February 2021 PAGES 68 ` 20/-

Mission through Social Media

Vol. 50 / No. 2 AIM Annual Subscription for India, Nepal & Bhutan Rs. 200/- (Other countries $ 20)

A monthly publication of EFI Publication Trust

Editorial Reflection on Farmers and Rural Rev. Vijayesh Lal ...... 4 Mission? Rev. Dr. JN Manokaran ...... 31 Internet Evangelism: Why and How Rev. Dr. Duke Jeyaraj ...... 7 The Holy Spirit: sent from heaven Rev. Richard Masih ...... 36 Greatest Mission of All Ms. Stuti Farmer ...... 10 Ministry Through Social Media Mr. George Philip ...... 40 Mission in times of Twitter Dr. Shantanu Dutta ...... 13 Barring Women Rev. Kuruvilla Chandy ...... 42 Preaching That Transforms Rev. Dr. David Mende ...... 16 Persecution of Christians in the curfew of Covid - A report on 2020 In the Name Rev. Vijayesh Lal ...... 49 Rev. Kuruvilla Chandy ...... 19 To God be the glory A brief report on EFI in 2020 Mission through Social Media Rev. Vijayesh Lal ...... 54 Mr. Chacko Thomas ...... 24 Prayer ...... 63

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3◄FEBRUARY 2021/AIM Editorial

Rev. Vijayesh Lal

God's creatures long to be with their the evil potential to rouse them to own kind, and not just as family targeted hate, violence, and also, if units, but often as communities that less often, to an individual or remain within sight and hearing, and collective death wish. often within touch. Human beings articulate this best. The connect The pandemic, and the physical facilitates sharing and thus isolation and distancing it imposed, contributes to the enrichment of their has brought it home with an lives. unnerving chill.

The written word, as poetry, drama Statisticians tell us that almost half and narrative, the proscenium stage of the world's population, 45% or 3.5 led to cinema, radio, television. billion people to be precise, i.e., are Social media is its third millennium today active on social media. Over evolution, born of the computer, and 90% of all Millennials, 76% of internet, and globalised riding the Generation X and nearly 50% of ether of the internet. The smart Baby Boomers use social media phone with its Wi-Fi and GPS is "the spending an average of 3 hours per future come today". day on it. The power of social media is being used to harness the markets, But technology is just the carrier, the to tap customers, to build brand coach or bus that brought you to the loyalties, to influence, to advocate theatre or the cinema. Content, now and to transform society. as it was then, is king. It can move man, woman or an entire social So, what is social media? Wikipedia group and nation, to good, and it has defines social media as, “interactive

4◄FEBRUARY 2021/AIM digitally-mediated technologies that disinformation, which in common f a c i l i t a t e t h e c r e a t i o n o r parlance is referred to as Fake News. sharing/exchange of information, According to a 2019 study published ideas, career interests, and other in Science by MIT Sloan professor forms of expression via virtual Sinan Aral and Deb Roy and Soroush communities and networks.” It is Vosoughi of the MIT Media Lab, internet based and fed largely by user “False rumours spread faster and generated content that is produced wider than true information.” The and made available through websites researchers found that falsehoods or apps designed and maintained by are 70% more likely to be retweeted social media organizations. on Twitter than the truth and reach their first 1,500 people six times In its infancy in 2005, (the first faster. This effect was more noticeable social media site “Six pronounced with political news than Degrees”, was created in 1997), only other categories. about 5 percent of users in the United States were involved in social media. People, apparently, spread fake In 2019, that number grew to about news faster because they “are drawn 70 percent. to information that is novel and unusual, as false news often is.” Today our teens live on social media. They also found that people who According to the Pew Research share fake news are more likely Center: 97 percent of 13- to 17-year- distracted or lazy, rather than biased. olds use at least one of seven major But add ‘Bots’ to the equation and online platforms for about 9 hours you have an almost indefatigable every day. Facebook is by far the machine for spreading rumours and largest social media platform with false news. over 2.32 billion active monthly users. A recent example from our own country, India, was the rage Social media brings with it a sense of following the widespread news on connectedness whether it be to a real social media about the protesting or an online community and is an Indian farmers allegedly putting up a effective communication and "Khalistani" flag and displacing the marketing tool that is increasingly National Tricolour atop the iconic being used by corporations, Red Fort even though visuals clearly e n t r e p r e n e u r s , n o n - p r o f i t showed that the national flag was not organizations, advocacy groups, touched. Such is the power of social political parties, and governments. media.

The downside is worrisome. In 2018, Mr. Amit Shah, the Home Social media is susceptible to Minister of India and then the

5◄FEBRUARY 2021/AIM President of the Bharatiya Janata susceptible to a kind of Christian Party, had told a group of social ‘slacktivism’ where we have media volunteers that they had the replaced Kingdom living with power to make any message go viral, proper looking and sounding posts whether real or fake. “We are on social media? capable of delivering any message we want to the public, whether sweet There are Churches and Christian or sour, true or fake. We can do this missions that are using social media work only because we have 32 lakh effectively as much as there are people in our WhatsApp groups. others who are resisting it. But we That is how we were able to make ignore it at our own peril. The this viral.” Mr. Shah had claimed. Generation Z, now so named, breathes social media for its The impact of social media on spiritual, emotional, mental and politics cannot be overstated. It has physical needs. They seek a been proved time and time again, community of faith that can ride the from the election of Barack Obama digital wave with them; a to Narendra Modi and Donald community that is participative and Trump, social media has played an open. Social Media, they are sure, important role in electoral politics. opens the door to the world that is online and is searching for the Its impact on society has been answers to the questions that haunt tangible -whether it be commerce, all humankind. jobs, family, community or religion. But it has also led to the The question is, can the Church manipulation of society. engage on social media without appearing too smug or self- Social media's most debilitating righteous, without appearing too produce is a rise of ‘slacktivism’ preachy, without coming across as where social sharing has limited partisan or being caught up in the people only into sharing their ‘outrage wave’? Can the Church opinions and concern through social open its digital doors wide so that media without actual and active people can come in freely and can engagement with the issues. the Church go all out so that people could be met at the point of their But what about Church and need? Can the Church find a way to Christian Mission? Are we able to be the digital community of faith that use Social Media to bring people to a lives and reaches out online in love saving knowledge of Jesus Christ? and compassion to serve and to Are we able to use Social Media to glorify Christ? Tell us. not only communicate the Gospel but also Kingdom values? Are we Rev. Vijayesh Lal

6◄FEBRUARY 2021/AIM INTERNET EVANGELISM: WHY AND HOW

Rev. Dr. Duke Jeyaraj

Over 50% of the world is now people who cannot tell their right online, reported a reputed magazine, hand from their left—and also many The Economist, in 2019 itself. animals?" (Jonah 4:11 NIV). Those Atleast 726 million people came are the words of the Father God. The online in the years 2017 through huge numbers of people in the city of 2019 with 'much of the rise coming Nineveh who did not know left hand from poorer places, notably Africa from right hand concerned God. and India' (the same report said). Bible Scholars explain the phrase Mobile data usage per smartphone 'did not know left hand from right was the highest in India among all hand' this way: the people of the countries of the World Nineveh were morally confused, so (according to an Ericsson report of much so, that they called what was 2019). From these numbers come a wrong as right, and what was right missionary call! they called wrong. It was akin to people of a contemporary city THE INTERNET MINSITRY applauding for crimes such as rapes CALL FROM GOD'S PAINFUL and showing utter distain for acts of QUESTION love such as dressing of a leper's wounds by a nurse. The numbing Why do I say that? Because I have numbers of people that were present read the last verse of book of Jonah in Nineveh with horrendous moral which goes this way: "And should I confusion made God concerned not have concern for the great city of about them. The huge numbers of Nineveh, in which there are more people online any given time of the than a hundred and twenty thousand day and a vast majority among them

7◄FEBRUARY 2021/AIM using data for porn consumption or and shirt sleeves, the Google fuelling illicit relationships outside G e n e r a t i o n , c r e a t e s m a r r i a g e b o n d s u s i n g t h e WhatsApp/Telegram/Signal groups convenience of certain dating apps to unfairly seek help as an online should move us to being concerned exam is on. Why should the internet as well. The God who was only fuel new ways of doing evil? disappointed with Prophet Jonah Why can't it fuel new ways of who had turned a deaf year to the sharing the Gospel and winning the missionary call from the numbers of lost? evil-embracing people, will he be also disappointed with us as well? THE INTERNET MINISTRY CALL FROM THE LOCATION Why not we become imitators of our THAT JESUS CHOSE TO MEET missionary-hearted God we read THE SAMARITAN WOMAN about in the book of Jonah? We not we get involved actively in Internet Jesus did not wait for the sinful Evangelism and Online Disciple Samaritan Woman to come to a Building efforts? synagogue. Instead, he went to a non-sinful place which she THE INTERNET MINISTRY frequented – the city's well. And CALL FROM APOSTLE PAUL'S there he met her. And he began POINTED OBSERVATION conversing with her. He did not wait for her to start the conversation Apostle Paul talks about people in (Read John 4 and find all about it). the city of Rome who "always (were) Pretty soon, this marriage-hopping thinking up new ways to do evil" woman became a soul-winning (Rom. 1:30, CEV). The internet has woman! Jesus' approach gives us a provided the convenience and the clue as to how we must evangelise: platform to do just. During the We must be in non-sinful places pandemic, online classes were the which the unsaved frequent! And the order of the day for students (they place which the unsaved frequent the still are as I write these words in most these days is definitely, the January 2021). And when it came to internet. So, we must be available on online exams, students were quite the internet to meet with them and inventive when it came to cheating. share the Gospel! While the older generation would hide chits that would provide hints as Well, we have seen the "why" of they wrote the exams in their socks internet evangelism so far. Now to

8◄FEBRUARY 2021/AIM the "how". I believe that should be WhatsApp. Sunny Karumanchi left to the individual believer's using his high-tech camera that God choice. Some are good at video has given him shoots 'short videos on production. Some are good at hot topics' from the Bible with me responding quickly to chats. Some of behind his lens. Gipu James, Harsha, good at voice calls. We need to Ferry, John and Lamuel, help design examine what activity we enjoy posters for the events I preach God's doing while we are online and use Word in. This list is not exhaustive. that very channel to build God's kingdom. You may not be able to What about you? Will you get carbon copy someone else way of involved in internet evangelism after doing internet evangelism. The key reading this? You must! is to see your smartphone as a tool for evangelism – not a toy for self- gratification.

In our ministry, the Grabbing the Google Generation from Gehenna Mission, we have a team of internet volunteers. Vikas Yadav cuts my long Youtube messages and makes them short, adding titles at the start and at the end. He includes a Rev. Dr. Duke Jeyaraj background music as well. These is the founder of Grabbing the shorter videos are viewed by more Google Generation from Gehenna people. Lijo John receives audio Mission, a ministry that reaches out messages from me via WhatsApp to present day people via writings, that bring Bible truth wrapped pulpit preaching and counselling. around contemporary events. He Find out more at www.dukev.org or finds pictures from the internet that by WhatsApp to +91-8886040605. represent my words and strings He is a fulltime itinerant preacher together a video which in turn and writer-in-residence with this blesses many as it gets forwarded on ministry

9◄FEBRUARY 2021/AIM GREATEST MISSION OF ALL

Ms. Stuti Farmer

Since March 2020, when the Covid - upon life and death. They have 19 pandemic dragged this world to started spending more time on social the threshold of lockdown, we all media than usual. They thirst for knew that from this point onwards hope and love, not the one which this our lives will be changed world gives, but the one which c o m p l e t e l y. E v e r y h u m a n would last forever. Jeremiah 29:13 experienced a lifestyle shift due to tells us that those who seek God with this. From March to July, everyone all their heart, find Him. State of struggled but as September mind is what makes Mission through kickstarted, everyone was able to media so important. I will be thrive despite the challenges that mentioning few points which you clouded their daily routines. The should keep in mind while involving most drastic shift experienced was yourself in Mission work through by our minds. The State of our minds media; went through a rollercoaster ride. Many non-believers started posing Ÿ Be a Doer yourself - During the questions about the existence of God lockdown, before I took any and many started reading and leadership whether in my church reposting things related to hope. or my fellowship, I spent time in personal prayer and in reading This State of mind during lockdown the Bible. I realized that before is the very essence of Mission lockdown, how less of my time I through media. Due to the massive used to devote to grounding amount of Covid cases, the people myself in scriptures, how shallow around us have started to ponder was my longing for God's

10◄FEBRUARY 2021/AIM fellowship, and how many times your friends: Jesus was the one who I pointed at the specs of sawdust took initiative in talking to the in other people's eyes but paid no Samaritan woman by asking her for attention to the plank in my eye. water. Jesus took the initiative to talk Hence, before you involve to Peter by getting into his boat yourself in a mission through before the great catch. Before you media, build your life on Christ as invite your friends to online Col 2:7 tells us, and strengthen programs, build your relationship your faith. Do not just be hearers, with them. At least once a week, drop but doers of God's word. a text asking them how are they doing? Offer to hear them out as they Ÿ Commissioned - The second share their struggles. point for you to understand is that every believer has been called to -Focus on Mobilization: When live a life of mission for the you plan an online event with your gospel. It is good to set goals be it fellowship, example a Church camp, related to academics, career, a college Bible study, or a Gospel fitness goals, etc. but your Retreat, rather than starting to plan primary goal should be, a about the worship, singing, dates, believer is Christ. When Apostle speaker, etc. first focus on Paul was locked down in prison, mobilization. The more people he wrote letters not only to attend and benefit from it, the better. encourage the churches but also Suppose, if you and your fellow did his ministry among the prison leaders are organizing a gospel guards and shared the gospel with retreat as a pre-evangelistic effort to them, who in turn shared it with reach out to your friends who are their families. So, when we are non-believers and also from the locked down in our homes, we other faith, list out your friends' can use media as an opportunity names and get in touch with them a to bring our friends closer to God. week or so beforehand. Let's say you are inviting 25 friends, start praying Ÿ Creative ways to use - The for them fervently so that the Lord creative ways for mission may prepare their hearts. While through media which I'm going to telling them about the program, share with you have proven to be always make them feel like they are a very useful and you can part of your fellowship family. After implement them in your this, send them the invitation and the fellowships: link to the online platform you'll use (Zoom, Google meet, etc). Then -Taking initiative in the lives of

11◄FEBRUARY 2021/AIM send them 2 reminders and way to do it is to finish your chores or alongside, keep a check on the works beforehand. Don't miss your mobilization of your fellow leaders. daily quiet time. Make a new daily If a total of 30 friends attend your schedule for each day to define your program, make sure to appreciate priorities. Focus on Personal their time taken out and follow them Evangelism through Whatsapp up. texts, pray with friends over conference calls. - Bring out the geek in you: Enhancing your technical skills i s Even your Instagram and Whatsapp useful for both ministry and career. status should be like a comforting Make attractive invitations for your voice amidst the chaos. There will be online programs using Canva days when you may feel that graphic design, Greetings island everything within and around you is app, and Adobe photoshop on your shaking, remember that God laptop or smartphone. During promises you a kingdom that cannot fellowship, play online games, be shaken. The kingdom of God is prepare short quizzes as icebreakers near and you are commissioned to when you have new friends joined. tell your friends the good news of Don't keep your online programs for Christ's love, to repent, and to a long duration. People tend to waste believe. By His grace, use media to their time on Youtube, watch and fulfill the greatest mission of all. forward appropriate Christian Start from today, don't wait for content. I would suggest Bible tomorrow. Yes my friends, start from Project and Ligonier ministries on today! Youtube, sermons by Paul Washer, RC Sproul, The Gospel Coalition, and many others which your elders and mentors may suggest. Encourage others to invest their time in reading magazines such as AIM and Campus Link.

4. Practical tips: Online ministry with studies/work and is a challenge, but if you manage your time you can balance them well. Don't attend Ms. Stuti Farmer every online program just for the is a college student, pursuing B.Sc 3rd sake of attending, block your time year. She loves to write and fellowship for online fellowship and the best with friends and family.

12◄FEBRUARY 2021/AIM Mission in times of Twitter

Dr. Shantanu Dutta

Christians, like other religious claims and practices will alter in new communities, have for long wrestled media eco systems. They envision with changes in modes of new media as the coming of communication and what that means increasingly customized amplifiers to the expression of faith. To begin permitting an unchanging message with, Christians have felt that the to reach ever larger and distant sacredness of the word is tied to its audiences. However, in fact, form and later, Christians pondered different media make it feasible for whether the word of God and the many unique ways of thinking, mission of the church were perhaps relating and coexisting at the same compromised by changes to that time. form. We saw similar struggles in explorations of whether the word of The arrival of writing, the shift from God could be conveyed through film scroll to codex, the printing press, and television, in deliberations about the spread of education, the the significance and challenges of advancement of electronic media Bible apps, and in conversations (radio, telephone, film, and regarding whether the Christian television), and the later upsurge of church can be sustained in digital digital interaction (social media, spaces and using various forms of websites, digital publishing) offer social media. While some Christians clear examples of the changes in are not comfortable with new media, f o r m s o f c o m m u n i c a t i o n . others accept media change without Opposition to new media and its looking at the way that their faith influence is long recognized.

13◄FEBRUARY 2021/AIM Jeremiah (chapter 36) reports that Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and the prophet embraced the new form their ilk have made spontaneity a of the scroll to send a word of the new social standard. This is Lord to King Jehoiakim, and that the definitely at odds with what God king reacts by throwing the scroll asks of us and wants for us and the into the fire. In Scripture, this is the manner in which He wants us to do first documented act of religious life. We're not expected to be defiance to new media and its power. regulated by whim or the tyranny of Judaism was founded in the era of the minute. We're meant to reason scroll, and the Torah as scroll has a and abide in Him and live ritual act not substituted by the abundantly. Churches must codex, in which pages are attached therefore shield themselves against between covers. The early church abusing technology or becoming adopted the codex, the new media of slaves to it. Because technology its time. Later, printing made it provides instant information and feasible to put multiple translations response, churches have indeed the of the Bible within the reach of challenge of constantly maintaining ordinary people and forced the a fine balance. Because our church to consider the implications technical-driven culture needs of this change. We might explore this productivity, expediency and further by unpacking the intricate enjoyment, churches are expected to links between publishing, literacy, provide that. The result can be a and the upswing of modern worship experience of seclusion and understanding of the individual. entertainment rather than one of Print didn't merely put the scriptures veneration and active involvement. in more people's reach. Learning to read gave them a new experience of On the other hand, digital advances scripture, enhancing the possibility have refurbished our thinking. Our that they now saw themselves as tech fuelled age has produced interpreters of the word. In the same changes in the way we relate with the way, in the age of televangelism information-rich world around us. some Christians welcomed the These things can definitely help the technology, and the genre of the church. But it demands an television crusade, without realizing uninterrupted flow of appropriate, the ways in which they would be shareable, spiritual, and useful dragged into the shapes and insights to disseminate to the extremes of celebrity culture. church's network of information- hungry members. With such means

14◄FEBRUARY 2021/AIM in the adept hands of today's digitally the oldest—that employs digital active members, we will uncover a technology may, potentially, treasure-trove of personal ministry experience disruption – both activity, possibly forming the most positive and negative. But I believe strongly inspired delivery network that believers should never be afraid for the gospel that the church has to use technology — it can help us ever known. The Barna Group reach the lost and expand the insightfully makes this point: Kingdom — but we should never put "Generation Z's lower cognitive our faith in it alone. regions, which stimulate impulse, are constantly being activated by the bombardment of neurological arousal provided by text messages, Facebook updates, and video games. At the same time, the so-called Google culture of learning— finding answers to any question within seconds—continues to change the w a y G e n e r a t i o n Z y o u t h concentrate, write, and reflect. . . . Dr. Shantanu Dutta Their capacity for linear thinking a former Air Force Doctor serves as has been replaced by a new mode of Senior Specialist, Thought thinking, in which they need to take Leadership Initiatives, International in and dish out information in a fast, Justice Mission. He is a member of disjointed, overlapping manner." the Theological Research and Certainly, this trend spreads beyond Communications Institute(TRACI). j u s t G e n e r a t i o n Z . E a c h Dr Shantanu Dutta can be reached generation—from the youngest to at [email protected]

15◄FEBRUARY 2021/AIM Preaching That Transforms Rev. Dr. David Mende

Introduction be biblical, I mean that it should be Bible-centered. In other words, a Today there is a dearth of solid and preacher cannot use the biblical text biblical preaching. On one hand, merely as a springboard. Rather, the many preachers, especially those whole sermon should be based on the who never attended a seminary, Bible and the interpretation should wrongly assume that preaching that be faithful to the text. When I use the is centered on the Biblical text makes term relevant, I mean that a preacher a sermon boring and irrelevant to the should preach in such a way that the audience. On the other hand, many listeners will understand how the preachers who have studied in a message specifically applies to them Bible college are rightly focused on and carry out the exhortation. getting their interpretation correct, but they often preach messages Preaching that is Biblical and which are irrelevant to their Relevant audience. Without exegesis, a sermon becomes a mere moralistic If we keep the Bible central in our s p e e c h ; w i t h o u t r e l e v a n t preaching and also make it relevant application, a sermon becomes a by giving appropriate illustrations theological lecture. However, I and application points, then our believe that Spirit-anointed listeners would be motivated to heed preaching that is biblical and our exhortation. Ramesh Richard relevant will motivate the listeners to rightly says that biblical preaching carry out the exhortation of the without application leads to preacher and ultimately result in frustration in the audience just as an their transformation. application without the authority of When I say that our preaching should the Bible leads to a distrust of the

16◄FEBRUARY 2021/AIM preacher. But an application that is should imagine what the passage has not relevant to the listeners can lead to say to the abused child, the to a dangerous impression that the struggling teenager, the laid-off Bible is not relevant to them. b r e a d w i n n e r , t h e r e t i r e d businessman, the lonely widower, As a professor of Homiletics, I have the weary housewife, the new observed that in many textbooks on believer, the young bride, and preaching, the students are taught groom. how to exegete scripture. However, there is not enough emphasis on Similarly, Bryan Chapell, the author studying the audience. Richard says of the popular book Christ-Centered that the preacher must promote the Preaching, explains that biblical integration of biblical truth with life preaching moves from exegetical which can be done only by exegeting c o m m e n t a r y a n d d o c t r i n a l the culture of the listeners. He says exposition to life instruction. He that exegeting culture is as much a says that such preaching exhorts as discipline as exegeting scripture. well as expounds because it Scott A. Wenig too observes that recognizes that Scripture's ultimate transformational preaching is rooted goal is to conform God's people to in the Bible but contextualized to a Christlikeness. Chapell states that specific audience. So, it is important "Preaching without application may to study the text as well as the serve the mind, but preaching with audience if the preacher wants the application results in service to listeners to carry out his or her Christ." Therefore, the preacher's exhortation. task is to make the text central by expounding the Scripture and at the Also, in order to be relevant, the same time to make the sermon preacher must give interesting relevant to the listeners by exhorting illustrations with which the listeners them to act upon the message. can identify themselves. Many significant teachers of Homiletics Conclusion assert that even storytelling can grab the attention of the listeners and Therefore, I believe that Spirit- motivate them to put the Word into anointed preaching that is biblical practice. That was the method that and relevant will motivate the Jesus himself used. Besides listeners to carry out the exhortation storytelling, preaching with of the preacher and ultimately result imagination can make the sermon in their transformation. This is not an relevant to the audience. Warren W. easy job. Preachers have their task Wiersbe suggests us to try to imagine cut out. That is why it is often said how various people in the that preaching is ninety percent congregation will respond to the perspiration and only ten percent sermon. For instance, the preacher inspiration. Yet, it is worth the effort!

17◄FEBRUARY 2021/AIM Books Referred

Chapell, Bryan. Christ-Centered P re a c h i n g : R e d e e m i n g t h e Expository Sermon. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2005.

Richard, Ramesh. Scripture Sculpture. Grand Rapids: Baker Rev. Dr. David Mende Books, 1995. is the pastor-teacher at El-Shaddai A s s e m b l y o f G o d C h u r c h Wiersbe, Warren W. Preaching and (elshaddaiag.in) in Hyderabad. He also Teaching with Imagination. Grand serves as an adjunct faculty member at Rapids: Baker Books, 1994. Southern Asia Bible College (SABC) in Bangalore, Hyderabad Institute of Willhite, Keith, and Scott M. Theology and Apologetics (HITHA) in Gibson, eds. The Big Idea of Biblical Hyderabad, and SUM Bible College & Preaching: Connecting the Bible to Theological Seminary in California, People. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, USA. He can be reached at +91 1998. 9 8 4 8 0 0 4 0 9 4 a n d [email protected]. FOR RENT

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18◄FEBRUARY 2021/AIM IN THE NAME Rev. Kuruvilla Chandy

As far as I know, Muslims do not come and take charge of the grab property that belongs to property. He had never received mosques. Some Hindu priests might charge of the building, but had assert their right to head their simply grabbed it. So, all the man particular mutts, but I have yet to needed to do was to just vacate hear of any ordinary Hindu grabbing the premises in the same way property that belongs to temples. But without anyone from the all over the land, there are instances denomination being present to of Christians grabbing property that take charge. The bishop did not belongs to churches—particularly respond because if he had, he mainline churches. would be giving legitimacy to the man and his claims—that he was Ÿ Prakash grabbed a church handing over, when it was not his building and started to conduct to hand over. On the grounds that services, claiming that the the bishop had not come running building did not belong to the to take charge, Prakash then Church of North India, formed by continued to hold on to the t h e m e r g e r o f s e v e r a l property that belonged to the denominations, but to the CNI. members who were not interested in belonging to"P theeople CNI but plan to Ÿ their A retired path, church superintendent their old denomination. Later on, was given the charge of a small after atbuttend intheg s oLordme rev isecuresval church their and steps."in lieu of his services, meetings and experiencing a he was given a parsonage for him conversion, Prakash wrote— Proverbs to the and16:9 his wife to live in. When the bishop of the CNI, asking him to superintendent's wife broke her

19◄FEBRUARY 2021/AIM leg, they needed help as both number of people have got were old and ailing. Mrs S___ ordination from this particular who was attending the church splinter group of denomination along with her husband, offered 'X' as a way of laying claim to old to move in and look after the Church of E— properties on the superintendent's wife. When his pretext that the denomination 'X' wife became well enough to look is not the successor of the Church after herself, in keeping with the of E—. rules of the denomination, the superintendent thanked the Ÿ In many parts of North India, couple for services rendered and whole groups of Christians go said that he and his wife could overnight and occupy vacant manage on their own. At this l a n d s b e l o n g i n g t o a point, Mrs and Mr S___ refused denomination. Sometimes to to move out and started abusing ensure that they have outside the superintendent and his wife. support, they include non- The man S___ had been a branch Christians in their number. They manager of a state bank, but had know that the denomination will embezzled funds by granting not be able to get the police to act loans in fictitious names. He was without a court order. They know supposed to be absconding, but that if the church takes the matter apparently had paid off to court, it would be stuck in court investigating officers, who for a very long time. For all reported that he was untraceable. intentions and purposes, they are The couple needed a place to stay now home safe as owners by and getting into the parsonage possession. had guaranteed them permanent residence. S___ claimed that he Ÿ Matthew was an Evangelical had been ordained by a splinter leader and an elder in his church group of denomination 'X' and for many years. On retirement, he that the church building (to which did not hand back his quarters to the parsonage was attached) the organization he worked for. belonged to denomination 'X'. He left the quarters in the S___ invaded the sanctuary to possession of his daughter and hold services. When he was family, who had been staying prevented by some court and with him. The daughter and police orders, he started to hold family keep making promises the services in the veranda of the about vacating, but never do. church. By the way, an amazing Whenever the Evangelical leader

20◄FEBRUARY 2021/AIM returns to town, he makes noises sensitive job should be given to a about complying, but leaves particular Christian because without ensuring that the Christians are known for their daughter has given vacant integrity and could be trusted not to possession of the quarters to the exploit their positions. Where have Christian organisation that had all those Christians gone? employed her father. A number of those who grab church I n c r e a s i n g l y , I f i n d t h a t properties, project themselves as Christians—Evangelicals and doing it for the sake of their Liberals, Pentecostals, Brethren and evangelical faith. The argument goes mainline church folks—all, are like this. “You know that the guilty of the same sins. The only mainline denomination 'x' is a liberal difference is that some claim church. I want to do evangelism and intimacy with Christ, while others win people for Christ. They stand in are committed to the church or to my way and oppose my work.” The philanthropy. Some affirm the Bible unspoken suggestion is that what the as the Word of God, others don't. In man is doing is okay because he is the end, there is no difference when it doing God's work. comes to conduct in matters pertaining to property and finances. We must ask ourselves two pertinent questions: Ÿ Credibility Gap If our opponents are liberals, do I could give many more examples of we automatically gain the right to misconduct. But these are sufficient take property that belongs to to comprehend that we have a them because we on the other serious problem in the Christian hand are believers? Ÿ community in India. There is a Does doing evangelism and credibility gap between our faith and serving the Lord give us practice. permission to use any means to fulfil the task? Such things always get reported and The Bible does not tell us that it's everyone gets to know what is okay for Christians to rob happening among Christians. Once unbelievers. Rather, they are to be upon a time, people in India admired the object of our love and care that Christians for their integrity and they may be drawn to Christ. honesty. When I was growing up, I heard a story about the late Pundit God's Word does not teach us that Jawaharlal Nehru saying that a God's work can be done by any

21◄FEBRUARY 2021/AIM means whatsoever, as long as the job when we don't act in holiness of gets done. It is not Christian to motive and deed. We take the Lord's believe that the ends justify the name in vain when we claim that we means. That is the ethic of the world. do these things in His name. In fact, We are called to be like Jesus instead. it's worse than just taking His name uselessly. We are actively engaged in Miracles Aren't Enough tarnishing His glory and spoiling His Our Lord said, “Not all people who name. We bring Him dishonour. sound religious are really godly. They may refer to me as 'Lord,' but A Question of Faith they still won't enter the Kingdom of Can Christians in India bring the Heaven. The decisive issue is gospel to our people if we are whether they obey my Father in showing them that our experience of heaven. On judgment day many will the gospel of Christ has not made us tell me, 'Lord, Lord, we prophesied holy, selfless, and god-fearing? Our in your name and cast out demons in lives are the only proof that the your name and performed many gospel of the saving, transforming miracles in your name.' But I will power of Christ works. reply, 'I never knew you. Go away; Look at it any way. There is no t h e t h i n g s y o u d i d w e r e justification for Christians ever unauthorized' ” (Matt.7: 21-23, grabbing the property of the church, NLT). whether it is a Bible-believing church or not, whether the hierarchy That is a remarkable passage. If we is honest or not, whether the Lord's ever thought that prophesying, work is being done or not. The only casting out demons and performing justification that we can find would miracles are signs of being the Lord's be our own need or greed. It is not own, and the evidence of His Christ we serve then. We serve approval of our ministry, this saying ourselves. of our Lord denies us that privilege. If we are not doing the Lord's work in Greed, we know, is a sin. But our the way He wanted us to do it, then own need can be a powerful motive He does not accept our offering and that overrules our desire to do what says that whatever we did was pleases the Lord. Our sense of without His authority or approval. If desperation can get the better of us. I He won't accept our work, who are admit that in the face of our need this we doing it for? is a big temptation. But this is where we must prove our faith. Can we It is obvious that we serve ourselves trust God to take care of us?

22◄FEBRUARY 2021/AIM I once faced a desperate situation of That is the kind of faith we need. We need. I was sorely tempted to fix my s h o u l d n o t s e r v e G o d a s problem in the way such problems beneficiaries with expectations. Our are fixed in the world today. I God is able to save us and protect us thought I would fix it first before and bless us. But whether He blesses continuing in the way of Christ. In us by rescuing us from our fiery trails the end, I had to recognise that it was or He walks with us in them is a test of what I really believed. Did I entirely up to Him. We should really believe that my God could do determine that we will not serve Him all things and one way or the other for what we can get out of being His He would rescue me from my plight? servants, but just because He commands our service, and He is For too many Christians, faith worthy of all. The Christian's remains an affirmation, but without conduct is not to be determined by reality. It has become a matter of the consequences or potential spouting the right jargon. One must rewards of the activity engaged in. merely talk the language of Christians are to simply follow their believers, but it doesn't really matter Master Jesus. For our part, we must that when all the shouts of simply believe that our God is “Hallelujah!” are over, they do sovereign and has all power over the things that demonstrate that they circumstances and problems we face don't expect God to take care of them in life. “And we know that in all and so, take recourse to methods that things God works for the good of He wouldn't adopt. those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” I have always been impressed with (Rom.8:28) the answer that the three young f r i e n d s o f D a n i e l g a v e Nebuchadnezzar. Faced with the threat of being burnt alive, their response was, “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn't, Your Majesty can be sure that we will Rev. Kuruvilla Chandy never serve your gods or worship the is a freelance preacher and writer. He gold statue you have set up” (Dan. 3: c a n b e r e a c h e d a t : 17-18, NLT). [email protected]

23◄FEBRUARY 2021/AIM Mission through Social Media Mr. Chacko Thomas

February 13 is set aside as "World India, are familiar with the ministry Radio Day" by the United Nations. of Trans World Radio (TWR) and Vishwa Vani (VV). You may have "Radio brings people together. In heard of HCJB based in Quito, an era of rapid media evolution, Ecuador, and FEBA broadcasting radio retains a special place in every from Seychelles. All these and community as an accessible source hundreds more stations all over the of vital news and information. … As world are carrying the Gospel of our we strive to achieve the Sustainable Lord into all corners of the world. Development Goals and tackle the climate crisis, radio has a key role to I remember reading about Chinese play as a source of information and Christians copying the Bible by hand inspiration alike. On this World as it was read out to them slowly over Radio Day, let us recognize the the radio in the 1950s, when enduring power of radio to promote Communism took over China and all diversity and help build a more the Bibles were confiscated from peaceful and inclusive world." [UN Christians. I also remember taking a S e c r e t a r y - G e n e r a l A n t ó n i o large suitcase full of new Cassette Guterres] tapes to a country where the Gospel was forbidden. These tapes were for It is hard to overestimate the role Christians in that land to record radio of Radio in the mission of the church programmes to be broadcasted from in the last several decades. We, in Seychelles. Radio was God's means

24◄FEBRUARY 2021/AIM of ministering believers in closed "Pray for: Programme producers – countries of China, The Soviet there is great need to generate quality Union, Vietnam, and the Muslim programmes and to find talented, nations of North Africa and the committed, native speakers. … Middle East. Today, the Church is Broadcasters: The major agencies growing in all these places. are – TWR, FEBA and FEBC – broadcast between them 770 hours Radio has also served us well in per week in over one hundred countries where there is freedom for languages on both shortwave and the Gospel. In some countries, the medium wave frequencies and gospel is heard 24 hours day. The increasingly on national and local first thing my wife does as she enters radio.… the kitchen is to turn her radio on, to Premier Christian radio. It is a great "Internet evangelism is poised to means for well-known Bible become possibly the most teachers to teach the word of God significant media ministry in the worldwide. Below are some up to country as India continues to date information on how God is accelerate in its technological using the radio and other modern revolution … The number of active communication tools to fill the earth internet users was 1.4 million in with the knowledge of Jesus Christ. 1999, 45 million in 2009. Engaging and effective Christian content and The great World Mission sites for both evangelism and Handbook for information and discipleship, in many languages, are prayer, "Operation World", has been needed now and even more for the highlighting radio and other mass future." ministry tools, country by country, ever since its inception in 1978. I am In the late 70s, I learned that it cost blessed to have gone through each Campus Crusade for Christ, two edition, ever since. Here is what it Million US Dollars to produce the says under India in the 2010 edition now world famous "Jesus" movie. (the latest edition). "Radio and TV With more than a little concern about are increasingly important media as such spending, I mentioned it to Dale millions more Indians tune in each Rhoton, an American, and a year. Christian broadcasting has won Colleague of George Verwer. He an enormous following among responded quietly, "It is a Christians and non-Christians alike. worthwhile investment". That was

25◄FEBRUARY 2021/AIM not the answer I expected. Notice While 2020 was an extraordinarily what the Operation World Handbook hard year for many, it was also a year (2010 edition) has to say about Jesus in which God was on the move in Film: extraordinary ways. Soaring audience engagement with SAT-7 "The Jesus Film has had several channels shows that amid COVID- billion individual viewings 19, the hope of Christ shared through worldwide since 1979, through the television touched more people than work of more than 1500 Christian ever in the Middle East and North agencies. This has yielded over 200 Africa. million responses. Available in over 1000 languages, well over 99% of "As we enter a new year, SAT-7 the world's population should be looks back on 2020 as a record year able to view the film in a language of interactions between our viewers they know." Now, I thank God for the and our audience support teams. people who invested their money by After the Middle East and North faith for this project, a movie on the Africa (MENA) began confronting life of Jesus based on the Gospel of the challenge of COVID-19 in Luke. In India, Jesus film is available March, a 30 percent climb in in 110 languages. Let us be praying audience engagements for SAT-7 for the hundreds of partners using overall showed how many turned to this film to have success as they plant Christian programs for support. churches across India. "The growth was especially marked Here below are some exciting and for the channels that serve Turkish up-to-date reports from ministry that viewers and Arabic-speaking is impacting our COVID 19 stricken children, and for SAT-7 ACADEMY world as well as the "Restricted education programs. Audience Access Nations". It helps us to see engagement for SAT-7 KIDS w h a t G o d ' s p e o p l e a r e climbed by 90 percent (to 47,300 accomplishing in the Middle east contacts). Contacts for the Turkish and North Africa. The first is a channel, SAT-7 TŰRK, rose 120 per ministry called SAT-7. cent (to 25,300), and audience engagement for SAT-7 ACADEMY "2020 SETS RECORD FOR soared by 328 per cent (to 47,500). VIEWER RESPONSES TO Between January and September CHRISTIAN PROGRAMS. 2020, SAT-7 received 310,000

26◄FEBRUARY 2021/AIM audience engagements in total, 4.5 million videos were viewed on almost a third more than during the YouTube. And 347,222 users were same period in 2019. scrolling on Instagram.

As millions in the region faced That's a lot of activity. But I'm months of COVID-19 lockdown and curious to know how many of those its severe effects on health and people read a blog or watched a incomes, many depended on SAT-7 video that told them more about as a trusted source of spiritual Jesus? support and emotional support, companionship, and even health With so much online activity, our advice. church needs to employ digital evangelism methods. From the beginning of the pandemic, and even when an explosion in Digital Evangelism is strategically Beirut caused mass destruction and using internet, mobile, and social trauma, SAT-7 studios in Lebanon, media platforms to meet the needs of Egypt, Turkey, Cyprus, and the others and share the Gospel with the United Kingdom resolved to online world. Making use of digital maintain as much live programming means to further the Gospel work as possible. Our belief is that it is means that more church members essential to remain alongside our can be missionaries, Adventist millions of viewers in perplexing presence online will be stronger, and and unfamiliar times. …" more people will know of the saving love of Jesus. I hope that young people, with the support of old folks, would make use There are approximately 7 billion of modern communication methods people in the world. for spreading the light in our world 4 billion use the internet. of darkness. Look at what I found from a Seventh day Adventist And 3 billion are on social media. website, a challenge to consider: Digital Evangelism helps us spread "Can you guess what happened in the Gospel into all the world at a rate the last 60 seconds online? we never could've imagined before. 1 million people logged onto Moreover, it connects us to the Facebook. 3.8 million searches were younger generation.” made on Google.

27◄FEBRUARY 2021/AIM In 1957, the great Evangelist Billy wished to learn more about Christ. Graham discovered that while he Except for the Bible Society, the preached to 2 million people face to BCC is the longest running face in 16 weeks, Madison Square evangelical ministry in Turkey. Garden, his Saturday meetings televised across USA brought the The BCC began as a small and covert Gospel into 6.5 Million households. operation. However, the 1980s It was equivalent to 52 weeks of full brought a new level of openness. Madison Square Garden crowds. He Local magazines and newspapers has been on the forefront of began to accept small BCC preaching the Gospel on radio, announcements. The advertisements television and films as well as were based around a simple printed media. question, "Have you ever read the Incil (New Testament)?" Explosive The humble Mobile phone is also growth started soon after. In 1991, employed in God's business during church planting teams and tiny local these days of pandemic. A team fellowships were brought on board serving among the Turkish people in for follow-up and course grading, so London, mostly communicating on that the BCC became the key tool in WhatsApp, where people calling to church planting around the country. know about Life and Death, have In 2005, we started advertising on been able to baptise several. During the internet. Our websites have this Pandemic Year, 2020, I have resulted in highest number of new taken more meetings (on Zoom) than students since the beginning of the I did the year before. God has given BCC. us these technologies for advancing his purpose. 50 years ago, no one could have imagined that the BCC would B e l o w i s t h e s t o r y o f become an important part of the Correspondence Course School in planning and development of the Turkey which is enhanced by the use local churches in Turkey, but that is of internet. You might also be exactly what God has done. Several encouraged to pray for the church in years ago, a survey estimated that Turkey. "The Bible Correspondence 55% of all Muslim background Course (BCC) began in 1962 with believers in Turkey charted their the purpose of providing not only spiritual pilgrimage through the Turkish Bibles but also to provide BCC. The Lord has blessed the BCC study materials for those who and it has grown from its small group

28◄FEBRUARY 2021/AIM of foreigners into a dynamic locally A change of mind is needed: My led team. And in 2015, we moved church sent me out with much prayer into a new office building that both and blessings (not finance) to serve increased our capacity and enhanced God in North India. But soon, they our security. The Lord has put this were disappointed. They heard I was ministry on the hearts of people spending eight hours a day around the world and the BCC distributing thousands of tracts and continues to grow and have a major selling hundreds of "Gospel impact in Turkey. Packets" with OM teams. "This is not ministry," my father was told. He The media team's most recent even tried to get me into proper project was a big push to continue to "ministry". Thankfully, the church encourage seekers to Read, Watch, never stopped praying for me. In the o r L i s t e n t o s c r i p t u r e o n 1970s, we (about 300 plus young Kutsalkitap.org. people) were distributing 12-14 million pieces of Gospel literature Sometimes, it is helpful to remind every year. people of the multiple resources available on this platform. So, we When radio became available, some created a short video that shows what Christians began to use it for resources are possible to use on our preaching the Gospel. Soon site and we put it on YouTube. In just objections were raised for using the 2 weeks, it has been viewed 34,194 "airwaves", because it was "the times! domain of the prince of the power of the air", the devil. Thank God that A Turkish person wrote: not all Christians thought like that. "Thank you very much for sending Rather, they invested in this blessed me a Bible. On the day that the Bible b u t v e r y c o s t l y w a y o f arrived, I was with my friends. They communicating the Gospel. Today, also liked it very much; both its the great Gospel of our God fills the printing and its details. They are also air all-across the globe. researching life's issues. They asked A S t o r y f ro m I n K a b u l , me to request 2-3 more Bibles from Afghanistan: A fourteen-year-old you, so that they too can read and boy, Zia Nodrat, enrolled in the Noor research and benefit from it. Is it Institute for the Blind. He already possible to send a few more? If not, knew the whole of Qur'an by heart. thank you for the Bible I received. He completed the six primary grades Thank you again."

29◄FEBRUARY 2021/AIM of the institute in three years. His that are floating around, apparently prized possession was a transistor from some who saw his killing. He radio. He began to listen to radio left behind his wife and two children. broadcasts like the "Voice of the Today, the Gospel is heard all over Gospel" coming from Addis Ababa Afghanistan on the radio and there in Ethiopia. Finally, he shared with a are also a few churches around the few Christians that he desired to country. The blood of the martyrs is follow the Lord Jesus Christ. They the seed of the church. May the radio told him that he would be killed for waves, be the beginning of a new this. He answered, "I am willing to wave of churches planted in the soil die for the Messiah, since He has of Afghanistan. already died on the cross for me." He was among the first few known believers in Afghanistan and went on to become the spiritual leader of the few Afghan Christians. To make a long story short, he mastered English, German, and went on to translate the New Testament from Iranian Persian to his own Afghan Dari dialect and much more. Well, he did not go unnoticed by the enemies of the Gospel. He had received many Mr. Chacko Thomas death threats. After many years of is presently a Minister-at-large with fearless witness for the Lord in Operation Mobilisation. He served for 15 years on the OM Ships Logos, Afghanistan and Pakistan, he paid Doulos, and Logos II. His ministry has the ultimate price. In his mid- taken him to 107 countries in six thirties, he was kidnapped. There continents. One of his few passions is to was no news of him for decades. It is see the earth filled with the knowledge of the Lord and His values blessing the believed that he was tortured and nations. He can be contacted on brutally killed, according to news [email protected]

30◄FEBRUARY 2021/AIM Reflection on Farmers and Rural Mission?

Rev. Dr. J.N. Manokaran

There is a small region in the South corner of South India. The local of India, where Jasmine flowers are politicians did not take up the issue cultivated in abundance. The as the beneficiaries were of different fragrance of the flower is preferred 'caste;' why should they make them by perfumers. In France, there are rich. Then, the farmers resigned to perfume manufacturing companies their 'fate'. Meanwhile, a poor who started importing jasmine c o u n t r y i n A f r i c a c r e a t e d flowers as essence and natural oils infrastructure like roads and airport for their products. The flowers were and captured the market. harvested, transported about 100 km and airlifted to France. After few Bible and Farming months, the French companies complained to producers about God created the Garden of Eden; crushed flowers reaching them. hence, he is the first farmer. God Then, they totally stopped the also placed Adam and Eve in the import. The reason was that the road Garden of Eden and commanded between their fields and the airport them to till the land and have was riddled with potholes, and dominion over it. (Genesis 1:28) during the process of transport, the God also gave all plants, trees, fruits tender flowers got damaged. and seeds as food for human beings. (Genesis 1:29) After the Fall, Lord The farmers were worried at the loss commanded that Adam will have to of market and income. The Central work in the land, with his sweat he government officials who should had to eat his food (Genesis 3:17- promote export did not bother, as it 19). God is the owner of earth, happened somewhere in remote humans are just care takers or

31◄FEBRUARY 2021/AIM stewards of the earth. Hence, Food and Agriculture Organization farming is stewardship of God's (FAO), 40% of food grains are resources. Farmers should use the wasted in India, while Food land for productivity; preserve it and Corporation of India puts it at 15%. do sustainable farming for the sake With such amount of grain losses, of future generations. 1/3rd population in India could be fed. After global flood, Lord promised that there would be farming as long Minimum Support Price as the earth exists. "While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold Jasmine does not have 'minimum and heat, summer and winter, day support price' (MSP) fixed by the and night, shall not cease." (Genesis government. Vegetables, fruits, 8:22) Lord has promised to bless our flowers, pulses and grains are land. (Deuteronomy 28:8) In the agricultural and horticultural Parable of Rich Fool, Lord Jesus products. Except for wheat and taught that hoarding is futile, sharing paddy and in some states 'sugar with poor is essence of stewardship. cane', there is no MSP for any of the (Luke 12:13-21) farm products. MSP is a guaranteed price at which farmers' produce Farmers ought to be people of faith. would be purchased by the Those who wait for perfect weather Government. The idea of MSP was may never plant or harvest. to encourage the farmers to produce (Ecclesiastes 11:4) Those who are wheat and rice, so that India can lazy in right season, will not plough become self-reliant in terms of food. or plant. (Proverbs 20:4) Planning The farmers did a remarkable job and hard work brings rich dividend that they produced not only for the for a farmer. (Proverbs 21:5) needs of the nation, also surplus that would be good enough for few years Status of Agriculture in India in case of famine.

Though India is bestowed with In Western countries also, such price varied climate conditions and 46 protection for farmers was given by varieties of soils to grow nearly 250 the Government. different crops. Though India is the second largest producer of food Misplaced Priorities grains every year; yet we are ranking 103rd out of 119 countries in global When there was focus on wheat and hunger index. The logistics, storage, paddy, other crops were neglected. infrastructure and effective When there was huge wastage of distribution are real issues. As per fruits, vegetables, flowers that are

32◄FEBRUARY 2021/AIM quickly perishable, government did who used the mind and were bridge not act. Infrastructure like Food between Money power and Muscle Corporation of India was not power. This middle class will not developed to store the perishable show solidarity with the working products in cold storages. Farmers class but aspire and ape the Money could not store and sell when there Power Class. These middle people was demand. Infrastructure got Information Technology and development would need heavy operated through invisible tools. investment including providing While rich had to operate with electricity supply and effective visible assets, poor had to work with transport system. visible tools. This IT middle class used Apps (invisible tools) that Divided Farmers could maneuver the economy. Yes, Karl Marx could not foresee this Farmers are divided in India eventuality. Hence, the concepts of according to what they produce, class struggle and class solidarity caste, district, language, state and became redundant. region. When farmers from Tamil Nadu went on strike in Delhi, there Agricultural Reforms in earlier was no support from farmers from times other States. Many farmers committed suicide due to unpayable There were agricultural reforms in loans from private lenders in earlier times also. Those who were Maharashtra, there was no sympathy tilling the land could become owners or help from farmers of other states. of the land in certain States of India. However, it was not fully and whole- Marx failed to foresee heartedly implemented. Free electricity for farming, tax Karl Marx theory could not foresee exemption and Minimum Support the present situation. In his times, he Price were some of them. was able to see only two classes of people: Rich and poor. The poor Co-operative Society movement have to be in solidarity to collectively bargain their rights and Government also initiated rural co- share in the wealth. The rich operative societies that helped controlled with Money power (real farmers and other rural people to estate, machinery, capital) and the come together and initiate new poor had only Muscle power or enterprises. Sadly, only Amul (Milk Manual power. producers' co-operative society) became successful in Anand, Gradually, rose the middle people – Gujarat. Many co-operative

33◄FEBRUARY 2021/AIM societies became corrupt and were tropical and subtropical countries quietly buried. were brought and are now popular as garden plants in India; best Christian contribution to examples: chrysanthemum, dahlia, Agriculture carnation…etc. In 1962: Carey Institute of Horticulture was set up in Amrita Mondal lists some of the the Society to conduct a 1 (one) year Christian contribution to Agriculture certificate course in horticulture, in India: William Carey founded affiliated to Calcutta University. Agriculture Society of India in 1820. Birla Laboratory set up a society for William Carey in 1824 introduced R & D i n h o r t i c u l t u r e a n d cash crops seeds from America and floriculture. Mauritius: cotton, sugarcane, tobacco, coffee and cereals. In 1826 There were some organizations and William Carey renamed the society institutions, Bethel Agricultural as Agricultural and Horticultural Fellowship, model farm developed Society of India. The first vegetable by Dr. Vijayam, Hyderabad and exhibition and competition was held Allahabad Agricultural Institute in which Indians were rewarded for ( w h i c h l a t e r b e c a m e S a m the first time. In 1831, maize seeds H i g g i n b o t t o m S c i e n c e a n d were brought from America. Until Technological Institute) …etc, are then, it was little cultivated. Today, some of the initiatives. There were it is the third most grown grain, after some grassroot level initiatives also. rice and wheat. Arrowroot from the Afro-American scientist George West Indies was also brought and Washington Craver was able to bring cultivated. In 1832, ginger from out 300 products out of peanuts, as Jamaica and potato from England he combined Biblical worldview and were brought. In 1835, peas and scientific discovery. cauliflower were introduced in India. In fact, the Agricultural and Christians in Agriculture sector Horticultural Society of India Today became the model for Royal Agricultural Society of England that Among the Christians from Tribal was founded in 1838. In 1841, 32 background, there are landowners. varieties of wheat were brought from Christians from other countries are Europe and Egypt and introduced in not landowners, but land-labourers. India. Cocoa plants were introduced Few Christians from other caste in India from West Indies in 1843. groups own land in some pockets in Bougainvillea came to India from South India. How will this affect South Africa in 1858. From 1862, them? What should the church do? many ornamental plants from

34◄FEBRUARY 2021/AIM Some questions to discuss: Ÿ Christian institutions could Ÿ Can rural churches become store create modern farms in various houses of grains? campuses throughout the Ÿ Can rural churches become a country. chain of storehouse, market and Ÿ Christian business people could relief work? pioneer food processing Ÿ Can there be godowns/store industries in rural areas. houses and cold storage built and managed by Christians/ Christian #jnmanokaran institutions? Taking the model of #reflection Joseph in the Bible? #ruralmission Ÿ Can there be any movements #agriculture s i m i l a r t o c o - o p e r a t i v e movement to uplift poor? Ÿ Christians could be engaged in farming. Even kitchen gardens are good for those who have space in their homes. Terrace farming is also another option. Ÿ Very few Christians are landowners. Most of Christian landowners are from tribal c o m m u n i t i e s . M a n y a r e Rev. Dr. J. N. Manokaran agricultural labourers in rural is a teacher trainer and writer. areas. Is it possible to form Currently serves as Regional Farmers Interest Groups among Director South Asia for Community the landowners? Bible Study International.

35◄FEBRUARY 2021/AIM The Holy Spirit: sent from heaven (1Peter 1:12) H. The Gifts of the Holy Spirit

Rev. Richard Masih

The Holy Spirit himself is a gift to Peter affirmed this in his preaching the church by the Lord of the church. on the Day of Pentecost, "Peter stood Our Lord said that the Father would up with the Eleven, raised his voice, send the Holy Spirit in his name. and proclaimed to them, "Fellow "But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, Jews and all you residents of whom the Father will send in my Jerusalem, let this be known to you, name, will teach you all things and and pay attention to my words. For remind you of everything I have told these people are not drunk, as you you" (John 14:26). God promised in suppose, since it's only nine in the Joel 2:28,29 that he would pour out morning. On the contrary, this is his Holy Spirit on all humanity, "I what was spoken through the will pour out my Spirit on all prophet Joel: And it will be in the last humanity; then your sons and your days, says God, that I will pour out daughters will prophesy, your old my Spirit on all people; then your men will have dreams, and your sons and your daughters will young men will see visions. I will prophesy, your young men will see even pour out my Spirit on the male visions, and your old men will dream and female slaves in those days." dreams. I will even pour out my That is why the Holy Spirit is also Spirit on my servants in those days, called the promised Holy Spirit. Our both men and women and they will Lord commanded his apostles not to prophesy" (Acts 2:14-18). leave Jerusalem, but to wait for the Father's promise. "Which," he said, The Holy Spirit himself, in turn, "you have heard me speak about" gives his gifts to church. His gifts are (Acts 1:4). listed in three places in the Scripture.

36◄FEBRUARY 2021/AIM One, Romans 12:6-8, "According to one who speaks God's words; if the grace given to us, we have anyone serves, let it be from the different gifts: If prophecy, use it strength God provides, so that God according to the proportion of one's may be glorified through Jesus faith; if service, use it in service; if Christ in everything. To him be the teaching, in teaching; if exhorting, in glory and the power forever and exhortation; giving, with generosity; ever. Amen." There are two gifts leading, with diligence; showing listed here - 1. Speaking; 2. Serving. mercy, with cheerfulness." The gifts The recipients of the gifts should listed here are - prophecy, service, function as good stewards in all teaching, exhorting, giving, leading faithfulness knowing that one day, and showing mercy. they have to give an account to God of their use or misuse of the gifts. If Two, then we have the gifts listed in the gift is the gift of speaking, they 1Corinthians 12:4-10, "Now there should ensure that they are speaking are different gifts, but the same God's word, not their whims and Spirit. There are different ministries, fancy. If the gift is the gift of serving, but the same Lord. And there are then they should do so in the strength different activities, but the same God of God. So, whether speaking or works all of them in each person. A serving, they should wait on God for manifestation of the Spirit is given to his strength and guidance. Without each person for the common good: to God they can't do anything of real, one is given a message of wisdom lasting significance (Cf. 'You can do through the Spirit, to another, a nothing without me'- John15:5). message of knowledge by the same Spirit, to another, faith by the same Our Lord himself has given five gifts Spirit, to another, gifts of healing by to the church, "And he himself gave the one Spirit, to another, the some to be apostles, some prophets, performing of miracles, to another, some evangelists, some pastors and prophecy, to another, distinguishing teachers, to equip the saints for the between spirits, to another, different work of ministry, to build up the kinds of tongues, to another, body of Christ" (Ephesians 4:11,12). interpretation of tongues." There are Notice, the purpose of these gifts. It's nine gifts given here. to equip the saints for the work of ministry. The ministry is done by the Three, lastly, his gifts are listed in saints. They aren't just 'seat- 1Peter 4:10, "Just as each one has warmers'. They aren't just passive received a gift, use it to serve others, listeners. No, they are the ones who as good stewards of the varied grace play active role in the church. The of God. If anyone speaks, let it be as church is "built on the foundation of

37◄FEBRUARY 2021/AIM the apostles and prophets, with are given to build the body of Christ, Christ Jesus himself as the the church. "A manifestation of the cornerstone" (Ephesians 2:20). Spirit is given to each person for the Their writings were included in the common good" (1Corinthians 12:7; Scripture. Today, we may have the Ephesians 4:12). gift of prophecy, but we do not have the Office of a prophet. Similarly, Each believer is given one or the today we do not have prophets in the other gifts(s) of the Holy Spirit. same sense as we have in the None can say that he or she isn't Scripture. There are no more given any gift. "A manifestation of apostles today either. We have the Spirit is given to each person" instead missionaries today. There are (1Corinthians 12:7). Everyone isn't those who are going around posing given the same gift. Our gifts differ. to be apostles and prophets. But they C f . ' To o n e … t o a n o t h e r. " are not what they claim to be. Their 1Corinthians 12:8-10 says, "…to writings cannot be included in the one is given a message of wisdom Scripture. I may be wrong. But this is through the Spirit, to another, a my understanding. message of knowledge by the same Spirit, to another, faith by the same Are there the only gifts of the Holy Spirit, to another, gifts of healing by Spirit which are described in the the one Spirit, to another, the Bible? What about the gifts of performing of miracles, to another, singing, music, painting, writing, prophecy, to another, distinguishing drama and hospitality, etc.? It seems between spirits, to another, different to me that whatever gifts a born- kinds of tongues, to another, again person exhibits are given by interpretation of tongues." These the Holy Spirit. Why are the gifts gifts are given as determined by the given? 1. They are given to serve Holy Spirit. "One and the same Spirit others. "Just as each one has received is active in all these, distributing to a gift, use it to serve others, as good e a c h p e r s o n a s h e w i l l s " stewards of the varied grace of God" (1Corinthians 12:7). We can't (1Peter 4:10); 2. They are given to determine or demand which gift(s) glorify God. "If anyone speaks, let it we want. But, of course, if the be as one who speaks God's words; if situation demands a particular gift anyone serves, let it be from the which neither we nor anyone else in strength God provides, so that God the church has it, it seems to me that may be glorified through Jesus we can certainly pray to the Holy Christ in everything. To him be the Spirit and ask for it. glory and the power forever and ever. Amen" (1Peter 4:11); 3. They When are these gifts given? It seems

38◄FEBRUARY 2021/AIM to me that they are given at the time our gift(s). Ministry should not be of our New Birth. But they remain to degraded into money making be recognized by us and others in the opportunity. We must not use our church, and need to be kindled or gift(s) for our name, fame or fortune. rekindled by us. Paul says in We must neither be conceited of our 2Timothy 1:6, "Therefore, I remind gift(s) nor covet others' gift(s). The you to rekindle the gift of God that is best way to know our gift(s) is to in you through the laying on of my exercise all of them. One of them hands." Are gifts given by the laying will stand out. We will feel at home of hands? Possibly. We have one in it. Others in the fellowship would instance here in 2Timothy, and recognize it. We must work at it and another in Acts 19:6, "And when sharpen it. Ecclesiastes 10:10 tells Paul had laid his hands on them, the us, "If the ax is dull, and one does not Holy Spirit came on them, and they sharpen its edge, then one must exert began to speak in tongues and to more strength." Let's keep prophesy." The Pastors and the sharpening our gift(s) by improving Elders lay their hands on the newly upon it. baptized people and pray for them." Can these gifts be taken away? May be not from God's side. For the word of God says, "God's gracious gifts and calling are irrevocable" (Romans 11:29). But from our side, we might lose them through our careless and sinful living, or not making use of them. Cf., the one who hid the talent in the ground. He was duly punished, and even what he had was taken away (Matthew 25:24- Rev. Richard Masih 30). Brother Bakht Singh gives an in New Delhi. He studied theology in All interesting account in his testimony. Nations Christian College, England. He When he discovered that people served the Lord for 40 years with the Union of Evangelical Students of India were coming to him only for healing, and also authored several books in and not for salvation, he prayed to English. He is available for the ministry God to take away from him the gift of the word in Hindi and English on of healing. It was taken away. invitation. He can be reached at Mobile: 9958747748 and We must beware of commercializing [email protected].

39◄FEBRUARY 2021/AIM Ministry Through Social Media Mr. George Philip

The medium that we use for are currently present on many media communication has been a platforms like Television, YouTube, constantly evolving one. When Jesus Digital Media Players,Smartphone walked the earth, He spoke to App, Online Radio, just to name a multitudes, physically gathering few. them to Himself. With the evolution of technology, “speaking to What is the message we are multitudes” has also evolved. With communicating through these the dawn of the internet, we have different media platforms? We have been able to speak to multitudes at content for almost anyone who almost no cost. This brings us to the comes our way. Though we have realisation on how powerful media specific programs for men, women, is. If we stop and think about it for a children, young people, one of the second, we can literally have the most treasured content has been our power to reach crores of people with systematic Bible study program, minimum efforts. which helps us study the entire Bible. Our content is available in Knowing the power that Media close to 150 Indian languages from holds, TWR-India has been across the nation. harnessing this power and we have been able to reach out to crores of Crosswave is our youth ministry people over the last 43 years of our targeted towards Christian church- existence. Though we started off going, English-speaking youngsters with radio broadcasts, we moved on in the age group of 16-28. Questions with the change in technology. We which are not addressed by the

40◄FEBRUARY 2021/AIM Church are addressed by experts in to be a major asset in the long run. the subject. We are already seeing the impact that it has had, thanks to the sheer Apart from the website and social number of users. With the ongoing media, the digital space has a lot of advances in technology, the World potential for innovation and a lot of Wide Web is only going to become avenues that can be explored. wider and faster. It is our Podcasts, dedicated Christian video responsibility to use this tool to its streaming services, large scale full possible potential for the glory of integration of the global ministry God and reach as many people as we resource pool to help the people can. minister to those around them are just a few ways the internet can be At TWR India we are constantly used to further the cause. exploring new opportunities to disseminate the Word of God, via the It is said the tools that we have are digital space. only as good as our ability to use them. Digital media is a highly Mr. George Philip versatile tool that can and will prove CEO, Trans World Radio India

Vacancy for the post of Accountant

THE BIBLE SOCIETY OF INDIA is on the look out for a qualified person committed to Bible Cause for the post of Accountant for our North West India Auxiliary, for immediate appointment. The applicant should be a graduate in Commerce preferably in the age group of 25 – 35 years with experience in computer accounting, ability to prepare independently annual financial statements, income and expenditure account, balance sheet, coordinating annual budget/ audit, knowledge of GST Rules and compliances etc. Sufficient experience in the Accounts Department of reputed Institution/ Organization/ Publishing Co. will be an added advantage. Pay Scale : Rs.5460-360-9060- 400-15060-440-19460 plus other allowance – DA – 82% of basic, HRA – Rs.6,400/-, CCA – Rs.1,500/-, Medical Allowance - Rs.1,700/-, Conveyance Allowance - Rs.2,300/- and Children Allowance - Rs.1,500/- per child for children upto the age of 21 years who are unmarried/ unemployed.

Age/ Salary will be relaxed in deserving cases depending on qualification and experience.

Those who are presently employed should produce a No-Objection Certificate from the concerned Head of the Organization. The selected candidate needs to undergo a thorough medical examination in a hospital recommended by the BSI at their own cost, particularly to see if the appointee suffers from any pre-existent illness and whether he/ she is fit to take up the position offered.

Applications on plain paper with detailed resume including age, education, training, experience, salary now drawing and expected, contact details, Church background etc., along with copies of certificates/ testimonials, two reference letters of which one should be from the Church Authority and a passport size photograph should be mailed to the Auxiliary Secretary, The Bible Society of India, North West India Auxiliary, 10 Parliament Street, New Delhi – 110 001 to reach him on or before 8th February 2021.

41◄FEBRUARY 2021/AIM BARRING WOMEN

Rev. Kuruvilla Chandy

On Monday, January 11, Pope Now, I cannot, because I am an Francis issued the decree Spiritus ardent believer in the doctrine of "the Domini (The Spirit of the Lord) priesthood of all believers." allowing women to serve as readers at liturgies, altar servers and I grew up in a home where achens distributors of communion. (Malayalam word for priests, literally, "fathers") were not just The Vatican, however, stressed that welcome but were made much of the roles were "essentially distinct Pastors of the Syrian Christian from the ordained ministry", and community of Kerala always wear didn't mean women would one day cassocks when they leave their be ordained priests. When the Spirit homes, whether for pastoral visits, or of God came the prophecy that both going to the bazaar, or travelling by "sons and daughters shall prophesy" bus or train. To a four-year old, they was fulfilled (Acts 2:17). Which is were important men in distinctive why, it doesn't make sense that the dress, and lived a charmed life. Then Pope called his decree Spirit of the and there I decided to become a Lord and then cut out the daughters pastor. Unlike other little boys I of God from ministry in the Spirit. never once wanted to be a pilot or engine driver or anything else. Once upon a time I would have applauded the Pope for holding the The Syrian Christian community's fort in the face of eroding and claim is that its members are collapsing conservative values. descendants of the first converts

42◄FEBRUARY 2021/AIM made by Saint Thomas. Both the were regarded as stick-in-the-muds, Syrian Orthodox and the Marthoma while the others were perceived as Syrian Churches are emphatically the progressive ones, even called opposed to women being ordained. "Modernists". The churches and the community lean rather heavily toward I easily sided with all the theologians patriarchy. and churchmen who contended that women's ordination was nothing Women's Ordination more than another attempt by liberal Given that background, I grew up theologians to undermine the with the idea that only men could be teachings of the Bible. Without pastors. Back then, in India at least, examining the arguments from the there were no ordained women in other side, I just sided with the camp any denomination. I belonged to.

The first time I heard of a woman Shaken being ordained as a pastor was when The first challenge to my way of I was in college. thinking came through a book review in Time (August 1972, p.45). A couple from our church had gone It was entitled "Why Priests?" and as missionaries to Goa. The husband was about a book by that title, by the was the pastor and died while Roman Catholic theologian Hans serving there. To keep the work Küng of the University of Tübingen, going, the widow was then ordained. Germany, and notable (or, notorious I viewed her ordination as just a among Roman Catholics) for his practical solution to the problem rejection of the doctrine of papal when nobody else could carry on the infallibility. work in Goa. This book review was enough to After college I went to Union shake my entire aim and purpose in Biblical Seminary (UBS, at that time life. Before reading it, I had never in Yeotmal). Around that time the thought of questioning the concept controversy about women's of priesthood—and that too male ordination exploded on the priesthood. theological scene. At first theologians and denominations The Time article started with four divided on the issue according to quotations from Küng's book, two of whether their theology was liberal or which were: conservative. The conservatives Ÿ One cannot maintain historically

43◄FEBRUARY 2021/AIM that the bishops are in a direct and question was not, "Why can't women exclusive sense the successors of b e o r d a i n e d ? " b u t " W h y the apostles. ordination?" I felt that the fight for Ÿ Ordination is not a sacred women to be ordained like men was investiture through which [the completely wrong. Instead the priest] receives a ... 'character' question was, "Why is there a gap distinguishing him from the between clergy and laity?" 'layman.' According to the Bible, there is only one people of God (Greek, laos). Since the office of bishop was the Preachers and pastors are all in this highest one in the Anglican tradition "people of God", the "laity of God". in India, I had dreamt of holding it one day. Küng's first quote took from Women Preachers me the hope of becoming a bishop Having set aside the idea of and the second said that I couldn't ordination, I still had to come to even think of being in a class apart as terms with the idea of women a priest. preachers. Many conservative denominations do not countenance After accepting Jesus as my Saviour, women preaching because of their and exposure to the biblical doctrine "literal" reading of 1 Timothy 2: 11- of the priesthood of believers, I had 12: "A woman should learn in begun to think of the pastoral role as quietness and full submission. I do preacher-teacher-pastoral caregiver. not permit a woman to teach or to Since the Roman Catholic branch of assume authority over a man; she Christianity is so steeped in must be quiet." Without reasoning it hierarchy and priest craft, I was out, I resorted to seeing Paul's totally shocked that these opinions prohibition of women preachers as a and questions were coming from an purely temporary cultural position. ordained minister of that church. Initially I just had a sort of gut Küng's views seemed more feeling that there was something Protestant, than Catholic. wrong with thinking that the Bible did not allow women to preach. For weeks what Küng had written kept coming back to me. The thought I recalled that in Hyderabad at a came to me that if there is no Youth For Christ event in 1965 one legitimacy to ordination as practised of the speakers was a Bengali by the Church, then fighting about woman named Winnie Bonner, and I women's ordination did not even thought nothing wrong with her make any sense. I concluded that the preaching there. At the same event,

44◄FEBRUARY 2021/AIM the winner of the Senior Youth And, so Sunita went to UBS. The Preachers' Contest was a Sinhalese following summer, she had to do her girl. Subconsciously, I just thought it " s u m m e r p r a c t i c a l w o r k " was all right for women and girls to assignment. Agnes and Sunita asked be preachers at women's meetings if I would oversee the assignment, and youth rallies. which I accepted readily and delightedly. Sunita probably thought When I finally started to work as a that her duties would be confined to pastor in Lucknow, I had to think some work among women, and through these issues seriously. The teaching children and youth. late Agnes Loyall was a member of Instead, I insisted that she had to also the church where I was pastor. At the preach. After protesting a lot, in the all-India level she was the Executive end, she gave in because I forced her. Secretary for the Methodist Church's To make her acceptable in the pulpit, Women's Division. A few years after I got her to wear a choir gown for I came to the church, she excitedly preaching. (The Lord did say that we informed me that a young woman have to be wise as serpents and from the neighbouring Hindustani harmless as doves). No one church wanted to attend seminary complained. Much later there was and get a Bachelor of Divinity some rumbling, but since the degree. Agnes asked me to counsel moment had passed, the dissenters her. could do nothing about it.

Officially candidates could be sent Though I personally made sure only to the denominational Sunita preached in church, I had not theological college. I told both worked out how to justify women Agnes and Sunita that if Sunita went preaching in the light of 1 Timothy 2: to the theologically liberal 11-12. denominational college her commitment to Christ would be Women at the Resurrection ridiculed and she would be taught Meanwhile, Women's Lib was not to accept the authority of God's becoming more aggressive and Word in faith and practice. I conservatives in church and society emphasised that Sunita needed to were resisting their contentions attend a college where her about women deserving equal rights. commitment would be nurtured. As I held the belief that there was no Agnes held me in high regard she such thing as gender equality. I felt accepted my advice. that the physical and psychological

45◄FEBRUARY 2021/AIM differences between men and message was not about women, I women could not be ignored. could no longer ignore the fact that the gospel stories lifted women high. About this time, from the evangelical side came the book All Personal Study We're Meant to Be by Letha Later on, in my own studies, I Scanzoni and Nancy Hardesty. Then noticed that though Paul prohibited there emerged the group Christians women from teaching men, Priscilla, for Biblical Equality. With the many a travelling companion and fellow- voices raised stridently against labourer, had taught the man Apollos inequality, I felt it was time for me to (Acts 18:26). I observed too that examine the biblical data. while the sacred historian Luke introduced Aquila and Priscilla, in One Easter Sunday I had preached that order (Acts 18:2), he later that while the male disciples named Priscilla before Aquila (vv. deserted Jesus, the women disciples 18, 26), indicating that at some point were not afraid to identify with Priscilla took the lead in ministry, Jesus. They stayed near the cross, even in teaching Apollos. and became the first to believe in the resurrected Lord. I did not preach Moreover, Paul himself accepted it that to make points about women in as right that women prophesied ministry. Rather, I was showing that (brought a message from God), the gospel writers were so captivated provided they wore a head-covering by the Resurrection of Jesus that they (1 Cor. 11:5). Clearly that meant in honesty depicted themselves as Paul accepted women preaching, deserters and unbelievers. The truth and only prohibited it when cultural mattered more to them. Their situations required it. It was not a description of themselves as universal rule. I felt confirmed in this cowards went against the human conclusion after noting that when the tendency to depict oneself as the Spirit of God comes both "sons and h e r o i n a n e c d o t e s . T h e i r daughters shall prophesy" (Acts acknowledgement that women were 2:17). more courageous and believing went against the grain socially. Their The usual excuse for cutting out selfless testimony constituted women from the ordained ministry is psychological and sociological to cite the fact that Jesus did not proof that the resurrection did include any women among the happen. Even though the point of my Twelve Apostles. Neither were any

46◄FEBRUARY 2021/AIM Gentiles included but that has not needed between God and people. stopped anyone who is not a Jew The apostolic affirmation is that from stepping forward to do there is only One Mediator between ministry. The reason neither women God and people – Jesus (1 Tim. 2:5). nor Gentiles were included was that The Lord Himself asserted that He when Jesus began ministering He was the only Way to the Father – that had to restrict Himself to fit Jewish no one could reach the Father any culture. How could a young man of other way (Jn. 14:6). Yes, there was 30, starting out as a rabbi, have and is absolutely no room for priests included women in his band of in the movement started by the twelve? Later on, when the numbers Strange Man from Galilee. of His followers grew, women did join Him and travelled around with When no one person is priest, then Him (Lk. 8:2-3). all are equally priests. All may approach God equally, personally The Twelve were just the primary and directly. The entire body of disciples. Yes, they were called believers is a "Kingdom of priests" "apostles" – one sent out. It was not a (Rev. 1:6), and therefore the title, but a description of what they affirmation of the "priesthood of all were tasked with. They were believers". representatives of the Kingdom and the Lord. Hierarchy was not intrinsic In the Old Testament era, women to the word "apostle". The prophets served God. It is therefore corresponding word of Latin origin inconceivable that in the New is "missionary". Missionaries are not Testament order, where men and regarded as having any hierarchical women are "in Christ" and have the position, but as the foot soldiers of Spirit of God, women would not the mission of Christ and there have have liberty to serve Christ and been many women missionaries. instead fall back to a worse position than their ancient sisters. Though Jesus talked of building His Indeed women in the New Testament Church (Matt. 16:18), He did not period served Christ alongside men appoint the Twelve as priests and (Phil. 4:3). One of the apostles was Peter as the High Priest. They were the woman Junia (Rom. 16:7), and simply to be disciples (followers) Nympha was an elder in whose and apostles (those who are sent). house there was a church (Col. 4:15). Priests are needed if mediators are Women have continued to go as

47◄FEBRUARY 2021/AIM pioneering missionaries to remote places and unreached tribes. Those denominations and churches that would deny women the right to minister on the home front have not hesitated to send out women as missionaries to distant and dangerous places. Isn't it strange that they would send women to the war Rev. Kuruvilla Chandy front, but not allow them to work in is a freelance preacher and writer. He the home office? c a n b e r e a c h e d a t : [email protected]

Opportunity for ministry: Evangelist and Pastor needed.

Masihi Mandli (Christian Church) Dehradun, one of the oldest Pentecostal churches in North India is praying and looking for at least 2 experienced Ministers/Pastors aged between 25 to 40 years to work with its panel of ministers.

Essential Qualifications: a minimum BTh or B.D Degree (Theology) under ATA/Senate recognition and having guidance to serve God, through church.

Desirable Qualifications: A person who plays musical instrument and is a worship leader.

Persons with relevant qualifications can send their application and CV on the email given below. The shortlisted candidates will be intimated.

48◄FEBRUARY 2021/AIM Persecution of Christians in the curfew of Covid - A report on 2020

The Corona-19 virus pandemic more than 400 million workers impacted India as much as it did the would be poverty stricken, as per world, leaving, till December end estimates by the International 2020, more than 10.5 million Indian Labour Organisation. Though the hospitalised, and 151,000 dead. government has not released figures, the Chief Labour Commissioner’s The Prime Minister, Mr Narendra office, in June 2020, counted over 26 Modi, in a national telecast Lakh migrant workers stranded announced a nation-wide total across the country, of which 10% lockdown on March 24. With all were said to be in relief camps or industrial, business and tertiary shelter homes, while 43% were in economic activity at a standstill, situ at workplaces and 46% in other

49◄FEBRUARY 2021/AIM clusters. This was said to be an excoriation, police impunity, and extreme underestimation, going by vigilante groups on their trail, the other assessments made by marked the experience of many Central and State governments, Christian communities in several including Finance Minister Nirmala parts of the country at the height of Sitharaman’s estimate of 8 crore the COVID-19 spread. stranded migrants used to determine extra ration provisions in the The EFI Religious Liberty Atmanirbhar package. Tens of Commission and other Christian thousands were still on the road agencies including a national home even when these estimates Helpline co-founded by the EFI five came in. The scenes of an infant years ago, documented 327 cases, in snuggling up to a mother who had which at least five people lost their died on railway platforms, and lives, at least six Churches were others dying on the road as they burnt or demolished, and 26 walks hundreds of kilometres, shook incidents of social boycott were the conscience of the citizens. recorded. This is by no means an exhaustive list of incidents, many of The national [federal] government which remain mostly unreported and and states governed by Mr Modi's unrecorded even in normal years Bharatiya Janata Party, were accused because of the fear of victims of of using the environment of fear of further atrocities if they stand up to the virus and of police action, to curb their tormentors, and the victims in freedom of expression, and protest. the rural settings, in particular, are Several state governments and hesitant or outright refuse to register senior members of the ruling party cases of religious persecution were named for fomenting targeted because of fear. hate that often led to violence against religious minorities. The religious freedom situation has to be seen in the context of an While Muslims were the main unbridled push for a majoritarian targets, Christians, especially political framework in the country pastors in rural areas of several states with laws tweaked against across the country, were victims of minorities in various ways. violence, their congregational prayers disturbed, and places of The most alarming development has worship attacked. Political been the expansion and scope of the

50◄FEBRUARY 2021/AIM notorious Freedom of Religion Acts, ordinance passed by the state which are popularly known as the Governor, Mrs Anandiben Patel. anti-conversion laws, earlier enforced in 7 states, to many more With the passing of the Prohibition states ruled by the Bharatiya Janata of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Party. Once targeting only Ordinance, 2020, Uttar Pradesh has Christians, they are now armed also become the eighth state in India to against Muslims in the guise of enforce an anti-conversion law. curbing 'Love Jihad'. This is an Similar laws are in force in the states Islamophobic term coined some of Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, years ago to demonise marriages Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal between Muslim men and non- P r a d e s h , J h a r k h a n d a n d Muslim women, particularly those Uttarakhand. The states of belonging to the Hindu upper castes. Arunachal Pradesh and Rajasthan The laws ostensibly punish forced or have passed anti-conversion laws fraudulent religious conversions. that are not in force for various But in practice, they are used to reasons, and Tamil Nadu has passed criminalise all conversions, and repealed its anti-conversion law. especially in non-urban settings. In December, Madhya Pradesh The laws also take away all agency approved an anti-conversion bill like from Hindu women, rejecting or the Uttar Pradesh one. Madhya controlling their free will, and Pradesh already has an anti- leaving them at the mercy of the conversion law. By end of 2020, patriarchy, further strengthen by BJP-ruled states, Uttar Pradesh, p o l i t i c a l p a t r o n a g e a n d Madhya Pradesh, Haryana and encouragement. Rulings by High Karnataka have designed to prevent Courts that adult men and women "forcible conversions" through have the freedom to choose their marriage. Punishment can be as long partners have had no impact. as ten years in prison.

On 31 October, Yogi Adityanath, the Christian activists fear that the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh expanding footprint of the anti- announced that a law to curb 'Love conversion laws bring a step closer Jihad' would be passed by his the BJP's manifesto promising a government. With no legislative n a t i o n - w i d e l a w t o c h e c k discussion, it became law by an evangelisation by "missionaries", a

51◄FEBRUARY 2021/AIM term designed to impute western register cases. Even if a case is conspiracy to Christianise Dalits, registered by the police, the Tribals and others in rural areas, assailants seldom face prosecution small towns and urban slums. This, in a court of law. On the other hand, together with the accusation of the complainant runs the risk of Islamic population explosion retributive action. because of the high birth rate, feeds the orchestrated rhetoric that the The incidents in this document are Hindu population will become a first recorded by volunteers who minority which underpins electoral pass on information to the RLC. The propaganda in India. RLC verifies it with the victim or witnesses. Effort is made to contact As a result of the anti-conversion the local police station in each laws, religious minorities can now instance to reconfirm the details of be targeted by just about anyone, the incident. especially vigilante groups many of whom are complicit in the mob Uttar Pradesh once again heads the violence of earlier years in list of regions where the Christian campaigns against beef and the minority has been targeted the most. slaughter of cows. Moreover, this RLC registered 95 incidents against law places the burden of proof on the the Christian community in the state person who has been accused of in 2020. conversion. It is followed by Chhattisgarh with This report of the Religious Liberty 55 incidents, most taking place in the Commission of EFI illuminates the tribal region of Bastar, now saturated hate and targeted violence against by volunteers from Hindu right- the Christian community in 2020. It wing organizations posted to is again important to remember that "counter Christian influence. In fact, the numbers of cases recorded by there is a well-planned political RLC or any other agency are only campaign by these groups to indicative, and the actual numbers ‘Hindutvaize’ tribal society. In may be much larger. The Christian Chhattisgarh, as in contiguous tribal community wherever it is in small regions, these groups face almost no numbers, remains fearful. Legal political challenge. The Church has literacy is grossly inadequate, the been present in the state and in the police almost as a rule do not want to region for the last 200 years.

52◄FEBRUARY 2021/AIM The push of the Hindu Right wing in EFIRLC appeals to the Government Jharkhand is ominously similar to of India and the respective State that of Chhattisgarh and has resulted Governments of the States named in in violence and social boycott of the the report to ensure the rule of law Christians. Jharkhand and Madhya and the security of religious Pradesh registered 28 and 25 minorities in India. incidents, respectively. We especially appeal to the State Governments of Uttar Pradesh, In Madhya Pradesh, all the incidents Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and took place from the months of March Madhya Pradesh to deal stringently till December and no incidents were with the various right-wing recorded in the first two months. organizations operating in these Incidentally, it was in March that the states whose primary agenda is to BJP wrested power from the create an atmosphere of fear among Congress in the state. Majority of the the Christian community and other incidents in the state happened in the religious minorities. last four months of the year. For further information, please write Tamil Nadu in south India had 23 to [email protected] incidents. The state had the second largest number of cases in 2019, Released by: registering 60 incidents of some sort of violent action against the Christian community. It is the fifth highest in 2020.

The months of March and October saw the highest number of incidents recorded in the country against Christians, with 39 and 37 incidents, respectively. May was the lowest with only 12 incidents. This was Rev. Vijayesh Lal perhaps due to the lockdown in the National Director – EFIRLC entire country. General Secretary – EFI

53◄FEBRUARY 2021/AIM To God be the glory A brief report on EFI in 2020

Introduction and heartache. The world perhaps We praise God for EFI and its will never be the same because of the m i n i s t r y t o m o b i l i z e a n d changes brought on by the COVID- empower evangelical churches, 19 pandemic. i n s t i t u t i o n s a n d individuals to effectively witness the Being the central network of Good News of Jesus Christ in word Evangelicals in India, EFI not only and deed and thus transforming the recognized the threat of the nation. pandemic but also took steps so that Evangelicals could respond to the Below we present to you snippets of same effectively through various how God has used EFI and its initiatives. We believe that God has various wings in the year 2020 to called the Church to be super reach out and to serve. Due to space spreaders of hope and to be a constrains we are unable to highlight community that radiates hope all that God helped EFI to do this especially in these times when the year but we hope and pray that you world is reeling under the COVID- are blessed and challenged as you 19 pandemic. read this. Your prayers and support are of utmost importance for the EFI responded to the challenge of Evangelical movement in India. COVID-19 through ⦁ Mobilizing prayer, Response to the Covid Pandemic ⦁ Mobilizing help, and 2020 has been a year of disruption ⦁ Fostering community.

54◄FEBRUARY 2021/AIM Mobilizing Prayer Forum and one of the bodies promoting this prayer event.

Since 2016, EFI has been calling for the National Day of Prayer on the Sunday closest to the Independence Day of India. This year the National Day of Prayer on 16th August 2020 was a joint effort by the NCCI and EFI with the CBCI endorsing it.

2020 – 2030 has been declared as the Decade of Prayer and Revival. It is a call given by EFI, EFICC and India Missions Association. Every month many prayer events are taking place under this campaign with the prayer of a revival across our land.

Mobilizing Help God has called His people not only to EFI along with various Christian pray for our world during this bodies in India has been mobilizing COVID-19 pandemic but also to act prayer. Our first nationwide in generous ways so that the poor, collaborative prayer effort was on needy and marginalized would be 29th March 2020 as the Church in cared for. Even though EFI is not a India was called for a corporate day relief agency, yet the need was so of prayer and fasting. Thousands of huge that we had to pitch in Churches across India joined in the alongside our relief arm, EFICOR “United Christian Day of Prayer and (Evangelical Fellowship of India Fasting for India and the Nations”. Commission on Relief). The National Council of Churches (NCCI) in India and the Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) endorsed the event and joined in.

On Pentecost Sunday, 31st May 2020, the entire Church in India joined together in the “One Sound, One Hope” event, praying and Since the launch of our relief efforts, interceding for our nation and the EFI has been able to help over 30000 world. EFI was part of the Advisory individuals with dry ration kits and

55◄FEBRUARY 2021/AIM direct cash transfers with which they who are engaged in relief activity were able to sustain themselves for and in spreading hope, the figure close to a month. Our dry ration kit would cross millions. contained all necessary food items that a family of five needs to keep it EFICOR, our relief arm, is a going for a month. We reached out in specialized agency for relief and over 16 states of India during this rehabilitation and they reached out time to some of the poorest and to over 3 Lakh beneficiaries through needy families who were not on the the distribution of relief kits, cash radar of the government or other transfers, and awareness messages. relief agencies. Emmanuel Hospital Association, one of our member associations, is During this pandemic, India saw a part of the Christian Coalition for huge exodus of migrant workers health. Together they offered up to from the cities. As employment was the government more than 1000 no more and money dried up, hospitals to meet the present millions of migrants made their way challenge. The Evangelical Church back home on foot, since public of India is serving the nation through transportation was no longer its 12 dioceses across India to help available. We reached out to migrant the poor and vulnerable. The North workers during this time and served Bank Baptist Association has them through the distribution of provided relief to people in Assam provisions for their journey. and Arunachal Pradesh and has catered to literally thousands of We also provided hygiene kits people in the area. There are many consisting of sanitizers, masks and such examples in the constituency of other necessary items at this time. EFI. Along with others, we also distributed this help to police Spontaneous networks have come departments, relief workers, and up during this time comprising of volunteers helping the government members and friends of EFI that at this time. have been helping migrants as they make their way home. One such Mobilizing help through the network was reported by the national network media as well. Just one initiative in We are so thankful to God that we Varanasi was able to cater to more have seen our member Churches, than 70000 Migrants. Another Organizations and Individuals network was busy helping migrants respond to the needs of our fellow by putting them on buses and trains citizens in a tremendous manner for their journey home, helping as during this pandemic. If one were to much as 10000 a day. We praise God gather data from all our members for all such initiatives and hope that

56◄FEBRUARY 2021/AIM these would continue reaching out in love and compassion.

Fostering Community

organized in early April 2020 and more than 600 leaders signed up for the same from all parts of the country. The theme was: “Being the Church during COVID-19”. National leaders like Dr. Ajai Lall, Bishop P K Samantroy, Pastor D Mohan, Canon Dr. Vinay Samuel, R e v . C B S a m u e l , Dr. Akheto Sema and Dr. Prabhu Webinars on Creative Church Singh addressed the participants Online among others.

The lockdown restricted the local Some of the topics that were Church as people could not gather addressed were: Making sense of anymore and many Churches God in this Pandemic, Mission and especially in rural and semi-urban Witness during COVID-19, areas were struggling on how to take Leadership Challenges during the their services online. In this COVID-19 Pandemic, Digital circumstance, EFI teamed up with Missions in the present context etc. CV Global and offered insight, There was also a panel discussion knowhow and help. wherein questions were taken from the participants by the panel. Special trainings were organized which helped hundreds of Churches especially in small towns and rural Helpline on Mental Health for areas to go online using simple tools. Youth We are grateful that we could come The pandemic also resulted in a alongside and help Churches in major emotional health crisis as reaching out during this critical time. people did not know how to deal with the sickness or the lockdown. D i g i t a l N a t i o n a l L e a d e r s Conference A mental health helpline for young A National Leaders Conference was people was launched by the EFI

57◄FEBRUARY 2021/AIM pertinent and sometimes difficult questions and Covid-19 especially triggered a lot of them.

National Youth Commission in partnership with the YMCA in Mumbai. They received scores of calls each day as the lines were open to all and trained counsellors were able to help many navigate through their challenges. The campaigns can be accessed on our Facebook page.

Advisories and Awareness on COVID-19 through website and social media EFI came up with the first advisory on COI+VID-19 on March 14th, 2020 and the latest advisory was concerning the re-opening of Churches after the lifting of the T h e o l o g i c a l r e f l e c t i o n , lockdown which is slowly taking conversation, articulation and place. You may read the advisory on response about how the Church can the EFI website. faithfully respond to this global challenge was a necessity and the The EFI website also features an EFI Theological Commission rose to entire COVID-19 section where the occasion, aided by some of the advisories, articles and other best minds in India. resources could be found that have helped many people thrive even The Commission conducted a series during this challenging time. of five webinars on COVID and the Theological Response to it. Canon Having briefly looked at the Dr. Vinay Samuel, Dr. Ken response to the pandemic, let us also Gnanakan, Dr. Leela Manasseh, Dr. look at what some of EFI’s Takatemjen Ao and Rev. Dr. Finny commissions, networks and Philip presented papers on the theme departments are doing below. and invited questions as well.

Theological Commission The webinars were very well Testing and painful times raise received and according to feedback

58◄FEBRUARY 2021/AIM from Church leaders, have been a by national and international groups. blessing. Now the commission is The RLC is engaging with various preparing for a second series and is government voices to strengthen engaging with young theologians in religious freedom for all in the the process. nation.

Webinars We have also been able to provide Since the mode of training was support and timely help to hundreds largely online, EFI has been of victims of persecution all over the conducting many webinars online. A nation. Both practical and legal help few examples are: have been extended through our Ÿ A s e r i e s o n S t a t u t o r y dedicated volunteers on the ground Compliances that was held with without whom it would be wide participation from many. impossible to reach out. The webinars were helpful not o n l y f o r C h u r c h e s a n d The RLC, through its panel of organizations but for the advocates and activists has also been nonprofit sector in general in the providing training to leaders both at light of the new regulations. the grassroots and at the state and Ÿ A special webinar on FCRA national level so that the movement amendment act was held with for religious freedom for all can be over 500 people from all over strengthened. India in attendance. Ÿ A webinar on UN and the Church The RLC was also able to present was help with international a statement on India at the UN experts as resource persons. Human Rights Council meeting in Ÿ In addition to the above the Geneva in partnership with WEA Religious Liberty Commission, office in Geneva. National Center for Urban Transformation and other National Center for Urban initiatives of EFI have been Transformation (EFI-NCUT) holding many webinars for the NCUT is an initiative of EFI that benefit of the Church in India and caters to the pressing need of the nation. responding to the urban realities in India by preparing urban leadership Religious Liberty Commission to respond to the existing and The RLC has been working to emerging urban challenges and provide aid (practical and legal) and opportunities to pave way for is engaged in advocacy efforts at all holistic transformation of Indian levels. Our yearly and half yearly cities. reports are credible documents from India that have been quoted and used Due to the current scenario, most of

59◄FEBRUARY 2021/AIM the programs in 2020 were English and Hindi through its conducted online. However, NCUT Research, Writing and Publication was able to conduct the Western wing. Apart from two major Zone Transformation Conference manuscripts that are in the pipeline, which was attended by leaders from there are six booklets that we hope to Punjab, Rajasthan, Western publish for the benefit of equipping Maharashtra and Gujarat states. The urban leadership in India. Special Interest Groups (SIG) workshops were a major attraction A centre for urban youth studies, as during this event with several part of NCUT-Urban Youth Ministry national experts sharing during the wing, is also in the pipeline, which same. will be first of its kind in India.

NCUT was also able to reach out via Zoom Conferences in Bihar & EFI Children at Risk (EFIC@R) Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar EFIC@R is engaged in safeguarding Pradesh & Uttarakhand. There is a the lives of the vulnerable through special push for equipping North Prevention, Prosecution and India leadership with urban Protection programs. In 2020 this resources and the response has been manifested in the following: overwhelming.

T h e s e s s i o n s o n B i b l i c a l Perspectives on Cities and their Relevance for Urban Ministry in India; Ways of doing effective Urban Ministry in Cities of North India and Utilizing Urban Youth Potential to Enhance the Ministry were e s p e c i a l l y h e l p f u l f o r t h e Capacity building of Churches and participants according to the Civil Society through trainings that feedback received. strengthened their involvement in Sessions on sustainability for promiting an dsecuring the rights of ministry were also introduced children from Tribal and Dalit keeping in mind that urban leaders communities. that are serving in a small set up have been facing financial set back due to Advocacy programs that created Covid related issues. awareness of the extent of the negligence, exploitation and NCUT also continues to develop discrimination towards children in urban ministry resources for the India. This was carried out through Church at large in India in both various awareness campaigns,

60◄FEBRUARY 2021/AIM sensitize the people on human speaking tours, interventions with trafficking, as well as to develop schools, colleges, panchayats and effective and innovative programs communities, forming vigilant and projects. committees, peace building efforts and building child advocates. Education Programs by EFIC@R provided strategic interventions Rescue & Rehabilitation: through the opening of children clubs, children literacy centres, adult literacy centres etc. to transform and develop the lives of children and adults. EFIC@R’s adult literacy centre is helping the women to develop their reading and learning skill which is also helping them to start self-help groups.

EFIC@R conducts regular rescue operations along with rehabilitation and legal aid services for the victims, Prosecution: EFIC@R provided in partnership with various NGOs pro-bono legal aid to victims of and the local authorities. trafficking. Many traffickers who have been caught red-handed while Networking with churches, trafficking young boys and girls government officials and like- often get bailed easily and they go minded organizations were back to their old trade without any conducted in order to reach out and fear of punishment. EFIC@R

61◄FEBRUARY 2021/AIM continues to work towards ensuring addressing issues of poverty such traffickers are kept behind bars alleviation which will facilitate to for the safety of the children. stop trafficking and peace building. EFIC@R is also dealing with cases that includes false implication Looking Ahead especially in the Christian AICOCIM: The Sixth All India community. Congress on Church in Mission (AICOCIM) was scheduled to be Healthcare initiatives: held on November 2020; however, we have had to postpone it due to the pandemic. We hope to organize it in the month of November 2021. We seek your prayers for the same. The All India Congress on Church in Mission (AICOCIM) is a decennial event organized by EFI to set the direction for the Evangelical movement in India.

Christian Education Department of EFI (CEEFI) is working on a new To respond and invest in the health curriculum for Sunday School, that and well-being of the poor, the needy we plan to bring to the Indian and the marginalized victims, Church. The pandemic has delayed EFIC@R conducted regular medical the process a little, but we hope to camps providing free medical aid to inaugurate the curriculum soon. people in target areas. We request your continuous prayers EFIC@R helped build resilient and support for EFI as we press communities by empowering them ahead to fulfill the vision of seeing ‘Evangelical Churches, institutions and individuals effectively witnessing the good news of Jesus Christ in word and deed and transforming nation.’

Respectfully Submitted by

with a means of livelihood and Rev. Vijayesh Lal equipping the church leaders to General Secretary mobilize the community on Evangelical Fellowship of India

62◄FEBRUARY 2021/AIM Intercessory

FEBRUARY 2021 Points

1 MONDAY Thank God for 5 FRIDAY Pray for the people of bringing us to the second month of India that they would respect, value the year. May God enable us to spend and pursue unity in diversity. Pray the days well and work productively that people from different ethnic for his kingdom. backgrounds would cohabitate peacefully and harmoniously. 2 TUESDAY Continue to pray for all the EFI Group members, 6 SATURDAY Let us pray for Individual members and life children who are preparing to write members today. Pray that the Lord their final exams. Pray that God would place them in a position and would enable them to bear their authority that they would offer God's heavy burden and help them as they gifts of love, hope, truth, unity and study. Pray also for uninterrupted grace. internet service and ability to use technical facilities well. 3 WEDNESDAY Continue to pray for the persecuted. Pray that their 7 SUNDAY Let us pray for ourselves suffering would produce Christlike today. Pray that our relationship with characters that would glorify God. the Lord would grow deeper than ever. Also pray that we may love the 4 THURSDAY World Cancer Day. Lord our God with all our hearts, Pray for strength, endurance and minds and strength. healing for those going through medical treatment for Cancer. Pray 8 MONDAY Pray for EFI new also for the families who have lost Group Member Adonai Ministries in their loved ones to this disease. Karnataka. Pray that God would

63◄FEBRUARY 2021/AIM bless their initiatives and also bless Pray that God would give wisdom our partnership. and fresh ideas to reach the unreached through them. 9 TUESDAY Pray for peace and prosperity in our nation. Pray that 14 SUNDAY Valentine Day. Pray God would give us good god-fearing that God's love manifested through leaders. Pray also for safety and Christ reaches all. Pray that people protection at the borders. would respond positively to His love. Pray also that love would grow 10 WEDNESDAY Pray for EFI new a n d b i n d p e o p l e t o g e t h e r Group Member Nagaland Bible irrespective of who they are. College in Mokokchung, Nagaland. Pray that they would be able to 15 MONDAY Pray for the CEEFI effectively teach and train leaders department. Pray that the biblical who would serve God's kingdom literatures produced by them would wholeheartedly and in God's way. bless and impact many children and guide their path as they take their 11 THURSDAY Continue to pray little steps of faith. for the ministry of EFI. Pray for all the staff in different parts of the 16 TUESDAY Continue to pray for country to be used by God as they all the political leaders in our carry out their responsibilities. Pray country. Pray that they would come also for the finances of EFI. Pray that to know the truth and rule with truth God would bring good tenants for and justice. the properties that are available for rental. 17 WEDNESDAY Pray for EFI new Group Member Berachah Prophetic 12 FRIDAY Pray for increased Ministries in Tamil Nadu. Pray that readership for EFI AIM magazine. God would use the ministry to be an Pray also that the existing instrument for Biblical prophecies in subscribers would draw strength and such a time as this. encouragement from the magazine for their Christian life. 18 THURSDAY Pray for the youth of our nation that they would one day 13 SATURDAY World Radio Day. encounter the Living God like Jacob Pray for ministries who are did and their lives would be changed. spreading the Gospel through Social Pray that God would bless them with Media, including Radio transmitter.

64◄FEBRUARY 2021/AIM wisdom and discernment to choose freely practice and propagate their the right path in life. choice of religion.

19 FRIDAY Continue to pray for 24 WEDNESDAY Pray for the those affected by Covid19. Pray for problem of unemployment in our healing for the body, mind and soul. country. Pray that the youth would May their experiences lead them to not lose hope and determination. meet God and to a deeper Pray that the government would find relationship with God our Heavenly means and ways to create job loving Father. Thank God that the opportunities. cases have decreased as of now. 25 THURSDAY Pray that all the 20 SATURDAY World Day of churches in India would take Social Justice. Pray that everyone measures to make the study of God's would enjoy equal economic, Word essential. Pray that God's word political and social rights and would enlighten and empower every opportunities. Pray for workers who believer. are involved to make this possible. 26 FRIDAY Pray for single parents 21 SUNDAY Pray for Christian today. Pray that they would lean on parents to actively and diligently God and draw strength from Him. train and teach their children. Pray Pray also that they would excel and that they would be able to pass on would not be lacking in any areas of Christian beliefs and values to their their parenting. children. 27 SATURDAY Pray for all the 22 MONDAY Pray for all the leaders and elders of the church that missionaries serving God in India they become a source of blessing to and abroad. Pray that they may not their congregations. Pray that the be discouraged but be strengthened God will give them spiritual wisdom and rejuvenated by the power of and understanding as they lead God's Word daily. Pray that they others to Christ. would bear many spiritual fruits. 28 SUNDAY Thank God for the 23 TUESDAY Pray for Religious fruitful month that has just gone by. freedom in our country. Pray that Pray that we would not be forgetful every individual would be able to of His goodness and kindness to us.

65◄FEBRUARY 2021/AIM Trans World Radio India A Christian Media Organization

Invites applications for the position of Assistant Broadcast Technical Operations Manager, Asia

Job Summary: To assist the Broadcast Technical Operations Consultant in contributing to the smooth and efficient running of TWR Asia's broadcast operations on a day-to-day basis to reach our target listeners clearly and in a timely fashion.

Eligibility Criteria: Ÿ A Bachelor's degree or equivalent relevant professional certification in Engineering from a recognized University. Ÿ Minimum 4 years of good engineering experience in RF and SW radio broadcasting. Working experience in other mass media platforms and IT equipment is preferred. Ÿ Good interpersonal skills, ability to collaborate well with people at all levels in a cross-cultural environment to achieve desired corporate outcomes.

You can visit TWR India's website www.twr.in/vacancies to know more about the required Key Responsibilities and Core Competencies expected from this role.

To apply for this post, you can send your CV to [email protected] before 28th February 2021.

66◄FEBRUARY 2021/AIM

RNI. Regd. No. 19728/70 / Postal Registration No. DL(S)-01/3241/2018–20 Licensed to post without prepayment at NDPSO New Delhi –110 002 / U(SE)–9/2018–20

Printed & Published by Mr. Vijayesh Lal, on behalf of EFI Publication Trust, 805/92 Deepali Building, Nehru Place, New Delhi - 110 019. Printed at Royal Press, B-82, Okhla Phase -1, New Delhi - 110 020. Editor Mr. Vijayesh Lal