September 2012 Vol. XLVIII No 6

FOUNDER Magazine Statement Late. Rev. Dr. Theodore Williams IEM LEADERS “To inform our readers and create an CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD interest in missions and impact them to Rev Dr K.T. Kurien get involved in IEM’s missionary work HONORARY TREASURER and mission in general.” Mr K.P. Raja Sekhar GENERAL SECRETARY Rev P John Wesley Contents Heads of Ministry Departments The General Secretary’s Thoughts 2 Church Ministries & Communication Rev. E.D. Raja Singh Elias Editorial 4 Human Resource and Administration Bible Study 5 Rev. Jonathan Chavan Finance Still Strong and Serving the Lord 7 Mr. Solomon Swamidoss Jalpaiguri District 8 Publication Secretary Mr. Timothy Austin Making Every Effort to Preach the Associate Editor Gospel 10 Mr. Nelson Dhinakaran Tragedy to Triumph 11 IEM OUTREACH is published by Indian Evangelical Mission in English, Tamil, Praise and Prayer Calendar 13 Malayalam, Kannada, Telugu Oriya, Marathi, Gujarati,Hindi and Khasi. Those Field News 23 who donate a minimum of Rs. 100/- per year (0verseas by Air mail US $50 per year) We Salute Our Teachers 24 towards the ministries of IEM can receive Missionary Biography 25 this magazine. YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS may be sent by Please Don't Give Up 26 cheque, DD or MO drawn in favour of Indian Evangelical Mission through your Pray for India 27 local IEM personnel or directly to the The Missing Masterpiece 30 Finance Secretary. ADDRESS CHANGE: Send old and new address with your code number or recent address label. All emails to the Theme for 2012 Communication Department should be addressed to [email protected] / [email protected] Exodus 3:8

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38, Langford Road, Post Bag 25097, Bangalore - 560 025 Phone : +91 080 22245256, 22480080 Fax : 22122779 Website : www.iemoutreach.org E-mail : [email protected] or [email protected] The General Secretary's Thoughts ‘Out of the box thinkers and doers' Our dear prayer partners, people for Christ we can't harbour The Lord ordered Peter saying, “So get feelings of superiority. Perhaps as Peter up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to came down the stairs, each step would go with them, for I have sent them,"(Act have reminded him to humble himself. 10:20). As New Testament people, we see God actively involved in the formation Come down from our stubborn of a new society. Those who belong to attitude: Your attitude should be the Jesus are a new generation, a new same as that of Christ Jesus (Philippians creation. He repeatedly reminded his 2:5). As regenerate people, we should hearers, “But, not so with you.” Others possess the attitude of Christ. This may around us may do things for the sake of not happen automatically. Life's doing it, but Christians are expected to circumstances will reveal the extent of make a difference by yielding to the change in our attitude. We heard of Christ Spirit's leading. Let us not be traditional in and were taught in accordance with the our evangelistic approach. We need to be truth that is in Jesus to be made new in willing to think and act “out of the box” as the attitude of your minds (Ephesians we work along side of the Spirit. 4:21- 23). The Spirit of God deals with our prejudices. This was not just Peter's When the Apostle Peter was trying to problem- we see these prejudices every understand the meaning of the vision, he day. We cannot successful soul winners, had just seen, the Holy Spirit told him, unless we allow the Holy Spirit to form “get up and go down... Do not hesitate to Christ's attitude in us. We need to change go.” Then Peter obeyed and went down. our attitude toward other languages and The Spirit was at work in his heart. Peter cultures. was a traditional Jew who followed all the religious regulations meticulously. So he Come down from systems and had to be humble and flexible at this point. schisms: Our old religious upbringing is Often we need to unlearn things and be another hindrance in evangelism. Peter teachable in our approach to evangelism. says in 1Peter 1:18 about the empty way Here are some areas where we must be of life handed down to us from our willing to come down. forefathers. Superstitions which were handed down show up in our daily Come down from our superior dealings in life. These control our belief attitude: Just like the differences which systems, especially when they actually exist in our country between high-caste do take place. These man-made systems Hindus and untouchable, there were may lead to the understanding that God huge differences between Jews and has His own favourites. When Peter Gentiles. Traditionally Jews likened came down to Cornelius' house, he Gentiles as dogs. Peter's personality confessed in Acts 10:34, 35 that “God exhibited strong anti- Gentile feelings. So does not show favouritism but accepts when he was asked to eat all kinds of men from every nation...” “unclean animals” he vehemently refused to do so because he was taught not to Come down to surrender to the Spirit's touch them. Similarly, when the Spirit of leading: The entire episode reveals how God asked Peter to accompany the Peter was in tune with the Spirit's leading. Gentiles, he hesitated. In order to win Though he had his own strong religious

2 September 2012 u p b r i n g i n g believe that this partnership will enhance which controlled the kingdom of God as we work together. his life, He chose to lay aside his The IEM Board Society meetings were b e l i e f s a n d held in August during which time, the surrender to the audited accounts were presented. God Spirit's leading. has met all the needs of this Mission in When he did every respect. The General Secretary's that, the Holy Bhutan Gate report and audited statement of accounts Spirit came upon all who heard his will be featured in the October issue. message. Similarly, when we willingly lay Once again, we thank every supporter aside our prejudices, our stubborn and prayer partner for their involvement attitudes and our religious systems and in IEM during the last financial year. schisms, we will be able to see the Spirit of God working on our behalf, performing At this moment, I am in the USA visiting out of the ordinary things in our lives. our prayer partners and “Friends of IEM.” Please pray for Rev. Dr. Ninan Varghese On August 4, 2012, some IEM leaders and others who give leadership and are reviewed the 10th Missionaries' Family enlisting the support of more prayer conference. We went through the entire partners and further involvement in IEM. proceedings of the conference and Please pray that my visit will make an documented our findings. God surprised impact among our prayer partners in us yet again. The total budget of Rs. 47 USA. lakhs was met by contributions received from donors. We thank each one who generously contributed towards this conference both in India and abroad.

In July I visited our missionaries in Raxual, Bihar on the Indo-Nepal border. IEM's work is progressing in partnership with Emmanuel Hospital Association, which runs Duncan Hospital. Dr Mathew George, the MD is keen on using our missionaries to spread the Gospel in the surrounding villages. Signing MOU with the Baptist Church of Mizoram In this issue, we are focussing on our On July 29, 2012 we conducted an ministry in Jalpaiguri. We started working introductory meeting in Kolkata where here in 1976. We have reached as close IEM was introduced. Mr Joshua Chopra as to the gate of Bhutan. If you visit work hard to bring people for this Phuentsholing on the Indo-Bhutan border meeting. Many committed themselves to you will not miss the Church which was pray and support the work of IEM. planted by IEM Missionaries. Our burden is that the whole of Jalpaiguri and the On July 27, IEM and Baptist Church of Coochbehar will be reached as our Mizoram(BCM) signed a Memorandum missionaries strive hard there. of Understanding. We met Rev H Lianngaia, General Secretary of BCM in With loving regards, his office at Lunglei along with other Yours in His joyful ministry, leaders during this historic event. We P John Wesley

3 September 2012 Editorial Most of the trains from Howrah to Guwahati resemble a market! Right through the day, vendors irritate, trouble and actually test the patience of passengers selling just about anything from electronic goods to parasols! For the new traveller, it could be a delightful bargaining experience but for the regulars, it could turn out to be a virtual pain the neck! What is most impressive of course is the grit and determination of the vendors. They will not get you off until you part with some money.

Get ready to alight at New Cooch Behar station because we've arrived at Cooch Behar and Jalpaiguri districts where IEM missionaries have been labouring for years among the Sadri, Nepali, Bhutanse and Rajbanshi people. It has not been easy. The grit and determination of the missionaries who pioneered the work here followed by the perseverance of the present ones is testimony to God's blessing on the ministry. In the midst of pockets of persecution, God in His grace and mercy has showered His love on those who cared to listen to the Gospel and respond to His unconditional love.

In order to provide a fair perspective of the work, we have featured our retired missionaries' views as well. We praise God that each one of them still continue to connect with IEM in one way or another and look back with joy and gratitude to God for their association with this Mission. They went through their own struggles but as they as say, “God gave the increase.” Two of them continue to live and work in Jalpaiguri district. The other two still have strong links with the region.

Among our present missionary team we have a relatively young group of vibrant missionaries, some have spent just over a couple of years in the field and are still trying to master the language. When I asked them what they would like to see happening 5 years down the line, their echoed each other. They wanted to establish 2 or 3 worship groups, build at least 2 church buildings and nurture 3 or 4 evangelists to lead their own people. What a challenge to pass on to you my friends!

Timothy Austin

4 September 2012 Bible Study: Visions from Zechariah 8. “Where God reigns” (This month, we feature the second Bible study delivered by Mr. CB Samuel at the Missionaries' Family Conference at Chennai in May 2012. In this study, we look at the visions from Zechariah 8. These visions are relevant and applicable even today. It reflects a God who “owns” His people, loves them and is angry when injustice and untruth is prevalent. He expects His people to follow suit, because 'As HE is … so are WE in the world.')

Reflecting on God's Word helps Truth – Where God reigns, Zechariah 8: 3 understand our GOD better. A unique thing says, “I will return to Zion, and dwell in the about IEM is that it is shaped by a very midst of Jerusalem. Jerusalem shall be strong mission theology. I hope that this called the City of Truth.” This fact is Mission will continue to preserve its rich relevant especially in a country like India, tradition of being a mission endeavour, where Truth is relative! Reports from some born out of its theology, a missionary Christian organizations reveal that in movement which understands the Word of North India – a church is being planted God.” every week; thousands are baptized, and so on. There is a big discrepancy between In Zechariah 8:2, God says through His reporting and the facts. Where God prophet, “I am jealous for Zion and I am dwells, Truth is the number one value. jealous with great India is a country wrath.” God's mission My prayer is that in the places where which is desperate is born out of deep God has sent you, people should say, to see models of emotion. “It is only the “Because of your presence, values Truth. I want to ask God of the Judeo- have changed.” Cultural values which w h e t h e r t h e Christian faith who are contrary to the moral values of the g e t s a n g r y a t churches being Kingdom of God are to be confronted injustice,” an Indian established and and wiped out from the life of leader belonging to institutions being indigenous churches that are planted in another faith told me run are known as different corners of our country. at a joint religious communities of dialogue. We talk Truth? about loving India. Do we have this emotion of jealousy and Moral Values Zechariah 8: 3b says that anger for India, where gross injustice and where God dwells, the mountain will be abuse of weaker sections prevail? called the Holy Mountain- a place of Passion and zeal, born out of deep values. We live in a world in which values emotion, possessed people like John are relative and arbitrary. My prayer is that Knox for Scotland and David Brainerd for in the places where God has sent you, the American Red Indians. My prayer is people should say, “Because of your that IEM will produce missionaries who presence, values have changed.” Cultural are passionate for India, who would be values which are contrary to the moral angry and jealous for the people groups with whom they work. 'As HE is … so are values of the Kingdom of God are to be WE in the world.' confronted and wiped out from the life of indigenous churches that are planted in

5 September 2012 different corners of our country. I hope IEM because where God dwells, children will will be known as a Mission which changes laugh again and play in the streets. Would the values of this country with the moral you not be jealous and angry for these values of the Kingdom. children?

God's concern for the displaced people Health and Long Life for the Old “This is what the LORD Almighty says, 'I Zechariah 8:4 declares, “This is what the will save my people from the countries of LORD Almighty says. “Once again men the east and the west. I will bring them and women of ripe old age will sit in the back to live in Jerusalem…” (Zechariah streets of Jerusalem, each with cane in 8:7) HE prophesies – even when HE hand because of his age.” One of the scatters them, HE will bring them back. indicators of God's presence when the We need to know that it is not that God was Kingdom comes is that people will live giving a special treatment to Israel, though long. Health is a very important part of the their place in God's plan and history is very special! HE is displaying His character coming of the Kingdom of God. Jesus through Israel. It was a shock to Israel went about healing people, not because when the prophet Amos told them in Amos he wanted to do miracles, but because 9:7 “'Are not you Israelites the same to me healing and health are part of the as the Cushites?' declares the LORD. 'Did Kingdom. We are now living in a world I not bring Israel up from Egypt, the where health is not a right for the people. It Philistines from Caphtor and the won't be long before only people with Arameans from Kir?'” God says, “This is insurance will be treated. The people who my job, because I decided where people will be affected will be the poor of our should live, and when they are taken off their land, I make sure that they come country, with whom you work. Would you back.” This is an important character of the then raise your voice? God of the Bible. Land and its possession “As HE is ... so are WE in the world.” is an important concern of God's Kingdom.

Joy, Peace and Freedom of the Young In India, displacement of people happens Where God dwells, “The City will be filled in the name of development for dam sites, with boys and girls playing there.” industrial expansion and so on. Original (Zechariah 8: 5) What beautiful imagery! settlers are displaced. This is “development induced displacement.” In Children playing again in the streets, their the North Eastern regions, due to noise and laughter – that should be the terrorism and strife, people move out with prayer in every heart committed to the displeasure. They become “internally heart of God, because children are very displaced people.” God is angry when special in the Kingdom perspective. But people are displaced from their land. You this is not the truth in our country or in the need to express this concern in the areas world. Millions of children in the world are where you work, when people are being trafficked every year for sex trade. They displaced. are sold, ill treated and sexually abused I hope your prayer for India will include in our country by relatives and in hostels. It these five areas. God is not excited about is a sad world and it breaks the heart of unbridled economic prosperity. HE is a God to see children suffer! Be alert and God of justice, a God of compassion. May watch out! Make sure your hostels and HE fill our hearts with jealousy and anger institutions are secure havens for children for our country. to grow in love, peace and freedom

6 September 2012 Reflections: PM Mathews & Gracy Still Strong and Serving the Lord I came to Jaigaon as a missionary in 1968 and have been here since then. God called me to be a missionary here so even after I retired from IEM I have continued to minister here. The Lord led us and so the work continues to grow. God brought my 2 sons and their families to serve the Lord with me. I praise God! Here are some highlights Church planting 20 churches in the tribal belt of Doars region of West Bengal 4 house churches in Bhutan Grace Ashram A home for the homeless. 42 children and 10 old people for PM Mathews & Gracy whom nobody cared are being loved and nurtured. Grace Mission School: This school has 200 orphans and underprivileged children with classes upto standard 5. Grace School of Ministry: We run a Bible training centre for the native speakers. We are also trying to develop a centre for Christian ministry to train oral learners as well. Some of the challenges we are facing After the change of government in West Bengal, opposition to Christian work is increasing. We are facing threats in some places A lack of training for native leaders in addition to a dearth of disciples in the churches Educational facilities for children are limited Medical facilities are not available. I praise God for enabling me to serve the Lord through IEM for 24 years and then being able to have a continued relationship with the Mission. Please pray that in the midst of all difficulties and challenges we will continue

A Bundle of Joy Our missionaries Phaguram Murmu & Sushanti(Koya field) were blessed with a baby boy on July 20, 2012. Both mother and son are well. We rejoice with our missionaries Kumal Paricha and Anupama who were blessed with a baby boy on August 16, 2012. Both mother and son are well. Pray that the parents will bring up the child in the fear of the Lord.

7 September 2012 e s t a t e s o f Jalpaiguri District J a l p a i g u r i History d i s t r i c t i n Most Sadri people in Jalpaiguri district northern West were migrants from the Chotanagpur Bengal. There Plateau located primarily in South-central are 151 tea Bihar and north-central Orissa. This e s t a t e s district began to develop only after the c o v e r i n g Tea Garden growth of tea plantations way back in 59,988 hectares. This area is ideally 1874-75. The name Jalpaiguri came from suited for the cultivation of tea because of the Bengali the high annual rainfall and the red loamy word “jalpai” clay soil which absorbs water, protecting m e a n i n g the tea plants from being flooded. They " o l i v e " are simple hospitable people. Their staple because of the food is rice. Most Sadris drink lots of red olives which tea. They also drink homemade rice beer. sighted during They like to sing and dance. Sadri is the the 1900s. The Bhutan Gate lingua franca in the tea estates of s u f f i x g u r i Jalpaiguri district in northern West Bengal. means “a place.” The name can also be There are 151 tea estates covering 59,988 associated with Jalpesh, the presiding hectares. This area is ideally suited for the deity of the entire region. Jalpaiguri district cultivation of tea because of the high situated in the northern region of West annual rainfall and the red loamy clay soil Bengal has international borders with which absorbs water, protecting the tea Bhutan and Bangladesh in the north and plants from being flooded. south respectively and state borders with The Sadri people are animists. Their main Assam and the Darjeeling hills in the east, g o d i s west and northwest. M a h a d e v Population a n d t h e i r There are 3 major Adivasi groups in main festival Jalpaiguri district. They are the Oraon, i s " K o r a m " Munda and Kharia according to the 1961 ( h a r v e s t census. Sadri speakers come from the festival) Oraon tribe. The traditional tongue of the Rev. & Mrs, Eric Basumata (Biron) Oraon people is KURUKH, a language The Initial Years- Our Exemplary originating from the Dravidians. The Forerunners literacy rate among Sadri speaking P.M. Mathews & Gracy from Kerala arrived people in Jalpaiguri stands at around in Gopalpur village as pioneer 29.19% missionaries in 1977. Later, they moved . to Jaigaon. After 8 years, in January 1985, The Sadri People Joseph Chettri & Nutan arrived in They are simple Gopalpur. They struggled to find a house hospitable people. in Dalsingpara village but finally located Their staple food one in October 1986. They faced hostile i s r i c e . M o s t Our Belivers neighbours initially. After 6 years, a church Sadris drink lots of red tea. They also drink was dedicated on March 2, 1991 at homemade rice beer. They like to sing and Dalsingpara. CP Varghese & Mariamma dance. Sadri is the lingua franca in the tea 8 September 2012 from Kerala came to Jaigaon after under agriculture area. r e s i g n i n g History from Bhutan Cooch Behar merged with the Indian government service in 1986. C.S. Joseph from K e r a l a

Mr&Mrs.Aimson Mavei(Delimon) r e a c h e d Hamiltonga nj in July 1992 to strengthen the team. They worked hard and built a church at Dima Beech Line. The team was able to establish many churches have been established Union on August 28, 1949. It was in Jalpaiguri recognised as a separate district of West f i e l d a n d Bengal from Jan 1, 1950. “Cooch” denotes local leaders the Kooch tribe, Behar means “living w e r e place.” developed Rajbanshi is a schedule tribe. It means to minister to "Rajarbonsodhar" or descendants of the t h e i r o w n king. They are people. also called "Aei D e s i o " The Missionary Team m e a n i n g The present missionary team comprises " A n c i e n t of 4 couples. Imlong Chang & Naro based people group." at Lothabari, John Kashyap & Subola R a j b a n s h i s and David belong to the "khastriya" or warrior Haokip & community. They speak, "Rajbanshi" or Rachel at "Kamtapuri" language. Dima Bech Though they are animists, Hinduism is Line and now their main religion. Their main god is P i s h a n g Mashan Devota or Evil Spirit residing Maring & near the river. They welcome guests by Anita at o ff e r i n g " G u y a - p a n ” ( b e e t l e n u t ) . Birpara Agricultu Cooch Behar District re is the Cooch Behar was ruled by kings and is m a i n surrounded by source of Jalpaiguri in the income. north, Assam in Nowada the east and ys, they Bangladesh on a l s o Mr&Mrs.Sanjaya Digal(Binita) its southern work as labourers or rickshaw pullers and border. Most of drivers. t h e l a n d i s The Rajbanshi people follow the joint

9 September 2012 f a m i l y Mahisbatan, Aimson Mavei & Delimond s y s t e m . minister in Tupanganj and Sanjaya Digal & Their staple Binita are based in Pundibari food is rice, S i d o l ( d r y fish), pailka ( s l i p p e r y Traditional Dance vegetables), and atiakola with doi and chira(seed and banana with curd and Chira) and so on. The Missionary Team Three missionary couples are ministering here Eric Basumata & Bironi live in Woman’s Meet

Mahisbatan Making Every Effort to Preach the Gospel

Our Early Days First Fruit We found it On September 9, 2009, Mr.& Mrs. Sushil very difficult B a r m a n t o f i n d a a c c e p t e d house when Christ. They the Mission were our first sent us here fruit. Now they on April 9, are serving the 2007. Later, L o r d a s Our Missionary Team Hear Our prayers O Lord! missionaries evangelists and have led a few people to the Aimson and John joined the team. Once Lord. Aimson and I faced stiff opposition at Our ministries include personal evangelism, Pundibari when we were hunting for a tuition classes, film shows, cottage house. Someone said, "There's no house meetings, outreach initiatives and Sunday here for Christians!" worship services. God granted us wisdom to We started our ministry here by offering translate many songs into the Rajbanshi tuition in many places. Gradually people got language. to know about us. Eventually, God gave us a The Bible is being translated into Rajbanshi house at language by one of our believers, Akhil Mahisbat Barman and a team from the North East a n . I n Rajbanshi Sonatan Christio Sahitya Samiti course of (NERSCSS). Mr.Sushil Barman, our time, we evangelist is doing a basic Bible course in learnt the Cooch Behar for 3 days every month. language Goal: To reach out with the Gospel to 10 and culture new villages o f t h e Public Confession of faith Eric Basumata & Bironi people. The number of contacts also grew. 10 September 2012 Testimonies from Birpara Tragedy to Triumph Mr Bucha Induwar was the first person to whom I preached the Gospel in Birpara Tea Garden. In the beginning, he did not pay much attention. He just listened but did not accept what I said. Yet I visited him regularly. He had many cows and goats. Suddenly his troubles began. Over a period of 2 weeks, 13 cows were killed by a speeding train. Almost the same time, his brother's only son was poisoned by his friends. He grew frustrated and experienced great agony in his heart. He went through sleepless nights as well. During this season of suffering, I shared about the suffering that Job went through, recorded for us in the Bible. Job lost everything! I read Matthew 11:28 and told him how he could find peace of mind if he trusted in Jesus. Eventually he accepted Christ, gave up his old habits and practices and openly confessed his faith on May 29, 2011. Jesus made a great difference in his life. Indeed, he is a new creature Miss. Tarsilla Induwar stayed with her aunt in Dalmony during her teens. One day her aunt experienced a evil spirit attack and turned insane. She was taken to different hospitals, all in vain. Then she went to Hindu pundits for treatment but they could do nothing. Her condition remained the same. Later, she ran away and roamed around the villages and did not return home for many days. One day, her husband found her, brought her home and tied her in her room. When a missionary came to preach the Gospel, they invited him to pray for her. To everyone's surprise, she was healed and became Christian. Seeing this miracle Tarsilla believed in Jesus and accepted him as her Saviour. After she left her aunt's home, nobody counselled her for many years. One day, I shared about Christ's love and she recommitted her life to the Lord. After a year of teaching she openly confessed her faith in the Lord along with her uncle Mr. Bucha Induwar on May 29, 2011. Pishang Thouman

Volunteers for Christ time to teach basics of Bible Study and introduced them to the ministry of IEM, at OTI along with showing them opportunities A bunch of energetic boys and girls landed where they can use their skills and training in the TWR center to help us in the for the kingdom of God. The next day they Missionaries family conference as th were taken on a field visit to Krishnagiri volunteers. On 4 of August we had a field, The whole programme was a special programme for them, 24 challenge to the youngsters, who have volunteers along with the batch of OTI returned to their respective places with a trainees came for this get together, They renewed vigor to serve the Lord. If you are w e r e o v e r j o y e d a g a i n t o s e e young and want to serve the Lord you capt.Kennedy under whom they had can be a volunteer to the Lord too worked during the conference, we took the

11 September 2012 Reflections: CP Varghese & Annamma Jesus Arrested Them It's a joy for me to reflect on our ministry through IEM in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal. After working for the Government of Bhutan, we felt the Lord calling us serve Him through IEM. So we resigned and moved to Jaigaon on the Indo-Bhutan border. The Lord helped us to serve Him faithfully, even though we struggled to communicate the Gospel among the Bhutanese, Sadri and Nepali people. CP Varghese & Annamma I'd like to share one unforgettable incident. We used to conduct prayer meetings behind closed doors in Bhutan. At each meeting, we were careful not to announce the venue for the next meeting for obvious reasons. Once we screened a Christian film in once such prayer meeting. At the close of the meeting, 2 men stood up and identified themselves as police officials. One of them said, “We came here to arrest you. Instead, Jesus arrested us! We want to follow Jesus.” We listened in stunned silence. Later, they resigned from the Royal police and served the Lord. CP Varghese sharing the Gospel Now we are in Kerala, serving the Lord by challenging people to pray for and contribute to the ministry of IEM. Please pray for us! C.P. Varghese & Annamma

Susannah Rajamony Reports We cared for each other like our own! It was a different, experience staying at TWR! We were able to meet different kinds of people from different parts of India, talking their own native languages! Our Missionaries' children were divided into groups according to their age – 4-11, 12-16 and 17-19 in addition to the Youth and the Adults. In the 12-16 bracket, we had sessions and games with good themes. The highlights of what we learnt were 1) We should never lose hope 2) Rules and regulations are important 3) Give what you have to God 4) Go to the world 5) You are the light of the world. We played games like coin toss, leg cricket, football and so on. May 22nd, we were taken to the VGP resort for a picnic. Each senior child had to look after the 3 younger ones and they cared for them like their own! On the talent night, each child did something which brought a smile on their proud parents' faces. - Susannah Rajamony Daughter of Mrs Esther Rajamony, Outreach Training Institute

12 September 2012 Praise and Prayer Calendar (Prayer is the driving force of missionary work. The greatest event that transformed the history of mankind is when God become man! The greatest miracle is of course when man understands God's love for him and responds to that love by accepting Jesus as his or her personal Saviour! This has been happening and continues to happen because you prayed! So when you read the September 2012 Praise & Prayer calendar, watch out for details of transformed lives and uphold these new believers in your prayers. Also pray for wisdom for our missionaries as they nurture these precious ones in the Word of God!)

1 HIMACHAL PRADESH, Kullu 2 HIMACHAL PRADESH, Dharamsala Praise Praise Summer camps were conducted for young Our missionaries were able to contact people and children from July 20-23 and many Tibetan friends 24-26, 2012 respectively. 21 young people Pray and 25 children youth were encouraged OTI trainees Pauline & Libela will be with and challenged the missionary team till October2012 120 people attended the Annual Missionary Ngaithianching is in Manipur Convention from July 28-29, 2012. The expecting her baby in October theme was, “I am not ashamed of the 3 HIMACHAL PRADESH, Lahaul Gospel of Christ…” (Romans 1:16) 22 supporters from Madhya Pradesh Praise visited Kullu and were challenged and Our missionaries were able to meet 24 motivated to continue supporting the families in 10 Buddhist villages inside ministry when they visited Kullu Lahaul. They were encouraged to trust Pray Jesus as their Saviour Rs.5,00,000 is required to complete the One seeker turned to the Lord on July 25 construction of a multi-purpose hall in July, 2012 after 16 years of contact with Kullu her family. More people to enroll in the tailoring centre Pray A medical camp covering at Benchi village This seeker has many struggles because is being conducted this month. 10 villages of her faith in the Lord are expected to be reached Missionaries Luke and Pynshai are in OTI trainees Lalu & Siji are in Kullu till the Lahaul for summer ministry. 10 souls need end of October 2012 to know the Lord this year A prayer fellowship with 10 believers * Robertsganj, UP: Pray that those who should be formed in a Buddhist village this watch the “Jesus film” today at Myorpur year village will respond to the love of Christ Kolkata Revisited - Forty five people attended a gathering organised on behalf of IEM by Bro Joshua Choppara in Kolkatta. Our General Secretary, Rev. John Wesley spoke on the topic, "The Need of the Hour". This is a new beginning for Kolkata and indeed for West Bengal. More information : Mr Joshua Choppara - 09830178658. E- mail ID - [email protected] For IEM Person - Rev. S. R. Soren, ([email protected]). 088083840450 IEM Partners in Kolkata

13 September 2012 4 PUNJAB, Bathinda from bondage to liquor Three seekers would be contacted this Praise month 15 young people were blessed during a youth meeting in Nathana village. 30 TEACHER'S DAY: Thank God for women understood the love of Christ at our teachers today! Their Kothaguru and Niur villages sacrificial service has made us Effective evangelistic efforts are yielding what we are today. Also pray for our missionaries who are involved in positive results teaching the precious Word of God Seeker Gurtej who was in bondage to evil to people. spirits evils spirits experienced freedom in answer to prayer The missionaries would be protected in Believer Raja Singh was married on rainy season August 22, 2012 Believer Manjeet Kaur was healing from a 6 UTTARAKHAND, Dehra Dun kidney stone ailment after a long struggle Believer Karamjeet Kaur was gifted with a Praise suitable life partner Many people eagerly watched a Christian Pray film 8 believers will attend a Short Term Bible The Bible study and Sunday School are school scheduled this month growing steadily Seekers Balla & Sikhander's son needs to A few new contacts were established last be freed from bondage to drug addiction month Seekers Sewak Singh and Jaspreet Singh Pray to be healed from their physical ailments Seeker Amith and his mother need to Preparations for the field convention in understand God's love October 2012. More than 300 people are A definite breakthrough in the ministry expected to attend The believers need to stand firm in the midst of numerous difficulties 5 UTTARAKHAND, Dehra Dun, Indiranagar 7 UTTARAKHAND, Dehra Dun Praise 50 children participated in the VBS Praise programme from June 21-23, 2012 75 children attended 4-day VBS Miss Radha Pathak is eager to know more programmes in 2 places about Jesus 10 new contacts were established and 3 A seeker, Mr. Ganesh Thapa comes new seekers identified regularly to the Sunday service A 9-day inner healing programme for Pray missionaries and believers was an eye- Seeker Man Bahadur Thapa will be freed opener and a great comfort to all who attended IEM organized a Youth “BLAST” programme (Bringing Lost and Saved Together) at Tsungiki Baptist Church Wokha District Nagaland from 15-17th June 2012. More than 250 youth attended, and 56 youth rededicated their lives. 22 youth were ready to go for EDGE programme. One young boy decided to be a Cross-culture Missionary through IEM. The praise & worship Team was from Civil Defence Training Centre Bapist Church Toluvi & Friends. Rev.R. MangYang Chang State Secretary for Nagaland, IEM

14 September 2012 Pray Mahuwa village may be reached for Christ Our missionaries need wisdom on how to Seeker Ramsejiwan and his family will follow up those who attended the VBS experience freedom from bondage to programmes Satan 13 new contacts should turn to the Lord 7-year old Rakesh needs healing from Believer Mamata Kumari is in Doon Bible body swelling College, Dehra Dun Contact Mr. Birja Yadav from Dumriya The inner healing Seminar will be useful in village needs healing from knee pain ministry 9 UTTAR PRADESH, Balrampur Our missionary who attended the CLHTC should be able to use their skills effectively Praise 8 UTTARAKHAND, Chandmari 10 new seekers attend Sunday service regularly from last month Praise Miraculous healing granted to seeker The VBS programme in different villages Mrs Urmila was peaceful and a success Hostel children will grow spiritually and Our children may fare well in academics in study well this year Missionary Theba Timothy is physically Pray strong to care for 11 children Sandhya and Santosh may learn much Women's meeting on July 27, 2012 was an from God's Word enriching experience Believer Miss Promila may be kept healthy Pray as she studies in college Land in Govardenpur village will be purchased soon UTTAR PRADESH, Utraula Believers who are preparing to openly confess their faith in the Lord Praise Seeker Mr. Raj Kumar from Balrampur Believer Raju's family are now allowing who has started to read the Bible will know him to attend church the love of God Believer Ramu has many opportunities to serve the Lord among his own people 10 UTTAR PRADESH, Fatehpur More people attend the worship service Praise God regularly in Pidiya church The Gospel was preached only in the Seeker Mrs Urmila was delivered from an villages but also in Fatehpur city evil spirit after 3 years 2 regular prayer meetings and Bible Pray studies were started Seeker Mr. Hari Prasad needs healing Seeker who was suffering from a nose from his ulcers bleed was healed miraculously Seeker Mr. Baburam has been having bad 30 people are attended Sunday worship dreams and is very upset at Chithampur village regularly

Sanctification is not my idea of what I want God to do for me sanctification is God’s idea of what He wants to do for me. But He has to get me into the state of mind and spirit where I will allow Him to sanctify me completely, whatever the cost. – Oswald Chambers ( My Utmost for His Highest - Available in Telugu, Hindi, Kannada & English Contact IEM)

15 September 2012 Helper Mr. Samarjeet actively involving in Evangelical Mission (IEM) July 26, 2012 at the ministry B C M H e a d q u a r t e r s , L u n g l e i Seeker Mr. Munna who was addicted to Supporters were greatly encouraged after drugs for 10 years was freed in answer to attending the Thansgiving Service at prayer Aizawl English Congregation Hall on July Pray 26, 2012 Those addicted to drugs will attend Pray worship at Chithampur and understand An MoU with the Presbyterian Synod and true freedom Lairam Baptist Church needs to be Rs 10,000 required to repair the shed of renewed the worship shed in Chithampur 13 MIZORAM, Church Ministries Healing for Mr. Raj Kumar who sustained a blood clot in his knee as a result of an Praise accident 180 children attended for VBS 11 UTTAR PRADESH, Robertsganj programmes at Nakiripet, Alligudemand and Nadigudem Most of them attend Praise Sunday school regularly Evangelist Mr. Mahender Prasad was Many believers' children secured first married on July 3, 2012 division in School leaving examinations Seekers Mr. Amal and his wife Pramila 3 girls secured admission for the BSc have started attending Sunday Worship in nursing in Jagannathapuram Kargara 90 women from 9 churches attended Seekers Mr. & Mrs. Ram Dullare from women's meetings at Boggamirupaka and Kargara shared their desire to know more Lingalapalli. As a result, they are actively about Christ and have started attending involved in church activities worship service 5 new families are attending the worship Hostel ministry has been started after a services at Lankalaplli and Jamindhar building was rented and deserving Banjar villages children selected 12-year old Pradeep and 10-year old Pray Swarnalatha are recovering well after their Believer Anil's parents are vehemently setback in health threatening the believers including their 31 people attended a 2-day seekers' son meeting conducted by missionary Mr. Pray that God will enable us to fulfill our Eswar Rao in Chalampalem village. 10 of plan for the Hostel Ministry them accepted the Lord and are preparing to openly confess their faith in 12 ANDHRA PRADESH, Khammam the Lord Praise 39 women attended a 2-day meeting at An MoU was signed between the Baptist Chalampalem village. Nineteen of them Church of Mizoram (BCM) and Indian decided to follow the Lord wholeheartedly New Mission Field Malvi Field in MP : In partnering with NLCI we are placing a missionary couple to work with the Malvi people group from September in MP. Pray for the efforts.

16 September 2012 Pray 15 ANDHRA PRADESH, Chinmoor Pullaigudem church construction needs to completed soon Praise Church building need to be constructed at New openings in 5 villages J a m i n d h a r B a n j a r, B o l l i g a t t u , Hostel children are blooming for God's Reddigudem, Gondhigudem, Vulvanur glory Banjar and Achuthapuram Kothur Plots for New worship centre in Yerrakunta village church building need to be purchased in was started Kodesagattu, Maddalamadava and Outreach programmes in 10 villages were Laxmipuram villages initiated and are progressing well Pray 14 RADIO MINISTRY The second phase of the Narwaipet Praise church building to be completed soon Sunitha, a blind lady from Ramghad, 7 new evangelist families need to be Robertganj, UP trusted the Lord after identified and appointed soon listening to Hindi messages on the audio 5 church helpers are urgently needed device “Mega Voice” Construction of Nagampet and Chennur Linganna from Palemecheruvu in churches need to be started soon Chenchu field, AP not only listens to the Telugu radio messages, he invites his 16 ANDHRA PRADESH, Bonagiripalli field neighbours to listen as well Praise The Kuvi Gospel video CD is making a New missionary Vijay Kumar and his great impact on the people family have joined the team The Garasia audio New Testament is Evangelists and helpers are working being widely used for the edification of sincerely in the field non-literate people Pray Pray One more missionary family is needed in Koya, Kuvi and Kukna radio programmes will be tailor-made to speak to God's Rampur people Evangelists and helpers families need to For 2-years, various hindrances have widen the borders of their ministry stopped the production of Korku and Kotia The new worship centre in Dudekulapally audio CDs needs to be grounded in the Word of God A new radio preacher from IEM needs to S t r e n g t h t o c o n d u c t o u t r e a c h be trained to speak on the Koya radio programmes in 10 villages programme 17 ODISHA, Mayurbhanj Weekly TV programs in Telugu and Tamil need to be started soon Praise God 1000 radios and four LCD projectors are 7 new families joined the church after needed to enhance the ministry in IEM being healed in answer to prayer mission fields ??boys joined the hostel at Nipania village Our seeker Lakumu, was a drunkard and never stayed in his home. Now he responsibly takes care of his family and is willing to share the good news to their relatives.

There is no hard man for God to change. - Ebin Samuel, Bastar, Chhatisgarh

17 September 2012 4 hostel girls passed their Standard 10 Pray board exam 5 new villages need to be reached Avenues for ministry is opening in new 2 cottage prayer meetings should be villages started soon Pray 5 believers need to openly confess their Our hostel girls will grow spiritually as well faith in the Lord as study hard 1 local leader need to be identified and The hostel building and 3 churches need appointed to be constructed soon 1 new worship group should be formed Those who received Gospel tracts will 50 children need to become literate respond to the Gospel and this will result in new openings in villages 20 ODISHA, Koraput 18 TAMIL NADU, Krishnagiri Praise Ministry opportunities opening up in Praise Dasmanthpur block 10 members from Poovathi Church are Kuvi language programmes are being attending the Adult literacy programme broadcast over FEBA radio every Tuesday Pray 9 seekers from Poovathi, Kaveripattinam, Literacy programmes should be started Eariyoor and Velagalalli villages soon Contact Mrs.Palani from Samakollapail is The hostel boys will grow up to be regularly attending the Worship Service at stalwarts for the Saviour Velagalalli Some supporters are willing to contribute 21 GUJARAT, Garasia towards the purchase of a Uninterrupted Praise God Power Supply(UPS) for the Girl's hostel at 24 young people were challenged after Elathagiri a t t e n d i n g y o u t h m e e t i n g s a t Pray Dhabavalivav, Meen and Vagur during The Girls hostel should be registered July, 2012 soon. An Evangelist Equipping programme An Electricity meter needs to be installed encouraged and motivated the future and the roofing should be completed soon leaders on July 11, in Dhabavalivav. 19 WEST BENGAL, Cooch Behar Evangelists Shambu, Pappu and Babu are burdened to reach their own people in Praise spite of challenges Evangelists organized worship, prayer The Garasia Church has started helping 3 times efficiently and effectively during our believing widows on a monthly basis missionaries' absence on account of The Self Help Group has been started in annual leave Vagur village

Audio Visual Ministry Providing audio, video and literature in the mission field languages is our ministry. IEM is working among the people of 35 tribal languages. Our ministry is to produce and provide Audio and Video and Literature in these 35 languages so that people will come to know the Lord in their mother tongue.

18 September 2012 The Garasia audio Bible is widely used and Mrs.ching after their illness among the believers The missionaries' children's education Pray and growth in the Lord The programmes conducted last month New openings for more people to come will have a positive impact on the people forward for the Lord's ministry The Garasia Society Elders will grow 24 ARUNACHAL PRADESH, Seppa spiritually and use the God-given responsibility ably Praise The hostel children will grow spiritually One more family, Mr. Karbia Langi and and physically Mrs. Feyam Langi and 2 daughters were Seviben, Paburiben and Pemiben, are added into our fellowship. Pray for their suffering from mental problems spiritual growth 22 ANDHRA PRADESH, Araku Valley His protection over our missionary who met with an accident Praise God Many seekers are attending the Sunday 14 families accepted Christ as their worship service in Nikte church personal Saviour The women's fellowship has been started Many believers who were ill during the Pray monsoon experienced God's healing 30 new children were added to the Puroik touch hostel. Pray for the hostel warden and his Pray team as they care for these precious Urdob a hostel boy who suffered from children Pneumonia and was admitted to Asha Seekers Mr. & Mrs. Karbia Langi and Kiran hospital needs prayer for complete family will grow spiritually healing Believer Mr. Kayi Ori, the headman of Hostel boy K Samuel who is being treated Nikte area and his family who want to for Nephritis is under medication openly confess their faith in the Lord God would open the way to start literacy 23 CHURCH MINISTRIES, Assam, Guwahati class at Nikte Praise 25 ANDHRA PRADSH, Kurnool The ministry in Guwahati is going smoothly. Praise Many people are getting involved in the New missionaries are motivated to learn Gospel ministry. the language Rev. Lamthang and Mrs. Siamching Healing of believer Rajama have recovered from their sickness 6 new Chenchu children have joined the Pray hostel in addition to the 25 already staying God will strengthen both Rev.Lamthang there

Last year we started a Hostel with 20 children. They improved in all areas like cleanliness, studies and spiritual life. All passed in their exams and two got first ranks. This year 30 new children are admitted in the hostel. Please pray for a land and a hostel building. Mrs. Hau niang kap, Papumpare, Arunachal Pradesh

19 September 2012 Pray New believers, especially the young The missionaries will master the local people need to grow spiritually language soon Evangelist Nabor Toppa and family need The language helper should turn to the prayer as they strive hard to establish a Lord worship group and identity another Leadership training programme to be evangelist to help him conducted in the near future 27 KARNATAKA, Chitradurga 26 ANDAMANS Praise Praise 15 seekers openly confessed their faith in 4 seekers have begun attending the the Lord on August 14, 2012 Sunday worship and 3 children attend the The Baramasagara church celebrated its Sunday School after a successful contact 4th anniversary on July 19, 2012 meeting at Billy Ground New contacts and seekers are attending Believers Mr. & Mrs. Laxam, conducted the worship service regularly the Worship Service during our Pray missionaries' absence from Nimbutala Believer Mrs.Kamashiyamma needs Jetty healing from severe joint knee pain Our new missionaries Gideon and A survey to identify new mission fields in Narayan have begun learning the Bellary and Gulbarga district districts language and culture of the people in Gajja 3-year old boy from Kasavanahalli Kadamtala and Foster Valley village needs release from bondage to Our hostel children and some believers demon possession who were quite ill during a viral outbreak in Seeker Mrs. Laxmibai also needs North and Middle Andamans have since deliverance from evil spirits recovered Mrs.Paramajji's husband is preventing her Projects at JJG Hostel, Diglipur and from attending church. Pray that he will Church at Kadamtala and Nimbutala Jetty permit her to go and attend the church as respectively are in progress well Pray New believers will desire to attend church Seekers' meetings at Kishorinagar, regularly children's retreat at Billy Ground, outreach Land for a church building in programmes at Long Island, and a youth Chukkanahalli village will be identified retreat at Kadamtala during September and funds made available for construction need our prayers 28 BIHAR, Raxaul C l o s e c o n t a c t s S o n a m a n i , Arjun,Rajakumar,Satish,Dughi, Debar Praise God Ram & family, Abianus & family need to 2 Majhi believers' children from Triveni know Jesus personally. village were admitted to hostel Blessed Youth programme in Manipur: 36 boys and 24 girls attended an inspiring "BLAST" programme from August 13-15, 2012 in Imphal. The speakers were Rev T Sholal and Mr Jenny Christopher. Each and every young person was touched through the ministry of the Word and made commitments to walk circumspectly with the Lord. God-willing an EDGE programme will be conducted after 3 or 4 months. Rev . Mocha, State Secretary, Manipur

20 September 2012 Missionary Sukaniya is showing steady Pray improvement in health in answer to prayer Deepak, a 15 year old boy, who has Pray Steven Johnson's syndrome will 2 Mother Tongue Translators are urgently experience God's healing touch needed Preparation for the printing of the Rana Believers need to grow spiritually For the Tharu Calendar for 2013 is in progress growth of our believers. Seekers may come to know to the lord. 30 FINANCE DEPARTMENT

29 UTTAR PRADESH Lakhimpur Kheri Praise God The audit report was approved by the IEM Praise God Bord Our MTTs Bhagat Singh and Karan Singh 2 new staff were added to the team in the who attended the Level III course at Kerala Finance Department did extremely well Pray Missionary Mr Tia Jamir has taken over The audit report will be submitted properly responsibility of the hostel to the Registrar of Societies, Tamil Nadu 13 pastors and leaders from 5 others and the Ministry of Home Affairs, New missions from India and Nepal Delhi on time enthusiastically participated in the The PF audit from 2010-11 and 11-12 Calendar Consultation on July 23, 2012 needs to be completed soon Our missionaries and MTTs were able to 3 more staff needed in the Finance translate 1 Corinthians into Rana Tharu Department during a workshop in Dehradun in August

Reflection : Rev. C. S. Joseph Jalpaiguri Field Report The ministry in Jalpaiguri field, Hamiltonganj station was started in the year 1992 by pioneer missionaries Rev. C.S Joseph and Mariamma Joseph from Kottayam, Kerala. It was started in Dima Tea Estate among the Sadri people group who are adivasies from Chotta Nagpur They are brought there for the purpose of tea garden plantation in the West Bengal area where 250 tea gardens are planted. Sadries have a simple life style and live in small tea garden quarters provided by the tea garden management. They are ancestor worshipers mingled with Bengali Poojas of Kali, Durga and Saraswathi. They are led by Mrs & Rev. C. S. Joseph the village leaders who have authority over them. They are hard workers, sincere, and faithful in their work. Sadri make local toddy in their home and from childhood they are habituated to local toddy drinking The first baptism service was in 1994. One family took baptism from Dima beach line. They are Bandhan and Menjo whose names were changed to Peter and Ruth. Since 2011 there are 99 believers in Dima Bethel church. The Tea Garden Management allotted land to construct the church building in Dima

21 September 2012 supported by CSI Christ Church in Cochin, Kerala. On August 15, 1994 the church building was dedicated. The missionaries added to the field for team work are: Rev. & Mrs. Chin Lamthang, Mr. & Mrs. Moloy Banerjee, Mr. & Mrs. Pissang, Mr. & Mrs. Imloung and Mr. & Mrs. John Kashyap. A branch church was established in Lothabari and worship groups are continuing in the Birpara area. The Dima church is growing with the Three “S” pillars - Mr. Peter Oraon , the evangelist, 4 local leaders, 2 Sunday School teachers and 5 Sunday school children. A nursery school was established in the year 2008. The The Transformed lives literacy rate is very low- 8 to 12%. The motivation for setting up the school was good education for the new generation, a God fearing generation and the future growth of the Dima church with good capable leaders. The nursery school children receive scholarships from the Minority Development department in Kolkata since 2010. Please pray for the procuring of land from the Tea Garden Manager to construct the school building, and for the financial needs of the school. CS Joseph & Mariamma

Reflections: Joseph Chhetri & Nutan We cherish our time in IEM IEM started ministering in 1985 in Dalsingpara. After the initial struggle and opposition, we settled in Dalsingpara. We are still ministering here. Our ministry was mainly in and around Dalsingpara. We cycled to many places and preached the Word. God blessed our efforts, and gave us souls in Dalsingpara, Rangmati, Kalchini, Dharmabari, Hasimara and Beech Bagan. Our work expanded up to Nagrakuha block, 80 kilometres away. Today our ministry is expanded close to the Indo Bhutan border. Joseph Chhetri & Nutan 1 Corinthians 15:50 says, “Your labor in the Lord is not in vain. God used us to bring people to Him, disciple them and train them to be leaders, who can ably lead the various congregations. What was sown as a small seed in 1985 has grown to be a big tree. Today we have 25 churches in and around Jalpaiguri Dr. Theodore Srinivasagam and 20 churches in the Himalayan region. being received The Lord faithfully protected us when we faced opposition and threats. It was a great privilege to serve the Lord through IEM. We thankful the Lord for the IEM leaders who stood with us and encouraged us. We continue to serve the Lord after retiring from IEM! We cherish the time we served the Lord through IEM. Rev. Joseph Chhetri with Belivers

22 September 2012 Field News - Dehra Dun Influencing young lives for the Master Since our missionaries entered Indiranagar village in Dehra Dun, they are offering free tuitions to village children. They also conduct Sunday School hoping that the children will accept the Lord some day. Through Bible stories, Christian songs and memorization of Bible verses, they try to instil godly values. Fifty children attended VBS at their home from June 21-23, 2012. Apart from teaching about Jesus and biblical characters, a Nepali Christian film about a small girl who led 3 drug addicts to Christ was screened. The children were given refreshments and awarded prizes on the final day. Victory over the darkness Nights were filled with fear and sleeplessness for Miss Santosh Thapa. But when she attended the Inner healing programme in our field, she experienced God's deliverance. She pleaded for forgiveness from all those she had wronged. Her glowing face revealed the deliverance she experienced. For the first time, she testified how God had delivered her from bondage of darkness. Now she plans to attend the Short Term Bible School(STBS) at Dehra Dun along with her sister Sandhya Thapa. Pray for their parents, Mr. Suraj and Mrs. Kamla Thapa. He still delivers today It was at 10.45pm on June 3, 2012, that Bhawna, a young girl was possessed by an evil spirit. Her parents, Mr. & Mrs.Balsingh Thapa called our missionary to come and pray for her. Before set out, they asked God for guidance and empowerment. On arrival, they found the girl lying unconscious. The missionary asked her parents if they believed that Jesus would be able to deliver their daughter and whether they would follow Him if He did. They replied positively. When our missionaries prayed, Bhawna began to shake and scream 4 times in the name of the Kuldevata (family god) but he would not leave her. Finally after much prayer in Jesus' Name, the evil spirit left and she became normal. The next day the Thapas bought a Bible and visited the missionaries' home. They joyfully shared what God had done for their daughter and thanked Him. Tharu Mission Field For the successful completion of Level III Training Program for our MTTs. Bhagat Singh and Karan Singh missed their onward train in Lucknow owing to miscommunication between them. We were in TN (annual leave). Bhagat Singh was quite unwilling to proceed to Kerala in an unreserved General compartment. We encouraged him over phone to proceed to Kerala even with the difficulties. He honored God by obliging and he patiently endured the ordeal of traveling in a crowded compartment by standing for 35 hours! When he returned back, he was in all smiles and thanked God who honored him with 74% marks in an impromptu test conducted by the Workshop organizers!( Karan scored 79%). 23 September 2012 We Salute Our Teachers When I was a young pupil in school, many teachers guided me. I had the privilege of being influenced by their lives, their styles of teaching and handling students. My young mind was molded by them and till this day, I have benefitted by them and am thankful for the role they played. There was one particular teacher who stands out in my life. She possessed all the qualities and traits that impressed my young mind so deeply. 1. Rich Spirituality Her rich spirituality caused her to impart Kingdom values and spiritual principles which played a vital role in my character formation. The fear of God was priority. Our thought pattern was influenced by proper values and ethics. My teacher catered to all our needs as students. 2. Resourcefulness Her teaching was marked by new ideas, new teaching techniques and she never fell into a rut. Her style of teaching was participatory. She upgraded her knowledge so that the students would be excited by the freshness of our her resources. 3. Relationship This teacher cultivated a good relationship with us. This impacted our family as well especially when we faced disappointments. She cared for us not just by her counsel but also in prayer. Her cheerfulness gave us hope and healing. For example when anyone was sick she would give them medicines. 4. Role Model Her influence in my life as a role model remains with me even today. Her word and deeds always matched. She never spoke ill about other teachers or compared others negatively. She was a peace-maker among the staff. Teaching was her only business, nothing else. She was always very punctual and prepared her subjects meticulously before teaching us. 5. Recognition Besides all these qualities my teacher also recognized the potential and capability of her students. She would encourage the skills and talents of the children and encourage them to develop these as they grew up, aiming at all-round development of the students' personality and character. Let me remind you of the words of Jesus “You call me 'teacher' and 'Lord' and you are quite right, for I am your teacher and your Lord. But if I, your teacher and Lord, have washed your feet, you must be ready to wash one another's feet. I have given you this as an example so that you may do as I have done.” (John 13: 13-15). I salute my teachers' community as 5th September is celebrated as Teachers day. We pray for you. Rev. E. D. Raja Singh Elias. HOD for Church and Communication Misnistries

24 September 2012 Missionary Biography: Samuel Zwemer Torchbearer in a “Desert Land” (Zwemer saw his first milestone in his ministry as leaving for Arabia in 1890 to work directly with the Muslim community. At this time, his main mode of evangelism was distribution of literature and personal conversation. He combined models of confrontational and a more irenic approach of presenting the love of Christ, ‘characteristic of the student volunteers’. Stories of his spontaneous interaction with people suggest that he was a capable and creative personal evangelist.) When Samuel Marinus Zwemer was born in 1867, his mother prayerfully dedicated him for missionary work as she lovingly placed her in a cradle. His devout upbringing in a Reformed Church pastor's home in Michigan conditioned him to pledge his Samuel Zwemer life to serve as a foreign missionary. He trained at the theological seminary of the Reformed Church in New Jersey.

Besides doing social work in the slums, Zwemer acquired a fair knowledge of medicine. He and James Cantine, a fellow student in the seminary decided to start new work in a needy field and they chose Arabia, the Muslim homeland as their mission field.

As an ordained minister of the Reformed Church, Zwemer served as a missionary in Busrah, Bahrain and several other parts of Arabia from 1871 to 1905. He also worked in Egypt from 1913 to 1929. The American Missionary Society turned down his application to join them so he had to travel overseas on his own. Amy Wilkes, a young nurse became his wife in May 1896. A publication titled, “The Moslem World” was founded and edited by him for 35 years. He inspired numerous young Christians to enter missionary work in Muslim lands.

When writing his first book in Bahrain, Zwemer had to wrap a towel around his hand to keep wipeing his perspiration! The book, “Arabia: the Cradle of Islam” had 4 editions from 1900 to 1912. The second book he wrote was “Raymond Lull: First Missionary to Moslems.”

After Amy's death in 1937, Zwemer went through a lonely spell but continued his “active service” after retirement. He left the faculty of Princeton College Seminary but continued to publish books, articles besides speaking at various meetings. His old seminary colleague, Cantine introduced him to Margaret Clarke whom Samuel married in 1940. She helped him in his literary work. On their return from Arabia, Margaret fell ill and died in New York in 1950.

After suffering a heart attack 2 years later, Zwemer rested at Harkness Convalescent Home at New York. In April 1952, Samuel Zwemer's heart stopped beating and he entered his heavenly home at the age of 84. At his memorial service Princeton Theological Seminary's President, John Mackay called him the “Prince among missionaries and an apostle to Moslems.” 25 September 2012 Reflection Please Don't Give Up ( Farewell, Not Goodbye Even as new missionaries join IEM every year, our senior missionaries bid us Farewell, not goodbye. In August 2012, 2 longstanding exemplary stalwarts of IEM - Rev. Harold Waghela(Vadodara) and Mr. V.T. Samuel(Mumbai) retired from the Mission. We continue to hold them in high esteem and praise God for their contribution to the Mission. We also assure them of our prayer backing as they step into an exciting future ahead of them.This month we feature a brief testimony of Rev. Harold Waghela. In October, Mr V.T Samuel will open his heart to us.)

When we joined IEM, we were sent to OTI, Chikaldara in Maharashtra for the Cross Culture Missionary Training from August to November 1983. Then IEM asked us to work among the Korku people, Chikaldara. The Lord opened our eyes and granted us His peace. Work & Challenges in the Korku field During our 18 years of ministry among the Korkus, everyday was a new challenge because Rev. Harold Waghela the Korkus were bound under the control of witch doctors. The second challenge was malnutrition. Over 5000 tribal children in Melghat suffer from protein malnutrition. A large number of children die every year during after monsoon. Challenges of Church Ministries Our next assignment was in the Church ministries department .We shared missionary messages in different churches, one- day retreats for the youth, Passion week meetings, youth conventions, women's missionary conventions, state convention, national conventions, Bible studies, and counseling broken families. A Word of Encouragement I am writing these words of encouragement to my fellow soldiers in Christ. I served the Lord through IEM for 29 years. I've written a book called “Sacrifice at any Cost” which should reach your hands by before December 2012. Whatever the trial, difficulties or pain, please don't give up. Just keep it up. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9) So dear co-worker in His grace, work for the Lord. The salary may not be much but the retirement plan is out of this world. Keep it up! Rev. Herold Waghela

Pray for our ailing missionaries In answer to prayer, God has sustained some of our missionaries who passed through deep waters in the recent past.

Mrs Mary Kirivasan went through a serious set-back in health. Many prayed and the Lord strengthened her. After major surgery at CMC Vellore, she is well on her way to good health.

26 September 2012 PRAY FOR INDIA Exponential Growth of Indian Missions Rev Susanta Patra is the General Secretary of India Missions Association(IMA)

(Widespread appreciation for the “Twelve Challenges Before the Church”, featured last month encouraged us to feature yet another section of his highly informative article concerning the rapid growth in the number of missions and missionaries. Be encouraged! Be motivated to pray!)

Our country is a country of countries with around 1.2 billion Rev Susanta Patra people! I would like to divide India into three parts – the South, the North and the North East areas. According to the official census, the Christian population stands at 2.3%.

South India consists of 5 states - Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Pudducherry and Karnataka with a population of about 240 million. Over 76% of Indian Christians reside in these states. The North-East has 7 states - Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura and Assam with a population of 40 Million people and 13% of Indian Christians reside in this region. Except Assam, all the other states are smaller in population. The remaining region is identified as North India with the larger states - Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Goa, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Orissa, Jammu Kashmir and West Bengal with a population of over 720 Million people. Only 11% of the Christians come from this area.

When analyzing the status of the Indian Church Mission, we need to look at several angles. This analysis will provide a picture of the global church mission as the Indian Church is the replica of the Global Church Mission.

Spiritual growth A significant development of Indian Church Mission during last several years is the lifestyle and spiritual leadership being modelled by our 55,000 Indian missionaries who are impacting their communities through their godly lives and bold testimonies. Indian missionaries have not just proved their leadership abilities in the global scenario, but have exemplified Christ by their integrity, love and sacrifice for the people in their area.

Numerical growth As Indians, we thank God for the numerical growth in terms of mission workers, missions, response to the Gospel and new believers.

1. Number of Workers: In 1947, there were 313 known cross-cultural Indian missionaries. Rapid growth followed. In 1980 – 2208, 1983 – 3369, 1988 – 10243, 1994 – 12,000, 2005 - 35,000+ and in 2010 – 55,000 workers. As the number of missionaries grew, more areas could be reached with the Gospel.

27 September 2012 2. Number of Missions: In 1947, 6 missions were recognized. In 1972, 26 were recognized mission and approximately 220 smaller missions were formed. In 1980, it grew to 75 recognized missions and 345 others. In 1983 - 94/415, 1988 -124/600, 1994 - 169/750, 2005 - 200/1000 and 2010 - 236/1800+

3. Number of Responses: As the number of missionaries grew, the responses to the Gospel grew. More people heard the message so more people responded to the Gospel. This growth is usually estimated in various ways and forms.

4. Number of Missionary Training Institutes: Indian Missionary Training has played a major role in the growth of missions. As the missions, missionaries, and responses to the Gospel grew, missionary training institutes increased simultaneously. In 1950, there were 2 recognized missionary training institutions. This grew to 6 in 1960, 7in 1970, 15 in 1980, 23 in1985, 34 in 1990, 58 in 1995, 80 in 1999 and today we have around 190 institutions.

Geographical Growth God is continuing to enlarging our territories - from South India to North India, from concentrating on tribal Indians to focusing on high caste/class Indians, from the reachable Indians to influential Indians, from responsive rural region to hungry urbanites, from full-time missionary endeavors to tent-making missions, from pioneering mission outreach to strategic mission movements and from church- based mission to the market place missions. These changes continue to create a tremendous geographical growth in Indian Missions. From Kashmir in the north, Gujarat in the West, Arunachal Pradesh in the East and Kanyakumari, Lakshwadeep and Andaman & Nicobar Islands in the south, Indian Mission history has been unique. Today the various challenges faced in India is seen & experienced everywhere in the world. Pray for India!

Nagaland A Church’s Commitment to Missions Last year we conducted a Mission Seminar at the 4th Nagaland Arms Police church at Tseminyu town. After the programme, many people decided to participate in the ministry of IEM. Now this church keeps 43 IEM offering boxes in its premises. Last month our mission coordinator Mr. Chutilo collected Rs. 20062/- being the total collection from those boxes. This church said they will to pray and support the ministry of IEM.

Manipur On June 10, 2012, 13 Area Secretaries gathered in the New Testament Baptist Church in Churachundpur district in Manipur. Rev Sholal and Rev Morcha shared the vision and aims of IEM and challenged them to greater involvement in IEM’s ministry. The Area Secretaries reaffirmed their commitment to serve the Lord through IEM. This meeting was ably organized by Ms Tinglam Kim, Associate Church Ministries Secretary. 28 September 2012 Field News Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu Our ministry near KRP dam Venghilihanappalli village where there 10 to 15 people regularly attending the Sunday service. For the past one year we are conducting service in Mr. Ramesh's home. Recently, they donated a piece of land to IEM to build the worship shed. The value of this land is Rs 100000/- Mr. Ramesh and his father signed in the document paper and they handed over to our senior missionary Rev. B. B. Raja and our church elder Mr. Krishnamoorthi and they called us we went Bro. James and Rev. B.B. Raja shared the word of God and prayed and they themselves started the foundation and all that work, they are taking care. Pray for Mrs. Yerin who is MA Bed waiting for Government job God may fulfill her will. Pray for our ministry. God may bring many souls in His Vineyard. Mr. Vetrivel

Jalpaiguri, West Bengal We are always grateful to you all for your constant prayer support and finance. It is your prayer that strengthens us and protects us from all possible dangers in the ministry. The letter of James reminds us that 'The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective (James 5:16).' Despite the heavy rains this monsoon season, we could visit and identify two villages (Ie Khirur pul and Tarsati) for the ministry. Kindly pray for a breakthrough in the villages that we may start the ministry soon. Over the last two months we were trying our best to give baptism to the following persons Mr. Herala, Mrs. Rumi, Mrs. Mammy, Miss Arti and Mr. Sanju, but the villagers opposed them not to accept a new faith. Kindly pray for the said persons that they may accept Christ and confess their faith publicly in due time. We also request you to kindly pray for our children's exam which will be held from September 17 to 27, 2012. Mr. Pishang Thouman Maring

Mayurbhanj, Odisha Back to Work There's a person named Loa from Galasahi of Thakurmunda Block, who was sick for 6 months. They came for prayer. When our evangelists prayed for him, he was miraculously healed. The person who was bed ridden got up from bed to catch a hen to prepare a feast for our brothers. Now he is able to plough the land. Miss. Premlatha Das

29 September 2012 The Missing Masterpiece A woman was and is one of God's most magnificent creations. In fact, she was His grand finale. After He fashioned Eve, creation was complete and He rested! God placed in her heart a love for beauty and a desire to be beautiful, as He defines beauty.

If you are “born again into God's family, through the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, you are twice beautiful in your being His workmanship twice over!

Do you still think that you are missing something in life because you are a woman? You are mistaken! In the kingdom of God, you are a masterpiece and a missing piece as well! God invites you to fit into your place in His Kingdom among the peoples of different languages and culture!

Does God acknowledge the role of women in ministry? In the Old Testament, the word “woman” occurs 210 times and in New Testament the word occurs 49 times! The names of 188 women are mentioned in the whole Bible! This tells us that the basis of women's involvement in Christian service is the Word of God itself. The gospels talk of women who followed Christ and served Him during His earthly ministry. In the context of the low social status of women in New Testament times, it was to a woman that the coming of the Saviour was announced first and it was through women that the Apostles came to know about the Resurrection! (Luke 24:10)

In the epistles, the apostle Paul talks of women who taught, led, hosted and worked hard in the service of the Lord.

What does World mission's history say? “During the modern Protestant era women sometimes numbered more than two thirds the overseas missionary force. Yet, they have been forgotten in the pages of history books,” says Dr. Ruth Tucker, author of 'Guardians of the Great Commision' 'From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya' and so on.

Many women missionaries are well known, but there are many 'unsung heroines' who have put in equal efforts into missionary service like Maude Cary from the United States who served her Lord faithfully in Morocco among the Muslims with little to report till 77.

Pages from Indian Missionary history…….

'In 1821, Mary Anne Cooke, a 37-year-old former governess, completed her journey from England to Calcutta as the first single female missionary to India.'

From then on, the women missionary force is marching on until this day. Women missionaries have served in different capacities-Dr. Ida Scudder, the founder of Christian Medical College Vellore, Miss. Amy Carmichael who founded Dohnavur Fellowship rescued temple prostitutes and many others who served in field of Education!

30 September 2012 Taking on from where this band of Women in the Master's service left, Indian Evangelical Mission encouraged women missionaries to make their contributions as well. Single women bravely stepped out for cross-cultural missionary work in the context of the Indian culture. Missionary wives too have done well in their spheres of ministries. IEM still recruits single women, respecting their values and contribution in missions in the mission field. Woman Missionary Conference IEM's support ministries have an ever-growing band of God-fearing women who have prayed, given, given up, motivated , encouraged and taught- all so that the Kingdom of God could be established among the people groups of our country. Where is your place in this band of marching Women missionaries? Are you willing to do “as much as you can?” You have a special place reserved for you! The Lord is looking for YOU - “His Missing Masterpiece.” “I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields!” (John 4:35) Interestingly this verse was spoken by Jesus in the context of his conversation with the Woman Missionaries in discussion Samaritan Woman! The Lord is asking you to open your eyes and look at the fields- an intentional effort to see the opportunities around you to be involved in missions-establishing His kingdom cross-culturally. The Lord will guide you step by step. You can · Open your house for a missionary prayer cell · Subscribe for mission-oriented magazines · Sell home-made or hand-crafted products and give the proceeds for missions · Share your knowledge and education in support of the missionary cause · Go on short term mission endeavours · Help collect contributions for missions · Gossip missionary stories in college campuses and work places · Talks about missionary work in women's fellowships and other women's meetings You can contribute for missionary work as only someone as beautiful as you can! You need to offer yourself. God will take care of the rest! If you need more help please contact Indian Evangelical Mission, 38, Langford Road, Bangalore-560 025. Phone : 0 94452 13581 [email protected]

31 September 2012 From the pages of History Come and heal! “He went in, shut the door on the two of them and prayed to the LORD…The boy sneezed seven times and opened his eyes.” 2 Kings 4:33-35 Field: CHIKALADARA; Amaravathi District, Maharashtra.Our missionaries Rev. Harold and Sheela Waghela have seen the door open for the Gospel through their simple and prayerful medical help rendered to the Korku people. This is a recollection of their experience in 1984. “On 3rd July, the village chief of Semadoh came to our house and told us that his mother-in- law was serious. He requested us to go and give her some medicine. We went and saw that she was very serious and her pulse was very low and her body had grown cold. We told the chief to take her to the hospital, as our tablets would not be sufficient. He went, but could not find any doctor or any other medical staff. By this time a witch doctor came, tried to give a glass of water to the lady and started uttering some mantras. Since she was unconscious, she could not drink the water. We took this opportunity to pray and started to give basic treatment which we learned in the Outreach Training Institute (IEM). We told her son to do mouth to mouth resuscitation, and told her daughter to give a strong upward push below her heart. Then we massaged her body with kerosene. After 20 minutes her body became warm and she started breathing normally. Later she again became unconscious. We repeated the same treatment with much prayer. God did a great miracle and she started to move. We then gave her liquid glucose to drink and she opened her eyes, and later was sitting and This is an extract from the manuscript, talking with her family members. Her son Bhuriya “The Touch of His Goodness” which saw this and testified to the wonder working power will be published shortly. Please consider underwriting the cost of production which of Jesus, whom he decided to follow later.” amounts to Rs 200,000. Thought: Contact: [email protected]/ 09972525391. God asks us to do our part and leave the rest to HIM STUDIES FROM THE PSALMS (Outlines from the book GOD ALIVE) By Late Rev. Dr. Theodore Williams GOD PROTECTS Psalms 3-7 I. The Conflict against pressing evil Ps. 3 1. The Intensity of the conflict(3: 1,2,4) 2. The Immediacy of the deliverance (3: 3-8) II. The Conflict against distressing circumstances Ps. 4,6 1. His Circumstances

2. His Confidence by III. The Conflict against slanderous people Ps. 5,7 Rev. Dr. Theodore 1. The Slanderers Williams 2. The Saint's refuge The entire Bible study series on the Psalms is available for Rs. 250/- per copy. Bulk orders will attract special discounts. Bible colleges and churches can order copies for their libraries. Write today to The Secretary for Publications 38, Langford Road, Bangalore 560 025, Karnataka Mob: 09972525391, Email: [email protected]

32 September 2012