing his course. This became a lesson for them to learn on the matter of shepherding; not to condemn the young and weak saints but to shepherd them. In another fellowship with the brothers, I was so encouraged by the testimony of the brothers facing persecution because they wanted to take the stand for the church life. 

Ngarian
As we stay for a night in Ngarian, a brother invited us to minister to the saints whatever the Lord led us to. I ministered on the Nazaraiter vow and linked with Samuel's life as a Nazarite, priest, prophet, judge, and man of prayer. The saints were so supplied with His timely speaking as many echoed the same after the meeting.

Lamka
In Lamka, when the saints gathered together I repeated the burden on the significance of the church in the book of Ephesians. My fellow brother fellowshipped on the need to run the Christian race. In the night, the leading brother had a time of fellowship with us concerning one of the full-time serving ones. It was manifested that the Lord wanted to move further in Manipur and that brother could be useful for propagation in different localities and not stick just to one. This matter was brought for fellowship with other North East brothers and the matter was thoroughly fellowshipped. In all these, we could see the Lord's leading for His move.

Aizawl
On the Lord's day, as arranged by the saints, we ministered on "Loving the Lord" and the need to keep our love towards the Lord fresh and continue to love the Lord with the best love. I also touched upon the time when the Lord's table was established for the first time in 2007 and now for 15 years what the Lord has been doing in Mizoram. Many saints could see the history of the church itself as a testimony to what the Lord has been doing progressively in Aizawl locality and Mizoram as a whole.  In all these fellowships, we truly enjoyed the Lord's supply of grace and His wisdom in many matters.

Praise the Lord for His move in North East! Praise the Lord for His timely speaking to the saints in all these localities where He led us to visit and fellowship.

Family Fellowship

Last month on the 29th of August, I flew back home and enjoyed a wonderful time of fellowship my beloved mom and dad. The Lord had arranged a situation in which I could visit home. I treasured the time with mom and dad especially. Though I intend to spend time with my brothers and sisters as well, time did not permit it. Of course, we did have family gatherig and general time spent together. But a sweet and intimate fellowship I enjoyed with my beloved mom and dad. Deep within me, I felt that this could be my rare opportunity to spend time with them. Therefore, I allowed them to open up fully, speak up, and fellowship whatever they wanted to fellowship. I also shared whatever I felt good to share with them. Since I could rarely vist them, I had the burden to gift them a moneraty gift of Rs.10,000 for their pocket money. I did this in fellowship with my wife. It was such a joy to see them happy when they see me and spend time with me. I felt this is the best way I could honor them as my parent; praying for them, praying with them, fellowshipping with them, and making them happy and joyful with my presence.

With Mom and Dad, 30th Aug 2022

With Mom, Dad & Brother, 30th Aug 2022

With Dad, I could also visit my stepmom in Chandel. We had a good time of family fellowship there too. My burden was to visit her and make her feel comfortable that I cared for her too including my stepbrother. In fact, I also visited my stepbrother in Imphal and gave him a piece of advice concerning his academic career and spiritual nourishment. 

This time too, I could visit my elder sister's family members in Leikun and Chandel. After 20 years, I met them again. Though they may have their own weaknesses, as I have been praying for them, I introduced them to the saints in the church in Chandel and even encouraged them to meet together regularly for prayer, fellowship, and for the Lord's table meeting. I believe this is the answers to the prayers we have been praying for them for many years. I do believe the Lord will recover them from all their physical weaknesses, shepherd and blend them into the Body life. I have also updated my visit to my own sister and dad and other family members too. This was needed as in the past, due to my sister's marriage to their family, many problems had occurred, even to the extent of causing enmity between their family and our family for dcecades. Now is the time for peace, forgiveness, and full revocery into church life.

At Imphal, we also had a time of lovefeast at my younger sister's home. I had a time of fellowship with my brother-in-law concerning the Lord's move in North East and how we need to participate in the Lord's move and cooperate with the saints in the Body for the Lord's testimony.

In fact, the Lord also gave me time to visit the land that He led us to purchase in 2007. Now, a brother has done Banana cultivation in most part of the land. After 15 years, the land value has shot up multiple times. Now that road connection and water supply  have been done, a couple of people have enquired if we could sell to them. Since it was brought with fellowship and prayer, the usage or sales or whatever will be done so with fellowship and prayer.

I know not when such a family time we will get again, but I do know that when the Lord gave me the opportunity I must utilize it to the maximum. No matter what, my prayer has always been for the family's testimony. Serving the Lord as the entire household as Joshua proclaimed.

And if it seems wrong in your sight to serve Jehovah, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve, either the gods from across the River, whom your fathers served, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve Jehovah.  Joshua 24:15

Ministry of the Word to Kiphire, Meluri, Phek and Pfutsero

In Kiphire we were hosted at one of our brothers' homes where we were given warm hospitality. In this town, the entire Christian population is fully dominated by Baptists. Therefore, the Baptist Association was quite cautious about any new "ministry" visiting the town. I was informed of the strictness the Baptist leaders had on the town and was verbally told that new groups are literally not welcomed, though not directly, but indicated indirectly.

Nevertheless, we went to meet the President o the association though he did not give us a prior appointment. As we met him, he first informed us frankly of their stand of not receiving any other minsitry so as to keep their Baptist flock intact. But when he finished whatever he had to say, I introduced the ministry and the spiritual benefit it can bring to the Christian in general and the Pastors and leaders in particular, he changed his mind. He became more and more open to us as we kept ministering the word through the ministry books. Finally, he accepted the literature that we distributed for free and he also promised to bring these books to the committee members for their consideration. Still, we could sow the seed of the ministry to this town with the hope that one day someone will be blessed by the ministry and the Lord will gain His testimony in Kiphire.

Meluri

On our onward journey, we stopped by Meluri for dinner. But the day being the Lord's day, all the hotels were shut. But we saw one shop that sold some eatables. As we enquired about food, the owner showed us undue favor, invited us into her home, and served us tea and snacks. Later, we also met her husband and daughter and had a good time of fellowship with the entire family. Even in a place where we had zero contact initially, the Lord led us to a family which we believed was not merely to meet our need for food but to meet His need for gaining pillars for His testimony in the town. Having had a sweet fellowship and prayer together, we left for the next destination.

Phek

In this town, we were given hospitality at the best location, the guest house of the town Baptist church. There, we met the Youth Director and the Assistant Pastor to whom we introduced the minsitry literature. They both got the books and will introduce them further to their congregation. We also met a seeking brother who is a manager of an Indian Oil station. We ministered the word to him and in return, he offered to pay up half the amount of our petrol fee which we filled at his station. We also met the Chaplain of Nagaland Armed Police who warmly received us and paid heed to the ministry. In fact, he also voluntarily took the responsibility to distribute the free literature to all the battalions all over Nagaland.

Pfutsero

Our final destination in this ministry journey was Pfutsero where we went to meet the Principal of the Bible college there and introduced the ministry literature. She invited us to visit the college again for the ministry book distribution in the near future. Besides, we also met the Assistant Pastor of the town baptist church who initially was suspicious but after hearing us out became open to us and even purchased some books.

With all these towns, the ministry literature journey came to a conclusion. This time in a short span of just one week, the Lord enabled us to cover ten major towns and two cities. After we came back, I wrote the following notes to the saints we prayed for this ministry journey.

Dear Saints,

Thank you for your prayers!

In answer to the Body's prayers the Lord has richly blessed the ministry of the word literature journey again this time to Nagaland.

In twelve localities where the Lord’s testimony has not yet be raised up, we met the key Christian leaders and introduced the ministry literature. Principal of Bible colleges, owner/manager of Christian bookstores, Pastors, Christian Association Presidents and Youth leaders were met and the ministry literature introduced. Many have purchased the ministry books and the Holy Bible Recovery Version, and received the free ministry books by Rhema. Besides, the Lord has manifested some potential seekers for further follow-up shepherding.

In the entire trip we enjoyed the Spirit's leading and the Lord’s sovereignty in leading us to the right people and place, and at the right time.

“This is good and acceptable in the sight of our Savior God, Who desires all men to be saved and to come to the full knowledge of the truth.” 

(1 Timothy 2:3-4, RecVer)

May *the Lord's hand continue to follow His speaking* through the  hearing and reading of the ministry of the word and lead them unto the full knowledge of the truth.

Please continue to pray that the Lord’s hand may follow all these ones who received the ministry literature, enlighten them as they read the books, and gain them for His testimony in all these localities one day.

May the Lord gain Nagaland for Himself and for His church! Nagaland for Chrsit and the Church!

Ministry of the Word to Tuensang

Our host in this town Tuensang is a brother who is a government employee. He gave us accommodation in the only room he could spare where the four of us stayed together in just one room. This was another experience too. We were graced to glady accept whatever the Lord had sovereignly arranged for us. 

When we met the Pastor of one of the Baptist churches, he invited us to attend their annual meeting which was planned a year ago. We were surprised by the timing the Lord led us there; the time, the day, the place, and the people, all arranged by the Lord perfectly. When the Pastor invited us to introdue to their committee members, I gladly introduced the Holy Bible Recovery version and the ministry literature. Soon after the introdcution, almsot all the commitee members ended up buying the Bibles. The only one box we were left with were all sold out. The Christian there were so thirsty for the properly translated and interpreted word of God.

Later, we met two other key Pastors in town. They all gave us the opportunity to introduce the ministry literature and all promised that they would consult their committee members and place orders in addition to purchasing for themsleves. In most of the towns in Nagaland, the main Christian group is Baptist. Therefore, their members are to the tune of thousands. Even meeting just the three pastors is like covering the entire town. Through these Pastors, the word can be spread further to the members.

Shamatore

On our way from Tuensang to Kiphire, we stopped by at a Bible college in Shamatore. The Principal warmly welcomed us and prepared a delicious  lovefeast. He being so interested in the ministry literature, he invited all the girls student of the college to come and hear us out, as the boys were on their outing that day. Therefore, using the ministry literature, we ministered on the truth concerning seeking God's will and how to know God's will, in addition to introducing the Holy Bible Recovery Version. They all paid heed to all that we ministered. I was encouraged by the many young people giving their lives to study the Bible and seek the Lord. May the Lord use the word we ministered to them and further lead them all to seek God's will in their lives so that one day they all could be a channel of blessing for the Lord's testimony in Nagaland.

These places were all our first-time visits and needed a long journey through the mountains amidst the rugged road. It was all worth it as we met many brothers and sisters who truly love the Lord and are doing their best to serve Him.

Lord, raise up Your testimony in Tuesnang!

Ministry of the Word to Mokokchung

Mokochung is a beautiful town with valleys and mountains and has a well-developed infrastructure compared to other places in Nagaland. We were hosted in a Circuit house on a mountain top with a beautiful scenic view of the entire town. This was my second time in this town. The first time was a few years ago, but at that time we did not have the Holy Bible Recovery Version nor the free books distributed by Rhema distributors. Therefore, this is more or less like the first visit as far as the spread of the ministry literature is concerned.

Our day began in this town with seekers visiting us at our lodge. We did our best to introduce the ministry literature to all whom the Lord led us to meet. Two incidents were noteworthy. The first one, meeting with a Pastor and his team of committee members. He graciously gave us time to introduce the ministry literature along with the Holy Bible Recovery Version. As soon as the introduction was done, all of the committed members purchased their copy of the Bible. They were so seeking and hungry for the word of God. And when we were about to leave, we all prayed together and they prayed for our onward journey. It was indeed such a timely visit.

The second one is a visit to a Bible college. When we met the Dean and teachers, they did not show much interest until one of the teachers purchased a copy after checking the Holy Bible Recovery Version and listening to our introduction. Later, the Dean made arrangements for us to address the entire student at the chapel where we were given the opportunity to introduce the ministry books, especially the Holy Bible Recovery Version. Soon after the introduction, almost the entire students present in the meeting came to check the Bible. One by one, they purchased the Bible. The result of this was, three boxes full of Bibles were all sold out! And some we had to send by post. Bible students were so hungry and thirsty for spiritual healthy food. Once they saw something worth it, they got hold of it. I do believe, one day, these ones would bear the testimony of Jesus in Nagaland. This is the season of sowing the seed of the word of God.

We also visited another famous Bible college where we met the Librarian and introduced the ministry to him. We were already running out of stock, so perhaps, we might have to come to visit this place at another time when the Lord leads us again.

Due to time constraints, we had only one day to spend in Mokokchung. Though we still wanted to meet more people and also visit a place called Impur, where the gospel came to Nagaland among the Ao tribe for the first time 150 years ago, we could not make it this time. In fact, the entire Nagaland baptist churches will celebrate 150 years anniversary in the first week of Nov 2022.

When the Lord leads again we will come. Still, there are families that need to be met and seekers that need to be shepherded for the Lord's testimony in Mokokchung.

Lord, lead us again to Mokokchung!

Ministry of the Word to Zunheboto

Zunheboto shot to fame when it announced the inauguration of Asia's biggest Baptist church. When I first saw the news I had a deep desire to visit Zunheboto and introduce the ministry literature to the brothers and sisters there. Since then this town has been in my heart and also in my prayers. Having a big building is one thing and having the word of God is another thing. Since this town has attracted Christian attention worldwide, I decided to visit this place one day with one purpose: to make the ministry of the word available to Christians in town.

As we drove from Wokha towards Mokokchung, we received a call to visit a brother who lives in a  village called Rotomi or Roto New. We had to detour just because of this one phone call to meet one brother. We had a rough mountain drive where the road is partly a rivulet. Nonetheless, it was an adventurous ride. The Lord had been always with us preserving us from any untoward incident. When we finally reached our destination, we had a time of fellowship on the ministry literature with that young brother, a Youth Pastor, who was so hungry and thirsty for the word of God. He placed an order for the Holy Bible Recovery Version as we had only a sample copy to show to him. Besides, he purchased some of the ministry books. After a light refreshment and prayer, we set off for Zunheboto town again.

It was a long drive on the narrow, and muddy mountain road. Finally, when arrived at our destination at about 11 PM we had our dinner and get to sleep at past midnight. Our host is a policeman who welcomed us with his traditional Sumi Naga dishes.

Our first meeting for the ministry was with the Assistant Pastor of Asia's biggest Baptist church in Zunheboto. The Lord sovereignly arranged a time with him and the president of the committee, who both were immediately attracted by the Holy Bible Recovery Version. For the library and for their personal collection, they placed orders for the entire set of Life-study of the Bible and the whole set of selected books by Nee and Lee. The latter order they postponed it for the next year as they were short of budget for this year. Then, we met another Pastor of another Baptist church who also placed order for the Bible and the selected set of books by Br. Nee and Lee. We then met another charismatic pastor who also place an order for the Bible. 

The journey to this town was tiresome, hectic, and long, yet it was truly worth paying the price as we could bring the ministry for the first time to all these dear brothers and sisters in the Lord. One day, many seekers will get to read the truth and the Lord will recover His remnants who would bear His testimony in Zunheboto.

Aizuto

On our way to Mokochung from Zunheboto town, we dropped by a theological seminary in Aizuto. We had a time of introducing the ministry to the Principal and the Dean of the college. In fact, this was the only time in the entire Nagaland trip that someone studied about the publisher of the ministry literature and asked questions related to the accusation concerning the teaching on the Trinity and one church-one city. But we had the grace to answer the questions raised by the Dean and had a healthy conversation. Once in a while, we got to defend the truth and stand firmly for the truth. All maimings and misinterpretations of the ministry should be refuted. We were glad that we could address the issues raised and hope that with a seeking spirit they would read the ministry and be blessed by it.

I trust in what the Lord can do. Now that the ministry books are made available to the Christian of this town, in prayer and by faith, we have to wait for the word of God to take root and grow in the hearts of the readers until it finally blossoms and bears fruit for the Lord's bright and shining golden lampstand.

Lord, raise up the church in Zunheboto!