Bethel Tidings July 2017

(For private circulation only ) Bethel Tidings July 2017

A BILINGUAL MONTHLY BULLETIN OF BETHEL METHODIST CHURCH

Holistic Worship

Bethel Methodist Church, Bangalore

BMC Annual Camp 2017 - English Bethel Methodist Church, Bangalore

Registration: http://bmcbangalore.org/

When? 28th July (Fri) 6:30pm to 30st July (Sun) 5:30pm Where? Ecumenical Christian Centre, Whitefield, Bangalore What? Thought provoking & insightful messages, Interactive Ses- sions, Games, Time of prayer, fellowship etc…

Schedule? Day starts at 7:30am and ends at 9:30pm with breaks for tea, food and rest. Camp Costs? Adults: Rs.900/per day [Stay +Food] Children (6yrs to 12yrs): Rs.450/day

Speakers for the parallel camps:

Adults Mr. Ravi Jesupaul, Hyderabad Rev. Christopher Mohan, Bangalore Youth & Mr. Gideon Ganesh, Chennai Teens Kids Scripture Union team, Chennai

Rev. Koilraj (Pastor) Dinakar (Camp Coordinator) Jabez Yesudhas (Youth Camp Coordinator) Joyce Arun (Kid’s Camp Coordinator) Wilfred (Christian Education department)

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Contents Page Pastoral Letter - English 3 Pastoral Letter - Tamil 4 An article on Faith - Dr Solomon 5 A love Stronger than death 6 Testimony 8 Pastorate Committee 2017 - 2018 10 Prayer diary 13 Election and Justification 16 Biblical Backing for Billy Graham Rule 18 Kids Section 22 Program Schedule - July 2017 23 Pastor’s Farewell 27 Pulpit Calendar 28 Volume 11 - 7

Bethel Methodist Church Pastor: 21&22, Bethel Nagar, 1st Rev. P Koilraj Main, Off Kodigehalli Road, Cell: 80072 75630 K.R.Puram Hobli, BANGALORE - 560 036. E-mail: www.bmcbangalore.org [email protected]

Pastoral Letter Dearly beloved, Greetings in Jesus’ name who gives life! The Lord enabled us to cross the month of June and has helped us to enter into the month of July. We need to thank God for his Protection and care. July will be a month of settlement for many pastors in their new area of responsibilities. This is applicable even for the school and college students. Whatever it may be, the Lord is the one who grants power to adjust in all these circumstances. We have the annual camp for English congregation coming up from 28th to 30th July and I would encourage all of you to partici- pate. This month we are going to meditate upon the theme ‘Holistic Wor- ship’. We often misunderstand this word, believing that if we sing songs or choruses to praise God, it will be considered as worship. Worship is not con- tained in the single component of Singing but rather many others. We call the

Bethel Methodist Church, Bangalore 3 entire service on Sunday as a ‘Worship Service’ which includes singing, read- ing of scripture verses, listening to God’s word, committing our lives to God, giving ourselves and tithes to God’s ministry and so forth. Thus, we need to understand the holistic view of worship rather than limiting it to one act or event. This month we are going to meditate upon the elements of the acts of worship that are revealed in the Bible. The Lord is Spirit and the worship- per should worship Him in Spirit and truth. Therefore, let us have the deeper understanding about this act and worship the Lord wholeheartedly. May the Lord help us to do so and bless us all. Yours in His Church Ministry, Rev. P. Koilraj ப ோதகர் மடல் நமக்埁 வோழ்வவ அளிக்埁ம் ஆண்டவரோகிய இபய毁 கிறிஸ்鏁வின் நோமத்தில் வோழ்த்鏁க்கள் ஜூன் மோதத்வதக் கடந்鏁 ஜூவை மோதத்திற்埁ள் கடந்鏁 வரபதவன் நமக்埁 கி쏁வ அளித்鏁ள்ளோர். அவர鏁 ோ鏁கோப் ிற்கோகퟁம் கோிசவைக்கோகퟁம் நோம் அவ쏁க்埁 நன்றி சச쯁த்鏁பவோம். இந்த ஜூவை மோதத்தில், ை சமத்த羿ஸ்ட் ப ோதகர்கள் தங்க쿁க்埁 அளிக்கப் ட்翁ள்ள ꯁதிய 埁திகளில் ச ோ쟁ப்ப ற்றி쏁க்கின்றைர். ꯁதிய ச ோ쟁ப்ꯁகள், ள்ளிகள் மற்쟁ம் கல்쯂ோிகளில் யி쯁ம் நம鏁 ிள்வளக쿁க்埁ம் ச ோ쏁ந்鏁ம். எ鏁வோக இ쏁ந்தோ쯁ம், ꯁதிய 毂ழ்நிவைகவள அறிந்鏁 சசயல்ட பதவபை கி쏁வ அளிக்கிறோர். இம்மோதம் 28 믁தல் 30 வவர நவடச ற உள்ள வ쏁டோந்திர 믁கோமில் ங்埁ச 쟁மோ쟁 உங்கள் அவைவவர뿁ம் அவைக்கிபறன். ’믁폁வமயோை ஆரோதவை’ என்ற தவைப் ில் இம்மோதம் நோம் தியோைிக்க உள்பளோம். உற்சோகமோக ோடல் வைி ோட்羿ல் ஈ翁翁வபத 믁폁வமயோை ஆரோதவை எை, ை பநரங்களில் தவறோக ꯁோிந்鏁சகோள்கிபறோம். 믁폁வமயோை ஆரோதவை என் 鏁 ோடல்கள் என்னும் ஒ쏁 埁தியின் அடக்கம் அல்ை.நம鏁 ஞோயி쟁 வைி ோட்வட ’வைி ோட்翁 ஆரோதவை’ எை அவைக்கிபறோம். ஏசைைில், அந்த வைி ோட்羿ல், ோடல்கள், பதவ வோசிப்ꯁ, பதவனுவடய வோர்த்வத, சஜம், மற்쟁ம் நம்வம뿁ம் நம鏁 கோணிக்வககவள뿁ம் பதவ ஊைியத்திற்埁 சகோ翁ப்鏁 எை ை 埁திகள் அடங்கி뿁ள்ளை. எைபவ, 믁폁வமயோை ஆரோதவைவய ஒோி쏁 கோோியங்களோக க쏁தக்埂டோ鏁. 믁폁வமயோை ஆரோதவையின் 埁திகள் என்ை என்쟁 பவதோகமத்தின் 믂ைம், இம்மோதம் நோம் தியோைிக்க உள்பளோம். பதவன் ஆவியோயி쏁க்கிறோர். அவவர சதோ폁鏁சகோள்쿁கிறவர்கள் ஆவிபயோ翁ம் உண்வமபயோ翁ம் அவவர

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சதோ폁鏁சகோள்ளபவண்翁ம். ஆவகயோல், இதவை ஆைமோக ꯁோிந்鏁சகோண்翁, 믁폁மை鏁டன் அவவர நோம் சதோ폁鏁சகோள்பவோமோக. பதவன் தோபம இந்த கி쏁வ வய நமக்埁 அளித்鏁, நம்வம ஆசீர்வதிப் ோரோக. கிறிஸ்鏁வின் ஆையப் ணியில் ப ோதகர் பகோயில்ரோஜ்

வி毁வோசம் - டோக்டர் சோைமன் ꯁஷ் ரோஜ் 1. வி毁வோசத்தின் 믁க்கியம்  தோைிபய쮿ன் வி毁வோசம் அவவை சிங்கங்களிடம் இ쏁ந்鏁 கோப் ோற்றிய鏁 (தோைிபயல் 6:22 & 23)  தோퟀதின் வி毁வோசம், பகோ쮿யோத்திடம் சவற்றி ச றச் சசய்த鏁 (1 சோ믁பவல் 17:45-47)  ஆ ிரகோமின் வி毁வோசம் அவவை பதவனுக்埁 நண் ைோக மோற்றிய鏁 (யோக்பகோ뿁 2:23)  ன்ைிரண்翁 வ쏁டம் ச 쏁ம் ோ翁 ட்ட ஸ்தீோிக்埁 அவள鏁 வி毁வோசம் 毁கமளித்鏁 சமோதோைம் சகோ翁த்த鏁 (மோற்埁 5:25, 26, 34)  நூற்쟁கதி தியின் வி毁வோவம் இபய毁வவபய வியக்க வவத்த鏁 (மத்பத뿁 8:8 & 10) 2. வி毁வோசத்தின் நன்வமகள்  அ鏁 நமக்埁 இரட்சிப்வ அளிக்கிற鏁 (அப்ப ோஸ்தைர் 16:30 &31)  பதவனுவடய ிள்வளகள் எைகிற அதிகோரத்வத அளிக்கிற鏁 (பயோவோன் 1:12)  நம鏁 சஜ ங்க쿁க்埁 அ鏁 திைளிக்கிற鏁 (மோற்埁 11:24)  பதவ ஊைியத்வத சிறப் ோக சசய்ய அ鏁 உதퟁகிற鏁 (மோற்埁 16:17 & 18)  நம்வம ஆசீர்வோதமோை மக்களோக மோற்쟁கிற鏁 (நீதிசமோைிகள் 3:28, , சங்கீதம் 40:4) 3. வி毁வோசத்தின் 埁திகள்  பதவவை மட்翁பம நம்ꯁவ鏁 (தோைிபயல் 3:28, 2 சகோோிந்தியர் 1:9-10)  பதவவை 믁폁மை鏁டன் நம்ꯁவ鏁 (நீதிசமோைிகள் 3:5)  பதவவை எப்ச ோ폁鏁ம் நம்ꯁவ鏁 (ஏசோயோ 26:4)  பதவனுவடய நோமத்வத நம்ꯁவ鏁 (ஏசோயோ 50:10, சங்கீதம் 33:11)  பதவனுவடய வோர்த்வதவய நம்ꯁவ鏁 (சங்கீதம் 119:42)

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A LOVE STRONGER THAN DEATH (Testimonies from the book Tortured for Christ by Richard Wurmbrand) In the first days after my conversion, I felt that I would not be able to live any longer. Walking on the street, I felt a physical pain for every man or woman who passed by. It was like a knife in the heart, so burning was the question of whether or not he or she was saved. If a member of the congregation sinned, I would weep for hours. The longing for the salvation of all souls has remained in my heart and those who tortured us are not excluded from it. The end of the World War II saw the end of Nazism and the rise of Communism. In Rumania, the crackdown on Christians began relentlessly. I was kidnapped from the street and sent to prison. It was eight and a half years before anyone even knew I was still alive. Only after many years did I know that my wife too had been put in prison shortly after my own imprisonment. Christian women often suffered much more than men in prison. The mockery, the obscenity is horrible. My wife has eaten grass like cattle to stay alive. Rats and snakes were sometimes eaten by hungry prisoners. Our only son Mihai was left to wander on the street when his father and mother were taken away. He was only nine years old and he had problems which children of his age usually don’t have. He had to think about earning his living. It was a crime to help families of Christian prisoners. Two ladies who helped Mihai were found out, arrested and beaten so badly that they are crippled even today – after 15 years. Another lady who at the risk of her life took Mihai into her home was sent to prison for eight years. All her teeth were kicked out and her bones broken; she too will be a cripple for life. After two years of my wife’s imprisonment, our son Mihai was allowed to see her. He went to the prison and saw his mother behind iron bars. She was dirty and thin with calloused hands, he scarcely recognized her. Her first words were, “Mihai, believe in Jesus!” The guards, in a savage rage, pulled her away and Mihai wept on seeing his mother dragged away. That minute was the minute of his conversion. He knew that if Christ can be loved under such circumstances, He surely is the true Saviour. It was strictly forbidden to preach to other prisoners. If caught doing so, we were severely beaten but a number of us decided to pay the price. It was a deal; we preached and they beat us. The following scene happened more times than I can remember. A brother would be preaching to other prisoners when the guards would suddenly enter and drag him away for what seemed to be endless beating. They would drag him back – bloody and bruised – and throw him on the floor. Slowly and painfully, he would pick up his battered body and begin sharing the Gospel again. I have seen such beautiful things! Bethel Methodist Church, Bangalore 6

I don’t feel frustrated to have lost many years in prison. I have seen beautiful things. I myself have been among the weak and insignificant ones in prison, but have had the privilege to be in the same jail with great saints, heroes of faith who equaled the Christians of the first century. They went gladly to die for Christ. The spiritual beauty of such saints and heroes of faith can never be described. This was the Church which had come back to the First Love. In prison, sometimes in solitary confinement, we could not pray as before. We were unimaginably hungry; we had been doped until we became as idi- ots. We were as weak as skeletons. The Lord’s Prayer was much too long for us. We could not concentrate enough to say it. My only prayer repeated again and Richard Meets his family upon again was, “Jesus, I love Thee.” release from imprisonment When I look back on the four- teen years of prison, it was sometimes a very happy time. Other prisoners and the guards very often wondered at how happy Christians could be under the most terrible circumstances. We could not be prevented from singing, although we were sometimes beaten for this. Around me were Jobs, some much more afflicted than Job had been; but I knew the end of Job’s story. I had around me men like poor Lazarus, hungry and full of uncared-for boils. But I knew that angels would take them all to the bosom of Abraham. I saw them as they will be in the future. I saw in the shabby and dirty and weak martyr near me the splendidly crowned saint of tomorrow. But looking at men like this – not as they are, but as they will be – I could discover also in persecutors like Saul of Tarsus future St. Pauls. And some have already become so. Some officers of the secret police to whom we witnessed became Christians themselves and were happy to suffer after- wards in prison for having found our Christ. In the jailors who whipped us we saw the possibilities of the jailor of Philippi who first whipped St. Paul and then became a convert. We dreamed that soon they would ask, “What shall I do to be saved?” It was in prison that we found hope for the communists, that they will be saved. It was there that we developed a sense of responsibility to- ward them. It was while being tortured by them that we learned to love them. A MAN REALLY BELIEVES NOT WHAT HE RECITES IN HIS CREED, BUT ONLY THE THINGS WHICH HE IS READY TO DIE FOR.

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TESTIMONY - Mrs Kasthuri Pinto My Christian journey started with Coffee bite chocolate. I was born and brought up in a Hindu family wherein my forefathers gave sacrifices to idols. I used to go to Sunday School for the sake of a coffee bite chocolate and my Sunday School teacher. There was no objection from my parents to attend Sunday school. I accepted Jesus as one of the Gods. In my 10th standard a friend of mine invited me for prayer cell group. I attended it just for the sake of scoring high marks - thinking if I pray more, God will give me more marks. But He changed me upside down. I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal saviour and best friend in my life. Then I started read- ing Bible and asked God to speak to me. God blessed me with good marks in 12th Std. and gave me opportunity to join Anna University in Chennai. While I was studying in Chennai, one of my hostel-mate invited me for bible study. It was greatly encourag- ing me to be part of Evangelical Union fellowship and study God’s verse. I still remember the days of attending youth camps, asking questions to seniors and doing research on the parables. I started attending a Church in Chennai and got baptized. There was no objection from my parents still. God blessed me with the job through campus interview and moved me to Bangalore. When I look back, my heart is filled with gratitude for what God has done in my life. I love my parents. My father is my backbone, because he gave me a lot of moral and financial support for my education. In Bangalore, God helped me to find good contacts in Evangelical Graduate fellowship (EGF). I had regular fellowship and guidance through the mentors in EGF. God also helped me to guide few non-believing students in SEA college. I was happy with my job, Christian fellowship and personal life. Time to move to the next phase of life. Yes...Marriage! My parents started looking for groom. I had decided to marry a believer in Christ. I was really scared to tell this to my parents. I mustered all my courage and told them my decision. There was strong objection from my parents. They were hurt by my decision and feared it will bring shame to the family. It was really hard for both of us. Though the path was painful, it was quite an interesting journey in my life. I was not able let go my parents and God. I loved both very dearly. My parents started searching for profiles from their end rigorously. But few of them got stopped due to horoscope issues, my height etc. Few others, I found some loopholes and rejected them, in order to buy some time from my end to find a believer. There were insults, tears & disappointments. When I realized I had to take ownership and exercise faith, I put aside all my disappointments and insults and decided to work for my marriage. I forwarded my profile to senior graduates and known friends to look for a believer’s profile. I was especially looking for Hindu converts, thinking that it will make the process little easi- er. I still had lot of questions in my mind. If I get a good groom, who will speak to my parents and convince them? Can I find a genuine match? I had resolved not to step out of my house in spite of all the resistance. I was discouraged. I started asking myself, why should I burden my family and myself due to my faith. During that time, my youth mentors came forward and told me that they would work with me on my marriage process. I got a glimpse of hope after that. The situation at home was bad. My parents told me to quit job and come home. My father is 55 years old and he was begging me with tears to change my decision. Tears Bethel Methodist Church, Bangalore 8 roll down even now, when I remember about that situation. I was frustrated again and kept asking God, will you let me down? I had two people to show my frustration through questions - "Where is God? When God will work in my life? Why should I fight for my faith? Why should I run like this? I can’t say to anyone "Jesus loves you" when I am in this path!! There were no answers for above questions that time. Though I had lot of questions, the TRUTH that Jesus is the only God didn’t let me go back. I wasn’t interested in love marriage because I know that my choice may go wrong. So, I was expecting everything from God’s hand. I had strong faith that His plans would never harm me. I accepted this waiting period. We started regis- tering in Jesus Calls and other matrimonial sites. My mentors were working with me to find profiles through matrimonial sites amidst their daily schedule. We got few responses from sites. We contacted the groom family but when they came to know about my parents were Hindus, they stopped the process. I was really looking for Hindu convert who can understand my parents better and ready to wait till my parents get convinced. I got a response from a Christian family. I wasn’t interested at first, because I thought Christians never understood my parents. The one verse came to my mind is "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD- Isaiah 55:8. I had discussed a lot about this profile to my mentors. They helped me to think "Do I really need to drop this profile for the procedure sake?" So, I had my first move, by explaining about my belief and about my parents to Pinto (my husband now). Pinto accepted everything and was ready to wait as he was also looking for a believer profile, not a girl from Christian background. I took Pinto’s profile to my parents and only got anger and rejection as response. Do I have words now? The one genuine prayer I had was "Lord, I know this is impossible, but if it’s your will, you take this forward and finish it". I had updated everything about my parent’s response to Bro. Frank and Mrs Jemimah Frank - my youth mentors. They decided to talk to my parents. My parents desperately needed someone to hear their cry. Frank anna and Jemi akka were listening to them patient- ly and told them about this profile. My parents took time to think about this profile and accepted half-heartedly. My father put my happiness before everything else, knowing very well, what he would have to go through in the midst my relatives. God started speaking to my parents. There were hurdles every day, but God kept opening doors and gave wisdom to stand for Him. I thought my parents would be very upset when they meet Pinto’s family. Parents from both side met at Frank Anna's home. The meeting went well and my parents were happy with the Pinto’s family after the meeting. Selvin Anna and Han- nah akka, who are also from my native place met my parents. We ended the gather- ing with prayer. God was in charge. There were only tears of happiness. On the very next day, my parents went to Pinto's home to confirm (they ex- changed plates for confirmation). I was expecting arguments and confusions in the procedure. In the midst of all, God was acting as mediator all through the discussions even though the culture of both families are different. I forgot to thank God; rather I was quiet and no words came from my mouth. Continued in Page - 15 Bethel Methodist Church, Bangalore 9

Pastorate Committee, Conference & Standing and Additional Standing Committees 2017-18 Pastor : Rev.P.Koilraj, Chairperson, PC Secretary : Mr.Selvin Treasurer : Mr.Arun Amirtharaj Chairperson: Standing Committees:  Nomination Committee : Pastor  Membership and Records : Mr.Jabez Yesudas  Mission & Evangelism : Dr.Solomon Pushparaj  Lay Activities : Mr.Darwin  Property : Mr. Jeevan  Christian Education : Mr.Wilfred  Social Concerns : Mrs.Sheila Dhinakar  Finance & Stewardship : Mr.Shibu  Peace & Discipline : Mrs.Selina Mohandas Additional Standing Committees:  Information Technology, Literature& Publications : Dr.Rajkumar  WMC Concerns : Mr. Atheejoe  Prayer : Mr.Vijay Santhaselan  Ushers : Mr.Sahithya Deep  Music& Multimedia :Mr.Sathya Organizations:  President, WSCS: Mrs. Merjulah  Sunday School Superintendent: Mrs. Joyce Arun  President, MYF : Mr.Jeffry Samuel Additional Members to Pastorate Committee :  Mr.Abhijit  Mr.Bernard  Mr.Atheejoe  Mr.Sahithya Deep  Mr.Vijay Santhaseelan Additional Members to the Pastorate Conference:

 Mr.Ronald  Mr. Ashok Doddanna  Mr. Koilraj  Mr. Anand MK  Mr. Rajan Abraham  Mr. Antony Jeyakumar  Mrs.Giftlin  Mr. Sasikala  Mr.Isaac Peterson  Mr. Clement  Mrs.Angelin Isaac  Mr. Sanjay  Mr.Sangeeth  Dr.Kumarasingh

Youth Advisor (s) : Mr.John prashanath and Mrs. Jasmine John Regional Conference : Mr.Jabez Yesudas, Mr.Shibu District Conference : Mr. Franklin DC, Dr.Solomon Internal Auditors : Mr.Dhinakar, Mr.Anandaraj

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Property Chairperson : Mr. Jeevan Nomination Committee  Mr.Darwin Chairperson : Pastor  Mr. Deva Sundar Raj  Mr. Selvin  Mr. Isaac Peterson  Mr.Aheejoe  Mr. David Jabez  Mrs.Giftlin  Mr.Publius  Mrs.Angelin Isaac  Mr.Tony  Mr.Arun Amirtharaj  Mr.Anand MK  Mr.Vijay Santha Seelan Christian Education Membership & Records Chairperson : Mr.Wilfred Chairperson :Jabez Yesudas  Dr.Rajkumar  Mrs.Uma Johnson  Mr.Selvin  Mrs. Percy  Mrs. Hannah Selvin  Mrs. Giftlin  Mr. Clement  Mr. Koilraj  Mrs.Angelin Isaac  Mr.Gladson  Dr. KumaraRajasingh  Mr.Sangeeth Mission & Evangelism Mr. Arul Rajasingh Chairperson : Dr. Solomon Pushparaj 

 Mr.Shibu Social Concern  Mr.Pinto Chairperson :Mrs.Sheila Dhinakar  Mr.Abhijit  Mr.Dhinakar  Mrs.Kasturi  Mrs.Jeevan  Mr.Atheejoe  Mrs. Sangeeth  Mr.Deep  Jabez Yesudas  Mrs.Selina Mohandas  Rebecca Churchil  Mr.Shanno  Mr.Koilraj  Vijay Prakash Lay Activity  Mr.Johnson Chairperson :Mr.Darwin

 Mr. Koilraj Finance  Mr. Sanjay Joel Chairperson : Mr. Shibu  Sundar Raj  Mr. Arun  Mr.Publius  Mr.Anban  Mr.David Jabez/  Mr.Dhinakar  Anitha Sathiya  Mr. Clement Selvaraj  John Manoah  Mr. Irwin Christudoss  Dr.Solomon Pushparaj  Mr.Sathya

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Peace and Discipline WMC concerns: Chairperson : Mrs.Selina Mohandas (to be decided)  Mr.Rajan Abraham  Rev.Dr.Mrs.Shanthi Tilak Music& Multimedia  Mrs.Reeta Mary Chairperson : Mr.Sathiya Prabakar  Mr. Wilson  Ms.Ruth Christopher  Mrs.Anne Sangeeth  Mr.John Manoah  Mr.John Prashanth  Mr.Jeffry Samuel  Mr.Isaac Peterson Ushers  Mr.Ashish Chairperson : Mr.Deep  Mr.Churchil  Mr.Vijay Dhanasekar  Mr.Jeffry Ronald  Mrs.Veena  Mr. Anandaraj  Mr.Anban  Mr. Anies  Mr.Tony  Mrs.Percy  Mr.Justin

Prayer Chairperson : Mr.Vijay Santhaseelan  Mrs. Sasikala  Mrs.Angelin Wilfred  Mrs. Koilraj  Mr.Jesuraj  Mr. Bernard  Mrs.Jackin Sanjay  Mrs.Selina Ronald

Information Technology, Literature & Publications: Chairperson : Dr.Rajkumar  Mr.Wilfred  Mr. Abhijit  Mr. Johnson  Mr.Vijay Dhanasekar  Mrs.Hannah Selvin

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Prayer Diary - A point a day Compiled by Mr. Dilip 1. First day of the month - Thank the LORD for His mercies the first half of the year and commit the second half into His loving hands. Pray for the dawn service in Church. 2. Communion Sunday - In WMC, some members who attend the first service fast the night before communion. May the LORD help us all to par- take in this sacrament reverently (1 Corinthians 11:26-30). 3. Pastors - Thank the LORD for the farewell we could give Pastor David Liv- ingston and family. Thank the LORD for the new Pastor, Rev. Koilraj. Let us be like Onesiphorus, refreshing those who work for the LORD (2 Timo- thy 1:16). 4. America - As this country celebrates its independence day, let us pray that they will fully turn back to the LORD (Acts 3:19) as before and be a shining light to the world. 5. Country: Ease of doing Business - India ranks 155 in the world for ease of starting a business. Let us pray that the LORD's light will shine through and it will be easy to start legitimate businesses and provide job opportu- nities to many who are in need. 6. Country: Enforcing Contracts - India ranks 172 in the world in terms of enforcing contracts. Let us pray that we Christians will be an example in honouring contracts, even when it hurts (Psalm 15:4), because it is one of the conditions for abiding in His tabernacle and dwelling in His holy hill. 7. First Friday Prayer - Thank the LORD for those who are able to make it for this prayer. Let us pray for those who lead and that many more will join to make supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks for all (1 Timothy 2:1). 8. Gorkhaland - Pray for peace in the region and that justice will be done to all. 9. Sunday - Let us pray that when we hear the Words of the LORD, we will respond as king Josiah did (2 Chronicles 34:19-33). 10. Those working in night shifts - Let us remember all those who keep awake at nights to work - those in the IT industry, drivers, medical staff, hospitality…Let us pray that but for essential services, normal working hours will be followed (Matthew 20:1-16) 11. Those in debt - Pray for a breakthrough in finances for those in debt (2 Kings 4:1-7). 12. For the sick - Let us remember those who are sick in the Church, that we will respond as commanded in James 5:14 and for those outside, we will visit as Christ commanded in Matthew 25:36.

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13. For those having the spirit of fear - Pray that the LORD will grant them a spirit of power, of love and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). 14. Latter times - Pray that the LORD will keep us in the faith and that we will not give heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils (1 Timothy 4:1). 15. Quarterly Bible Quiz - Praise the LORD for the efforts taken to organize this quiz and because hiding His words in our heart will keep us from sin- ning (Psalm 119:11). 16. Sunday - Pray that we will keep the Sabbath holy (Nehemiah 10:31). 17. India Presidential Elections - Let us pray for the Presidential polls in the country and that leaders according to those in Exodus 18:21 will be elected. 18. At workplace - The Bible warns that if we do not give honour to those placed above us at work, we blaspheme the name of the LORD and His doctrine. Let us pray that we be able to honour our superiors (1 Timothy 6:1). 19. Being an example - Pray that we be an example in word, conversation, charity, spirit, faith and purity (1 Timothy 4:12). 20. Ladies Prayer Meet - Praise the LORD for all those who gather for all ladies who gather for prayer in different places like KR Puram, Hoodi, ITPL, Whitefield, Marathahalli, Kodegehalli, Bethel Nagar. 21. Marathahalli AFs and its members - Tamil: Families of DC Franklin, Prabu Paul, Bernard, Vasanth, Paul Dinakaran, Vasu, Immanuel Asir, Arul & Vinod. English: Shanno Isaac, families of Dinakar, Dilip, Melwyn, Pinto, Sathiya, Senthil, Selvin, Vijay Dhanasekar, Wilfred, William, Abhijit, Anies. 22. KR Puram AF & its members - Families of Ashok Doddanna, Atheejoe, Jayant, Jeevan, Naveen Warren, Vivek, Arun, Johnson, Deva Sundarraj, Senthil Kumar, Satish & Thangadurai. 23. Kodigehalli AF & its members - Tamil: Families of George, Ravi Kumar, Latha, James, Shanmugam, Vadivel & Mary. English: Families of Anand, Rajesh Kumar, Prabhu, David Milton, Uttam, Solomon Paul, John Prashanth, Christy, Saju Alexander, Selina MohanDoss, Ravikumar. 24. ITPL AF & its members - Jeffin, families of Anban, Clement, Darwin, Franklin Koilpillai, Jabez, John Manoah, Ronald & Princely Sam. 25. Hoodi AF & its members - Tamil: Dorai, families of Andrew Isaac, Arul, Churchill, Jyothi, Mary Rita & Sarah Sarojini. English: Ruth, Mrs. Shanthi Tilak, Families of Arun, David Jabez, Augustine Joshua, Isaac Peterson, Joel Thompson, Shi-bu, Solomon, Leon Christian, Jeevan John, Tony & Vivek Bangera. 26. Devasandra AF & its members - Families of Anandaraj, Koilraj, Philip, Ruth, Shekar, Prashanth & Wilson

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27. Bethel Nagar AF & its members - Tamil: Jonathan, Justin, Solomon, families of Pastor, Joseph, Paul Durai, Huldah, Edwards, Joshua, Jefferson & Vijay Santhaseelan. English: Families of Pastor, Marcus Sandeep, Sang- eeth, Rajkumar, Vijay Prakash, Mamatha, Sahitya Deep, Publius, Jays, Kalyan, Timothy, Revier. 28. English Annual Camp - Praise the LORD for the opportunity to meet to- gether as a Church like this. Let us pray that this time may be blessed for all of us, those who minister to us and those who work in ECC. 29. Young people - Praise the LORD for the separate sessions for children and youth. Pray that all of them will follow the LORD from a young age (Ecclesiastes 12:1). 30. Sunday - Praise the LORD for raising people to do His work. Pray that they will mightily convince the people and publicly showing that Jesus is Christ (Acts 18:28). 31. Missions Supported - Praise God for the five mission organizations we are able to make contributions to - Raichur home, Vishwa Vani, Light ministries, DEAR ministry (Ministry among transgenders), and Sunday school ministry in Sri Lanka.

TESTIMONY—Continued I was just a witness and spectator of God’s work in my marriage. God spoke to my parents. They agreed to conduct my marriage in church. My parents were ready to take a bold step among relatives for their daughter. Pinto's parents were also really flexible for the marriage procedure. Finally, the day Feb, 17th 2017 had come, to dress up like a bride with flowers. It was like a dream. I was thinking of not to print wedding invitation card thinking no one would attend my wedding. On my wedding day, many members from BMC Church and Pastor David Livingston came repre- senting as bride’s relatives. When I look back, I was remembering the questions which I had asked "Where is God? Did He let me down? When God will work? Who will speak to my parents? Is my faith really worth? and God answered it all...He is faithful. He was always in charge of my life. It’s just that I did not realize it. Though the Coffee bite chocolate era in my life has gone, the ONE who started the journey is faithful till now. All glory be to God!

இம்மோதத்தில் ிறந்த நோள் மற்쟁ம் தி쏁மண நோள் கோ迁ம் அவைவவர뿁ம் சவ யின் சோர் ோக வோழ்த்鏁கிபறோம். கர்த்தர் உங்கவள ஆசீர்வதிப் ோரோக!

Wishes from congregation to all who celebrate Birthday and Wedding Anniversary this month. May God Bless you!

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Election and Justification (From the Book ‘A good foundation’ - By Bro. Zac Poonen) God’s election of His children and His justifying them are two glorious truths that the New Testament teaches us. Election The Bible says that God elected us to be His children according to his foreknowledge (1 Peter 1:1, 2). This means that He knew from all eternity past those who were going to be His children. The Bible also says that God chose us in Christ “before the foundation of the world” (Ephesians 1:4). Long before Adam was even created, God knew each of us by name as His children, and our names were there in “the book of life” (Revelation 13:8). These are facts that should give us tremendous security. The Bible says that the foundation of God on which we stand has a twofold seal. On the God-ward side, it reads, “The Lord knows those who are His.” On the man-ward side, it reads, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord abstain from wickedness” (2 Timothy 2:19). God knew His children from before the foundation of the world. But WE know that we are His children only when we actually repent and turn to Him. Our finite minds cannot grasp how God elects His children and yet gives man freedom to choose Him or not. These are like two parallel lines that don’t seem to meet in our understanding. But as the mathematical definition of parallel lines is, they meet at infinity – in the infinite mind of God. Someone has expressed it like this: As you walked along the road of life, you found an open door one day, with these words written over it, “Whoever repents and believes in Christ may enter in here and obtain eternal life.” You entered in. On looking back, you saw written over the very door through which you had just entered, the words “You were chosen by God in Christ, before the foundation of the world.” Justification Forgiveness of our sins takes away the guilt of the past. But that doesn’t make us perfectly holy. And so, we still can’t stand before a perfectly holy God. And so God had to do something more for us. He had to justify us! Justification means that God has put the perfect righteousness of Christ to our credit. The result is that our standing before God is now as perfect as Christ’s! That’s an astounding fact! And its true! It’s like millions of rupees being put into a bank account in the name of a

Bethel Methodist Church, Bangalore 16 beggar – money that he didn’t earn or deserve, but that has been given to him as a free gift. To be justified is to be accepted by God just as if we had never sinned in our whole life and just as if we were perfectly righteous in our life at present. God’s Word says, “Therefore being justified by faith, we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand” (Romans 5:2). Now we can come boldly into God’s presence without any fear or hesitation at any time. God Himself has opened the way for that. In the garden of Eden, as soon as Adam and Eve sinned, they felt guilty and ashamed and covered themselves with fig-leaves. God took away their fig-leaves, killed an animal and clothed them with its skin. Those fig-leaves are a picture of our own good works. Like fig- leaves, our good works cannot cover our nakedness before God; for the Bible says that even our best works are like filthy rags in God’s sight (Isaiah 64:6). That slain animal was a picture of Christ put to death for our sins. The skin was a picture of the perfect righteousness of Christ given to cover us (Genesis 3:7, 21). Justification is a free gift of God. No man can be justified before God on the basis of his own works. One extreme of error therefore is to say, “Let us seek to be righteous in order to be justi-fied by God.” There is however an opposite extreme of error too. And that is to say, “If we are elected and justified, then it doesn’t matter even if we sin now.” Those who take sin lightly, because they think that God has elected and justified them, would thereby prove that they are not among God’s elect at all. (Compare Romans 4:5 with James 2:24). Once we are sure that we have been elected and justified, Sa- tan’s accusations will lose their effect on us. For if “God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). Never again in our life need we feel that we are condemned or rejected by God. “Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the One Who justifies” (Romans 8:33). Hallelujah! Such is the good news of the gospel! It is not surprising then that Satan has kept many believers from knowing that they have been elected and justified by God.

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City Life – Biblical Backing of the Billy Graham Rule - Mr Dilip In the earlier department I worked in, we used to get articles from Harvard Business Review (HBR), McKinsey in our mailbox. On a usual pleasant working day, one linked article caught my special attention. It was from HBR which argued that one of Billy Graham rules is wrong at nearly every level [https://hbr.org/2017/05/ men-shouldnt-refuse-to-be-alone-with-female-colleagues]. I read a little more to find what exactly this rule is. To "avoid any situation that would have even the appearance of compromise or suspicion” [Graham, Billy (1999). Just As I Am. HarperOne. p. 128. ISBN 978-0060633929], is now famously known as the ‘Billy Graham Rule”. The larger principle Billy Graham, Cliff Barrows, Grady Wilson, and George Beverly Shea sought to follow (though they produced no written document) was the “Modesto Manifesto” [https:// www.christianhistoryinstitute.org/magazine/article/the-modesto-manifesto/], which included,  Provisions for distributing money raised by offerings,  Avoiding criticism of local churches,  Working only with churches that supported cooperative evangelism,  Using official estimates of crowd sizes to avoid exaggeration and  Never to be alone with a woman other than his wife One part of this, on interactions with the other gender, has brought a lot of criticism from both Christian and non-Christian circles. This is because Billy Graham made a point of not travelling, meeting, or eating alone with a woman other than his wife Ruth ["What part did the Modesto Manifesto play in the ministry of Billy Gra- ham?". Billy Graham Center Archives]. Some Christians too have said the “Billy Graham Rule and its variants are misguided” [https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2017/03/mike-pence-and- the-sexism-of-the-billy-graham-rule/521328/]. A few criticisms include  Gender segregation  “Options for advancement, let alone professional flourishing, shrink”  It is a fear-based boundary  Increases anxiety and erodes trust  “What does their unwillingness to be seen alone with a woman say about them and males more generally”  Jesus Himself met with women alone This gives us Christians a few questions to ponder, more so in today’s modern city life  How and where did Jesus interact with the other gender?  How and where did the LORD’s children interact with the other gender?  Did the other gender really lose out because there were boundaries or were they actually benefitted?

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Where else to get answers but from His Word which is a lamp unto our feet and our light unto our path (Psalm 119:105). This truth has also been acknowledged by people at different times, for example, in the words of Ronald Reagan, “Within the co- vers of the Bible are all the answers for all the problems men face. The Bible can touch hearts, order minds and refresh souls” [https://www.livingwaters.com/ witnessingtool/greatleadersspeakabouttheBible.shtml]. Examples from the Old Testament 1. Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath: Saved her son and herself from starvation (1 Kings 17:7-24; Luke 4:26) They first met at the gate of city and then Elijah stayed at the loft. Even in that case, her son was present in the house and at no point, is there an appearance of violation of the Billy Graham rule. 2. Elisha and a certain woman, wife of a prophet who had passed away: Saved her sons from slavery, paid debt in full and had money remaining (2 Kings 4:1-7) Here again, a widow, this time with two sons, appears to make a plea to Elisha in a public place. Elisha does not accompany them back home but on both occasions, before and after the miracle, advises her on what to do. This again is quite consistent with what Billy Graham would have advised. 3. Elisha and a great woman: Had the blessing of a son, though her husband was old (2 Kings 4:8-37) Here is a married woman, who invites a servant of the LORD for meals when he pass- es that way. She takes the permission of her husband to build a room, with privacy (on the wall/upstairs) for Elisha to stay. When the woman is called to meet Elisha in the room, Gehazi is also present and she only stands at the door. When her son dies, she again takes permission from her husband and sees Elisha at the hill and catches his feet. When Elisha raises her son from the dead in his chamber, the woman comes only to thank him and take her child. Throughout this, except for catching the feet, Billy Graham’s rule does not seem contradicted. 4. Sisera and Jael: Defeated the enemy (Judges 4:17-22; 5:24-27) Here, Jael voluntarily invites Sisera home, at a time when it appears no one else was there. She serves him milk and a dish but does not sit and eat with him with him and mostly stands at the door of the tent. When Sisera is asleep, she kills him. There appears a violation of the Billy Graham rule, but the way Jael conducted herself is an outstanding example of how much can be achieved, even during times of war, without compromising on values, principles. 5. Barak and Deborah: Judged the entire nation and freed them from oppression (Judges 4:1-10) Deborah judged from a public place and went along with the men who fought. At all times, like Billy Graham, there were no secret meetings or travelling alone with the other gender

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6. Josiah and Huldah: Advised the king, the priests, the nation (2 Chronicles 34:19- 28) Hilkiah does not meet Huldah alone, but with others, just as Billy Graham would. 7. Boaz and Ruth: Counted worthy to be in the line Jesus was born (Ruth 3) The Bible gives facts alone in some places and not all these facts/actions are ap- proved by the LORD. The advice Naomi gave Ruth could be one such example. The action of Boaz though shows how to preserve the name of a virtuous woman. A great example of response to a very difficult situation. 8. Spies and Rahab: Saved her parents, siblings from death (Joshua 2) Billy Graham may not have been in such a situation, but the two spies spent mini- mum time at Rahab’s place and escaped at the first given opportunity. Probably an example of what to do when persecutions are there. Examples from the New Testament 9. Paul and Priscilla: Honour of having a house Church, with all Churches of the Gen- tiles grateful (Acts 18:1-3, Romans 16:3-5) Like Elisha, and like how Billy Graham decided, Paul stays with a family and not in a house where a woman lives alone. 10. Paul and Lydia: Whole household saved (Acts 16:13-15) As Billy Graham would prefer, Paul visits the home where Lydia lives with her household. 11. Apollos and Priscilla: Cause for mightily convincing the Jews that Jesus was Christ (Acts 18:24-28) Priscilla, along with her husband, expounded the way of the LORD more perfectly to Apollos, just as Billy Graham would have. Example of our LORD Jesus Christ with 12. Peter’s mother-in-law: Received healing and a chance to serve Him (Matthew 8:14,15; Mark 1:29-31; Luke 4:38-40) Billy Graham has followed our LORD’s example of entering a home where not just two people of the opposite gender are present. Jesus here touches the hand of a woman old enough to be his mother. 13. James and John’s mother: Privilege of having her sons make 1/6th of the disciples of Jesus (Matthew 20:20-28) Billy Graham would have learnt that even though she was the mother of two of Je- sus’ disciples, she meets Him with her sons and not alone. 14. Mary and Martha: Received the good part (Luke 10:38-42) Jesus again enters a home where a male, Lazarus, is also present. Billy Graham sought to follow our Master’s pattern.

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15. a woman at the well: Brought many to the fold of Christ (John 4:5-42) Billy Graham sought to follow the example of our LORD, who met and talked with a woman one on one, but at a place where everyone could see. 16. a woman caught in adultery: Received mercy and Words of Life (John 8:1-11) We feel big problems need long hours of counseling. True, it may be, but Billy Gra- ham would have seen this example where just a few sentences and ten powerful words “Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more” was sufficient and not closed door counseling involving two people of the opposite gender. 17. a woman with bleeding: Made whole from an issue of 12 years and received peace (Matthew 9:20-22; Mark 5:25-34; Luke 8:43-48) A beautiful example of how to solve a very personal ailment instead of meeting with the opposite gender alone. When Jesus is not physically present, the approach of Hannah’s prayer and meeting with Eli needs to be followed. These examples could have been reasons that convinced Billy Graham to have such a rule. 18. a woman with a bent back: Loosened from a spirit of infirmity of 18 years (Luke 13:10-17) Another confirmation of the Biblical nature of the Billy Graham rule where Jesus healed on a Sabbath, in public, than another place. 19. a widow in the funeral procession of her dead son: Dead son brought back to life (Luke 7:11-16) Like Elijah and Elisha, Jesus having compassion, raised a son from the dead. He does this in public, in contrast to raising Jairus’ daughter whom he healed in her house but with her parents present (Luke 8:49-56). Billy Graham would have learnt how different situations need different meeting places, for the same result. 20. a sinful woman: Sins forgiven, saved and went in peace (Luke 7:36-50) Some men of the LORD have made it a practice, that even when they lay hands on the opposite gender, for a blessing, prayer, the touch should be only on the hair on the head and nowhere else, not even the usual cross on the forehead. In this example, the woman washes Jesus’ feet using her hair. Yes, the woman kisses Jesus’ feet, but there appears to be no other example of any other person claiming that privilege. Washing of saints’ feet is mentioned in 1 Timothy 5:10 but physical contact is not implied. By no means is this an exhaustive list but a small attempt to see from the Bible, why Billy Graham and those who worked with him for the LORD, decided what they did. The Bible is filled with information we can use, only if we have the time and heart to listen. All these people, following Biblical principles, gained much, contrary to what the world and the modern city teaching would tell us. The bottom-line though is that the heart should be pure, as Jesus warned in Matthew 5:28. That being said, the famous saying “justice should not only be done, but also seen to be done”, was long before taught in the Bible, “That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.” – Philippians 2:15

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Kids Section – Mrs Iris Irwin

WORD WHEEL - Find the 10-letter word using all the letters in the wheel once. Clue: 40 years

Answers

wilderness

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July 2017:Area fellowships 2017:Area July

– Bible studies

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July 2017 July

July 2017: Youth, Teens, Women, Senior worshippers, Int’l Students Fellowship Int’l Students worshippers, 2017: Teens, Women, Senior Youth, July

–

Bible studies Sunday School Outreach (Over all coordination: Joyce School all Outreach Joyce coordination: Sunday (Over Arun)

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)

(Co ord.: Angelin Wilfred) Dept: WSCSDept: Wilfred) ord.: (Co Angelin

July 2017 (Co. ord.: Irwin, Missions dept. Support: Shanmugam, Shanmugam, dept. 2017 ord.: Support:Irwin, Missions July (Co.

–

July 2017 July (English)

–

Ladies prayer meet Ladiesprayer

Sadaramangala Outreach Selina Vijay Timothy, Mohandas, Churchill&fly,

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July, August & September 2017 September & August July,

– Regular & Special Programs Programs & Special Regular

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Rev. David Livingston - BMC Farewell

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Pulpit Calendar - July 2017 BMC Theme : The Holistic Worship Date Time Speaker Topic 1-Jul-17 6:00am (Bilingual) Rev. Koilraj Dawn Service 7:00 am (Tamil) Rev. Koilraj Whole-hearted submis- 2-Jul-17 9:30 am (English) Rev. Koilraj sion to God 6:30 pm (English) Rev. Koilraj 7:00 am (Tamil) Dr Solomon 9-Jul-17 9:30 am (English) Rev. Daniel Sathyadoss - 6:30 pm (English) Mr Clement 7:00 am (Tamil) Rev. Koilraj Whole-hearted sacri- 16-Jul-17 9:30 am (English) Rev. Koilraj fice of self to God 6:30 pm (English) Rev. Koilraj 7:00 am (Tamil) Rev. Koilraj Whole-hearted spend- 23-Jul-17 9:30 am (English) Rev. Koilraj ing of our resources for 6:30 pm (English) Dr. Rajkumar God 7:00 am (Tamil) Rev. Koilraj Whole-hearted singing 30-Jul-17 9:30 am (English) Rev. Koilraj for God 6:30 pm (English) Rev. Koilraj WMC - Worship Schedule WMC Theme: Holistic Worship Tamil/Kannada Service-Translated into Hindi (Co ord: Mr.D.C. Franklin) English Service (Co ord: Mr.Atheejoe)

Date Time Speaker Topic 8:00 am (Tamil) Dr Solomon Pushparaj 2-Jul-17 Whole-hearted Submis- 10:00 am (English) Dr Solomon Pushparaj sion to God 8:00 am (Tamil) Rev. Koilraj 9-Jul-17 Whole-hearted worship 10:00 am (English) Rev. Koilraj 8:00 am (Tamil) Mr Franklin DC Whole-hearted Sacrifice 16-Jul-17 10:00 am (English) Mr Selvin Durapandi of self to God 8:00 am (Tamil) Mr Ashok Doddanna Whole-hearted spending 23-Jul-17 10:00 am (English) Mr Benjamin David of our resources for God Whole-hearted singing 30-Jul-17 8:00 am (Tamil) Mr Vijay Santhaseelan for God

Bethel Methodist Church, Bangalore 28 Editorial Team: Dilip, Hannah, Selvin, Wilfred & Pastor