Persevering to the End

JULY 2015

Vol. 13, No. 10 IBT Founder Rev. Prof. S. Panneer Selvam WORD OF TRUTH - Annual Subscription : Rs. 100/- PUBLICATION OF INDIAN BIBLE TRANSLATORS Single Copy : Rs. 10/-. PERSEVERING TO THE END

The Apostle Paul wrote to the early warning that he wanted the believers to take Christians in the form of letters, called seriously. 'Epistles' one of them is the Epistle to the Hebrews written to the Jewish Christians. In The children of Israel, in their wanderings writing this letter, one of the issues that Paul in the wilderness did many things not addresses is that of perseverance in the pleasing to God. Paul quotes from Ps. 95, Christian faith till the end. In this article I plan which gives us a description of how God's to just take a look at Hebrews Chapter 4 and heart was grieved for forty years. They see how Paul encouraged the early Jewish rebelled against God and Moses. They saw Christians and to learn from it how our own the pillar of fire by night and the pillar of walk with God should be. Heb. 4 begins with cloud by day. The Lord dwelt among them. the word 'Therefore', which means we have Many miracles were wrought by the hand of to read the previous chapter to understand God and they still went astray. The Psalm why he said 'therefore'. However, the first ends on a sad note, "So I swore in My wrath, word in Chapter 3 is also 'Therefore', which 'They shall not enter My rest'". God did not means we need to read the previous chapter permit anyone over 20 years old who left 2 to get the flow of thought in his letter! I will Egypt to enter the Promised Land. They were only touch upon Chapter 3 to get the so happy and rejoicing when they left Egypt, background and then proceed to the fourth but fell along the way. Ps. 78 describes more chapter. Paul gives a warning to the Jewish of the behaviour of those people and God's Christians in Heb 3:12 "Beware, brethren, lest grieving heart. We are no better than they for there be any of you an evil heart of unbelief we too disobey and murmur and have in departing from the living God". This is a exhibited unbelief. In Gal 3:3, Paul says, "Are

SATHTHIYA VAARTHAI1 JULY 2015 you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, fall short because of our lack of faith, but are you now being made perfect by the have a holy fear of the One who made the flesh?" Paul here points out a very significant promise to provide eternal life to all that put issue. We may begin our Christian walk with their faith and trust in the finished work of the great joy and as we pass through wilderness Lord Jesus Christ. Disobedience to the laws in our lives, are we walking in the spirit or in of God is the result of a lack of or not being the flesh? It is not so much important how "God fearing". Disobedience to the laws and we begin our Christian life, but how we commands of God is a sure indicator of a sustain our walk with God to the end. In lack of fear of the Lord. Paul explains the Heb. 4, Paul gives us very specific ways in disobedience of the children of Israel in Heb which we should walk so that we finish well. 3: 7 -19 resulting in their not entering into the When people run in any competitive race, rest that God had prepared for them. Before some may be the lead runners in the he begins Chapter 4, he says, "Therefore, beginning, but the judges observe the since a promise remains of entering into His finishing line to select the winners. rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it." Since the letter to the Paul gives a warning to the Jewish Hebrews was written to the Jewish believers Christians in Heb. 3:12 "Beware, brethren, of his days, he was telling them to make sure lest there be any of you an evil heart of that they did not fall short of fearing God, like unbelief in departing from the living God". He their ancestors did and failed to receive the then follows up in Heb. 4, by providing a promise of rest. God expects us to fear Him procedure by which they can sustain as written in Jer 5:22-24 "'Do you not fear themselves in the faith to the end. In Heb. 4 Me?' Says the Lord. Will you not tremble at we are going to take a look at FOUR specific My presence, Who has placed the sand as "Let us" that Paul describes so that we can the bound of the sea, by a perpetual decree, persevere to walk with the Lord till the end. ….." In fact it is so important as in Prov 15:16 " .. Better is a little with the fear of the Lord, 1. Walking in the fear of God (Heb 4:1-10) than great treasures with trouble". Fear is the Paul exhorts them to walk in the fear of beginning of knowledge (Prov 1:7) and the Lord. This is a holy fear of the Almighty wisdom (Prov 9:10). All great men of God God, who has promised rest from all our obeyed God by fearing Him. Noah as in Heb labours. He says in Heb 4:1, "… Let us fear 11:7 was "moved with godly fear", Abraham lest any of you seem to have come short of (Gen 22:12), Jacob (Gen 28: 16, 17), it". They did not have faith that God's Cornelius (Acts 10:2, the early church (Acts promises are true, that He was leading them 9:31) are some of the examples of exercising to the Promised Land. They failed to rest in godly fear. God even wrote a Book of His promise. As a result, God decided that Remembrance with the names of those who they were not going to enter into His rest. feared the Lord (Mal 3:16). Someone once Paul picks this up to warn that we should not said "We fear men so much, because we

SATHTHIYA VAARTHAI2 JULY 2015 fear God so little." Jesus says in Matt 10:28 disobedience". Webster's 1928 Dictionary "And do not fear those who kill the body but describes the word ‘diligent’ as 'steady in cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who application to business; constant in effort or is able to kill both soul and body in hell". exertion to accomplish what is undertaken; Jesus describes the seriousness of fearing not idle or negligent'. The purpose and goal God rather than men. Matthew Henry says, of a Christian is to make every effort to follow "Those know enough who know how to fear the Lord. We need to make a constant effort God, who are careful in everything to please to pursue in keeping with the Word of God. It Him and fearful of offending Him in anything; would have been easy for Paul to think about this is the Alpha and Omega of knowledge." his past and dwell on his intense persecution This truth is absolutely essential in the life of of the believers before he met Christ. But he a Christian. It is this lack of fear of God that says in Phil 3: 13, 14 " … but one thing I do, results in wilful sinning and living in sin, forgetting those things which are behind and because people take God for granted. reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press towards the mark of the goal There is a great blessing in living in the for the prize of the upward call of God in fear of the Lord as in the following Christ Jesus". Paul was not going to be scriptures: dwelling on his unbecoming past, because he • Provides Holiness: "The fear of the Lord was in pursuit of God to lead him to follow is to hate evil" ( Prov 8:13; Prov 16:6 ) the guidance of the Holy Spirit as he preached to spread the gospel. Jesus • Gives Life: "The fear of the Lord is a addresses the issue of following Him. He fountain of life" ( Prov 14:27 ) says in Lk 9:62 "None having put his hand to • Purifies us: "The fear of the Lord is the plow, and looking back, is fit for the clean, enduring forever" ( Ps 19:9 ) kingdom of God". We are not to look back, but to 'press on'. • Gives Wisdom: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" ( Prov 1:7 ) The Apostle Paul went through many difficulties in his ministry. He could have • Brings revival: " .. And walking in the fear easily been discouraged. The opposition to of the Lord and in the comfort of the the gospel preaching was great, but he Holy Spirit, they multiplied" (Acts 9:31) endured all types of persecution. He did not give up, but diligently followed the Lord in 2. Walking with diligence (Heb 4:11-13) spite of all the hardships. He says in Rom Paul further goes on to call on the 8:35 "Who shall separate us from the love of Jewish Christians to walk with diligence as Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or the SECOND 'let us' in Heb 4: 11 "Let us persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest or sword?" The answer of course is obvious anyone fall after the example of as he continues further saying " .. neither

SATHTHIYA VAARTHAI3 JULY 2015 death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor humbled Himself and became obedient unto powers, nor things present nor things to death, even the death of the cross". As a come, nor height nor depth, nor any other result of having been through His life on created thing, shall be able to separate us earth, understands our weaknesses because from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus He himself was tempted as we are, yet our Lord". What a testimony of his love for without sin. He overcame sin and death and Christ! Let us pause and examine our lives. Satan. He sympathizes with our weaknesses Are you discouraged, persecuted, confused and cares for us, so we can cast all our and facing severe opposition to your ministry? burdens upon the Lord (I Pet 5:7). Continue to press on and trust the Lord to accomplish the tasks ahead of you in spite of It is very important to retain our all these. Heb 4:13 reminds us that we will testimony. Failing to do so dishonours God, be called to give an account. Let us take brings shame on ourselves and impacts the courage, for the Lord is always available to community negatively. On the other hand, carry the burden for us. I Cor 15:58 says Jesus wants to present us blameless before "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, the Father as in Col 1: 22 "... to present you immoveable, always abounding in the work of holy, blameless, and irreproachable in His the Lord, knowing that your labour is not vain sight -". Note that this is also conditional: "if in the Lord". indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast and are not moved away from 3. Retain (or Preserve) your Testimony the hope of the gospel which you heard, (Heb 4: 14-15) which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister." We are further encouraged to retain our When David was confronted by the prophet testimony, for Paul says. " .. let us hold fast Nathan, David was told, " … you have given our confession" and this is the THIRD great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to 'let us'. The reason he points us to this is blaspheme ..." (II Sam 12: 14). This same Jesus our High Priest "passed through the thought of being blameless is addressed by heavens". In other words, He who was before Paul in I Cor 1:4-8. Paul talks about striving the world began and was situated in the to do things that please God. He was brought heavens came down from His glory to before Felix and he was called to defend become a man and humbled Himself to himself about his faith in the resurrection of become obedient to death on the cross. As the dead. In Act 24:16, he says " .. I myself recorded beautifully in Phil 2: 6-8 " … who, always strive to have a conscience without being in the form of God, did not consider it offense toward God and men". I would robbery to be equal with God, but made summarize it this way: FIRST, we should be Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a careful where we go. It is easy to find servant, and coming in the likeness of men. ourselves in places where we ought not to And being found in appearance as a man He go, an example would be a provocative

SATHTHIYA VAARTHAI4 JULY 2015 movie. You can definitely make your decision give place to the devil. as the Holy Spirit convicts you. Secondly, the company that you are with. The Bible says, • I Cor 10:13 shows us that God is faithful "Be not unequally yoked with unbelievers". to enable us to be overcomers. The reason is that you would tend to • I Jn 1:9 asks us to confess when we fall compromise your faith and fall into sin along into sin and that the Lord will forgive. with others as you try to please them. Third, watch out about what you do. When you • Phil 4:8 tells us what to think about. become a Christian and follow the Lord, others in the community you live in are • Ps 1:2 is a good scripture to memorize watching you, whether you are truthful and and will cause us to meditate on God's honest at work. Fourth, keep yourself away Word more than on anything else. from watching things that can corrupt your mind, a TV show or internet sites that occupy 4. Living a prayerful life (Heb 4: 16) your mind and thoughts and fill you with evil FINALLY, to persevere to the end, the intent and fleshly lusts. Finally, we need to be passage ends with asking the believers to careful of the words that come out of our lips. spend their time in prayer. This scripture Bad language, cursing others, lying, speaking says, "Let us" come boldly to the throne of ill of others and gossiping. All these things grace that we may obtain mercy and find can bear a bad testimony of our Lord. Many grace to help in time of need." Thrones are men and women of God have been and are generally associated with judgement. In those being deceived by falling into these types of days, kings or queens sat on a throne and behaviour. This results in lives that are not the final judgement of a convict was given by fruitful for the kingdom of heaven. them from the throne on which they sat. But Let us also take a look at how we might this is a unique throne on which Jesus sits; it be able to protect our testimony. The Bible is known as "the throne of grace". It speaks gives us guidance on what we can do. Here volumes of the Christian faith. Rather than are some helps: passing a punishing judgement upon us, in this throne we find "help… in time of need". • Eph 6: 10-18 speaks about putting on What a gracious God we worship! He has the whole armour of God already borne the punishment for our sins, and now He calls us to unburden ourselves • I Pet 5: 8, 9 exhorts us to be sober and at this throne to get the kind of help we vigilant, because the devil is out to try to need. Believer, how much time do you spend get us to sin. He is called a devourer. in prayer? How about tithing some of your precious time for God?. It is easy to give a • Jas 4:7 reminds us to resist the devil. tenth of all we earn and think we have done • Eph 4: 26, 27 says that we should not our 'duty' to God and walk away. Churches

SATHTHIYA VAARTHAI5 JULY 2015 get filled when there is special music and Bounds "The men who have done the most special singing, but if the Pastor calls for a for God in this world have been early on their prayer meeting, watch how many people turn knees. He who fritters away the early up! Why is this? The devil knows that a saint morning, its opportunity and freshness, in on his knees is a threat to his kingdom and other pursuits than seeking God will make he will do anything to prevent you from poor headway seeking Him the rest of the praying or going to a prayer meeting. Yet, day. If God is not first in our thoughts and Jesus spent so much of His time in prayer. efforts in the morning, He will be in the last Look at the example He left us. He would go place the remainder of the day." to a mountain and pray all night!!

In conclusion, Paul is calling on the In Eph 6:10-20 regarding the armour of God, there are seven weapons mentioned in believers to persevere to the end at all costs. this passage. The only offensive weapons are In this passage we have seen FOUR 'let us' the sword of the spirit and prayer. Eph 6:18 urging the believers of his days to live a says, "Praying with all prayer and supplication fruitful Christian life. This is so fitting for us in in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with this day and age as sin abounds wherever all perseverance and supplication for all we go and even men of God are falling all saints". It is said that Mary, Queen of Scots, around us. Can we join together and do what trembled most if she heard that John Knox we have been taught biblically, so that we was on his knees. When Jesus came down can have a fruitful Christian life? May the from the Mount of Transfiguration, He found Lord help us to do so. that the disciples could not cast out a demon from a boy. Jesus chided them about it and - Dr. Sam Russell said, "These things cometh not but by prayer and fasting". Here is a quote from E.M

‘DO'S FOR THE BELIEVER Win - souls Be a model - to the believers

Redeem - the time Honour - God's ministries Continue steadfastly - in prayer Submit - to the will of God

Be awake - for the Lord's coming Don't leave - your first love Meditate - on the Scripture Hate - sin Be willing to lose - what should be lost Give up - deception Be fervent - in the spirit Obey - the Lord's commandments Resist - the devil

SATHTHIYA VAARTHAI6 JULY 2015 NEWS LETTER

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Whatever talents God has bestowed on us, we must use them for the glory of God by bearing Grace to you, and peace from Him who is fruit. We should win souls for Christ. In the and who was and who is to come and from the Bible we learn how those chosen by God were seven Spirits who are before His throne and from used as His vessels for His glory. Similarly, we Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first born are expected not to simply bury our God-given from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of talents,but to use them profitably for the glory the earth. (Rev 1:4 and 5) of our Master. This truth has been amply illustrated in the parable of those who received Beloved, we read in Matthew chapter 24 and 5, 2 and 1 talents from their master and how Luke chapter 21 about the events which are those who were given 5 and 2 talents gained going to take place at the Second coming of another 5 and 2 talents respectively. (Matt 25: Jesus Christ and at the ending of the world. All 14 - 30).In the same manner let us use our God- those things predicted by Jesus are now taking given talents-whatever they may, for gaining place as we read in the newspapers and witness more souls for Christ. How did those who were in television. We hear of wars and rumours of given 5 and 2 talents gain another equal talents? wars. Nation has risen against nation and Their master had told them to trade with what kingdom against kingdom. There are famines, were given to them. Those two persons just pestilences and earthquakes in various places. did what their master had told them. They All these are indications to show that the Second simply obeyed their master's command. coming of Jesus is very soon. In these last days Moreover, when their master returned and asked those of us who have been chosen by Jesus them to give their account, they honestly and who are worshiping Him are bound to do produced whatever they had earned without certain things urgently. Let us consider what hiding any part of it. On the contrary, Ananias they are. and Sapphira, his wife, retained a portion of what they had sold and laid only the remaining If we buy anything spending money, we portion at the feet of the apostles. Actually will not simply keep it in our house without using they did not cheat the apostles, but tried to cheat it. We buy it with the intention of using it in our the Holy Spirit. As a result, both of them day to day life. Certainly the thing bought should died(Acts 5:1 - 11). Unlike these two cheats, be useful to us. Likewise God did not simply those who received 5 and 2 talents in the parable chose us without any purpose behind it. He has gave their master what were given to them along chosen us so that we would worship Him, with what they had earned using them. The declare His precious name to the world, fulfil outcome: Their master praised them and His will in our lives and bear fruit for Him. If so, blessed them saying, "Well done, good and what are we to do? faithful servant, you were faithful over a few

SATHTHIYA VAARTHAI7 JULY 2015 things, I will make you ruler over many things. the New Testament books in Sambalpuri and Enter into the joy of your lord." (Matt 25:21,22). Mundari languages spoken in Odisha , went to At this juncture we should note one important Bangalore BSI office and did the checking of thing. The master did not praise the person who meaning of the translated portions along with earned 5 talents more than he praised the other the assistance of BSI senior translator one who earned only 2 talents. Irrespective of Rev.Premraj Nag. the amount they earned for the master, both received the same praise for the simple reason The work of fixing tin sheet roof over the both obeyed their master implicitly, unlike the church building in Kondapuri is at the stage of man who received 1 talent, who being lazy completion. Pray for the speedy completion of simply buried the 1 talent given to him in the the remaining works (plastering, electrification ground. All the three were given talents though and painting). the amount varied. But only the first two worked diligently and honestly and earned the praise of The roof of the church at Ponduguda was their master. of grass which has been damaged. The work of replacing it with tin sheet is being done In a similar manner, each of us who have speedily. Pray for its early completion. been chosen and called by God, has been given some talent or the other. Let us diligently use it On 17.5.2015 Bro. S.B.Thangadurai obeying His commandment and do His ministry introduced IBT ministries to the congregation for His glory. May the Lord grant this grace to during the Sunday worship service at the CSI you. church in Broughnagar. Bro K.N.Namesh gave God's message. We thank the church Pastor The second memorial prayer meeting of IBT Rev Ravindran for giving us the permission for founder Rev. ProfS.PanneerSelvam was the above. conducted in IBT Head office building on 6th June 2015. TELC Rt.Rev.Edwin Jeyakumar On 31.5.2015 Bro.D.Nallasamy introduced presided over the function. IBT ministries and gave God's message at the The book entitled 'Vedhakama Sunday worship service held at 'Yesunathar Puththagangalukku Oar Arimugam' ( 'An Church' in L.M.Palappalayam in Kavundapadi introduction to the Bible books' ) in Tamil written pastorate. We thank Rev Samuel Prabakaran, by IBT founder is being translated into English secretary and treasurer of the church committee and steps are being taken to publish it soon. for giving their permission for the above. The book entitled 'Word of Life' originally written Our IBT representatives in Tiruppur are by IBT founder in English has been translated getting ready to conduct a one-day meeting at into Malayalam language and it is ready for Tiruppur on 3.8.2015. Please pray that this printing and publishing. meeting should be a blessed one. Last month Bro.Sukhdev Nag and Bro.Chandrakantha Barla, who have translated - Bro. R. John William

SATHTHIYA VAARTHAI8 JULY 2015 THE LIFE HISTORY OF THE TRIBAL PEOPLE ‘PANIA'

The city Gudalur is situated at the junction damaged by floods in the rivers. The joining Tamilnadu, Kerala and Karnataka States. government would give them building materials In this mountainous region the tribal people to do the repair work. During the days of repair called 'Pania' are living. Their ancestors were of their huts, they would be accommodated in Negros who lived in South Africa. In those Government schools. days of the rule of the English men in South Africa, those Negros who committed offence Food habits of Pania people: were treated as slaves and according to the law The food they mostly like consists of rice, in vogue in those days, they were imprisoned pulses, chicken and wheat kanji. They boil the for many years. After their release from the vegetables cut into pieces and eat them. While prison, they were sent to THE ISLANDS OF working in the forest areas, they obtain what is Madagaskar and India by ship. Those people available in the ground and they burn them in were asked to get down the ship at Cochin sea fire and eat. Such food is also eaten by the port in Kerala. In those days the English ruled mountain pigs. over many parts of India also. Those who got down in Cochin were employed in manual The chief occupation of Pania people: works at the sea port and they were called 'Pania'. A small group among them escaped Their chief occupation is farming in the from there and settled in the area called fields. They also work in tea estates, pluck coffee 'Vayanadu' near the place called Thanraser and seeds, pluck pepper from vines and pick fire lived for some years in mountains, caves and wood in the forests for sale. huts constructed with grass. They wore leaves The cultural practices of Pania people: of trees to cover their body and used barks of trees around their waist. To remember this past These people will not be afraid of forest life style, these people even now wear dress of animals. They will kill snakes even casually. red, black and blue colours. These people have piety of god and would willingly serve their gods . Their gods are the After some period, they migrated to different spirits of the dead men and women. On the mountain areas such as Mudumalai, Coorg, third day of a death, they would erect a pillar in Pattavayal, Pandalur, Ayyangolli and Gudalur front of the house, and with musical instruments tea estates located in the three States of Kerala, they would dance and shout. They would do Tamilnadu and Karnataka. Their huts were this in the first and second years after death. constructed with mud, bamboo and wooden Their belief is that the spirit of the dead person planks with roof of grass. Many families settled in single locations and created their own will come to their place. They would cover the settlements called 'Paniapadi'. In the forest pillar with the dresses of the dead person. areas they would settle on the banks of rivers. Thereafter, they would demolish the house and During rainy seasons their huts would be go to another place for living.

SATHTHIYA VAARTHAI9 JULY 2015 The chief festival of the Pania people: rivers. Even if they are kept in hostels to avert such drop outs, the children would stay in the Every year in the month of September hostel for 2 or 3 days and then escape to their when the corn is ripe for reaping, they would go to the fields, reap the ripe corn, bring it to the homes. temple and offer it to their god and then they Medical fecility: would celebrate the festival dancing. Particularly, in the villages Pokkapuram and There is a hospital especially meant for Moyar they celebrate this festival for 5 days. the tribal community. Here treatment and They would also sacrifice sheep. medicines are given to the patients. There are beds in the hospital. They have to pay only Rs Education of the children: 25 to become a member of the hospital. Then These people would admit their children in all treatments are freely given. schools with the desire of affording good future for their children. But most children would study - Bro.R.Thambi Durai in schools only up to second standard and then - Sis. Elizabeth Thambi Durai Paniya Language Translators run away from classes and would engage themselves in catching fish and crabs in the

A SPECIAL NOTE With Gudalur as their mission station, Bro R.Thambidurai and his wife Sister Elizabeth Thambidurai are translating the Bible and they also doing their missionary work among the Pania tribal community. They are also translating the Bible in Pania language. Please pray that these Pania people should learn good habits, should become more civilized, their standard of life should be raised, they should grow steadily in knowing Christ and also that the New Testament in Pania language should be released soon.

RESPECT FOR HUMAN LIFE "If families are the places of love and peace and holiness, then our nations and our world will live in love, peace and union with God and each other. Smile at each other. Make time to meet each other in your family". - Mother Teresa

BEFORE DOING THIS … DO THIS

Before acting on anything … consider deeply Before facing final judgment … know the truth about it Before deciding on anything … think twice Before drowning … lift up Before showing enmity … forgive

SATHTHIYA VAARTHAI10 JULY 2015 FIELD NEWS

Missionary : Bro. Ruban Das Chinchani Kurumguda, Gondapur, Mali Attikan, Mission field : Khukkhundu (UP) Ponduguda, Pappanpalli, Mirkanguda, Meendaguda, Pepraguda, Pattaguda and Greetings in the sweet name of our Lord Bodomasi. During my visits I told the villagers Jesus Christ. By His abundant grace, last month about the purpose of Christ coming to the earth I could perform my missionary work well. I as Jesus, the remedy for sins, how to receive visited the following villages and shared the forgiveness of sins, there is no salvation without gospel with the villagers: Danvathi, Cheriya, Jesus Christ and so on. I told them that the Karundi, Bahadurpur, Magayumi, Pareshiva, mankind can have salvation only because of Misra, Bastipa, Suraha, Biprahome, Mahura, Christ shedding His blood and dying on the Myusilla, Jaypura, Naduli, Immuthera, cross. When I prayed with faith and burden for BaluvalThenupathrilla, Makahaara and Diyoriya. the sick people, they were delivered. I gave The following sisters were newly contacted: them tracts entitled 'Good News'. The following Subitha, Kapitha, Sima, Rajmathi, Gowri, persons heard the Good News with keen Devipunam and Saritha. interest: Bro.Kailas Kona, Gobi, Sowndar, About 60 believers are participating in Pakla, Mrs.Parvathi, Kunjo, sister Liyoko and Sunday worship services. 20 believers are some others. Please pray for them. Daily in the participating in second Saturday fasting prayer evenings prayer meetings are conducted in meetings. In the Good Friday worship service houses. I conducted a prayer meeting in the in Khukkhundu village the seven words Jesus house of Bro.Larman one day. On that occasion spoke while on the cross were explained a young girl named Linge Harijan came there. particularly to the following believers: Sumitra She asked me to pray for her who did not attain Rani, Prabhavathi , Sandeep, Ramchakkal, maturity though she had crossed that age. I said Swarnadevi, Bindudevi and Anitha. Please pray to her that nothing is impossible for God, and that those who heard the gospel may abide in told her to ask Jesus Christ with faith and He Jesus Christ. will answer her prayer, and I too prayed for her. After some days she praised the Lord ————— • ————— stating that the Lord had heard her prayer. May Missionary : Bro Leman Chinchani the name of the Lord be glorified. By this miracle Mission field : Bodomasigan (Odisha) the entire family accepted Jesus as their Saviour. I conducted Sunday worship services in the "Go into all the world and preach the gospel villages Siyuni, Thikkaguda, Patraguda and to every creature." Mark 16:15 Podomasigan. In addition, worship service is On the basis of the above verse, IBT conducted on Fridays also apart from House ministry is functioning to give the Word of God prayer meetings, Sunday classes for children to people speaking various languages in India. and fasting prayer meetings on second I visited the following villages and proclaimed Saturdays, which are conducted regularly. the gospel last month: Siyum, Dikkaguda, When IBT officials came here for inspection, they Patraguda, Danagud, Moydaguda, Katpaguda, saw the church building work at Kondapuri. Pattikaan, Sirmapandi, Sanamorikam, Please pray for this church building work and Paromaar, Beththal, Jobaguda, Dengpodor, for my ministry.

SATHTHIYA VAARTHAI11 JULY 2015 Translator : Sis.Deveshkumari Missionary : Bro.Amarbar Nag Mission field : Chattarpur (MP) Mission field : Kurgh - Reva (MP) Language : Bandeli Greetings in the sweet name of Jesus Greetings in the sweet name of Jesus Christ. Christ. By the abundant grace of the Lord, I could By the abundant grace of the Lord, last do my missionary work well last month meeting month translation of the book of Genesis 36:24 the villagers in 16 villages and sharing the to47:11 in the OT was done in Bandeli language. gospel with them. The following persons heard Fasting prayer meeting was conducted in the God's message very keenly: Chattarpur. During this meeting prayer was Bro Anand, Anil, Ashok, Diwakar, Prabhu, offered for IBT missionary services, translators, Ramseka, Sathyamoorthy, Dayalal, Jayaratna, IBT office bearers' good health and children in Hudson, Rajveer, Rajmohan, Megalal, Babulal, the Children's Home. Worship songs were sung. Rajmani, Janardhan, Ramprasad and Biganlal. Sunday worship services are being conducted I was asked to pray for the wife of Bro Manaraj regularly. for her sickness. The Lord who heard the prayer ————— • ————— gave her complete healing Because of this some persons' faith was strengthened. On Missionary : Bro.Sanjay kumar Sunday I conducted the worship service in the Mission field : Chattarpur (MP) village Korkan. Many songs of praising God May the name of Lord Jesus Christ be were sung. Please pray for my ministry and my glorified. family.

By the abundant grace of the Lord, last ————— • ————— month I visited the following villages and shared Missionary (In charge of Chiildren's Home) the gospel with the villagers: Moraba, Bro.Jabez Austin Palraj Ayodyabasthi, Newpasthi, Katkudan, Mission field : Pappanpalli (Odisha) Pidiapuram, Pannaroadu, Chora, Newpori, Raguvandan Colony, Govaraya, Mavuraka and By the abundant grace of the Lord, I am able Pidigolani. I met the persons named Deepak to do my ministry truthfully. Anuragi, Ashok, Anilvarma, Vijaypalmik, In the first week of this month (June) almost Lakkanpalmak, Mukeshvarma, Kishor Ragu, all the children will arrive at the Home. Even RamkaranAnirvar and Manoj and explained to before the closing of the school on 30th April them about the teachings of Jesus, His miracles, 2015, many children went to their homes as they His death on the cross and salvation of the were affected by small pox.At the very beginning mankind. In Chattarpur second Saturday fasting of this small pox, I took them to their houses by prayer meeting was conducted and Sunday two wheeler and cycle and also on foot if their worship services were also conducted. 10 houses are near. I supplied the building material persons attended these meetings. as and when needed for the building of the

SATHTHIYA VAARTHAI12 JULY 2015 compound wall of the Home. For this purpose book to Sis Rani and 1 book of Proverbs and I went to the places Podia, Undurugonda and Psalms to the veterinary doctor -all in Baduga Kallimevi and brought the materials in tractors. language. I gave a copy of the New Testament In this connection I met and talked to the officers in Tamil to sister Nalini who is undergoing MSc of the forest department and revenue degree course in the Govt Arts College. Please department. Safeguarding the building pray for the salvation of all these people and for materials became a big responsibility. the checking the translated work in Baduga Whenever I went to the bank to draw money, I language. used to take a responsible person with me for ————— • ————— safety. Moreover, I met the parents who want to admit their children in the Home newly. The Translator : Bro.Hazarilal Bairva work of fixing AC sheet roof to the chapel has Mission field : Piplod (Rajasthan) been completed. Language : Hadothi

————— • ————— May all of you be blessed in the sweet name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Last month I Translator/Missionary : Sister.R. Anuradha translated Jeremiah chapters 1 to 13 in the OT. Mission field : Mel (West)-Hosahatti By this I learnt many things and thus I received (Ooty, Tamilnadu) mental satisfaction and joy. Some days ago, Language : Baduga a sister named Mrs.Suguna was suffering from I praise the Lord, who enabled me to do much physical weakness. The surgery in the His service with power and under His guidance. stomach was not fruitful. We have been praying Daily we are going to Ooty and doing with burden for her healing. I also wrote about checking work along with Pastor.S.Muthan. We this to the IBT office for prayer. The Lord heard are doing this work in a noiseless and calm place the prayer of all of us and healed her of the church by which we are able to miraculously. I thank all of you who prayed for concentrate in our checking work the book of her. Leviticus from cha: 12 - 27 were checked and ————— • ————— done language checking in the book of Numbers Translator : Bro.Jagadesh Prakash Bankar from cha: 1 - 5 : 18, correction work has also Mission field : Manoharpur been done in the book of Lev from cha: 4 - 18. Language : Thunthani In addition, I went to Mel (West) Hosahati, Greetings in the sweet name of our Lord Keel (East)-Hosahati, Harukutchi, Melur, Ooty Jesus Christ. and Conoor and met 16 families and did missionary work and also promotional work. I Nadulal, a relative of mine, was in the faith prayed for the families in their houses. As I of other gods. Though he took bath early in travelled by bus, I shared the gospel with those the morning followed by Pooja, he did not get sitting near me and gave them the book of any peace of mind. One day I met him and Proverbs in Baduga language. I gave 5 copies shared the gospel with him. He keenly listened of this book to the family of Sister Indira Raju, 1 to the gospel and got peace in his mind. Now

SATHTHIYA VAARTHAI13 JULY 2015 he has accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and I am doing the translation work in my mother Saviour and he does not worship any other god. tongue Hadothi well. Last month I translated in I translated the following last month: II OT First Chronicles chapters 9:25 to 20:8. Kings Chapters 21:19 to 25:30 and I Chronicles Six years have passed since I started the Bible chapters 1:10 to 9:16. Please pray that my translation work. Still only one gospel has been translation work should be completed speedily. released. The other 3 gospel books should be released soon. There is delay in the work of ————— • ————— language checking. The keying-in work of the Translator : Bro.Patric Roojwelt gospel of Mark is yet to be completed. The Mission field : Pillodu - Baran (Rajasthan) checking of the gospels of Luke and John has Language : Hadothi been completed. Please pray for speedy translation and checking work and for my son Greetings in the name of the all powerful who becomes sick very often. Saviour Jesus Christ.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

We, the believers, are the walking , talking According to the population of India, three EPISTLES to be SEEN and READ by others in times ministry is needed, four times monetary the world. support is needed and seven times praying Temptations are not for us to lose our warriors are needed. - Andrew Murray steadfastness, but to STRENGTHEN our steadfastness. What is needed for God's ministry is not clever preaching, not even one's ability, but the 'Preaching' by way of our DAY TO DAY IMAGE of the supreme God. - Dosar LIFE as a model is more powerful than preaching using just words. Living in poverty but with God is more glorious than living in prosperity but without God. What takes place in our life is not that much important; on the other hand, what happens Not your words but you ACTIONS should TO OTHERS THROUGH US is of real declare that you are a child of God. importance. One who does not care for his family but The children of a king should speak the tries to please others is a fool. legal words of the court. One who does not know Christ and the Don't try to carry tomorrow's burden by the Word of God (the Bible) will soon be caught grace you get today. amid evil and will subsequently die; but The best way to resist the evil is to live for knowing God will not only help one to bear fruit, Christ. but it will be a very present help in trouble. The proof that one is a sinner is that he Spend your time visiting the homes of does not realize he is a sinner when he sins. believers, reading the Word of God and in - Martin Luther intense prayer.

SATHTHIYA VAARTHAI14 JULY 2015 THE SECOND MEMORIAL PRAYER MEETING IN MEMORY OF IBT FOUNDER REV. PROF. S. PANNEER SELVAM

The second memorial (2nd June 2015) highlighted his various appreciable and unique prayer meeting in memory of Rev Prof S. traits such as his whole hearted dedication to PanneerSelvam was conducted at IBT Head fulfil the ministry vision God gave him even as office meeting hall on 6.6.2015 at 5 pm. Rt Rev a single man , extending the ministries in varied Edwin Jeyakumar, President/ Bishop TELC directions including writing spiritual books and presided over the meeting. The opening prayer social services such as tailoring training , his was offered by Rev John Raja, pastor TELC humility and integrity. Those who spoke include church, Peelamedu, Coimbatore. IBT Rev John Raja TELC church, Peelamedu, Rev promotional worker Bro S.Rajan conducted the S.C. Jeyakumar , Head pastor, CSI All Souls worship service. Bible reading was done by Bro church, Coimbatore, Rev Ebenezer Mani, Head K.N. Namesh. Bro D. Vasu,IBT secretary, made pastor, CSI church, Trichy Road, Coimbatore, the welcome address welcoming all those who Bro P.Jebaz Selwyn and Rev Ashok Kumar , had gathered. pastor, TELC church Koliparai in Kerala. As the special speaker, Bro Rajasekaran, former A previous issue of the monthly magazine correspondent of CSI Boys' Higher Secondary 'SaththiyaVaarthai' translated into Hindi School, Coimbatore, shared God's message. language was prayerfully released by TELC Bro M. John William , IBT treasure, thanked all Bishop Rt Rev Edwin Jeyakumar. Bro S. Jebaz those who attended the meeting. The meeting Selwyn received the first copy of the magazine came to a close with the closing prayer followed and Bro James Durairaj received the second by benediction by Rev Daniel, pastor, C.I.G. copy. With this release, the long cherished Mission church, Gobi. dream of Rev Prof S. PanneerSelvam was fulfilled on his second memorial day. Similarly, All the pastors and Bishop who participated the fourth revised edition of IBT song book in the Memorial day meeting stressed the urgent 'Idhaya Geethangal' was released by the Head need of writing a book of Biography of Rev Prof pastor Rev S.C. Jeyakumar of CSI All Souls S. PanneerSelvam and releasing it soon. They church, Coimbatore. Bro.R.John William and also stressed that the entire Bible should be Prof. John Victor received the first and second translated and released at least in 4 or 5 copies of the song book respectively. languages, which will be a fitting way of fulfilling founder's long cherished dream, at least in part. Many God's servants who were personally associated with Prof S.PanneerSelvam - Bro D.Nallasamy

PRAY & PRAISE

1. Praise God for the speedy building work the chapel in the campus of this Home of Pappanpalli Children's Home and for has been completed and now the the admission of new children in this worship of the children in the Home is academic year. The renovation work of conducted in the renovated building.

SATHTHIYA VAARTHAI15 JULY 2015 Praise God for this. Please pray for the remaining works should be carried out speedy completion of the construction without any hindrances and also for the work there and also for the protection of safety and wisdom of the mason and the children in the Home and those the helpers. who take care of them. 4. General Body meeting is going to be held 2. Please pray with burden that all the at IBT Centre, Coimbatore on 12-7-2015. hindrances to the construction of the Please pray that all the G.B. Members three church buildings in Pibribagel in should participate and express their UP, Attigan in Odisha and in Nanganal valuable ideas and suggestion for the should be removed and the church growth of the ministry. Also pray for their buildings in all these mission fields safety journey. should be completed soon. 5. Planning meeting is going to be held at 3. A new church building work has been IBT Centre on 18th & 19th of July 2015. started in the mission field Kondapuri in Pray that all the representatives to come Odisha State. Work has been completed and give their valuable suggesions for the up to lintel level. Please pray that the growth of the ministry.

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