Agape Ki Awaaz

AGAPE KI AWAAZ The voice of Agape

DECEMBER 2004 ISSUE #12

Rev. Joseph Suren (Pastor/Evangelist) P O Box 4236, Samabula. Fiji Islands Phone # 3361302 Fax # 3362302 Mobile # 9966444 email: [email protected] website: www.agaperevivalcentre.com

Praise the Lord and Welcome to this issue of “Agape Ki Awaaz” (The voice of Agape). I do hope that you are going to be blessed with the contents. I believe God will do something good in your life today. I encourage you to read the Word of God and allow the Spirit of God to show you all the great things He has for you. God will do it but you must believe. ‘All things are possible to him who believes.’ Amen!

CHRISTMAS GREETINGS!

“Agape” greetings to you in the Name that is above every name, JESUS CHRIST, the resurrected Son of the Living God. JESUS IS LORD! It is a great joy for me to share this brief message with you in this issue of Agape Ki Awaaz.

At this joyous season, our Agape Family, my wife and I wish you God's richest blessing this Christmas! I pray that this special season when we celebrate our Savior’s birth will be a time of joy, peace and reflection for you. A time to focus on all Jesus means to you personally.

"Unto us a child is born. Unto us a son is given.” (see Isaiah 9:6,7)

Unlike the traditions of “secrecy” and “surprise” that surround our earthly giving of gifts, God was so excited about the great Christmas/Salvation gift of His Son to you and me that He made sure that He didn’t keep a secret? He did not want you to miss it.

Now 2004 years has almost passed and still the anniversary of His birth puts half the world in a festive mood. True, some only celebrate on Christmas Day, but millions celebrate the Christ of Christmas all year long because they have personally opened their hearts to the gift of Lord Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world who came as God’s free gift of love on Christmas Day. They daily celebrate and “worship God in the Spirit and rejoice in Christ Jesus” (Phil 3:3).

CHRISTMAS - A time of reflection! It’s almost impossible to find people who aren’t excited about Christmas! Young and old alike love this special time of the year; the rich and poor, businessmen, students, government officials and the elderly; the Christians and non-Christians too.

Why? Christmas offers something for everyone! A time of spiritual fulfillment and reflection, family reunion, fun and holidays, gifts, extra business and even a time to fall in love!

I’ve always cherished Christmas with all the festivities, services and caring-sharing spirit that accompany it.

CHRISTMAS IMPRESSES ME! We enjoy giving gifts to our families and friends, and also receiving a few. We love the Christmas cards, dinner, and family get-together and worship services.

Maybe I’m sentimental, but Christmas means a lot to me! I’m thankful I do not live in countries where Christians are persecuted and killed. I am glad I’m a Fiji Born Indian (FBI) and a Christian by grace and living in this God fearing nation. I salute the Government of our nation for respecting and honoring the birth of Christ.

As for the gift-giving, we will have to credit Almighty God for starting it all by giving His “only begotten Son” to the world, and to the wise-men for bringing gold, frankincense and myrrh to the Christ-child.

I’m impressed with the miracles and challenges of Christmas: the angelic visitation and the virgin birth of Christ, together with His life, death, burial and resurrection!

The message of the angels has brought comfort and hope to millions down through the centuries. “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.” (Luke 2:14)

Mankind hopes sincerely and desires peace! We all need inner peace during the turmoil around us; peace in our hearts, homes and communities and peace among nations!

Is peace possible, when you consider the staggering and frightening level of mental illness and nervous breakdowns? Is it possible to have peace in view of the increase of murders, abortions, rapes, incest and other violent crimes?

Unfortunately, violence has become a staple in our daily lives from violent scenes on our TV screens in the movies and even on children’s cartoons as well as domestically! Things like pornography, sexual perversion, triggered by drunkenness and drug abuse etc, often spark Child abuse, incest and violence in the home!

Can peace invade the hearts and homes of vulgar, blasphemous, ungodly lifestyle, divorce, marijuana, cigarette smoking, grog, alcohol abuse, wife beating, and incestuous people? Is it possible for a change to occur in their lives?

The answer is a definite, “YES”! Jesus Christ is the ‘Prince of Peace’ and ‘Life’s Great Champion’. His love for the fearful, sinful, absurd and hurting is awesome and an absolute reality! Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid”. (Jn 14:27) The Bible says, “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new”. (2 Cor. 5:17). JESUS IS MASTER OVER EVERY SITUATION!

Is World peace possible? Humanly speaking, it appears like impossible, unless there is divine intervention! Mankind has proven that we cannot govern ourselves properly. Greed, hatred, bigotry, division, tension, bitterness, and strife are consuming.

We all exult in the message of the angels and on the Judean hillsides that first Christmas morn but many have failed to listen to the entire message. “Fear not, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be for all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior which is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11)

The question I have is, “Have we expected Him to bring peace to earth and goodwill toward men, without us giving glory to God?”

The world - by and large - has rejected Jesus as Savior and Lord and will continue to do so until He comes. How terribly sad and unfortunate! Lord Jesus Christ will return in power to rapture those who trust in Him and bring judgment upon the enemies of God and unrighteous. THE DEVIL WILL THEN BE BOUND AND PEACE WILL REIGN!

Until we invite Christ into the United Nations and the nations of the world and recognize His Lordship, strife, confrontation and war is inevitable and will continue to escalate!!

THOSE WHO RECEIVE LORD JESUS CHRIST INTO THEIR LIVES EXPERIENCE A SPIRITUAL TRANSFORMATION AND HEALING. WHEN THIS BEGINS TO HAPPEN ON A LARGE SCALE, OUR COMMUNITIES WILL CHANGE; BECAUSE HE IS THE PRINCE OF PEACE!

THINK OF IT. Christ changes life. He gives meaning to the dullest facts and situations . . .LIKE NOTHING ELSE CAN. What meaning has anything, or anybody without Christ? “Without Him, I can do nothing.”

That is why my wife and I can wish you all, a very HAPPY AND A BLESSED CHRISTMAS.

In Christ, who was born for us, He is the only Savior of the world, who came to save mankind from their sin and as our Divine Healer. So these are not empty wishes but weighty with all the living reality of Christ.

Remember don’t keep the Christ of Christmas a secret. Stay in the Word. Walk with the Lord. And let the Great Commission be the GREAT AMBITION of your life!

So, Decide today, right now, to live in His will and to be blessed!!! It is your choice?

Is Jesus the Lord and Savior of your life, if He is not, Romans 10:13 says, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” That Name is ‘Jesus!’ Savior, Healer, Deliverer! Do it today, call upon Him and receive your resurrection miracle from Jesus right now!

If you have not invited Jesus into your heart as Lord and personal Savior, you can do that right now. Just pray this simple prayer, “Dear Father in Heaven, I come to You now, I confess my sins and I ask for forgiveness. Wash me clean by Jesus’ precious blood. I acknowledge and receive Your Son Jesus Christ into my heart as my Lord and my Savior. Thank You Lord Jesus for saving me and writing my name in the Book of life. I receive the Grace to serve You all the days of my life. Amen”.

Friend, if you have meant that prayer, He has come, Lord Jesus Christ is yours. Heaven is your home; see you there, if not here! God bless and keep you and your dear family! My friend, if you are sick and afflicted, YOU CAN BE HEALED IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST! Jesus is the One who can get you well. So in Jesus’ Name be healed! Be Healed! Receive your miracle in the Name of The Lord Jesus Christ! Amen! To God be the Glory! Hallelujah!

God loves you and so do we! If “Agape Ki Awaaz” has been a blessing to you, then please copy and forward this to your friends and loved ones. Email me and let me know if God has blessed you through this article. I want to rejoice with you and pray for and your loved ones. For past issues, visit our website.

My friend, we need your prayers and encouragement that will certainly go a long way to forward the Kingdom of God. Till next issue, look unto Jesus the Author and the Finisher of our faith. Keep in touch. God Bless and use you. There is a miracle waiting for you. Receive His blessings in your life.

Our theme for this year 2004 was “Harvest of Souls – Year of Blessings!” And we can truly say, “Look what the Lord has done” and “We can count His blessings and name them one by one”. We thank the Most High God for all His blessings, His divine favors. Thank you for your prayers. Have a Miracle, Merry Christmas!

With Agape Blessings and Shalom, Joseph and Martha Suren

AGAPE KI AWAAZ EMAIL READER’S RESPONSE

Dear Pastor Joseph, Very warm greetings from Japan in the name of our wonderful Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you very much for your Agape Ki Awaaz. I count it as honor to receive that and to be counted among your contacts……May the Lord continue to give you wisdom and strength for accomplishing His purpose in the land of Resounding Sea. Your brother only by Christ and His grace, Akira (Mori) Japan

Hello, thanks for sending me Agape Ki Awaaz issue. It really ministered to me…. Blessings always, Lucille, Manila, Philippines.

Praise the Lord Joseph and Martha. it was good to receive your email and to know that things are going well with you and the church. Very encouraging news letter. I pray God's blessings over you and your family - not forgetting your church and ministry…. God bless you heaps. Samuel and Shiella Mudaliar, Hawaii

Thank you for the Agape Ki Awaaz. My friend from Fiji mailed me a copy. God bless you & your ministry. Sukhla Shankar, Los Angeles

Rev Suren & Sis Martha. Greetings in the wonderful name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you for sending me your monthly issues of Agape Ki Awaaz. It is a real blessing to know of what the Lord is doing in your family of God and this has also blessed us….Just for your information I always forward this issues to those other Indian friends who do not know Jesus Christ. God bless!! Aisake & Menani Kunanitu, Fiji

Greetings from Auckland Pastor, It is indeed an honour to be part of your mailing list. That newsletter was fantastic. Please continue to send a copy to me for circulation here… I heard about your visit to Auckland….However, I was committed hence I could not make it to any of the meetings. So when is your next visit to NZ? Let me know and I will make sure we get together this time. With Love and Blessings, Vimal Mudliar, NZ

Good Morning! Thanks for the beautiful e-mail…. I just got your e-mail. Thanks so much thinking of me. Have great day, Thanks again. Prem Johnson, Canada

Greetings! Thanks for the Agape Ki Awaaz. Reading the newsletter, itself lifts the soul and the great messages/contents – are channels of restoration/Renewal/Revival. Pastor and sister Bobby thanks for great contributions, time/effort/resource…ANAND AND SUMI, NZ.

PHOTO ALBUM

Preaching in His Excellency the President’s Prayer H/E the President’s Prayer Breakfast at the Breakfast – November 17, 2004 Government House, Suva, Fiji

Fiji delegation with Loren Cunningham and Mark With Loren Cunningham and Mark Anderson in Anderson, at the University of the Nations, Kona, Kona, Hawaii Hawaii – November 28th to 4th December, 2004 A QUICK INSPIRATION & NUGGETS OF TRUTH

Isaiah 9:6 “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

"Jesus had to come as He did to be what He was. ” (Treasures from Heaven)

AGAPE NEWS FLASH

1. Our Christmas Eve Service will be on the 24th December at 7.00pm We extend our invitation to you and your family to attend.

2. Since 1987, on Christmas day morning, we give “Love Parcel” to unfortunate people of different ethnic groups around Suva area. They eagerly wait for this. Some don’t even have food in their kitchen. Kids don’t have even a balloon to play with. Please pray for their needs and for the salvation of their soul.

3. Our theme for this year was “Harvest of Souls: Year of Blessings!” We thank the Most High God for all His blessings, His divine favors. We can truly say, Look what the Lord has done.

4. Pray for our Salvation/Divine Healing/Revival crusades around the nation and outside Fiji, beginning early next year. (Check our website)

5. Pray for our compassion ministry at the Old Peoples Home, the Mental Hospital and the Father Law Home. Our church group visits them with food, love and prayers. We are giving Christmas lunch at the Old People’s Home on the 18th of December. Please pray for these inpatients, staffs (nurses and doctors) and our team members.

6. DO VISIT US ON OUR WEBSITE: www.agaperevivalcentre.com

PROVERBS 17:22 “A merry heart does good like medicine: but a broken spirit dries the bones.” My mother once gave me two sweaters for Christmas. The next time we visited, I made sure to wear one. As we entered her home, instead of the expected smile, she said, "What's the matter? You didn't like the other one?" (from today's CleanLaugh.)

PRAYER THOUGHT

“Heavenly Father, Thank You for speaking to me! Thank You for the Lord Jesus Christ, who was born to be the Savior of the world. Lord, Change my heart! Fill me with Your love of forgiveness and mercy! My Father and my God, I will please You with my faith and will live for You. In the Mighty Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen...!”

“ Agape Ki Awaaz” in each issue we will report the miracles of God and His promises, a little message to help you and your loved ones to have greater faith in God. Read and pass on to someone.

Remember, God’s miracles are for you! There is power in prayer. Success, Health, Salvation, Happiness and Prosperity are for YOU and your HOUSEHOLD. Faith and miracles are for you today. God has more miracles than your needs. Christ died to give YOU abundant living. Because Jesus suffered for YOU, you can be happy, you can have abundant life, you can be healed, you can have success, you can prosper.

Good things are happening to people, who ask for prayer. God has been reaching out to YOU. Do you have needs? Are there problems you cannot solve? Is there sickness? Will you give God a chance to PROVE His power to YOU?

We believe in prayer, call us, write or visit our church. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” and what He is doing for others, He wants to do for YOU! God loves you and so do we at Agape Revival Centre, Lot 4, Nadonumai Road, Lami. Till next issue, GOD BE WITH YOU!