10 Volume 6 Issue 8 August 2016
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem (India) Psalm 122:6
Friends Focus August 2016 1 Front Line... n 15th of this month we are celebrating the 70th Independence Day of our motherland. There were many who sacrificed their yesterday for Oour today. Ordinary men and women with love and passion filled their hearts for their motherland shook the foundation of an empire on which the sun never set. India has grown leap and bound in its 70 years of independence from the bondage of the British empire. The country which produced nothing then, reaches the space now. India is growing in its economic power and today become the fastest growing economy in the world. It is the most populous democracy in the world. Lot of social churning takes place and the marginalized and downtrodden communities are striving for their place in the country. We have to praise God for all who made a difference in the growth of this great nation. Paradoxically there is another India which is still craving for its share in the society. Bonded labour, child labour, malnutrition, poverty, child marriage, alcoholism, domestic violence, violence against the women and the weaker sections of the society, discord in the society, extremism, terrorism and many other social evils are plagued the nation. India is not able to be proud about its achievement on Human Development Index. It is hovering around 130 for few years now out of 188 nations. India is having the largest illiterate population. ¼ of its people are living below poverty line. The large population of this nation is yet to hear about the Saviour and His gift of salvation by grace through faith. In the month of India’s independence let us reiterate our commitment to pray that the country may be delivered from the ills afflicting this nation. God has given us a powerful weapon in the form of prayer to deliver this nation from the challenges it is facing. Let us pray for an India which is prosperous and knowing Christ. 2Ch 7:14 "if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. (NKJV) Wish you a happy Independence Day
2 Friends Focus August 2016 Independence doesn’t mean you decide the way you want. FRIENDS FOCUS is the official organ - Stephen Breyer of Friends Missionary Prayer Band (FMPB). Who through faith are shielded FMPB is an indigenous Missionary Movement presenting the Gospel of by God’s power until the coming the Lord Jesus Christ to unreached of the salvation that is ready to people groups in India. be revealed in the last time FMPB serves as an arm of the Church - 1 Peter 1:5 to plant Churches across the country. FMPB does saturation evangelism The most dangerous thing in the among various people groups. world is the sin of self reliance FMPB invites Churches, institutions, and the stupor of worldliness families and individuals to pray and support its work. - John Piper For remarks, recommendations and requests He provided redemption for [email protected] his people; he ordained his covenant forever holy and awesome is his name A monthly blossom of FMPB - Psalm 111:9 Publisher & Editor Rev. D. Simon Ponniah The four cornerstones of SUBSCRIPTION INDIA FOREIGN character on which the structure Annual Rs.100 Rs.600 of this nation was built are: Life Rs.1500 Rs.5,000 Initiative, Imagination, H.Q: 29, High School Road, Ambattur, Chennai - 600 053 Individuality and Independence. Tel: +91-44-2657 0404 Fax: 2657 3353 Cell: 9444394342 - Eddle Rickenbacker. E-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.fmpb.co.in So if the Son sets you free, Layout and Preparation: Communication Dept., fmpb you will be free indeed - John 8:36
Friends Focus August 2016 3 From General Secretary's Desk...
Dear Brothers, Sisters and little ones, Thirdly, Christ commands us to God has chosen us so that we may go love one another (15:12). This is and bear fruit-fruit that will last. (John strategically emphasized at the end of 15:16a). Just as right conditions are this passage in verse 17. Loving Christ needed for a tree to bear fruit, our and remaining in His love (15:9) is the lives and ministry can be fruitful only basis of our loving another. We are when the right conditions described in called to love one another irrespective John 15:1-17are fulfilled. These are: of whether the other person does what Remaining in Christ, submitting oneself I like, agrees with what I say or is a to pruning and loving one another. good or bad person. We love one another because Christ has loved us Remaining in Christ is trusting Him and and accepted us irrespective of who loving Him (15: 8, 9) Loving Christ or we are and what we have done. remaining in His love is possible by obeying God’s commands (15: 10). Let us fulfil these three conditions and Jesus categorically says that unless God will definitely make our lives and we remain in Him we cannot bear ministry fruitful. any fruit (15. 4) The importance of Even when we lead fruitful lives, we Mentoring: need to submit ourselves to pruning A two day seminar was held at Jhansi so that we may bear more fruit (15: for our senior missionaries on June 30 2). This means allowing ourselves to and July 1 to teach the why and how of be shaped, trained and moulded in all mentoring. Rev. Kenneddy Danabalan, areas of our lives. General Director of EFICOR and Rev. 4 Friends Focus August 2016 C.B. Samuel, the former General to ensure revival and renewal of Director of EFICOR were the resource our integrated congregations in persons. This convinced us of the Gujarat and to reach out the vast need to mentor or train missionaries, multitudes yet to be reached a evangelists and church elders to Joint Cooperation Committee was take up leadership at all levels the constituted and to make a beginning. way Jesus trained and prepared His One day conference for the pastors disciples to carry on the ministry after of the integrated churches and our He left. This was followed by the missionaries has been planned on meeting of these senior missionaries August 27 in Pippalvada. We are with the President to plan and discuss thankful to the Bishop for his full the ministry ahead. support to this partnership. Please pray for the success of this initiative. Gujarat Visit: I undertook a six day tour of Gujarat Three day fasting and prayer: visiting Peth, Randha, Jhavda, A nation-wide three day fasting and Pippalvada, Vyara, Ahmedabad, prayer at several centres both in our Netrang and Selamba. All our mobilization and mission field areas missionaries serving in Gujarat met has been planned on 12, 13 and 14 at our training centre at Fokdi on July of August to pray for our nation. You 19 to plan for making our ministry are encouraged to participate at the more fruitful in Gujarat. They left centre nearest to you or organize one with definite goals and strategies to in your area. achieve these goals. They have also planned for periodic focussed prayers May God bless all your efforts for as clusters of mission fields to ensure the cause of his kingdom more and that their planning succeeds. more fruitful! Meeting with the Bishop of Yours in Christ, CNI Gujarat Diocese: Along with the senior missionaries in Gujarat I had a meeting with Rt. Rev. Silvans Christian, Bishop of CNI-Gujarat Diocese to review our mutual cooperation and partnership. Sudarshan Thomas To continue our cooperation and Friends Focus August 2016 5 Bible Study by FMPB President Mr. John Samuel during Tamil Nadu Annual Camp rayer is the strong pillar on Pwhich the edifice of Friends Missionary Prayer Band has been constructed. When we fast and pray, the Lord God responds to our prayers. We undertake fasting prayers on Wednesdays. We pray daily. Jesus Christ says in Luke 10:02, “There is a Some of us opine, “I pray daily, large harvest, but few workers to I attend spiritual meetings, hence gather it in. Pray to the owner I lead a life of holiness”. It is of the harvest that He will send not enough. Do we read and out workers to gather in His meditate the Bible? harvest”. To remind this verse, we may set up the alarm in our For today’s meditation, I have wrist watch at 10:02, so that we selected Colossians chapter 3. can pray wherever we are and God tells us through this passage we can spend 15 to 30 minutes that we ought to consecrate our a night at this scheduled time. lives. Two points are mentioned The setting up of alarm at 10:2 here: One, how you should be; will remind us the verse of Luke two, how not you be. Before we 10:2. We can pray to God to go to sleep at night, we read a send more missionaries, pray part of a Psalm or a few verses for the ministries of FMPB. Most from the Bible and thus we feel of us are very good in praying, contented that God is with us but we do not spend much time and He blesses us. Surely God’s in meditating the Word of God. blessing is with us. But have we We need to meditate the Bible ever meditated on how to live along with our family members. and how not to live? 6 Friends Focus August 2016 Let us go into the first two achievements are unparalleled. verses of third chapter of Jesus Christ says, “set your Colossians. eyes on heavenly things”. Seek after them alone, nothing “You have been raised with else. Christians along with Christ, set your hearts on things prayers should set their eyes above, where Christ is, seated at and thoughts on heavenly and the right hand of God. Set your greater things. minds on things above, not on earthly things” - Col. 3:1,2. Verses 3 & 4 say, “For you died, and your life is now hidden with The above mentioned passage Christ in God. When Christ, says that if we have been raised who is your life, appears, then to life with Christ, or, if the you also will appear with Him resurrected Lord is with you, in glory”. how ought you live? If we are raised with Christ to life, we We have the faith and confidence have to set our hearts in heaven. that if Jesus Christ appears at What do you understand by this moment, we too will be with the term, “set your hearts in Him. Our names are written in heaven”? Heaven. Since our names are inscribed in Heaven and since Each year Nobel prizes are we too will be with Him on awarded to eminent persons His Second Coming, it does not in different fields. Two years mean that we can live as we like ago, Nobel Prize for Peace was it; rather it should be like God’s awarded to 17 year old Muslim will, this is what Jesus Christ girl Malala. She said, “Most of expects. the women in our community could not study. It is my desire Verses 5 to 11 say how that the literacy rate in my we should not be. community should be 100%. To Do not loiter in worldly pleasures. achieve that, I am prepared to Give up your dirty life. Many do anything”. People retorted to youths spend their prime and her, “Why should women study? precious time on television, Women are here to do domestic mobile phones and other social chores only” And Malala was media. We need to teach our shot for her perceptions on children quoting from the Bible women; but she survived. Nobel that if they indulge in things Prize is awarded to those whose Friends Focus August 2016 7 that are not acceptable to Jesus committed an offence against Christ; they (the children) cannot us, how we can forgive him. go to Heaven. Anger leads to The Bible teaches that if we are cruelty. How do we differentiate raised along with Jesus Christ, between anger and cruelty? we have to fulfill the teachings Synonym of anger is rage or of Jesus Christ. For having violent displeasure. Cruelty received any help or other things, refers to being merciless or being we immediately say ‘thanks’ to in a state of brutal manner. How him / her. We thank God. But is our state of mind? angry or we forget to offer our thanks to cruel? We need to give up both. others. Verses 12 to 17 say how We need to share the Good News we should live. with others wherever we are. Members of fair sex adorn We have to teach the same to themselves with jewelleries our children. Teaching of Good and cosmetics so as to present News should be the focal point themselves beautiful. We need of our life. We should conduct to beautify ourselves with prayer meetings in houses and compassion and consideration. teach the gathering about Truth. Just like the Good Samaritan, we If you adorn yourself with these have to decorate ourselves with qualities, you will not only look compassion and sympathy. We beautiful but also yours will be have to be humble. Jesus Christ is a life of joy and happiness. the embodiment of humbleness. He told His disciples, “I have Pope Pius once asked a to wash your legs”. Gentleness congregation what one should and tolerance should fill up our do to change the world. The whole body. The Lord’s prayer congregation members offered teaches us, “Forgive us our sins many suggestions. Pope Pius as we forgive those who sin answered, “If there are committed against us”. How many people men and women obedient to the do we forgive? If we do not Holy Bible, such people alone forgive, God will never forgive can change the world”. This is our sins. On most occasions, it is our challenge too. Whatever we very difficult and embarrassing commit, we have to follow as per to forgive others. We certainly the directions of the Bible. Then argue that since this person has only will India change. 8 Friends Focus August 2016 Independence Day
Bro. David Benny
n the midnight of 15 August 1947, in his historic speech of 'Tryst with ODestiny' Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru said "A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to new, when an age ends, and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance... The ambition of the greatest man of our generation has been to wipe every tear from every eye. That may be beyond us, but as long as there are tears and suffering, so long our work will not be over..." One of the rights guaranteed by the Indian Constitution which prevents tears and suffering is the right to Freedom of Religion. Article 25 to 28 of the constitution of India guarantees the right to Freedom of religion. Articles in Constitution: Article 25.25. FreedomFreedom of conscience andand freefree profession, profession, practice practice and and propagation propagation of of religion. religion. Article 26.26. FreedomFreedom to manage religiousreligious affairs. affairs. Article 27.27. Freedom Freedom asas toto payment payment ofof taxestaxes forfor promotionpromotion ofof anyany particularparticular religion. Article 28.28. FreedomFreedom asas toto attendance attendance at atreligious religious instructions instruction or religious or religious worship worship in in certain educationcertain education institutions. institutions. The provisions relating to “Right to Freedom of Religion” of the Articles 25 & 28 of the Constitution of India make India a secular state. To make assurance Friends Focus August 2016 9 doubly sure, the 42nd amendment of the constitution in 1976 inserted the term “secular” in the preamble of the constitution. A secular state does not seek to regulate human’s relations with God or his spiritual aspirations. Secularism is concerned with the regulation of men’s social relations. India does not accept any religion as state religion. India maintains absolute neutrality and impartiality towards all religions. All these go to show that Indian secularism is flawless and that rights of the minority is fully protected in India. While every individual citizen in India has full freedom of religion, the net position thus is, the constant false propaganda of the forced conversions by some elements in the country has dented the harmonious living culture, mutual respect to one another and created an atmosphere of suspicion about the good work done by the missionaries in the field of missions, education and health all these decades. It has created doubts regarding the patriotism of the minorities who have chosen this nation as their motherland and celebrate independence as passionately as other citizens. With false allegations there is an outbreak of anti-minority groups violence in India today. The violence has begun to spread everywhere with radicals enjoying near complete impunity for their actions with lack of proper Government response. Even local police officials took no action against the aggressors in many ofthe incidents. In these situations one must remember that it is absolutely impossible to forcibly convert any person against his will. No Christian missionary has ever been accused of resorting to physical threats while propagating the religion. On the other hand Ghar Wapsi programmes are being carried out in Jharkhand, Bihar and other states, allegedly by terrorising impoverished communities. Innocent people should be protected by law and officials should investigate their claims fairly. The greatest protests came from within the nation since last anniversary of independence was celebrated. Many minority people were killed, religious groups were threatened and harassed. 3 people were killed for eating a certain type of food, one of them on mere rumours. Writers were murdered just because they expressed their ideas against a certain group of people, many activists and social workers are facing death threats just because they do not agree with the thoughts of a certain group of people. When people saw this happening, when they saw that the government is making no effort to stop this dangerous trend, they rose in protest. Many writers returned their awards, even some top film actors raised serious concerns about intolerance. Students in Delhi voiced their protests, civilians also joined the company. They want everyone to understand and make others understand that in a democratic country like ours one must prove themselves rationally while violence is a crime and cowardice. 10 Friends Focus August 2016 India is a country with one of the most diverse populations in the world. There always existed a sense of brotherhood and friendship among the people. It is the spirit of this country and this is why it’s foolish to term India or Indians as intolerant. But this spirit is in the danger of being extinguished. There are elements in the society who don’t want India to be tolerant. These are the people who try to plant discord and enmity among the people. They do this by making statements filled with hatred, by inciting communal tensions which lead to clashes and sometimes riots. But we must not give in! Let us pray that India would rise once again to the true ideals of democracy, where people never fear to voice their opinions. Never fear to 'profess, practice and propagate their religion' as fundamental right. Never fear to adopt truth in the free exercise of their conscience. Let us pray that God would change the hearts filled with hatred and give them His heart of love and compassion and grace. It it not possible for man but what seems impossible to man is possible with the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. Happy Independence Day! OBITUARY
Dogro church dedication Dogro church (in Amrapada field of Jharkhand state) Construction of the Dr. I Sundaraiah, a surgeon in church was started on 15.09.2015 Adilabad for 32 years went to and dedicated on 15.05.2016. Mr. be with the Lord. He was the Pradapson, sponsor of the church first member of FMPB prayer attended the dedication service with group when FMPB started its his family. We extend our heart felt ministry in this area in 1992. He thanks to Mr. Pradapson and his family sponsored a missionary. Pray for his support in the construction of for the consolation of his wife this church. Let us praise God for His Mrs. Shyamala and his son Dr. I mighty hand in the church. Sireesh’s family. Friends Focus August 2016 11 Pray: For the repentance of religious fundamentalists who are inimical to Monday the believers of Duini village; for the AUGUST 1 reopening of worship centre that had been closed due to opposition. Happy Birthday Mrs. Shanti Ramyaraju Rekongpeo: Mr. Manjya Naik G Khetovi Sumi & Khatoli Mr. Raja Mrs. Florence Doujapao Guite Praise: God in His mercies protected Mrs. Jebarani Ebenezer G. Sam Sunny and Ramakrishnan from Mr. Ramesh Kumar E M landslide when they were working on Mr. Krupa Rakshana Barre the roadside. Jesus film was screened Himachal Pradesh at 13 villages. God gave us 21 new contacts. Rohru: Vumbiaklal & Pray: For the new believers to be Niangkhanman, Jahan Majhi, steadfast in faith; for those who Emmanuel S. oppose the ministry to repent; for Praise: A new worship group was the consolation of Geetha and her children whose husband had died in launched at Kudu village. Sikkanda a landslide; for a suitable place to and Harindar joined the ministry conduct worship at Sopni village; for as volunteers. Good News was Kinnori people to be released from proclaimed to 180 persons. evil spirit. Pray for our Nation! 70 years have rolled on since Independence. Though personal freedom and fundamental rights are enshrined in the constitution of India, it is still a question how personal freedom is respected in India. Brutality of innocent citizens is an example. India needs to be a land of peace and we should pray for the same. 31 prayer points, one a day, are given for prayers individually or in groups. “No other nation, no other matter how great, has a God who is so near when they need Him as the Lord our God is to us” (Deut. 4:7). The Lord God shall answer our prayers. Educational Institutions Schools should not be mere places of rote learning. They should inculcate humaneness, truth and compassion in students. Evils such as love, indiscipline, narcotics, love of cinema, ragging should have no place in the life of students. Let us pray for our students to acquire knowledge and wisdom along with curricular studies and put an end to all things that distract their studies. 12 Friends Focus August 2016 Anni: Doujapao Guite & Florence Praise: A new worship group was AUGUST Tuesday formed at Solat village. Gospel was 2 proclaimed at three new villages. Happy Birthday Dara Devi’s husband gave up alcohol Mr. Thawng Khan Kap P through prayers. Punjab Pray: For the repentance of Sita Amritsar: Devi who opposes ministry at Chavei Y. Justin & Saral Janci Rani village; for Mamtha’s husband who Praise: Training was imparted to tortures his wife to repent; for Vimala church elders. Night meetings at 17 and her husband to live peacefully and places and women’s meetings at four attend church worship regularly; for places were conducted. Ranu family Devender to get his hearing problem that opposed our ministry attends healed and excel in his studies. the church worship at present. New contact Ranjit Kour who under the Jeori: grip of evil spirit had been shouting Ginsawm & Chinghoihkim at nights was relieved from the evil Praise: While the missionary was spirit through prayers. returning home after completing Pray: For the family of Sunitha to ministry at Barahanda village, there attend church worship with family was a landslide and God protected members and declare their faith the missionary from the landslide. Jeep on Jesus Christ; for Karneil Singh, Team ministry was being conducted Kanwaljeet Singh, Lakha, Kulwant without any obstruction. Singh and Resam Singh to give up Pray: For committed missionaries to alcohol; for Karamjeet Singh, Goldi, work in this field; for Karjini Devi and Sandeep, Jacob and Parvesh to find Meenakshi to be relieved from the suitable life partners; for Praveen Kour clutches of evil spirit. and Rubi and Satnam married for four years to be blessed with children.
Media Pray that the media are neutral in their reporting and media trial needs to be curtailed. Little children and students have to positively approach the media to get things beneficial to them. They should keep themselves away, which harm their scholastic activities. Friends Focus August 2016 13 six new villages. Amrick and Baljit Kour were relieved from the grip Wednesday Fasting of evil spirit. Popli recovered from AUGUST 3 Prayer Day tuberculosis and psychiatric disorder through prayers. Happy Birthday Mrs. Kalpana Mallick Paplu Paraseth Pray: For people groups of Agarwal and Karg who are receptive to Sunam & Punjab film evangelism to accept Jesus Christ; ministry: for a church to be built at Hindatwada Samuel Kisan Singh & Punitha village; for peace to prevail in the Praise: Many non-Christian children family of Kiran and domestic problems attended VBS conducted at Sunam to be amicably settled. village held for five days and the children heard more about Jesus Pehowa: Sarat Chandra Digal Christ. & Lovely Nayak Pray: For the healing of Savithri Praise: Follow up ministry at 22 suffering from stomach cancer; for villages and satsang programmes at Gospel to be proclaimed at the 16 villages were held. Good News villages of Kadiyal and Bihatwal; for was proclaimed to 300 persons at non Christian children such as Jothi, three villages. After prayers, Rampal Lovepreet, Esha, Simran, Kushi, landed good job. Akash, Kamal, Rajan and Raman who had attended VBS to accept Pray: For backslid Sispal, Karnveer, Jesus Christ. Pittu, Jakdar, Santho Devi, Balbinder, Gurupreet, Harpreet and Dharshan to Haryana come back into faith and attend church Ratia: worship; for the commencement of Bhorsat Babubhai Chimanbhai church construction at Kathal village & Jadav Sarasvati Bahen without any hitch; for Suresh to give up alcohol. Praise: Gospel was preached at
Children Homes Children in children Homes run by individuals, societies or trusts should be taken proper care of. Inflicting violence on children should be stopped at any cost. Government must inspect children homes to ensure that the homes are managed properly. Pray.
14 Friends Focus August 2016 Barwala: Karthikeyan & Jeyanthi Praise: Night meetings were AUGUST 4 Thursday conducted at five places. Gospel was Happy Birthday proclaimed to 500 persons. Through Mrs. Mangaiyarkarasi Benjamin VBS, 50 children were benefitted. Mrs. Suvila Gnanappu Daniel Dhanasingh
Pray: For Surjawan and Ramesh to be freed from alcoholism; for the healing Fetehbad: of Bablu and Pawan from epileptic fits. Vijayakumar & Jebala, Mintu Kutum & Subhra Bag Jeevan Nagar: Bibhaba Pani & Bithika Pani Praise: Ministry was speeded up at Daviyapur village by constituting six Praise: Believers themselves met members group. 31 youths attended the expenditures of basic needs of youth meet held at field level. Sanjay Dabwali village church. Julie, speech suffering from unknown disease and impaired for many days recovered blood vomiting recovered through speech through prayers. Sheema prayers. after seven years of marriage was blessed with a baby. Pray: For the 31 youths who had attended youth meet to lead holy life; Pray: For the speedy completion of for land to build church in this field; for church construction and its dedication Aravind and Subash who trouble their at Odham village; for church land spouses and children to repent and at Ellanabad to be registered at peace to settle down in their families. the earliest; for Inder Raja to find a suitable spouse.
Bakeries In order to increase taste and crisp of bread, chocolate etc. potassium bromide and cyclamate are used as preserving agents. These chemicals can induce cancer in the long run. Bakeries need to use the preservatives within the limits as prescribed by the industry.
Friends Focus August 2016 15 Pray: For the repentance of religious AUGUST Friday fundamentalists in Haryana and 5 Uttarakhand who work against ministry Happy Birthday and church construction; for the Mrs. Jyotsna Devi Prasantha Kumar opposition posed by guru movement to Mrs. Pratima Kuldip Manohar Kumar Pani Mrs. Meshram Kalpana Narayan Valvi Netaji Dadu disappear; for the dedication of church Miss. Anita Marandi at Rajaund village in September; Kalanwali: for believer youths to find suitable David S. & Jeba Grace spouses. Praise: Good News was preached Uttarakhand at Lakhdawali village. Gospel was proclaimed to 60 persons for the Maldhan Chour: Christian Prakash & Kokani first time. 70 persons attended Bible Sumitraben, P. Jebakumar & classes and were benefitted. Jeyanthi Grace, Thangvansang & Chingkhan Mawi, Shishu Pal Pray: For open door to evangelism at Bibili village; for Sunday worship Praise: Baldev found his life partner. to be launched at Asir village; for the Sheema and Babitha were freed protection of believers who toil in fields from the clutches of evil spirit. Mrs. from skin diseases; for believers to Ramapathi joined police department. regularly attend church worship and Pray: For the consolation of Kalasingh to be firm in faith. family whose daughter expired; for the Haryana Region: Aliyakim healing of Prem Singh from leprosy; Jena & Deepika for Mitha, Pansh and Kajal to relieved Praise: Church construction was from the clutches of evil spirit. completed at Patalidabar village.
Food adulteration In order to maximize profits food is adultered; this in turn upsets the consumers. Pray that the food manufacturers shall take care of the health and hygiene of the consumers. 16 Friends Focus August 2016 Safe delivery Jarina from Mandhi village Pukhrayan field Uttar Pradesh did AUGUST Saturday not deliver baby at the right time. 6 Surgeon advised her to undergo caesarean operation. But she Mandalevpalli, Thukdiyor, Kopanapeda, with faith on Jesus Christ invited Pildi, Pasi and Sarkhia. missionaries to her house for Pray: For the persons receptive to prayer meeting. The next day she evangelism to declare their faith on delivered a beautiful baby. Jesus Christ; for peace to prevail in the family of church elder Bharathi; for the opponents of evangelism at Jadol Rajasthan and Falasia villages to give up their Anupgarh: stance and God to give open door Paulus Barjo & Binita Toppo toward evangelism in these villages. Praise: Kisanlal was freed from evil Hanumangarh: spirit through prayers. Randaram was Selvam Thavamani & Hepzi healed from allergic disorder. Praise: 150 people took part in the Pray: For Shipjeedersingh, Lala, Harvest Festival celebrated in June. Angraj and Kala Singhm to give up 363 children were benefitted through alcohol; for Budha Singh to land a VBS classes held at 18 villages. good job; for Jothi to find a suitable life Pray: For the family of Kengo to partner; for Malkitsingh to be healed accept Jesus Christ; for the unhindered from hearing impairment. conduct of children’s classes at Kherwada: Vasava Sunil Krishnapura; for backslid Santhosh Kumar & Beenakshi to be back into faith; for Lalsingh who prevents his wife and children from Praise: A new worship group was attending church worship and forces launched at Saradit village. Gospel them and the relative to forsake Jesus was preached at the villages of Christ to repent. Narcotics Narcotics such as tobacco products and drug laced candies are sold to students of colleges and schools near the educational institutions. Thus some of the students community get addicted to the narcotics. Pray for those involved in narcotics peddling to repent. Friends Focus August 2016 17 Impact of VBS on 11 year old boy to memorize AUGUST 7 Sunday Psalm no.18 Many non Christian children Happy Birthday attended VBS classes held at Mr. Muralidharan S. Sunam field in Punjab state. The Mr. Narendra Bahadur missionary explained about the Uttar Pradesh biography of missionary Mary Jhinjhak: Clement Bakia Raja Jones. Mary Jones inspite of & Lourthu Mary poverty saved sufficient amount for Praise: 100 youths attended youth a Bible for six years. When she was meeting conducted in Jhinjhak field nine she traversed a long distance and they have committed themselves to buy a copy of the Bible. Rajan to Jesus Christ. God has given us a non Christian aged at 11 was open door in many villages to conduct listening to what the missionary had classes for children. explained. From that day onwards he began saving money that his Pray: For land to build church at parents had given him. When the Tibiapur sub centre; for the healing of amount reached Rs. 200/- he gave Vijay from leukemia; for the children the amount to missionary to receive who had attended children’s classes a Bible. During the memorization to accept the lordship of Jesus Christ. competition held for the children Ghatampur: Suresh Malto in July, Rajan also attended and & Premlata, Barathi, Nisha, wrote 30 verses of Psalm 18 from Manpreet Kour memory and bagged the first prize. Praise: Film show ministry was undertaken at 13 villages. Suraj Pray: For the healing of believer recovered from brain fever and Ravi Ramu’s father, a magician from from epileptic fits. Sunday worship paralysis and to repent; for Soni was newly launched at Amoli village. suffering from neck cancer to recover.
Total prohibition States of Kerala and Bihar have successfully implemented total prohibition. Pray that prohibition is implemented in other states also. Pray for the alcoholic addicts to quit alcohol. 18 Friends Focus August 2016 Bahua: Vasava Pachiyabhai & Savita Ben AUGUST 8 Monday Praise: Dayasagar film was screened Happy Birthday at four villages. Night meetings were Mr. Andrews Jawahar conducted at 10 villages. Church Mrs. Hepsibah Andrews Mrs. Mahala Shilaben Pahujyabhai Padvi Somalia committees were constituted at Pahuva and Bindchi villages. Believers of compound wall of church at Bilhaur the villages of Bibiyur, Jamoh and field; for the healing of Rama from Kesahan are firm in their faith on mouth cancer and Santhosh from Jesus Christ. tumour in the stomach. Pray: For the launching of worship Kadaura: groups at the villages of Kesahan R. Jebaseelan & Sarojini Salma and Jamoh; for land to build church Praise: 80 persons attended one at Bibiyur village; for the youth of the day retreat for believers. Film show church to enthusiastically participate in ministry was held at six villages. As all church programmes. a result of VBS conducted in this field, Bilhaur: John Victor & Sathya small worship centres were formed at Paaghi and Jalla villages. Praise: Good News was proclaimed to about 500 persons spread across Pray: For children to get educational three villages. Ram Avathar’s daughter opportunities; for Amarsingh, Uma was blessed with a baby after five Mansingh and Maya to accept Jesus years of marriage. Believer Sunil Christ; for the people of the villages recovered from jaundice. of Missipur and Sikwada to give their ears to Good News. Pray: For the construction of
Epidemic of diseases The number of persons affected by cancer, Ebola, Chikungunya, Dengue, Swine flu, Allergy, Asthma and AIDS is on the increase. Pray that the spread of these diseases are curtailed. Friends Focus August 2016 19 compound wall which had been pulled down by a storm; for Lalu and AUGUST Tuesday Mandeep to be freed from evil habits; 9 for the monthly target to be achieved.
Jalaun: Satikanta Parichha & Parthana: Sagarika Pradhan J. Srinivasan & Sheeba G. Praise: After the opposition to Chandra, Arun Kumar evangelism at Niyamathpur village, Praise: God protected family of Manoj believers are firm in their faith on from lightening and Lakshman from Jesus Christ. A new prayer group scorpion sting. 200 persons attended was launched at Pariyapur village second anniversary of proclamation of which meets every Tuesday. Jeep Gospel at Milak village church. team ministry completed 40 days continuous ministry. Pray: For the commencement of church construction at Khertaheghapurva Pray: For the repentance of religious village without any hitch; for the fundamentalists and Yadav people recovery of Ramjith Singh who had who are inimical to the ministry as undergone a surgery in the brain four well as evangelists. months ago from which pus is oozing out; for the healing of nine year old Basti: Om Prakash Gupta & girl Hony from renal disorder. Tumpa Chowdhury Praise: Filmshow ministry was Pukhrayan: undertaken at five villages. 800 Mongwaiphom & Nisha children attended children’s classes Praise: Though Pushpender had conducted at 14 villages. a fall, God protected him from any damage. Pray: For new believers to be steadfast in faith and to get involved in ministry; Pray: For the construction of new for the targets to be realized. Terrorism Terrorists have no nationality. They, both from Inland from other nations penetrate into sensitive areas and cause damage to life and property. Pray for the repentance of cross border terrorists.
20 Friends Focus August 2016 Tundla: Matthew & Shyamala
Praise: Many non-Christian children Wednesday took part in the VBS classes held at AUGUST Fasting Tundla. All the requirements of VBS 10 Prayer Day were fully met with. Happy Birthday Pray: For the three youths who have Mrs. Sanmata Manohar Thane Basavaraja Mr. Omprakash committed themselves to Christ to be deep-rooted in their faith. Pray: For the healing of Shivani from fits and for the recovery of Sammibhai Madhya Pradesh suffering from pain due to snake bite six months ago. Mathwad: Markus Malto, Raphael Murmu, Khandwa: Raymond Hansda D. Wilson & Rashmita Parida Praise: Demriya Bhai receptive to Praise: 102 children attended spiritual evangelism attends church worship. meeting for children at Khandwa Night meetings were conducted at regional level after a gap of 10 years. the villages of Umrad and Malmandi. 10 year old boy Soman was visually impaired from birth; he was brought Pray: For the launching of Adult to church worship for five weeks Literacy Program at Amrad village; for continuously for prayers; at present good rain in this field for farmers to the little boy has recovered his vision undertake cultivation of crops. and is a normal boy now. Amarwada: Pray: For the repentance of former Rajendra Babu & Maya Devi evangelist Dinesh and his friends Praise: Good News was proclaimed who hinder our ministry; for Nanjala to 170 persons in villages like Bahari, and Pattu who oppose our ministry to Sajwa and Jagrapo. Samanta under repent; for Pratap to be freed from the serious condition due to jaundice grip of evil spirit; for the registration of recovered and Rajkumari suffring from church land at Khandwa; for committed epileptic fits for 14 years was healed evangelists to minister in the fields of through prayers. this region. Naxalites With the sole aim of capturing power, the naxalites use the people of the hilly region and indoctrinate them with violence. Pray for the naxalites to give up violence and turn to peaceful life. Friends Focus August 2016 21 in faith and peace to prevail in the family; for Kumman receptive to Good AUGUST Thursday News to boldly confess his faith on 11 Jesus Christ; for good rain in this Happy Birthday field so that believers can start their Mr. Sebastine C agricultural works. Dabra: Dar: Karunakar Garda & Satya Prakash & Anjana Masih Gitanjali Behera Praise: Gospel was proclaimed to 700 Praise: Survey was held at the persons. Worship has been started at villages of Kiyanpura, Arnad, Durnad, Thahikan village. Porgheda, Dhilwara, Mandar and Sitapad. Gospel was preached at Pray: For the re-opening of worship Dhasha Madan village. which was stopped at Chochak Katchak village due to opposition and Pray: For open door to evangelism the villagers to repent; for the recovery in the villages where survey had of Rabikha from tuberculosis; for the been undertaken; for forming worship growth of worship centre at Thahikanv groups at Jhirawak and Himmathghat village. areas; for the opposition from anti- christians to cease. Guna: Hosiel Naik & Geetanjali Kurha: Mahendran & Pushpam Praise: Pareda villagers regularly Praise: After eight years of marriage, attend church worship every week. Tetcha was blessed with a baby after Chivranv villagers are receptive attending fasting prayers. to evangelism. 525 persons were benefitted through VBS classes Pray: For Fulsingh to be cleared conducted at 13 villages. from the clutches of evil spirit; for the hindrances against worship at Pray: For the consolation of parents Jhadeganu village to disappear; for as well as the villagers whose son the new believers to overcome the had died and the family be steadfast impediments from their bosses. Police It is alleged that bribery, sexual violence and torturing of innocents are rampant among police personnel. Pray for the police to uphold their duty with dignity.
22 Friends Focus August 2016 Khalwa: Isaac & Seetha Friday National Praise: Compound wall of Kalwa fasting AUGUST prayer day church land was completed. Munna’s 12 family has been blessed by God after Happy Birthday Mr. Sarat Chandra Digal accepting the lordship of Jesus Christ. Mr. Jahan Majhi Mr. Mathiyas Malto Pray: For the commencement of church construction at Kalwa; for the Bakkamoni village; for the repentance success of children’s ministry and film- of parents who under fear of the show ministry scheduled this month. society prevent Sumi and Pulipachifa Asom from attending church worship. Majuli: Gohpur: Densingh & Ronjay Narzary & Angel Jasmine Kavitha Rani Praise: Church at Poligaon village Praise: All children of believers of this was dedicated on 22.04.2016. Two field who had written their Std X and persons from the village of Thandi XII examinations passed. Onil Peher have joined the ministry as volunteers. family has committed themselves New believer Reghu who could not to undertake mission work in areas walk due to nervous problem declared where Gospel has not penetrated yet. his faith on Jesus Christ and he is Persons who had opposed evangelism able to walk now. at Kulichapani village tendered their Pray: apology to the missionary and donated For transformation in the lives bamboo to the school. of all villagers; for the social evils such as drunkardness, theft, divorce, relying Pray: For the repentance of Panchayat on magicians and fear of the society members who have ostracized and to disappear; for backslid believers to excommunicated the believers of come back into faith again.
Judiciary Pray for the protection of the judicature. Cases are pending in the courts many years. Pray for the speedy disposal of the pending cases.
Friends Focus August 2016 23 Kajobi Hansdak recovered from Saturday jaundice. God protected believers of National fasting Thokkalpum village during the harvest AUGUST prayer day 13 time. Happy Birthday Mr. Joseph Ramya Raju P Pray: For the disappearance of Mr. Ashok Nayak drunkardness, Guru worship and Mrs. Gnanasekari John David Raj superstitions from the people of this Meghalaya field; for the healing of five year old Garobada: Hembrom who is bed-ridden due to Veikho a & Kughali Yeptho pneumonia and jaundice. Praise: Good News was preached at West Bengal Region: three villages without any obstruction. Emmanuel Murmu & Ranjith along with local believers helps Nila Hansda the ministry. Praise: Good News was proclaimed at 40 new villages. Many of the believers Pray: For changes in the hearts of the were relieved from alcoholism. God people of Meronkapara and Kamisaghi granted abundant harvest in the fields who are not inclined to Jesus Christ of believers. to experience New Life in their hearts; for new believers to be steadfast in Pray: For new believers to be firm faith and their spouses and children in their faith on Jesus Christ; for to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord land to build churches in the fields of and Saviour. Raniganj, Gangarampur and Ittapur; West Bengal for those who had given their ears to Good News to accept Jesus Christ; Tapan: for the repentance of presidents of Kingsly Livingston & Delphin villages who do not give their consent Praise: Gospel was preached to 300 to conduct prayer meetings in all the persons through film show ministry. fields of this region.
Central government cabinet The recently reshuffled central government cabinet has a total strength of 78. Pray for the ministers to discharge the duties for the welfare of the citizens.
24 Friends Focus August 2016 Samsi: Dihe & Charani Praise: Gospel was proclaimed to Sunday National about 600 persons through film show fasting AUGUST prayer day ministry held at three villages. 14 Happy Birthday Pray: For Bulmoni Hembrom and Rani Mr. Charles Chellakumar D Hembrom to find suitable life partners; Mr. Dhrubaraj Bebarta for backslid family of Mohan Soren to the believers has opted to become a be back into faith on Jesus Christ. volunteer to help the ministry. Pakuahat: Pray: For village president Chand Astaban Adityakumar Limma & Marandi of Kunjudangi village to accept Manini Bebarta Jesus Christ; for the consolation of Praise: Film show ministry was family in which Parimala Handsak had undertaken at six villages. Gospel was died; for Sujil Hansdak to have a baby. preached at 22 new villages. Itahar: Pray: For Sumi Murmu and Dangin Rama Krishna Aggibada & Hansdak to be deep rooted in faith; Anjali Devi for the couple of Sugherl Tudu and Praise: Believers themselves built a Solen Hansdak to be blessed with a shed for worship at Puropahet village baby and peace to settle down in the and the shed was dedicated. Land for family where quarrel often erupts due church at Ittahat village was donated. to childless condition; for Sughul Tudu and Yujith Tudu to give up alcohol, Pray: For youths such as Sunil Murmu, Anitha Murmu, Suraj Murmu, Palurhat: Pon Augustin & Chandra Marandi, Jetta Marandi, Joice Shobana Hilmuni Hembrom, Narayan Marandi, Praise: Night meetings were Mika Murmu and Megha Soren to conducted at eight places. One of accept Jesus Christ.
Political leaders Parliament and assemblies have become places of shoutings. Members of both the ruling and opposition parties need to bear in mind the welfare of the people. Pray for the political leaders to be righteous in words and deeds.
Friends Focus August 2016 25 been launched at the village of Polani and Suryahal. 30 children attend the AUGUST Monday newly formed children’s meeting at 15 Independence day Sanshi Poshi village. Happy Birthday Pray: For the people group of Hadi Mrs. Hepziba Albert Samuel to accept Jesus Christ; for the so- Mrs. Jhansi Robinson Hasdak Mrs. Magdaline Grace Isaac Raja called upper caste people of Dandra Mr. Nijwm Muchahary village to come into the fold of Jesus Miss. Dulanti Reang Christ; for Dushmard Penter who due Dadra Nagar Haveli to domestic issues living separately from his wife to unite with his wife Khanvel: Bidush Kumar Nayak and live peacefully. & Pritibala Pradhan Praise: 150 youths attended youth Denkanal: Ganesh & Sumathi meet held at Duduni Garden. Babu Praise: Worship that had been Bhai’s bull that had been missing was stopped at Jothirposhi village due to recovered through prayers. opposition has resumed again. Paurahi Pehera bed-ridden for six years due to Pray: For the launching of Sunday paralysis walks again due to prayers. worship at Dolara village; for Dhakku Survey was undertaken at the villages Ben who had suffered abortion thrice of Thenthulisugha and Paalumunda. to have safe delivery who is pregnant Pray: now. For the launching of ministry at villages where survey had been Odisha undertaken; for the initiation of worship group at Tohanper village; for the Devgarh: P. Shankar & Jelin healing of Ranju Pehra suffering from Praise: Subhasini recovered from epileptic fits for 14 years; for the acute stomach pain through prayers repentance of those who opposed VBS and has accepted Jesus Christ as classes at the villages of Kottarsahi Lord and Saviour. Sunday Worship has and Meramandah. Government employees Government employees make the public wander from pillar to post to get the necessary documents. Government employees have to be sincere and speed up their work activities in their offices, so as to serve the public effectively and efficiently.
26 Friends Focus August 2016 Pallahara: Basudeo Malto & Basanti Malto, Rajendra Prasad Praise: Good News was proclaimed AUGUST 16 Tuesday at eight new villages. A worship group was formed at Serrai village. Suvaghi Happy Birthday Mrs. Mary Sebastine Juang recovered from tuberculosis Mrs. Beulah Rajesh and cancer on right hand through prayers. accept Jesus Christ; for Rajeshwari to find a suitable life partner. Pray: For Kurjho Juang and Kundana Juang to be firm in faith amidst Sitapur: opposition; for the newly placed Muthukumar & Nethravathi missionary to learn the local language Praise: 800 people attended spiritual at the earliest. convention held amidst heavy rain; Expenditures were borne by believers Chattisgarh themselves. Beliver Sushila donated a Champa: Rameshwar Dayal piece of land at Dathitop village for Nirmal & Madhu Kala building a church. Praise: Gospel was propagated at Pray: For construction of churches at the villages of Hardikala and Suvalot the villages of Hardhikant, Chattanpara, newly. Seekers’ camp at Sitapat Kunmera, Kurdegh, Madulakarai and villages and film-show ministry at three Kera Jaghar; for land to build churches villages were conducted without any at Kumunsia, Junadi and Dathitop obstruction. A new worship group was village; for many people to come into formed to benefit people at Sitapat the fold of Jesus Christ from people village. groups of Khorbha, Naghbansi and Pray: For the special training program Mura; for the opposition created by for 12 leaders; for Satnami people to religious fundamentalists to disappear at Narmudapur.
Poverty Government is implementing many welfare schemes to help the people below poverty line. Pray that these measures reach the poor people on time and poverty to disappear from the nation.
Friends Focus August 2016 27 Praise: 11 of 12 students passed
Wednesday Std XII Board Examination. District Fasting Malaria Eradication Officer visited AUGUST Prayer Day 17 Pandheni Children’s Home and has Happy Birthday assured us to get enough medicines Mrs. Ngai Thianching Hauzel Jangkholun Thouthang from the Government for the Home. Jharkhand Beryl, Supriya and Blessi have joined Dhamni, Keraujuri, Badaria: the ministry as volunteers. A. R. Kinsly & Shiny Pray: For the recovery of Pandheni Praise: Titus who was almost off faith people and Home children from now attends church worship. Many of malaria; for the implementation of the believers recovered from cerebral destruction of anopheles mosquitoes malaria and season related-diseases. by malaria Eradication Department; for 35 children of non-believers attended the protection of class rooms during children’s classes held at Pedokhadi village. rainy season. Pray: Barharwa: For backslid first believer Jashubhai Macwan & Dalmalia Patras and family to be back Pheobebahen into faith. Praise: Believers of Jalkhi and St. Thomas English School Sirkundh are steadfast in faith. In the & Ashish Nivas Children absence of missionary, church elder Home: Victor Jeyaseelan & Princes takes charge of worship center. Nagomi, Ton Kho Lun Kipgen & Pray: Lal Lun Mawi, Sonpu Singson For committed evangelists to & Tingnei Neng, Sangeetha, speed up ministry; for people groups Christy, Emimah, Amy Glory, of Doss, Mahena and Mussor to come Suguna, Viguna, Angel Margret into faith of Jesus Christ.
Bonded slaves A few thousands of rupees is offered as loan to people and such people are lured to work in kilns, stone quarries and farm houses. These people are forced to work long hours with little rest and no money. These bonded labours need to be liberated. Pray.
28 Friends Focus August 2016 Santal Sahibganj Region: P. Paulraj & Jebajothi Praise: Through Jeep team, Jesus AUGUST 18 Thursday film was screened at 41 villages. Happy Birthday Hannah Tudu reocvered from epileptic Mrs. Geetha Kenneth Kariyappa fits through prayers. Mrs. Melbin Regini Sundar Durai Mr. Akhilesh Kumar Pray: For the speedy completion of walk again; for the villagers of Dighi church construction at Vijaypur village; and Jurav who oppose our ministry for the recovery of Sumitha Madaya, to give up their stance and repent. daughter of church elder suffering from psychiatric depression; for walk Baditola: impaired Akash Murmu from birth to Benhur M. & Mary Jancy Rani get healing to walk again; for the Praise: Church construction at Kattiyari healing of evangelist Jacob Soren village was completed and dedicated and his family from cerebral malaria. on 24th June. Night meetings at 15 villages and drama ministry at four Telo: places were conducted. Saritha Tudu Hijam Kennedy Singh & recovered from malaria. Haojam Linthoibi Chanu Pray: For those who have accepted Praise: People of Pandria, Patto Hora Jesus Christ to be deep rooted in and Panghan who were once inimical faith; for the speedy completion of to ministry are now receptive to Good church construction at Harsanpur and News. Evangelist Benjamin Soren has Ranga village; for land to build church been selected to undergo missionary at Ladhakatta village and opposition training at Jhansi Training Centre. to cease; for those who had attended Pray: For Sushila Murmu who could night meetings and drama ministry to not walk due to physical weakness to accept Jesus Christ. Child labours Through the loss of parents and poverty, children are forced to work at residences and restaurants, fire cracker and match box industries. Such children often suffer from skin diseases. Pray for these children to find proper asylum.
Friends Focus August 2016 29 prayed for him and he became conscious again. 13 leaders were AUGUST Friday benefitted through camp held for 19 prayer group leaders. 50 children Happy Birthday attended VBS classes. Mrs. Susama Haramohan Mrs. Sushmita Samarendra Singh Pray: For the healing of Rauff Murmu from arthritis; for the success of Dhamdhamia & Pathna: Dhrubaraj Bebarta & meetings and programs scheduled Pushpanjali this month. Praise: Benjamin Tudu who was Kaduwa: down with paralysis could walk again Balaji Yesudhasan & Jancy through prayers. Special meeting Praise: Gospel was proclaimed to for believers was conducted so as many persons through film-show to encourage them to undertake ministry. God gave this field copious ministry. Reuban Marandi joined the rain. Though Barnabas Hansdak ministry as an evangelist. Dhalakudi fell off a tree, God protected him Murmu recovered from malaria through miraculously. prayers. Pray: For believers to get involved in Pray: For those who had attended soul winners’ ministry; for open door meetings of prayer group leaders to evangelism at Kiruwari and Saldhi and youths to lead challenging and villages; for believers of Jamni village witnessing life and get involved in to regularly attend Sunday worship. church activities; for the healing of Bihari Soren who has been chained Litipada: Prodip Mushahary & because psychiatric depression and Propila Bosumatary who under the influence of depression Praise: Benjamin Murmu became roams with the intention of killing unconscious all of a sudden, believers others. Economic decline Though the GDP growth is at 7.2 % as per the government, it is said that this growth is not reflected in the industries and the day to day life of individuals. Lack of rain and migration of people from rural to urban areas are cited us main reasons. Pray that the economic decline is arrested and the economy to look up. 30 Friends Focus August 2016 Beldihe: Sundar Durai & Melbin Rejini Praise: Sangili Murmu recovered from AUGUST Saturday scorpion sting. Kasu suffering from 20 depression was brought to the church Happy Birthday for prayers and God healed him, so Mr. Israel Daniel P Mr. Emanuel Murmu he attends church worship regularly Mrs. Neeru Ben Soma Bai and declares his faith. There were oppositions in the villages of Fulpahari Pray: For God’s guidance to and Tharajmath, through prayers such materialize believers’ plan of bringing people gave up opposition and have more persons into the fold of Jesus accepted Jesus Christ. Christ; for the repentance of anti- Pray: For the repentance of magician Christians who disturb ministry; for Petkha of Saraitola village; for the God’s protection and leading to protection of missionaries and believers missionaries who were enquired by from poisonous insects during this government officials about ministry. monsoon time; for those who are ready Nonihat: Kumaravel & Mariyal to accept Jesus Christ to overcome all hurdles and boldly declare their faith. Praise: Bible class was launched at Sujna village. Meetings of women and Shikaripada: Manoj Kumar believers were of great blessings to Pani & Santani Pani the participants. Praise: Gospel was proclaimed Pray: For Philip to get back his vision; to 1300 women through women’s for the impediments against church meetings conducted at four villages. construction to be removed; for the 140 persons attended Seekers’ camp consolation of Suraj Muni whose held at three villages. Sarojini Tudu, husband had died; for the healing of Teresa Kisku and Makka Murmu Jithan Murmu from paralysis. recovered from typhoid. Corruption It is said that corruption has permeated in all walks of life. Though there are many laws to prevent corruption the tentacles of corruption are on the rise. Pray that corruption in India is brought under control.
Friends Focus August 2016 31 for graveyard at Janssam village; for the believers to actively take part in AUGUST 21 Sunday soul winning ministry. Saharjuri: Vadekar Dhilip Bhai & Konkani Bharati Ben Hansdiha: Praise: Weddings of 12 believers Thotchuiyo Shimrah & Jerinah were solemnized. Parasol Tudu Praise: Gospel was preached to recovered from tuberculosis. about 1100 persons. Meetings for women and enthusiastic believers Pray: For the healing of many of were of great blessings. VBS classes the villagers of Kathalghi village from were conducted at three villages. cerebral malaria; for this year’s target to be achieved; for Lukiram to recover Pray: For believers to be steadfast in from paralysis. faith and to lead life of testimony; for good rain in this field so that believers Raneshwar: Senthil Kumar can undertake agricultural works. Timothy & Muthuselvi Praise: Mukhram who had suffered Masalia: from epileptic fits overcame the Letkholun Baite & Hatneikim problem through prayers. Though Praise: Church construction at lightening struck the house of new Kultiapashar village was completed believer at Karamundu village, God and dedicated. Gospel was preached protected all the family members. at 43 villages. Night meetings were conducted at 45 villages. Makku Pray: For the healing of believer Siral Marandi suffering from epileptic fits Marandi from sickness who is now for many years was healed from the criticized by the villagers for being same through prayers. sick; for a committed missionary to undertake mission work at Lavadi Pray: For land to build church and area. Casteism Under the banner of castes, honour killing is rampant throughout the nation. Caste violence is perpetrated on innocent people. Pray that casteism disappears from our nation.
32 Friends Focus August 2016 Prayer answered Believer Phulvanti Marandi of Saulapur village of Beldihe field AUGUST Monday has a goat which has not yielded 22 any goatling for many years. He conducted family prayer. After the prayer, the goat yielded a few speech impairment; for Ramesh Tudu goatlings; he donated one goatling to recover from mental instability; to the church, shared the testimony for Golmathi Tudu, Sona Marandi, and thus glorified God. Lokhran Tudu, Rabindra Hansda, Debirol Murmu and Sonalal Marandi Jama: Sukanto Singh & Rani to get healing from tuberculosis. Praise: Special meetings were Ramgarh: conducted for prayer group leaders at Muthaiah Samuel & Margaret seven places. God gave copious rain in this area. Gospel was proclaimed Praise: Gospel was proclaimed to 1050 persons. Sumitha Marandi through drama ministry at 30 villages recovered from typhoid. and through Jesus film at 25 villages. Pranica Hembrom recovered from Pray: For the recovery of Supin and cerebral malaria. Land was made Kulera from arthritis and for Mangab available for church construction at Hembrom from psychiatric disorder; for Kancharia village. the formation of new worship groups. Pray: For the three daughters to get Pakuria & Maheshpur: solace and help whose both parents Ramesh Velraj & Priscilla had expired; for Kaina Murmu to Praise: The dedication of the accept the lordship of Jesus Christ; missionary, sponsored by this field for the construction of a church at was held on 24.04.2016. Kancharia village; for the speedy Pray: For the healing of little girl completion of church construction at Anjali from nervous weakness and Tinderkavya village. Begging Begging is a source of income to children, elders and women. People with good physique also get involved in begging as it is more remunerative than other jobs. Pray that beggars are relocated and begging disappears from India.
Friends Focus August 2016 33 Praise: Many non-believers’ children attended VBS conducted at two Tuesday villages. Sohali ben suffering from AUGUST 23 disease for many years overcame the Happy Birthday disease through prayers. Mr. Ramamuni JBV Prasad Mr. Venkatesh Waddar Pray: For believers’ children who Gujarat have joined English medium classes to excel in their studies; for good rain Bhav Nagar: Biswo Ranjan in this area and water scarcity to end; Karado & Prabina Rani for Jettiya to recover from psychiatric Praise: Bible classes were launched disorder. among new students. God in all His mercies protected believer Ram Kisan Mansa: Sambhunath Nayak & from robbers. Amidst opposition from Rajeshwari Pradhan own family, believer Ansan bhai and his family are firm in their faith. Praise: Open door to evangelism was established at Fateda village. Follow Pray: For backslid believers to come up ministry was undertaken at Ladol back into faith; for the new contact village after screening of Jesus film. Bajith Bhai to accept Jesus Christ; People of Vadas are eager to have for youth students to share Good prayer meeting in their village. News with other students; for the repentance of the family of Kudiya Pray: For the persons who had ben who prevent Kudiya Ben from obtained Gospel tracts at Fateda attending church who needs to be village to come into the fold of Jesus blessed with a baby though married Christ and permission to be granted for many years. to screen Jesus film in this village; Naswadi: for Jeevan Bhai to open his house Asir Moses & Amirtha Golda for evangelical work. Natural calamities The flood towards the end of 2015 shattered the lives of many in Tamil Nadu particularly in the four districts of Chennai, Cuddalore, Thiruvallur and Kanchipuram. Encroachment is said to be the prime reason for the flood. Pray for the protection of the people from natural disasters. 34 Friends Focus August 2016 Fishermen Confiscation of fishing boats and Wednesday the related appliances, attack on Fasting fishermen and their catch by the AUGUST24 Prayer Day neighbouring country are reported Happy Birthday frequently by the media. Pray for Miss. Pinki Sabar the protection of the fishermen and goats and God answered their prayers, the rights to fishing are guaranteed. the goats returned home safely.
Bodali: Titus Babu & Mohana Pray: For Harsingh bhai under the Praise: First Christian marriage at the spell of evil spirit to be freed from the village of Guntanpur between Abdul same; for Kavitha ben to recover her and Rebecca was solemnized. Night eye-sight though physicians say that meeting at Rasthanpura village was there is no problem in her eye. conducted without any hitch. Jhalod: Patel Devu Bhai & Pray: For the 10 persons who had Gavit Jamu Ben given their ears to Good News at Praise: 11 families for the first time Mallu village to attend church worship attended prayer meeting. Sarala Ben and declare their faith on Jesus Christ; was protected from a road accident. for good rain in this area where there All the children of believers who had is acute water scarcity. written their Std XII Board examinations came through successfully. Esther Devmogra: recovered from epileptic fits. P. Vinu & Suhi Malar Pray: For the repentance of Sanji who Praise: Home for girls was started opposes new believer Veer Singh; for and 13 girls joined the Home. Kala Bhai who has been haunted and Vishwanath and his wife who were suffering from depression to be united living separately due to domestic with his wife and children who live issues were united. Believers prayed separately and Kala Bhai to be freed for the safe return of Balana Ben’s from all crises. Online pornography Through the online pornography the lives of teens and youths are damaged and repaired. This in turn leads to illegal activities such as sexual violence and murder. Pray for the protection and purity of teens and youths.
Friends Focus August 2016 35 Tumour disappeared through faith AUGUST Thursday Rinki of Saipur area of Jhinjhak 25 field suffered due to a tumour in Happy Birthday the anal region. Since the surgeon Mrs. Esther Abraham advised her to go under the knife, Mr. Sathyappa R Mrs. Poorani Selvam Amirdharaj Rinki’s father paid the amount in the hospital. But Rinki said “surgery is Motoponda(Vapi): not necessary; Jesus Christ is alive Govindraj @ Benjamin & Goma even today; He shall heal me”. She Praise: Naresh Bhai, backslid for continued to pray for her healing. five years has come back into faith. After one week her father who had been inimical to evangelism came Open door for evangelism has been to the church, declared that her established at new villages. Lalitha daughter totally recovered from Ben received healing from paralysis. the anal tumour and that he had Pray: For the commencement of collected back the amount from church construction at the villages the hospital. The entire family has of Parai, Kutli and Babartak without come into the faith of Jesus Christ. any hindrance; for Parsi people to accept the lordship of Jesus Christ; film show screened at Roova and for the launching of worship at Pardi Aghotti villages. During the women’s taluk; for the repentance of Narayan meeting, many backslid ladies came Bhai, Ganesh Bhai, Magesh Bhai back into faith. A new worship group and Praveen Bhai who oppose the was launched at Karan village. missionary. Pray: For the youths of this field who Tapti Region: have migrated to other places to be Madhavaroy & Jebathangam firm in their faith; for three missionaries Praise: 250 persons attended Jesus to be appointed in this field. Cinema Media focus mainly on cinema related activities. Cinema artists are focused and promoted by media and television. Youths tend to follow these artists as role models. Pray the cinema activities through the media are controlled.
36 Friends Focus August 2016 Vindya Region: Joseph Durairaj & Elizabeth Praise: Gospel was proclaimed at AUGUST Friday four new villages. Sakli who had 26 been suffering from skin disease Happy Birthday Mrs. Cindu Edwin Selvaraj was healed through prayers. When Mr. Gamit Emmanuel Kiranbhai religious fundamentalists came to the Pray: For the nine new families who field to reconvert the believers into attend worship newly to openly declare their religion, believers shared Good their faith on Jesus Christ; for the News with them and told them their completion of church construction at testimonies. Kattapalli which has been stopped due Pray: For missionaries to conduct Adult to lack of water. Literacy programs in all villages; for good rain in this area; for evangelists Pal: Egalaivan James & Beril to boldly undertake mission work. Praise: Pramila was released from Maharashtra the grip of evil spirit. Worship at Mangurul village that was stopped for Ettapalli & a few months because of opposition Allapalli Children Home: resumed worship again. Vijayan & Jebarose, Saritha Paul, Naresh Kumar Pray: For 10 children of believers Praise: 200 persons were benefitted to receive necessary documents and through the medical camp conducted certificates from the government so in this field. Ajay and Mahesh, college as to get admission in the nearby students from our children home schools; for the protection of believers secured 63% in their second semester who mostly live in thatched huts from examination. poisonous insects. Sexual violence Sexual violence is inflicted on members of fair sex including small children and minors. Swapping of wife is reported in India. Though laws protect women from lewd remarks and sexual violence in the places of their work, it is not strictly followed. Pray for the protection of women. Friends Focus August 2016 37 Dindori: Binaya Kumar Guru & AUGUST Saturday Ruhama 27 Praise: Arun quit alcohol, received Happy Birthday a copy of Bible and is reading the Mr. Jothy Kirubakaran same. Anitha and her four daughters Pimpalner: are deeply rooted in faith. Narayan Ramesh & Sunita Vasava and Rupali, Sumithra ben and Anitha have opened their houses for ministry Praise: Sunil Kumar received healing and prayers. from leprosy. 160 children attended two days children’s classes held at Pray: For those who had given their Vijaypur village. ears to prayers to accept the lordship of Jesus Christ; for the consolation of Pray: For the healing of Dayaram Mrs. Sardar and her two small kids from typhoid and malaria. whose husband had died and the Ballaharshah: lady to land a good job; for committed Thyagarajan & yesurethinam evangelists in this field. Praise: 30 youths committed Challisgaon: themselves to ministry during a N. Balaji & Jegadeeswari meeting held at Kakinada. A place Praise: Good News was proclaimed was found out to conduct worship at to 95 persons anew. Prayer centre Poyapalli village. has been opened at Chantha villages. Pray: For the commencement of Pray: For land to build churches at church construction at Wankidi village; Pahal and Hirapur villages; for new for land to build church at Poyapalli believers to be steadfast in faith; for village; for the speedy completion of Anitha & Sanju to be blessed with church construction at Pampara and a baby. Wadigada villages.
Prisoners Innocent persons are forced to cool their heels behind bars. Prisons should be places of reformation. Pray for the ministry that is being carried out in jails and for the repentance of jailed friends.
38 Friends Focus August 2016 Freed from the grip of evil spirit 22 year old youth Luckan from AUGUST Sunday Hanumangarh field of Rajasthan 28 was addicted to narcotics and was Happy Birthday under the clutches of evil spirit. Mr. Edward Jebasingh J Since he was haunted severely he Mrs. Sunita Vechya Vasave Elesh Prabhu approached magician who said of people who threaten with black that Luckan was haunted by seven magic on believers and for the safety evil spirits and that his life was in of believers. danger and that he could not heal Plasner: Channamallappa & him. At this juncture he heard about Jesus Christ and was brought Roopa Yalavagi to church worship. Missionary and Praise: 310 persons attended film believers prayed in unison and God show ministry held for the first time at helped him to overcome from the the villages of Kannapada, Roopsingh grip of evil spirit. He now attends Nagar and Mirmol. Women’s meetings church worship to know more about at two places and worship groups at Jesus Christ. two villages have been launched.
Dahanu: Babu Raj & Mabel Pray: For land to build churches at Praise: God miraculously protected the villages of Patala, Kanchapada Angeline Beulah, daughter of and Kherkutti; for Narsingh, Satsingh, missionary from electrocution. Sailesh Lakha, Larasingh and Govind to give and Pradeep along with their families up alcohol; for opposition against attend church worship. Gospel was ministry at the villages of Mahadev and propagated at Sempatpada and Pevegoda to cease; for launching of Padukpada villages. new worship group at Patcha village and children’s classes at Daner, Pray: For more evangelists to come Kamapada and Roopsingh Nagar forth from this field; for the repentance villages. Perpetrators of Crimes Greed and unemployment lead to criminal activities such as murder and theft. These criminal activities are on the increase in India. Pray that suitable employment avenues are generated for the youths and murder and other crimes are prevented. Friends Focus August 2016 39 attended church worship and prayed for reunion with her husband; God AUGUST Monday responded to her prayers; Krishnaveni 29 lives with her husband now. Amrusha’s wedding delayed for many months was solemnized through prayers. Boradi: Kamalesh Singhbhai & Gamit Saru Ben, Hepsi Sheela, Pray: For the new missionary to learn Jyotsna Kannada language at the earliest; for Praise: Bhajan meeting and night the repentance of believer Amarmma’s meeting were conducted at Thikkipadi husband who lives off his wife and and Wiklapada villages. VBS classes children leading vagabond life and to were conducted at 52 villages. Kaily live with his family. recovered from cancer. 2000 persons attended the mela held at Modith Shiggaon: Sunil Data Kara & village. Meenakhi Beero Pray: For the earlier completion Praise: When Good News was of church construction of Umardha proclaimed to farmer Manju, she village; for teens and youth to be requested us to pray for copious rain, deep rooted in faith; for the healing the missionary and believers prayed of Anitha from chronic stomach pain and God granted abundant rain. Manju and blood vomiting; for launching of along with family believes in Jesus meetings of women and youths at Christ. Shilpa prayed to God for 10 Nandal village. years to give her a suitable spouse; God heard her prayers and He gave Karnataka her a good life partner. Malur: Pray: For the speedy completion of Francis Duraisamy & Jeyanthi church construction at Thuntsi village; Praise: Since Krishnaveni could for the opening of a new field at Varur not beget a baby, her husband lived village; for Pushpa to find a suitable separately from her; Krishnaveni spouse.
Unemployment Unemployment is rampant in India with the number of unemployed graduates is increasing every day. Pray that the government and industrial sectors to create opportunities to absorb the unemployed graduates.
40 Friends Focus August 2016 Dharwad: Sumantha & Manoharamma Praise: Our believer prayed for the AUGUST Tuesday healing of Ajay’s daughter who was 30 having renal disorder and the surgeons Happy Birthday gave up hope. God heard the prayer Mrs. Mhonlumi Hormi Kasar of believer and cured Ajay’s daughter. Praise: Through little boy Iyan, a new Pray: For a place to conduct Sunday neighbour family is attending worship. worship because the present place Neveen could find a suitable spouse. could not accommodate due to Pray: For believer Rama Devi to land increased number of believers; for government job; for Purushotham who Arjun and Shyam to be firm in faith has committed himself to ministry to be and regularly attend church worship. steadfast in his faith; for the recovery Hunsanahalli: of Pushpa from jaundice. Sandya Naik & Rathnamma Kolamasanapalli: Praise: Ebimma suffering from acute Vediappan & Lakshmi head ache for three months received Praise: As a result of follow – up healing through prayers. Gospel was ministry at Patnapalli village, many proclaimed at four villages. persons are receptive to evangelism. Pray: For many to be freed from Gospel was shared with the family of the grip of evil spirit; for perceptible Vijayamma. improvement in ministry at Hunsanahalli where road facilities are very poor. Pray: For the road to church at Kajalawarripalli to be repaired and Andhra Pradesh relaid; for Mary married for six years Sadum: Prasanth Meesala & to have a baby; for Annapoorna to Rupa Kumari find a suitable life partner.
Defence service Pray for the protection of personnel of defence service. Pray that Armed Forces Special Powers Act is diligently used in states like Jammu & Kashmir and Manipur.
Friends Focus August 2016 41 and their parents who are with their son in the hospital to accept Jesus Wednesday Christ; for Lakshmi family to be firm Fasting AUGUST31 Prayer Day in faith who has opened her house for night meeting at Munimadugu village. Happy Birthday Mr. Christober P G Tamil Nadu Mr. Balaji @ Yesudhasan Thiruvallur: Mr. Ranjan Khasala Paul Anandhan & Sarajothi Chillamathur: Praise: Kumudha who attended Paul Ravi Raj & Hemalatha prayer meetings cleared 12th std Board Examination successfully and Praise: 585 persons were benefitted has joined college for higher studies. through the medical camp held in Good News was preached to 200 this field. Four believers joined the children through VBS classes held at ministry as volunteers. For the first five villages. time believers prayed and sowed seeds in their fields. Pray: For the teens who attend prayer meetings on Fridays to accept Jesus Pray: For the completion of church construction in this field; for Srinivasalu Christ. and Venkataramappa to quit alcohol; Kelamangalam: for Keerthana and Angelin to find Balasubramanian & suitable spouses. Paranjothi Lucina Praise: Gospel was proclaimed at Ananthpur Region: eight villages through sound and light John David Raj & Gnanasekari programme. Srinath who was involved Praise: During the vision camp of in an accident could not speak or walk; Arise and Build, Kiram and Raju have through prayers he has overcome the opted to become volunteers with Jeep impediments. team ministry. God gave new contacts Pray: For the commencement of Bible through Jeep team ministry conducted classes for believers of Kelamangalam; at Katraipalli village. A new field was for Ellappar to give up alcohol; for opened at Pukkapattanam village. Srinath to be deep rooted in faith on Pray: For the healing of five years old Jesus Christ; for the healing of Gopal little boy Siva Kumar from leukemia from epileptic fits. Churches Pray that holiness, unity, and fellowship shall prevail among believers and church leaders. Pray for today’s churches to emulate early church. Pray that vanity and deceit disappear from the church. 42 Friends Focus August 2016 My name is Joshi Malto from Satia village of Pakur district in Jharkand. I have two brothers and two sisters and my mother and father, we all seven members in our family. When Jesus Christ came to our lives, our family was blessed by Him. I was working at Belbhadri FMPB children Home. From there I went to attend a fasting prayer conducted at Donipichakani in the month of February 2013. After attending three days of fasting and prayer while I was returning to Belbhadri children home I met one elderly man at Sahibganj railway station and started conversation with him. He said “I am Deepak Kumar Yadav from Katihar (Bihar) and have come to Jharkhand in search of gurus. In my family two brothers died by evil spirit attack and now they attack my daughters and sons”. By hearing this family situation, I was inspired by the Holy Spirit to talk about Jesus Christ who is the Saviour of the world. I started telling from my own family, what happened in my family before accepting Christ Jesus. Even my elder brother and sister died by evil spirit attack. In this situation my father and mother approached the missionaries and came to know about Jesus Christ and accepted Jesus Christ as personal Saviour in their lives. When they came to Christ, there was no evil spirit attack in our family and we were blessed by five children. My father said, “you all are alive till now because of the grace of Jesus Christ”. I convinced him that Jesus Christ is only true God (John 14:6) who came to save us, sent by the Heavenly Father (John 3:16). Therefore he needed to accept Jesus Christ as personal Saviour and he would be saved and his family also. After hearing about Jesus Christ, he got new hope and faith on Jesus Christ and said that I would pray to God. This incident motivated me to become a missionary and share about the Good News of Jesus Christ to the people of other faith and bring them into Christ. Like the gentleman, there are many people wandering around in search of gurus and visiting many temples. I was inspired by this verse Ps. 105:1 “Make known among the nations what He had done”. Friends Focus August 2016 43 Some testimonies of the graduated Missionary Trainees of 2015 - 2016 batch
Miss. Beulah Kiranmayi How I was: I did not know anything about Missions, Anthropology, MRSM, different religions and different people groups in India. Now I am: In NIM I learned about Mission, Anthropology, MRSM and Religion subjects. They are really very useful and helpful to me as well as my ministry. I learned how to adapt to other cultures. I also learned Hindi. Of course NIM has strict rules but these rules are very useful and helpful to cope myself spiritually to live in a disciplined manner. Daily devotion helped me. Vision for mission: Reaching the unreached Indians with the gospel and to make mature believers in India. To make disciples and to plant Churches among the unreached people. Mr. Venkat Praveen How I was: I was a timid person and was unable to mingle with others and found difficult to learn other languages. Now I am: I learned to live with others and work as a team. I am trained to prepare and deliver sermon. Vision for mission: I have a great vision for the unreached people especially who are poor, needy and helpless. Mrs. Suvila Gnanappu How I was: I was spiritually weak even though I attended many meetings in churches. I don’t know how to prepare and preach sermon and I was committed to do God’s ministry but I didn’t take any effort for that. Now I am: The Lord enabled me to develop my Biblical knowledge. I also learnt Hindi. I was trained to preach and also to care for people when they are in need. Thus I grew in the Lord in my spiritual life. 44 Friends Focus August 2016 Vision for mission: The Lord gave me a vision to do ministry especially in North India among women and children. Mrs. Kavitha Nagelli How I was: I belong to a Hindu family. Amazingly our Lord Jesus Christ saved my life when I was in 9 std. Then onwards I wanted to know the Bible thoroughly. For this reason I spent more time in reading the Bible and was attending all meetings, but I couldn’t succeed. After completing B.Sc Nursing, when I was working as a nurse, I had the desire to serve the Lord. Now I am: After coming to NIM, I knew more about the Bible, through different subjects. Previously I knew English but I could not speak fluently. Now my language skills are improved. I learnt how to preach and communicate with different culture people. My Heart was filled with joy and I got boldness to face any struggle. Now I am in full clarity about the Great Commission. Vision for mission: My vision is to preach the Gospel to the unreached people, if possible through my profession (nursing). If God gives me an opportunity, I am interested in serving the old people. Psm. 45:7,8. Mr. Yesu Prakash How I was: My parents have dedicated me to God’s ministry. Though I was born in the Christian family, I don’t have good relationship with God. I didn’t have any discipline or any burden for lost souls. Now I am: I have grown in my relationship with God. I have learned many spiritual things from the Bible. Now I am good in prayer and fasting. Before coming here I thought we had to make believers but now I learned that I should lead people to discipleship. Vision for mission: I have a vision to work among the unreached people group and to strengthen the believers in their faith. I want to encourage the churches to be self-supportive and I want to work among the Youth and children. I want to serve the people those who are in poor and needy, helpless, sick and I determined that whatever problems come I will not turn back from ministry. Friends Focus August 2016 45 I am Mrs. Mithlesh Deepretna, D/o. of Virendra Kumar hailing from a small village called Raha in Kanpur district, Uttar Pradesh. I was brought up in a very poor family. My mother had been haunted by an evil spirit for eight years. One of Mrs. Mithlesh Deepretna my relatives told us about a missionary – Alumni of Jhansi of FMPB who was staying in Ghatampur. One day missionary C.R. George and Children Home some brothers came to our village. They - now a missionary prayed for our mother and she was liberated from the clutches of evil spirit. My parents began worship in Jesus Christ and declared their faith on Jesus Christ through baptism. Being an eight year old Jesus Christ. Every day I learnt new Bible girl my heart bubbled with joy. I began verses. But I had no iota of salvation. going to prayer meetings in my village every Sunday. In October 2002 our hostel warden arranged a camp of Child Evangelical In 1999 the missionary sent me to Jhansi Fellowship for five days. During this camp children’s home. I continued my study I came to know more about Jesus Christ. through my stay in the children home. I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Many missionary sisters visited the Lord and Saviour. The life histories children home and taught us Bible stories of Joseph and Daniel imbibed me for and prayers. Thus started my ministry of God. I declared my faith on personal relationship with Jesus Christ through baptism in Jhansi hostel. Ours is a big family and it was not economically viable for my parents to help me further my studies. But by the grace of God I was admitted in Government Polytechnic College in 2008 in Lucknow. During the college days I got in touch with UESI. I attended some camps and Bible studies. Slowly but steadily I began to proclaim Good News among the non Christian friends in my hostel. Some of the girls accepted Jesus Christ 46 Friends Focus August 2016 as their personal Saviour. After one year part time basis. I went Delhi with some we launched a prayer group in the Home. Christian friends for job. During interview We began attending church. Every one voice came from my heart, “Mithlesh, evening there was prayer and Bible study. this is not your job. You are a chosen person for His work”. But I was not ready I did not have enough money to pay for to go for full time ministry but God slowly mess during the second year. One of my Mrs. Mithlesh Deepretna spoke to me through Holy Spirit and Jude senior students asked me “Mithlesh can – Alumni of Jhansi 22-25. Once more I committed my life for I request the warden madam to reduce His service. I did ministry in Delhi but I Children Home some fees?” With a little prayer I told her, wanted to do ministry as an evangelist. “Ok Didi but she is very strict; she will - now a missionary After marriage we both committed our never reduce even one day fees; how can life for His service because my husband she reduce my second year mess fees?” is also a committed person. We joined God did great things through warden FMPB in 2014 June. We have a small boy madam. She reduced the mess fees for Anand Paul. Now we are in Jharkhand two years. Praise God for His miracle. With among the Santal people in Sunderpahari good score I completed my three years field. Please pray for our ministry. diploma course of engineering. I wanted to join some job and do God’s ministry on
Punjab - Bajakhana 10.05.2015 Gujarat - Bhegadun 10.05.2015
Jharkhand - Mario 03.05.2015 Maharashtra Kodith 30.04.2015 Friends Focus August 2016 47 Bro. R.S. Shanmugam is the son of Mr. Sundaram and Mrs. Jayalakshmi of a Hindu family at Kuzhithalai 238 near Trichy. He accepted Jesus Christ, while studying in Tranquebar Lutheran College in the year 1989. During his college days he suffered due to severe headache and his friends told him about Jesus Christ and prayed for him. Within 15 days he was cured completely and he accepted Jesus Christ and Mr. R.S. Shanmugam & took baptism. In 1994 he attended Mrs. Sheela family R.S. Shanmugam : 22.06.1967 the FMPB Gideonites meeting held Sheela : 03.05.1970 at Mayiladuthurai. In that meeting Jehoshaphat Raja : 22.07.1995 he committed himself to do God’s Ruth Suhanishi : 26.11.1997 ministry. Bihar. After completing their training they Sis. Sheela is the daughter of (Late) did their ministry in Ratia, Narayangarh, Balakrishnan and Mrs. Pushpa of Fathebad, and Kalanwali in Haryana Mayiladuthurai in a Hindu family. among the Rai Sikhs, Majbee Sikhs, Her family was suffering from and Od Rajput. In 2010, they were severe debt. During that time her transferred to Headquarters, Chennai. mother’s friends told her about Mr. Shanmugam is working in the finance Jesus Christ and prayed for her department and Mrs. Sheela is looking and very soon they cleared all their over the guest house in Ayanavaram. debts. Then she accepted Christ as God has blessed this family with two her personal Saviour. children. The elder son Jehoshaphat Raja Bro. Shanmugam married Sheela has completed his B.E. degree and is on 05.09.1994 and they joined looking forward to do his higher studies. FMPB on 26.04.1995. Together The younger daughter Ruth Suhanishi as a family they went for training is doing her 2nd year B.Sc. Chemistry which was held in Muzaffarpur in in WCC, Chennai. Please uphold the missionary family in your daily prayers. 48 Friends Focus August 2016 Born in a Hindu family Bro. Baburaj is the son of Mr. Kuttappan & Mrs. Vedhappu at Moovottukonam village 239 near Kaliyakkavilai, Kanniyakumari district. When he was five, the family came into the faith of Jesus Christ. Baburaj used to attend Sunday class since childhood. At 12 he accepted the lordship of Jesus Christ. He obtained B.Th. from a Bible college in Kerala. In 1995 he attended Mission ’95 at Concordia College Rev. Baburaj & campus in Nagercoil sponsored Mrs. Mabel Vasantha Kumari by Friends Missionary Prayer Band family and committed himself to fulltime Baburaj : 26.05.1966 ministry. Later he joined FMPB, Mabel Vasantha Kumari : 05.05.1971 completed one year mandatory Angelin Beulah : 10.02.1999 missionary training in Muzaffarpur Evangelin Blessy : 13.08.2003 and acquired linguistic skill in in the fields of Ahwa, Hanuvatchond, Gujarati language. Pipplewada, Silvasa, Teenpari, Kergham Sis. Mabel Vasantha Kumari and Jawda. was born to Mr. Anbaian & Mrs. God united Baburaj & Mabel through Holy Lizzy Rose of Palliadi village in matrimony on 24.04.1997. After marriage Kanyakumari district. She attended the missionary couple ministered in spiritual convention meetings since different children homes and from 2000 childhood. At 13 she accepted to 2007 at Bilad field. At present the Jesus Christ as her Lord and missionary couple is doing Lord’s work Saviour. As a result of reading the among Varli people group in Dahanu field. biographies of missionaries she inculcated the desire to become God has blessed the missionary couple a missionary and joined FMPB with two daughters. Elder daughter Angelin in 1993. She completed one year Beulah is studying 1st year B.Sc. Nursing missionary training at Bethel Bible and younger daughter Evangelin Blessy Institute at Danishpet, Salem. is studying 8th std. Let us uphold the Later she undertook mission work missionary family in our daily prayers. Friends Focus August 2016 49 Mr. A. Solomon is the son of (late) Mr. Abraham Manickam and Mrs. Arumaikili of West Sivanthipuram, 240 Thirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu. Though born in a Christian family he had no interest in church activities from childhood. He discontinued his college studies and moved to Chennai and then to Mumbai where he joined a pharmaceutical company. He went to a meeting sponsored by Jesus Calls just to see the crowd. A person was Rev. A. Solomon & preaching about the fruit of spirit. Mrs. S. Suganthi & family He felt that he was a sinner. He A. Solomon : 10.02.1967 gave his life to God. He joined S. Suganthi : 15.01.1974 S. Judson Prince : 28.02.1998 Rajasthan Brethren Bible Institute. S. Hudson Boaz : 01.09.2001 Later he moved to Faridabad to work with World Vision. There was a she had hesitation to join. During a youth conference of Pastors in Rajasthan, meeting held at Nagercoil in 1995 she and senior leaders of FMPB had committed her to Lord’s work and joined participated. Through them he came FMPB the same year. After one year to know about FMPB and joined missionary training at Gonda, U.P. she the missionary organization in April worked among Malto people in Barharwa 1995. After one year missionary and Bhagaiya fields in Jharkhand. training at Muzaffarpur in Bihar, he was posted in Barhait, Jeep team On 2nd May 1997 Solomon and Sunganthi and in Sundarpahadi fields working were married. After marriage the couple among Santals in Jharkhand. worked in Sundarpahadi and Beldihe fields in Jharkhand. At present they are working Sis. Suganthi is the daughter of in LTI Chottagagiri, Jharkhand. God has (late) Mr. Manickam and Mrs. blessed the missionary family with two Paackiam at Alangulam village, sons. Elder son Judson Prince is studying Thirunelveli district. At 18 she in B.A. English Literature 2nd year and accepted the lordship of Jesus younger son Hudson Boaz is studying in Christ. Though her parents had 10th std. Please pray for the ministry and committed her to Lord’s ministry family of the missionary. 50 Friends Focus August 2016 Bro. T. Albin was born as 4th child to the parents of Mrs. Santhammal & Mr. Thangamani at Kanjikuzhi, Palliyadi, 241 Kanniyakumari District. He was grown-up with good Christian way of fearing God. When he was 13, he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior in the church convention. He started to do children’s ministry, Sunday school and VBS along with the church. After finishing his DME he was working at Pondicherry in Auro Electronics Company and as a volunteer with FMPB promotion ministry. As he was helping in one of Rev. Albin & the meetings, God called him saying, Mrs. M.Vijaya Rani Family “How many people will you send for Albin : 13.05.1971 ministry, when will you go?” Soon Vijayarani : 21.05.1973 after, he resigned his job and joined Epsiba T. Ziony : 18.08.2000 as a missionary on 27 May 1995 and Emima S. Ziony : 21.12.2001 finished his ministerial training at Evangelin Ziony : 08.10.2010 Muzaffarpur and was posted as field was working in Madurai Medical Lab. She missionary in Chatthisgarh among quit her job and joined the Lord’s Ministry ‘Oraon’ people group in June 1996. through FMPB on 15.03.1996 and finished Sis. M.Vijayarani was born as 4th her training at Jhansi and was helping Prem child to Mrs. Kanaga Rathinam & Mr. Jyoti Medical Team, Barharwa. Muniyasamy, in Madurai in a Hindu Both were united together in marriage on family. Her mother was a secret 19.05.1999 and were posted in Ludeg field Christian and committed her daughter and Home. Later they worked with Sithapur for the Lord. During her 12th std she and Ambikapur fields. And took responsibility regularly attended youth fellowship in of Chattisgarh Region from April, 2007. her teacher’s house. While studying Both have completed their Post graduate BA, with full conviction and regular theological study. After that they worked study of the Bible she took baptism in Utkal Region from Nov. 2012, then from at the Cathedral church, Madurai. On August 2015 working as Zonal Secretary that day she had a call from the Lord of Punjab. They are blessed with three during her personal devotional time daughters. Elder one is Epsiba T. Ziony 11th, through Eze. 2:6, 7. She attended Emima S.Ziony 10th and Evanglin Ziony FMPB Youth meeting at Madurai. God 1st std, studying at Santhosha Vidhyalaya. confirmed His calling to her, while she Please uphold them in your prayers Friends Focus August 2016 51 52 Friends Focus August 2016