A Homely School

A house which,d Äj is int® God’sijes’oj care I;kj is adk abode fuokl of lovegS] the school of holy livingIfo= is thethfor presence ds fo|ky; of heavenly light LoxhZ; izdk’k dh mifLFkfr esa gS 1 Kerith July'14 MessengerCricket gambling of Prayer

In our Bharath nation, different kinds of accidents and deaths are occurring day in and day out. The count of ghastly events has ever increased when compared to the last century, inclusive of politic leaders’ death. Many incidents starting from the death of our “Father of nation”- Mahatma Gandhi, gunshot of woman Prime minister –Indira Gandhi to the gunshot of one of the leaders of Bharatiya Janata Party - Pramod Mahajan had taken place in our country. Not only giant party leaders have passed away but also many small party leaders and ministers have expired. All these losses force us to face difficult situations in our nation. It is indeed a sad thing to know that there is no safety for our political leaders who safeguard us. Also our current generation leaders are threatened by terrorists. It is heartbreaking to know, some of our leaders names are under terrorists list. It is our supreme duty to pray for protection and good health of leaders of our Bharath nation!!! Shall we pray??

Stanley prince annan is one of the pioneer missionary of our organization. He was the youth wing secretary. Now he is sick, due to his old age. Kindly remember him in your prayers.

Kerith July'14 2 Editorial The monthly magazine Kerith is published by the friends missionary prayer band for the benefit of the youth “Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Je- prayer cells. sus did” – I John 2:6 Vision Benny’s father is a man of kind hearted, righteous and justice. He has a great respect from all his near and dear To reach the spheres of India and to ones. Benny is a college going student. He used to ex- imbibe the heavenly manna to our youth, who are the future pillars of “our plain the great traits, good deeds and the status of his Nation”. father amidst his friends. But Benny’s character was contradictory to his fathers’ one. Everyone would tease him saying you are not a worthy son for such good par- Objective ents. A monthly magazine People wonderfully praise our Lord God as to strengthen the Prayer Cells... glorious god, holiest, Justice, righteous, compassion- ate, helping and forgiving God. They think praising

Produced by the greatness of god, His glorious nature and singing This publication solely belongs to Friends Missionary Prayer Band, Chennai.

This publication solely belongs to Friends Missionary Prayer Band, Chennai. FMPB Youth Wing songs of praise is a good worship. And they say doing 25c, Eden Garden, Srinivasa all these things is our duty too. Nagar 5th main Road Trichy - 620 017 But can any father love his son who lives a worst Layout & Design Communication Dept life? Will he not feel bad thinking even after knowing fmpb youthwing call us about my good deeds, why my son doesn’t live a good life? In a similar way, we do praise our God, but do we Private circulation only 9444393227 have the characteristics of Jesus? To live like Him and

Private circulation only 9994388850 single copy Rs.20/- to lead a testimonial life is only a true worship. Yearly subscription Rs. 250/- Without obeying the word of God, doing Gods’ work or praying is meaningless. Living a hypocritical life is www.fmpbyouthwing.org more like living according to the pattern of the world. [email protected] Always lead a truthful life before your heavenly father FMPB FMPB Youth wing, 29,High School Road 45/20 Ebenazer illam, and your worldly father too. God bless you. Ambattur,Chennai-53 Palayam Pillai Nagar, Ph :044-26570404 Ayanavaram,Chennai-23 For contact . . Yours in Him Cell :9841032224 [email protected], +91 9444393227 A.Jesudian For the prayer cell leaders The articles and the prayer points in Kerith are divided for 4 weeks so that you can pray and meditate about them in your prayer cells. The prayer points are in the centre page. The leader can detach and use them during the prayer time. articles in the magazine and share it with others. Meet you every month with new info. Kindly use them and strengthen the prayer cell.

For more Mr. Rajakumar is the principal of a prayer Friends technical training center run by Brakes points read India Limited , a TVS group company. He Focus works amongst children and youth in his spare time.

3 Kerith July'14 Relationship is the crux in Christian families. Family prayer is a very important medium to improve this relationship. But in most of the Christian families, members do not have time to come together in the presence of God. Time seems to be a major factor that is affecting relationship in Christian families. The relationship between parents and children is very important and has to be nurtured for the betterment of the child and the family.Children these days do not want to be close to their parents, they are not willing to openly talk to parents and they do not want to discuss things with parents. Let’s see what is the reason behind this unwillingness. Firstly it is the fact that children feel parents are too old to understand their likes and interests. Now maybe that is true but is it not the duty of Christian children to make their parents understand what they feel and explain it out to them after all they are going to finance it. This attitude can be developed when the commandment, honour your father and mother is at the top of the mind of the children. Parents are the ones who have brought you thus far in life. As little children when you did not know what was good for you ,your parents consulted people and gave the best for you by putting you into good schools. So the strong foundation that you have is because of your parents. Can children forget the parents who have been the cause for their strong foundation. So as youngsters take time to make up your mind not to neglect them, spend time with them, their experience will really be very useful in your decision. They know the world for many more years then you know. Secondly talk to your parents every day. You might be a student in school, college or you may be working. When you get into the habit of sharing what took place during the day with your parents you will be watchful about what you do, you will think twice before doing anything wrong. Share your problems in School, College or work spot with your mother or father, they are better guides than your friends who are just an old as you. When you share your problem with your parents, you have developed an altar where prayers have started going up for you, so your problems will get solved faster with God’s intervention. Thirdly, cut down your time on face book with friends and take time to tell your parents about the latest development in the world. Do what they had done to you while you were young. Talk things like current affairs, sports and other important things with them. Forthly, eat one meal with your parents, meal time is the best time, to openly discuss things, talk your heart out and make your parents feel loved. Appreciate your mother for her cooking, appreciate your dad for something he has done. Parents though you don’t realize have been instrumental in your development, since you were children. Just imagine a situation when as soon as you are born parents decide that you are a liability, and they should not spend too much on you and they put you in an institution when you would not have gained any solid background. How would your life be? You would have to work hard to become something in life. Now your work is half done by parents. Do you realize it? Have you ever thought of it? How many sleepless nights your parents spent when you were down with temperature? How many days of leave they applied for your admission, to coach you for examination, to take you to school when the van driver is not there or when the cycle is punctured. Just flash back on your childhood and you will know how much you owe your parents. Allow your parents to be your friend, philosopher and guide throughout your life. Experience counts for sure. -Eben Kerith July'14 4 1st Week The Fifth Commandment ƒVxºk_!Message kº´[ >V›>V! ®[Á™ Ì©∏‚œ∫Ô·V? In The Ten Commandments ÷_ÁÈ, ÂV[ c[Á™ Ì©∏¶È©√V, º√VF #∫z! ƒVxºk_! received only these Ten Commandments. This happened some >V›>V, ®[Á™ ¿∫Ô 3400 years ago. The first commandment with the promise is Ì©∏‚¶Á> ]ÚD√°D the fifth commandment, which instructs to honor your parents ºÔ‚º¶[. ÷_ÁÈ ƒVxºk_, ∂m ÂV[ in order to live a long life in the land given to you by God. We ÷_ÁÈ, º√VF #∫z! are going to meditate on this commandment for the next four ƒVxºk_! weeks. ÂV[ ÷∫Ô ÷Ú¬ºÔ[ >V›>V, ¿∫Ô ®[Á™ ]ÚD√°D Moses who told the words of God to the people said to them, Ì©∏‚œ∫Ô·V?. “Be diligent in what God has taught you. Do not lean to your ∏´>V™ gƒVˆB[ ∞o, º>k[ left or right” and he advised them such thoughts should not ƒVxºkÁȬ Ì©∏|˛≈VÏ cross their minds. Israelites®[Æ cÏÕm, reached the c[Á™ Sinai desert on the first*ı|D day of ∂kÏ the thirdÌ©∏‚¶V_, month after leaving Is the first commandment with a promise in your heart? Now ÔÏ›>Vºk ÿƒV_KD ∂ΩºB[ many a Christians do not have this commandment. Their Egypt.ºÔ‚˛º≈[ They ®[Æencamped ÿƒV_KD√Ω there, that is, they pitchedÔu∏›>VÏ. their tents there. God looked at parents are also not with them but they are in their old age MosesƒVxºkºÈ! and told ƒVxºkºÈ! him, “Go to the people and home. Hence the most important thing is God’s word should tellÔÏ›>Vºk them to sanctifyÿƒV_KD, themselves ∂ΩºB[ today and be in our hearts. There is no place in our hearts for the word ºÔ‚˛º≈[ ®[Æ ƒVxºk_ because there are so many worldly things in there. tomorrow.̧™V[. Let them wash their clothes and be readygD, for ∂º> the ºÂ´D third day.” Moses The next thong is that we should be diligent enough to follow cameº>k[ down ƒVxºko[ from the mountain ∂Ú˛_ and made God’s commandment because the devil is trying to find ways of kÕm W[Æ ∂kº´V| swallowing people as a prowling lion. The Bible is cautioning theº√ƒ› people ÿ>V¶∫˛™VÏ. to be sanctified ∂[Æ and the people washedx>_ theirƒVxºkKD, clothes. º>k– Moses looked at the us that we should stand firm in our faith and oppose the devil. peopleD ÿ>V¶ÏÕm and said, cÁ´BVΩ™Ï. “Be ready for the third We should be careful enough to walk on the commandments day.ƒVxºk_ Do not approachº>k–Á¶B your wives.” kVÏ›Á>ÁB¬ ºÔ‚| kVµÂV^ that God has given us in such a loud voice. Although this SoxøkmD people were ˇµ©√ΩÕ>>V_ ready for the third day. They was given by God to Israelites 3400 years ago, even now it kept÷¸´ºko[ themselves WBVBV]√]BVÔ, sanctified by washing is applicable to us, in particular the fifth commandment is theiryϬÔ>ˆEBVÔ, clothes and bygƒVˆB™VÔ not approaching their cautioning us even this day as it cautioned in the past. More cBÏ›>©√‚¶VÏ( 1 ƒVx.3:1á14). wives.ƒVxºkK¬z What happened º>k–Á¶B on the third day? over this commandment can be followed in childhood, in teens, On∂Áw©A the third ÿ>πkV™>VÔ day early in the morning in youth and even in marriage. ÷ÚÕ>m. g™V_ ÿ√VmkVÔ Before God gave them these commandments we see that Moses there®_ºÈVÚ¬zD was thunder ∂©√Ω and lightning. Moreover,÷Ú¬ÔVm. a thick cloud upon the prepared the people and sanctified them. Let us also prepare mountains. º>k[ The voice >D \¬ÔÁ·of the trumpet was ourselves to meditate and comprehend without considering exceedingly÷´‚E©A, √ˆ∑›>loud and kVµ°, so the people in the God’s commandments as trivial. Let us sanctify ourselves. ªaBD º√V[≈ √_ºkÆ Moreover diligently teach your children these commandments, campºÂV¬Ô›]uz trembled. ∂Áw›>>VÔGod spoke to them from theºk>D top of ÌÆ˛≈m. the fiery ®m mountain and these speak about it in your house when you are seated in your house, areº>k–Á¶B the Ten ∂Áw©A?Commandments ∞[ that He while walking on the path, when you are lying in your bed and spoke.º>k[ After >\m He ¤™∫ÔÁ· explained to Moses about when you are woken up and tie them as a mark in your hand. Let ∂Áw¬˛≈VÏ? ®[√Á>¬ them be a sign in front of your eyes. Let us also remember what thez§›m commandments ÷©√z]l_ for √VÏ©º√VD. 40 days, He wrote only the Ten Commandments on two God said that they be written on the front doors of your houses stone tablets and gave to Moses. Thus we and let us keep those God’s words in our hearts. 5 Kerith July'14 John Bennett is a professional photographer who appears to be smiling always. Being a proprietor of few photo studios across Kulasekaram, he is the protagonist of this month Professional’s Profile.

He is a son of a pastor and was born and brought up in Kulasekaram, Kanyakumari District. He resides at the same place. So there is no lack for his spiritual activity. Though he was fully involved in Church ministries, he did pray for it. Moreover, sharing the needs of not have longing for personal relationship with mission field, he raises the money and sends God. to them. Many missionaries have risen from During the last year of his college life, the prayer groups. he strengthened in the relationship with Jesus.

After that, Bennett is leading a testimonial life. participation in ministries and zeal started The way he is getting along with elders increasing. or children or whoever it is, it is awesome.

Being appeared always with smiley face, he He opens and starts the studio daily with gives first priority to God in all his works. prayer. Every Tuesday, he conducts a prayer Whatever work he is having when it comes fellowship in his studio. Also he has taken the to ministry work, ministry work responsibility for eight prayer fellowships will be in the first place. across this area. He acts enthusiastically as

an Honorary Promotional Secretary of this His wife also joins in his ministry and place Having busy schedules in studio work acts enthusiastically. Let us congratulate in weekdays, he involves in ministry activities and support this beautiful family Bennett, happily during weekends. He involves in his wife and their 3.5 year old child in prayer. collecting offering for missionaries from people,

finding out new members, visiting the prayer Let us think; Which is having first fellowships which needs encouragement and priority in my life? My own things or things many more. Along with this he is also incharge for God’s for youth in this area. He is leading the young kingdom? volunteer group in this area, coordinating “But seek first His kingdom and camps & crusades and looking after youth His righteousness, and all these prayer fellowships. He encourages the youth things will be given to you as well.” and works in the background. As he has singing - Matthew 6:33 talents, he helps choir team. Not only he goes

for the field visit, he also shares his field work - Agnes experience to his prayers friend and calls the to

Kerith July'14 6 Relationship Between

can be hard sometimes when your parentsParents don’t understand and you or maybe your children don’t talk to youChildren much anymore, whatever it may be, till He dwells in our homes we will always submit to each other. “Genuine relationships are marked by submission. Submission is not about authority and it is not about Along the way you might have obedience; it is all about relationships of love and lost your mom or dad or maybe respect”. These beautiful lines are taken from a wonderful lost your kid, but submit to the Christian novel “The Shack” by WM Paul Young. One who will take you through, for in whom do we find a better That’s the beauty of the relationship of Jesus with father or a friend?? God the Father. They are both indeed submitted to one another. Jesus, while on this Earth, surrendered Or if God’s given us a chance to be everything to His Father’s will and the Father loved and with our parents and our kids, have trusted Him beyond all measure. When they dwell in we submitted ourselves to God our lives, submission is the most natural expression of and them??Because remember, their character and nature and it will be the most natural as we grow in relationship with expression of our new nature in our relationship with Him, the bonds that we share on our parents and our children. this Earth with our parents and children will never be shaken. Sometimes we consider our parents for granted. Sometimes we think they are too old school for our thoughts when they were the channels through whom Tips for parents… God uses to shape us into what we are today. Sometimes • Lead an exemplary life we are too embarrassed to introduce them to our friends • A c c e p t y o u r m i s t a k e s a n d t h e because we don’t think they are cool enough. But God things you don’t know. says in Exodus 20:12 “Honour your father and mother”. All it takes is submission. • E n c o u r a g e t o u s e a n d d e v e l o p talents, create opportunities. As parents, we sometimes don’t trust our children enough • T r u s t t h e m i n m i n o r t h i n g s a n d to let them go. Sometimes we think they can never be train them to handle big things. right. But God expects us to love and trust them just like He trusted His son. All it takes is submission. • Discipline them when they go wrong and show them the right way. Now all of us live in a busy world that leaves us with no • Teach them to forgive and forget time for each other and no time for God. When we spend and make them to love others time with God, the desire to be more like Him burns in us. We ultimately submit ourselves to Him. When we • Teach them that the first love is have submitted ourselves to Him, He becomes the basis to God and guide them to stay away for any relationship; and we learn to submit ourselves to from unwanted relations each other. • Welcome good spiritual resolutions and bless them. Never The greatest love, we know, is our God the Father’s love. be an obstacle to read Bible by He has put us into beautiful homes where His love is giving first priority to studies. made complete in the circle of life. We learn to forgive, we learn to respect, we learn to let go, we learn to trust and love and most importantly we learn submission. It

7 Kerith July'14 Actions of the people who honor’s their parents

A child of God undoubtedly practices the commandment 'Honor your father and mother' in all diligence and accepts his parents just as they are. Moreover, he observes and conditions his heart to live in the light of nine other commandments also, neglecting nothing. He frames his religious life and walks fervently in it and holds a right attitude about his earthly duty towards his parents. So his father rejoices having begotten such a child. 2nd Week Message We can never give joy to our parents if we don’t have the right attitude and perspective towards them. I A person needs a real good heart know a person; he and his wife were placed in a highly to care for his parents. This we reputed profession and were paid very well. The cannot do with our personal man’s mother was with them, who was looked after strength is possible only when by a maid very well. They cared for her by giving we are dependent on God can her a separate room with a television set specially for we honor our parents in such a her. She was given all facilities that they could buy way. with money. But they had no time to spend with her to talk and share their love. They were unmindful of John 15: 4-5 says “Remain in her presence itself in the house. The mother could me, as I also remain in you. No not be happy with the material blessings bestowed branch can bear fruit by itself; it on her. The man failed as a son to understand the must remain in the vine. Neither mother’s expectations to speak, respect, share family can you bear fruit unless you affairs with her. To him honoring his mother is just a remain in me. I am the vine; you duty with no love in it. are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear Those who sincerely honor their parents would be much fruit; apart from me you surely doing the things listed below. can do nothing”. They would Fondly spend their time with their parents, Sit beside and speak lovingly, Require advise for their family problems, Not let them feel alone, Escort them to marriages, church, relatives’ houses, Speak of their praises before others, List out only good deeds and not regard the harms meted out (if any), Allow them to rebuke them just as they had when they were kids, Strive to satisfy their requirements before they would ask for it, Provide nutritious food for good physical health, Check on their health conditions willingly.

Kerith July'14 8 >Ô©√[ >V[ ºÂE¬˛≈ A›]´Á™ E‚E¬˛≈mº√VÈ, ÔÏ›>ÚD ®k[º\_ ∂[A ÌÆ˛≈Vº´V ∂kÁ™fl E‚E¬˛≈VÏ? Solomon á ¿].3:12 Says…

Solomon Says... áAm∑ “Because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.” – Prov. 3:12

King Solomon has uttered many sayings in the book of Proverbs, out of which, the above said verse is one of them. Though this verse might appear like words of a strict father, there is more of love hidden behind it. As the refined gold looks beautiful, the children who are disciplined will also be best in their character. The habit and habitat of this generation makes the children to think that their parent’s advice as a bitter one. None of the father or mother will ever think that their children should be destroyed. It is their over flowing love which they show to their children that would appear like disciplining them.

As a saying, “Will a chicken become lame if the mother hen treads on it?”, likewise, parent disciplining their children will never be dreadful to them rather it will be good to them. In that training process we can see their true love. Sometimes, it is the intention of the parents to grow their children in an ordered way and turns it into an unpleasant situation.

When the gold is being refined in fire, it loosens and allows itself to give a proper shape. Thereby ornaments can be made very skilfully and easily with minute designs over it. In a similar way, the child who has been disciplined will be able to sustain and overcome it in all his difficult situations.

As King David had crossed all difficult situations in his lifetime, we can say that there are no more awful situations that he hasn’t faced. And there is no necessity to explain Solomon, son of King David, about testing the patience in life, as he has already crossed all difficult situations like loneliness, emptiness, fear, hunger and so on. It is thought, Solomon would have been grown in a strict manner. For sure, David would have grown Solomon with the fear of God. And this is what he has reflected in the above said verse.

as a father disciplines his son, our God too disciplines His lovable children. God teaches us to sustain in all situations. And behind every teaching there is a continuous and precious love for us. When we allow God to discipline us, time will no longer delay to give its fruit. God will always give us the strength to overcome all the hardships. Our God is not a forsaking God!!!

9 Kerith July'14 I am a missionary Kid. My dad is working as a missionary in Thane District. They (My Parents) have been away from me since childhood. I missed them a lot in my childhood and I didn’t have anyone to show my love on. Sometimes I think, “Why can’t my dad do some other well paid job. I see my friends enjoying life. They have branded phones and dresses. In hostel, I always wanted my parents to Parents Children Relationship take care of me. I always miss home food. I’m in Children are God’s token of his college now and in every holiday the boys leave to love to a married couple. We strive and their homes. I’ll be left all alone in the college with weary ourselves for our children. But what some friends whose parents are also missionaries. is the definite need of our children? What do children expect from us? All efforts - P.Blessed Sam taken, without the knowledge of their real need is like filling air into a balloon that has holes. Listed below are the simple I want my children to be obedient expectations of few children whom we both as school kids and as college meet recently. going students. Even though studies in important I desire Teacher’s Kid that they posses the desire to My father is working as accomplish something big for a Professor and my Mom is a home God. maker. I’m blessed to have such Pr.Sam Jimreeves, wonderful and caring parents. At Apostlic Fire Fellowship, Tuticorin first, when I was getting into adolescence, my dad thought that Just as it written in Ephesians 6, I wish I should be under his control and my children to obey their parents in the authority. But I was expecting freedom. World’s wisdom Lord. Similarly, I too desire not to prefer teaches that parents should not interfere in children’s to anger instead bring them up in the freedom. Yet, it will be a grievous fault, if children are training and instruction of the Lord. given too much freedom and parents are not a part of that freedom. Friendliness, love and care must be Mrs.Jhansi Devasahayam, provided equally. If parents are a part in their children’s Deputy Tahsildar, freedom, children will share everything what they State Highways, Collectrate, Trichy do - whether it is a happy thing or a sad one. So, the parents should keep them under their control through I am doing Bio-tech. My dad is good advices. I will share each and everything with my a pastor. I am really happy about dad now, because he is friendly and advicingly caring. He believes in me because he doesn’t just makes rules for it. But that I should sacrifice me but becomes an example to me by following them. my joys and desires’ to be his Parents are not cruel, they are just afraid of us going daughter is what I detest most. down to distress and pain. Most of the parent really don’t know how to make their children understand them. We are forced to follow their And children too didn’t understand that. footsteps in ministry. When -Jeffrey ministry is thrust upon us then mission work turns out to be a business where money making, buying house, car, etc becomes the focus of life. I am not for such a life style. If it is in God’s plan then I certainly would be obedient to His calling. I have explained my notion to my dad which he recently has acknowledged.

P.Esther, M.Sc. (Bio.Tec). B.Ed,

Kerith July'14 10 Expectation of an old destitute A Missionary Kid mother… I expect my parents to spend a lot I am Vasanthamma. I have a son of time with me because as missionaries, my and a daughter. My husband passed parents spend lot of time doing office work away due to sickness when I was hardly even during holidays. I get only a little time 27 years old. Now I am 78. I have lived to spend with them. After spending a lot of a life of seclusion, knowing neither time in the hostel even during the holidays, joys nor sorrows and thus brought I am unable to spend lot of time with my up my children. But now I am thrown on the streets. parents. My expectations are not very big, just loving glances as my parents are missionaries, from my children, to hear the sweet voice of my grand sometimes I feel different from other students. children, complacent rest from weary work and a good Because at times, they underestimate me. But tempered daughter-in-law. My son hurls insults at me after studying 12 years in a missionary school, cause I worth him nothing now. All I want from him is I don’t feel much difference. But sometime the respect one would give to an average mother. in the future it can happen ... because ... the first question people ask you is, “How much - Vasanthamma. salary you get?” - Immanuel Titus Parents Children Relationship

I want my children to know that I love them always. I want them to My Name is Emily : My father is be open with me and admit their an LIC auditor and my mother mistakes too. I wish they revere the a housewife. I am their beloved Lord and glorify His name. daughter. I thank god for giving me very good parents. They spend a lot of time with me and speak with me as Dr.Danuja Britto, Ophthalmoligist, a friend. They buy whatever I desire Joseph Eye Hospital, Trichy for. When I am wrong they rebuke me lovingly. There’s just one thing I expect from my dad that he should I am Kumar, a porter at the stop yelling without enquiring into market from childhood. I have a things when thing go wrong. There son and a daughter. I educated is no point feeling bad over split milk! my daughter and my son is -Jeffrey pursuing his higher studies. God only knows the pain I have been through in bringing them this far. I have not known joys from childhood that’s why I want my children to have happy future ahead. I want them to realize the sacrifice I made being a porter in putting them in high posts that they are now enjoying. P.Esther, - Kumar, works for daily wages.

11 Kerith July'14 The summer sun was individuals. The golden rule that the picture is still in our family blazing fiercely and the children must carve in their hearts album. heat was intense right in is- “Children,obey your parents in the morning. It was just the Lord, for this is right, Honor Ishmael who was sent along nine in the morning and your father and mother - which with his mother Hagar with only there was a war going on is the first commandment with a bread and water for a few days, between my son Naveen promise- “so that it may go well with had a lot of appreciable qualities. and daughter Madhu. As a you and that you may enjoy long life Though he was young, he did not result I made Madhu kneel on earth.” talk ill of his father Abraham, he in the scorching heat. My did not give into self pity and he sensitive little girl who Nowadays even small children have did not talk against his mother at starts crying even at the big desires due to the influence of any point even when life seemed slightest provocation cried the friends in schools. They have bleak and hopeless. The Bible her heart out when Rt. Rev. thousands of wishes like expensive says that he walked with his Mathew who is now one of dresses, tasty food, a lovely two- mother all the time. the senior pastors of C.N.I wheeler and they also want to take Churches came to visit us. part in all activities like sports and There is one strong reason why He was then working as the school/ college tours irrespective our children had a wonderful manager of two industries. of the cost. We have to honor their parent-child relationship. That My wife saw him at a wishes to a certain extent but we reason is Power Time. Twice distance and asked me to let must also know where to draw the every month Jyothi, Caleb, Madhu go. But I did not let boundary. We must guide them to Ideline and I sat facing each other her go saying that only then make the right choices in their life and told each other about the she will realise her mistake. for the betterment of their future. nice things we had noticed each As he entered he told me, The desire of the children must be to other doing. Everyone would say “ Brother, why have you make themselves better and thereby a prayer of praise to God. The made the poor child to kneel reaching great heights in future next stage was a little tough in the hot sun? Please ask and not for merely materialistic and time. Everyone should tell each her to come in.” The agony pleasure giving activities. They must other all of the shortcomings of my daughter in front learn to create the right balance they had seen in the others and of the guest that morning between work and fun. how they need to change. We was immeasurable. The needed lots of patience during thoughts of that incident Once, Naveen was awarded third this time as we cannot justify our bring tears to my eyes even prize in his school annual day mistakes but instead we must now. celebration. He took part in a skit sit listening quietly. We end this too. His teacher wanted him to wear session by supporting each other In Ephesians 6:4 Paul a brand new black pant, white shirt, in prayer. These sessions we teaches us, “Fathers, do not black bow and black shoe. I was had in God’s presence helped us exasperate your children; out of station and my wife did not to become closer to each other, instead, bring them up in have the needed money in hand. My strengthen our family bond, the training and instruction wife did not get perplexed, instead nurture the good things we did of the Lord.” Sometimes she calmly advised our son, prayed and cast away the unwanted we hurt our own children with him and convinced him that she actions and speech. This became physically and mentally would get ready the shirt, pant and a time of promise for us. beyond limits. Living our shoe he already had in such a way life as a role model to them, that they would look new. Lastly, Dear brothers and sisters, try the right advice and mild they had to buy the bow but they practicing this in your homes. punishments will help them were not able to find it any shop Your family will stand tall like to grow into wonderful they went. So they bought a black a pillar. You will be like the ribbon and stitched it in shape of a lamp on a stand giving light to bow. Naveen went to school happily thousands and thereby bringing without complaining. Teacher was many into the kingdom of God. also pleased with his appearance. He looked very handsome and that Power Time Memories -Rev.John Kirubakaran Kerith July'14 12 1st Week Prayer Points For FMPB’s Leadership training centre...

In the year of 1989, under the initiation of FMPB, the first Leadership Training Centre was started in Bhippalvada village in Gujarat to train the believers, church elders and local ministers thereby raising them as leaders. After that some training centres were started amongst people groups who showed keen interest in Gospel works. With the help of well-trained missionaries, syllabus is being framed and is taught in the centres. Many local ministers learnt these courses formally and are now serving as church pastors and church assistants in various places. Lets Praise God for the present 13 training centres that are functioning perfectly under FMPB. The Vision of our training centres: 1. To raise local ministers, preachers and church elders as solid spiritual leaders. 2. To train them to be perfect in their mission work. 3. To build the best leadership in all mission fields. 4. To prepare the next generation leaders. 5. To raise the church youth for doing mission work. 6. To raise good leaders from the worship teams and from the talents of believers in our churches. 7. To impart proper biblical knowledge and to make them understand and differentiate false preaching or blasphemies. 8. To build all churches as missionary churches. Leadership training centre... Saangvi Leadership Training Centre , Maharashtra, Mr.Ravikumar & Family Gurubarapettai Leadership Training Centre, Karnataka, Mr.Paul Kuppusamy & Family Bhippalvada Leadership Training Centre, Gujarat, Sis.Mary Stella Bokdi Leadership Training Centre, Gujarat, Mr.Jeevarathinam Bero & Family Igathpuri Leadership Training Centre, Maharashtra, Mr.Sanjeepkumar & Family Periyamalai Leadership Training Centre, Tamilnadu, Mr.Arumainayagam & Family Haryana Leadership Training Centre, Haryana, Mr.Raja Edwin Moses & Family Chottagagari Leadership Training Cantre, Jharkhand, Mr.Arulaanantham Venkatesan & Fmaily Punjab Leadership Training Centre, Punjab, Mr.Thalbeersingh & Family Mathya(Central)PranthiaLeadership Training Centre, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, Mr.Ameerkanth Tikal & Family Chandikola Leadership Training Centre, Jharkhand, Mr.Albert Prabhakaran Kariraabani Missionary Training Centre, Jharkhand, Mr.Gunachandra Bai & Family Prayer Points: 1. To perfectly fulfill all the plans of our leadership training centres and to raise the best Christian leaders from all the churches. 2. For all the elder missionaries who teach in the centres and their spiritual knowledge. 3. For the church elders and local ministers who are working in the mission fields every year. 4. For God to protect their family, ministry and mission field during their training days. And for the next generation missionaries who can work on their stead. 5. For God to supply all their needs completely in all leadership training centres.

13 Kerith July'14

2nd Week Prayer Points For Doctors…. (Man earns through Gods’ healing) National Doctors Day, In India, the National Doctors' Day is celebrated on July 01 to honour the legendary physician and the second Chief Minister July-01 of West Bengal, Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy. He was born on July 1, 1882 and died on the same date in 1962, aged 80 years. Dr Roy was honoured with the country's highest civilian award, Bharat Ratna on February 4, 1961. This observance fulfills a need to show the doctors and physicians in our lives how inevitable they are to us and how invaluable their treatments are that cure us. The celebrations are indicative of the respect that they command in the lives of their patients and thus encourage them to fulfill their responsibilities as well. There are several ways that this day is observed, including the greeting of physicians by their patients with greeting cards, flower arrangements. Special meeting are often convened to honor doctors for their performances. Special dinners are also arranged to felicitate the medical fraternity. The large population of India depends on the efficiency and responsibility of physicians. Medical professionals in India over the years have shown remarkable improvements and laid milestones in their career. It may also be seen as an encouragement and an eye opener to all such doctors who have been struck by a failing career owing to a lack of commitment. Public violence and protests against doctors were also there when they have failed to perform. This day could be seen as an approach by the same people as a mark of respect for all those doctors who have relentlessly made efforts to sustain the life of their patients against all circumstances. A statistical data according to 22 September 2013 says there are 6.65 lakh doctors in India. India stands at the 87th position in the world’s medical growth. India has contributed doctors for many of the developed countries. There are many doctors in North India whereas in the East its very scarce.

For Praise For Pray • For the unskilled doctors who work in the remote places of North India. • Those who have dedicated their • Those who work for revenue to work with dedication. life and revenue for the field of • Pray for disciplined lifestyle should be followed. medicine. • Pray for efficient doctors to join in their services. • Those doctors who has involved • Pray for the medical department to be free of corruption. themselves in research for the social • Pray for the doctors who have studied here and working welfare. in abroad for money. • Those doctors who has involved • Pray to stop drug trials carried out over the patient themselves in social service. unknowingly. • Those doctors who strive to • Pray that all the patients must be treated equally and not depending upon their money, religion and caste simplify the complications in diseases. • Like Jesus, pray the let the doctors have compassionate heart towards the patients. • Those doctors who visit the • Pray for the doctors who make the patients to wait for mission fields and provide free their own cause. medicine for the converts and their • Pray for the medical colleges who sell medical seats for hospitals. money. • For the 6.65 lakh doctors in our • Pray for the ruthless doctors to repent, who steal and country. sell the vital organs like kidney. • Pray that the hospitals should be built in places where there is necessity. Kerith July'14 14 3rd Week Prayer Points

People of the Month Dungraphil

Of all the people, the Dungraphilites listen to Gospel very eagerly. They live on the southern banks of River Narmada which passes Prayer points: through Vindhya Satpura Mountain. They are assumed to have Pray for migrated from Mathuvad in Madhya Pradesh, and they spread across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat states. They 1. a change in their worship spirits, predominantly ‘Bhathasiyadev’, ‘Neerpdev’, and superstitious beliefs. ‘Pansdev’ and the like. They also worship idols like ‘Rajbanda’, ‘Devmugara’, ‘Maatha’, ‘Kumbai Kundarana’, ‘Kajal’ and 2. their economic ‘Paaplakadiya’—a god under a tree. development. 3. their freedom They do farming in the mountain slopes. All their hard work in from drug addiction, their dry farm does not give them a good yield. Due to water smoking and adultery. scarcity, they bring water from faraway places and there are a number of deadly diseases spreading through water. A peculiar 4. water scarcity disease which makes a wound septic very soon is common here. and freedom from They drink liquor prepared from ‘Mahua’ flower (Honey/Butter waterborne diseases. tree). Everyone from elders to children is into smoking. Gambling 5. the Government and adultery are their entertainment. to take measures to They speak Dungraphil, a dialect. Education not being taught in educate them in their their mother tongue is a cause for their underdevelopment. It’s own language. rare to see people who have studied up to Grade 5, and people 6. translation works to who have studied up to Grade 10 are just a handful. Teachers are be completed soon. sent here to teach as court-ordered service. As many teachers are sent here as a punishment, they show least interest in the students’ education and this serves as an impediment for the students’ development. Married men do not pronounce their wives’ name as they superstitiously believe it would lead to the Peculiarity in death of their wives. Creation… Friends Missionary Prayer Band is working among these people A finding of a research says from the year 1989. Gospel is being preached by screening Jesus that naturally Goose is a film, night meetings, Sunday worships, special prayer for the sniffer, with exceptional diseased and through more channels. Amidst great difficulties eye sight so they squawks and hurdles, Bible is being translated into their mother tongue. when they sniff strangers, Now, New Testament is used in churches and the Old Testament and the research says is being translated. Adult education classes are conducted in that only the owners can villages. So we can soon expect a revived Dungraphil community. control squawking. Chinese Uphold in your prayers for their revival. Police use geese in their investigations.

15 Kerith July'14 4th Week Prayer Points

The Growing trend of Parenting Schools

“Children grow up”, “The one who planted the prayer, Bible every day and other tree will water it” – these are all sayings of old times. virtues such as sharing, caring and But now -a-days parenting has turned out to be a skill loving one another should also be which has to be learnt. Bringing up children in today’s taught. Parents should not make circumstances is no doubt a challenging task. Back in their children turn selfish instead it days, the elders in the house were helpful in bringing is the duty of the parents to bring up children. But now, young parents seeking for help them up in a way they become god has now turned up to search the internet. It has become fearing, loving and protectors of quite common to find schools for parenting at places like nature and environment. Chennai, Trichy, Madurai, Coimbatore, Salem, Erode and Kerala. Are parenting schools really necessary? Prayer Points: Today everyone is facing many problems which 1. Pray for parents who are our older generation did not face. For example, both burdened by heavy work pressure father and mother are working in a stressful job, lack and stress of spending quality time with children, unable to understand the present scenario. If this is what the 2. Pray for children who feel parents face, children are also disobedient, arrogant, insecure about their parents care adamant, careless, wayward and ill-mannered these days. and support for them. Parenting schools teach parents to understand the 3. In today’s world, where the needs of their children and the proper ways to fulfil it, generation gap between parents the importance of the dignity of a child and ways to and children keeps increasing, let us protect it, to bring out the creative talents in children, pray for families to look unto god’s ways of parenting like sibling rivalry, proper food habits. word for guidance and wisdom. All these are taught by experts to enhance the parent and children relationship. Instead of abusing verbally, 4. Pray that devil should not threatening, terrorising and punishing children alternate destroy families. ways of handling various issues are taught. 5. Pray for the awareness of Experts say, treating children with dignity and parenting schools among people. just by listening to everything they say, solves half the problems. Knowing that young parents are struggling in The young generations upload their the ways of bringing up their children, certain corporate personal details using crypts, sign establishments like Ashok Leyland, Infosys conduct languages which their parents can’t parenting programmes for their employees. understand. But it results it cyber- Christian parents can excel in bringing up their attack so we need be careful. So children with the help of the word of god (Bible). parents of the kids using Internet, Children should also be taught the importance of family Beware!!

Kerith July'14 16 INDORE is the commercial capital of Madhya Pradesh. Economic liberalization has made 21 countries to invest in this city. There are many private industries here. It is this city in India first to be privatized for collection of road toll tax and telephone network. Indore is called as little MUMBAI. The name Indore is came from the Indhareswar temple which was build by VEDMANUJ in 1741.

The only Indian city to have both Indian Management Institution and Indian technical institution. There are many schools, Engineering colleges and Medical Institutions in Indore. The head office of Indian volley ball academy is in Indore. It also has a world class volley ball stadium.

Indore’s spicy snacks and sweets are equally famous-Bengali, Rajasthani and Mohals, sweets are available in plenty. National Festivals like holi, fizaki, Rakshabandhan, Navrathri, Dasara, Diwali and Ramzan are celebarated with great interest. The city also has a beautiful palace LALBAG which has about 200 acres of land. The entrance gate of that palace is similar to that of Buckingham palace. The world’s greatest Ganesha statue is POPULATION : 2,160,631 here. Popular actor Salman Khan was born here. MALE LITERACY RATE: 95% FEMALE LITERACY RATE: 84% Prayer points HINDUS : 80% MUSLIMS : 14% 1. thousands of people are coming to see JAINS: 3% Ganesh statue from all over India. Let us pray that these people may know Lord Jesus. FOR INDORE… 2. there are more educated people. They may have the knowledge of Lord Jesus atleast in the paper level. But let us pray that they may realize that Jesus Christ is the true God. illegally. Let us pray that this may change. 3. 16% of people are not having sanitation 5. let us pray that electricity poles and street facility. Let us pray that the Government should lights be placed in all streets. build toilets for them. 6. drinking water is not shared to 20% 4. electricity is distributed only to 40% of people daily. Pray for proper rain so that of people. 60% of people are using electricity Government can distribute drinking water daily. Allen

17 Kerith July'14 Flash3rd Week Message Prayer Points 1. 70% of people working in coal-mines suffer from kidney problems and 30% suffer from high blood pressure. 2. Most of the railway workers are made to work for more than 48 hours. 3. 35% of women who do abortions are single or unmarried. 4. For the past 10yrs more than 10,200 children have lost their close relatives in battle / war. 5. Each year more than 2500 left hand users die because of using appli- ances made for right hand users. 6. Since 1970, because of global warming the drought area of the earth has doubled. 7. India is first among the first ten developing countries in disposing black money. 8. 50% of children under age 5 are stricken by polio through it may attach any one of any age. 9. According to national census 1/3 of slum people do not have toilets. 64% of these houses do not have proper drainage. 10. In 2013 people living in poverty have been subject to medical tests like nowhere else. 11. Pray for Jammu, Samba field missionary John Benin’s 3 yr. old daughter Caroline who is often suffering from Pneumonia and also for her fluent speech. 12. There are nearly 800 dailies in India. Pray for those who take money and print wrong news. 13. One survey shows that there are nearly 1 crore unemployed people in T.N. Pray that they should get good jobs. 14. Each day the number of beggars is increasing in bigger cities. 15. Pray for safety of people working in cracker units. 16. Pray for good health and wisdom of missionaries involved in trans- lation ministry. 17. Pray for safety of missionaries. Believers should stand firm in faith through opposition. 18. Pray for children studying in FMPB hostels. 19. Kerith Magazine is published in Tamil, English and Hindi. Pray for writers, translators, designers who help to publish it. 20. For children of prayer group members, hostel children, believers and missionaries children who enter a new academic year.

Kerith July'14 18 3rd Week Message Bible and the Fifth Commandment

was strict to those who curse their parents during the Old Testament era. The same time those who honor parents will receive good things and long life. We can classify the Ten Commandments into two parts. First four are in one and other six in second. In Matthew 22:36, in order to test Jesus one of the Jewish lawyers asked him, “which sort of commandment is great and important in law?” And Jesus replied to him, “You shall love your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with In the last 2 weeks we have seen your entire mind. This is the great and important how God used Moses to give commandment. And the second one is, you shall Israelites the 10 commandments love your neighbour as yourself. These two and how we need God's grace to commandments sum up and upon them depend all keep the commandments. Word of the Law and the Prophets. God would be in the hearts of those who honor their father and mother. We have also seen few things done You shall love your neighbour as yourself. by a person to his parents who keep In this commandment, the fifth to the tenth the first law containing a promise commandments are included. If we truly honor our within it. In this week, we shall try parents, we will fulfill all these commandments. In to understand this commandment Leviticus 19:2-3, God says “Say to all the assembly deeply on the basis of the word of of the Israelites, You shall be holy, for I the Lord God. your God am holy. Each of you shall give due respect to his mother and his father, and keep My Sabbaths holy. I the Lord am your God. Again in the epistle written In these verse, we can find the word “Due to Ephesians, Apostle Paul reminds respect”. This word is translated as fear in Tamil. us about this commandment, If youngsters fear their parents, it is sure that “Honor your father and mother they will not do anything wrong. In Timothy 5:8, which is the first commandment Apostle Paul says “Anyone who does not provide with a promise, so that it may be well for their relatives, and especially for their own with you and that you may live long household, has denied the faith and is worse than on the earth...” This commandment an unbeliever.” warns us indirectly that we will not live long and it will not be well Bible clearly says this in both Old and New with us if we don’t honor our father testaments. Let us learn what the Word of God and mother. Moreover, it is written says and be seen as a doer of it. May God give us in Exodus that a person who beats long life! or curses his parents must be put to death. We read the same in Leviticus 20:4. So the punishment

19 Kerith July'14 Question & answer Dear Kerith editor, I attended the state convention last year and submitted myself to work as a full time missionary. I felt very happy. But in the days to come I had to face several problems in my life and my parents displeasure -Veronica Clement in me to do God’s ministry as a full time missionary, has raised doubts in me about my decision to join the missionary work. Hence please ad- vise me on how to stand steadfast in this decision. - Nithya, Namakkal Dear Nithya, fulfill God’s plan in our country, removed and the Lord himself The life that we live is very India. Even before this world came goes before you and makes all short lived. It is full of troubles. to being, the lord has known you the crooked paths straight. It is comparable to a grass and and he has a big plan for you. Your It is very important shadow. Man does not have the life is in his hands. Phil 2:13 says, to be filled with knowledge authority over the spirit. He does for it is God who works in you to understand his will. Hence not also have authority over the both to will and to do of his good according to Col 1: 9, do not day of his death. In Ecc 8:8, it pleasure. Hence you who had heard cease to pray for you, and to says we do not know when we God’s earnest cry to who shall do desire that you might be filled shall leave this world. Hence my work, had accepted to submit with the knowledge of his will in this unstable life, God has a yourself to do His ministry as full in all wisdom and spiritual purpose in each one life. time missionary has not taken this understanding. The Lord who A missionary named decision all by yourself. But it is had called you for doing his Henry Martin, whose wedding the Holy Spirit, that dwells in you ministry will surely lead you was solemnized, was cancelled has revealed God’s plan to you. perfectly. He is a true God. because the girl refused to You should understand this very The parents are ready marry him just because he clearly. Be careful to be firm in His to send their children abroad for had committed himself to do call, according to II peter 1:10, jobs. They do not discourage ministry. He then came down to Therefore, my brothers, be all the them by saying that their India at the age of 24 and without more eager to make your calling children are still very young losing his heart he did the Lord’s and election sure. For if you do and cannot decide on their own. ministry tirelessly along with these things, you will never fall. But for doing God’s ministry missionaries like William Carey For Queen Esther the parents tell their children that it and David Brown. He translated circumstances were not favorable is not necessary to go to North the New Testament into parsis and she was even ready to die, but India, but instead earn very language. He fell very sick and committed herself completely to well and donate big amount for died at 31 yrs. Though his life do His will. She was firm to fulfill ministry. At times even other was very short, he fulfilled the God’s plan. At last she won and ministry workers are called to Lord’s purpose and will in his everything changed towards the advice them. life. His achievement for God was end. I will teach you, and very great. Only because of a lot You who have committed lead you in the path that you of missionaries like him, who yourself to minister, among those shall walk. I shall keep my eyes had come to India and ministered who had been held captive by upon you and instruct you, says with much sacrifice, we as God’s Satan will have to face unfavorable our Lord. This Lord, wondrous children have experienced circumstances. Most importantly works are magnificent. His salvation and live with much your parents will not accept your thoughts are Great and awe to burden for those souls who have decision. Hence once you are sure us. He shall lead you according not accepted Christ. of your call you have to pray and to his will and kings and nations Today this country is in wait upon the Lord. You should shall come to Him through you. our hands. In this much needed also get up early in the morning Read Isaiah 43 1-5, and hour, our purpose should be to and pray that all the hurdles be pray. Do not lose heart.

Kerith July'14 20 Beautiful Family…

This is about a family that trusts in Jesus, the foundation of all families in heaven and earth. This family consists of a couple and the hearts of all the people their 5 deaf and dumb children. gathered were with Jesus who Every day the parents spend died in the cross. (Deut 6:6-8; American quality time with their children, Prov 22:6) president George at that time they used to teach Washington was the kids a song in sign language “My first pointing towards their 3 fingers shot by a Red in the middle of their hand. recollection is, Indian 3 times when I was born my One, Two, Three but in vain. mother prayed that When asked what Jesus loves me; I should become protected him, Jesus in the middle died for me. a faithful servant he said “My 80 Likewise they taught them about of Lord and taught yrs old mother our Triune God – The Father, The me John 3:16 while Son, and The Holy Spirit. They is praying for also sang a song that reveals the I sat on her lap” me”. George love of our God through whom we Newmale Hall Washington get our salvation. With love they taught them how to hold Jesus in difficult times by showing Jesus in their left hand and holding tightly Who did this Miracle? the middle finger of the right hand. The neighbours always used to ridicule their activities and The Lord gave Life they always said that it is vain to In the village of Kapandalapur in the district of teach the kids about these things Katempur in Uttar Pradesh lives a couple named and they also thought that it is a waste of time. The parents never Veer Singh and Neelam. Few days earlier they had took a note of their mockeries, a beautiful boy baby. But the baby was a still born they wholeheartedly taught their baby. The doctors tried to revive the child in many children about Jesus and His love. ways. But the child did not respond to the medication So what happened? One day the nor show any movement. The doctors concluded children were all alone in their that the child was dead and sent them home. The home and suddenly the home was in fire. Hearing about this parents came home with tears to bury the child. The fire accident the fretful parents believers nearby gathered together and prayed with rushed back to their home in tears for the baby. In a few moments the child showed anxiety. When they went into the some movements. The Lord heard the prayers and home to see the children they saw answered to it by giving life to the child. The child the 5 children holding the middle started to cry. Now the child is healthy finger of the each other and they were dead by holding each other’s middle finger. From that day 21 Kerith July'14 4rt Week Message 4rt Week Message TEENS PAGE The most c hallenging phase of a person's life is Adolescence. It is a phase between childhood and adulthood. All young ladies and gentlemen (girls and boys) between the ages of 13 and 19 years fall under this group. It is in this phase that the physical and mental makeup of a person evolves. A girl grows into a woman and a boy into a man, and each of us develops our own character and identity during this interesting 'teen-age' phase. In this important stage of life, one of the questions the teens repeatedly ask themselves is, “Who am I?". "Am I doing the right things in life?" . If the parents realize this need of their children, to carve their own niche in life, and help them grow as a person, they can ease into their roles as an inspiration for their children. Generally 'teens' do not like their parents pestering them about an unfinished chore over and over again like a broken record. Parents do not do this as overlords but as they care deeply for their children. But, the teens start yelling and shouting and turn their houses into war zones.

A few points to avoid this: * Finish the work given to you by your parents as soon as possible. * Do not yell at them to "Shut Up!" * Listen to all that they have to say. * Look into their eyes while talking. * If needed, be the first to apologise. Over protective parents: This type of parents makes a long list of "Do's" and "Dont's" for their adolescent children. This is not meant to punish their children, but in their anxiety to prepare them to face the worst in this wicked world. As teens allay their fears by listening to whatever they tell you. Help them realize that you are consciously gearing up for the future. This will create some space for you. Accept challenges and carry them out to the best of your abilities. Points to note for parents: * We should approach teenagers with patience, understanding and trust. * Give small responsibilities to the adolescents at home and enable them to take decisions on their own. * Youngsters who grow in a loving family with good parental support become responsible adults when they start their own family. * Sit and dine with your children. It improves their scholastic performance. * The youth of today are under a lot of stress. Understand their feelings and try helping them out. * Let them make decisions in certain affairs. Allow them to join in family discussions and pay heed to what they say. * Punish them less, encourage them more. Celebrate even seemingly trivial triumphs with them. They need your backing and acceptance. * Treat them like adults. This helps to boost their self confidence. * Seek God's guidance. Pray with your teens. Encourage them to pray. Help them learn to depend on God for everything by praying with them. Points to note for teenagers: * Inspire confidence in your parents by doing your work by yourself without seeking their help. Then they will allow you to do the things you want to do. * Share your secrets with your parents. Do not hide anything. Give them the joy of knowing everything about you. * Introduce your friends to your parents. Once they get to know your friends, their trust in you will increase. The Promise : Children, obey your parents implicitly just like Jesus did. Help them and fulfil your duties till the very end. Inherit the blessings mentioned in Exodus 20:12. Memorize Ephesians 6:3, meditate upon it and live as children who love their parents and bring joy to them.

Kerith July'14 22 4th Week What does it mean Message "To honour"?

You might've read about a young man named Saravana Kumar at school. His story has been told in the epic 'Ramayana'. Both his parents were advanced in years and had lost their eye sight. They, however, wanted to visit all the 40 pilgrim centres in India. To fulfil their wishes Saravana Kumar tied a basket at each end of a long sturdy pole, placed his parents in them and carried them on his shoulders. Saravana Kumar was not a Christian but he was willing to sacrifice his desires to bring happiness to his parents. Joseph was second-in-command to the Pharaoh later, when they depart from of Egypt but he still honoured his father. Joseph this world. Therefore, today is presented his two sons, who were born to him in the day to honour your parents. Egypt, to his father, for his blessings. He then bowed DO NOT PROCRASTINATE. down prostrate before his father. Those who learn to If you feel you need to pay respect their parents also honour their parents-in-law your elderly parents a visit do and all elders. When Moses' father-in-law (Jethro) it immediately. Honouring them came to visit him in the wilderness, Moses went out means to understand them also. to meet him and bowed down and kissed him (Exodus Adolescents these days fail to 18:7). Moreover, when Jethro saw Moses judging the realize this and do not understand people from morning till evening he advised him to the immense difference in decentralize the whole procedure. Moses paid heed to culture between now and the his advice and followed whatever he said. time of their parent's youth. Adolescents claim that their The important lesson to be learnt from the first parents don't understand them. example is Sacrifice. The Generation X (people born The lesson from the second example is Respect. from 1965 to 1984) encounters The take home message from the third example is to this difficulty now. pay heed and listen to sound advice. Therefore, young men and women, consider it a blessing that Anyone who wishes to honour his parents would your parents are with you and follow these things. honour them in all circumstances. There are some more ways to honour our parents. The Fear them and submit to them first among them is to accept them as they are. Your and you shall escape from many parents might be illiterate, financially backward, ill wicked happenings. The Lord's mannered, addicted to bad habits and may even put you hand shall be with them. down in front of your friends always. You might ask if it is possible to honour such parents. The question should not be "Is it possible?" But ,"How can I?". This is because it's a command from God. There is a sense of urgency in this command. Our parents might not be with us forever. We might disregard them whilst they are with us and regret 23 Kerith July'14 Hezekiah was born in a Hindu priest family in Valanad village of Tuticorin district. From childhood he was taught about all the spiritual rituals so he grew up with a very strong faith in Hinduism. When he studied in a school at Dohnavur, he attended a youth meeting and came to know about the love of Jesus Christ which led him to his salvation. Later when he was attending a mission meeting conducted by FMPB, he came to know about the need in North India. He committed his life to the God’s calling, “Who will go for me?” and decided to go as a missionary for the Lord’s work. Since, he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior he was abandoned by his family and had to come out of the house. Even in that difficult situation he was firm in his commitment. In 1988 he joined FMPB as a full time missionary. After completing 1 year training in Bethel Bible College, he married Esther from Tuticorin in 1990. Together as a family they started towards Rajmahal Hills in Jharkhand state to work among Malto tribes. In those days the Malto tribes were heavily affected by deadly diseases like Cholera and Malaria, and were dying in large numbers in every village. He preached the love of Jesus Christ to them and led them to accept Him. Malto tribes were addicted to “drinking” and they did not have good hygiene. The teachings of gospel changed their lives and they gave up the drinking habit which they used to do as a family. Through songs he taught the love of Christ; even though many of them were not educated they were touched by the love of Jesus through these songs. Many started experiencing the salvation and got baptized. They left their stealing habits and started with farming for their living. All their drinking and drug habits were changed. They realized the importance of education and started sending their children to schools. We need to remember the Malto believers in our prayers, so that they can stay firm in their faith. We also need to pray especially for the younger generation to live a witnessing life for Jesus Christ. During the initial period the missionary experienced strong resistance to preach the gospel. Magicians and other people who are against the gospel were continuously working towards the closure of gospel presentation. Once when the missionary family was traveling in a bus to visit a mission field, they were stopped by a group of thieves. The thieves asked all the passengers to get down and started beating them to get all their possessions. He started praying to the Lord to protect them; the Lord saved them without any harm from the thieves. Many times he was infected by Malaria, but each time he prayed faithfully and God heard his humble and faithful prayer and gave him good health. Because of his Love for the Lord and Malto people he served among them for so many years. Currently, he is doing his final year biblical studies in Bethel Bible College. Please pray for his studies. Moreover, he still has the thirst to go and proclaim the good news for the people who have not heard the gospel even once. Pray for his family and for God’s grace on his loving daughters Mercy and Merlin.ON DUTY Young people need to commit their lives to God, One life that is for Christ; and all their talents have to be used for His glory. Wherever they are placed they have to serve and glorify the Lord, this is his desire for young people. - David

ON DUTY Kerith July'14 24 Dishonoring Parentsd -Hannah Marcus

“Honor your father and mother that you may have a long life “ Ex 20:12

This is one of the Ten Commandments which children are not willing to share responsibilities at home. God has placed as must for every person until Children of current generation spend lot of money, their parents are alive. use expensive gadgets, mobile phones with internet “Happy is the man with a level-headed son, sad connection, spending more time on whatsapp, Facebook the mother of rebel” Prov 10:11. etc… Some children have unwanted relationships, watch pornography, smoke, lie, cheat their parents, lazy, The prime characters of a child who dishonor neglectful and so on. They talk back to the parents the parents are rebellious, arrogant, and instantaneously and never prefer to take parent’s advice. disobedient. Here is a brief conversation that They have an attitude like “I KNOW EVERYTHING” & happens usually between parent and the child... “I DON’T HAVE TO BE TAUGHT”. Some of them are Mom: Dory….. No response absolutely out of control. Mom: Dory….. No response What would be the God’s perspective towards children Mom: Dory….. No response who dishonor their parents? Mom: Dory….. No response In 1 Sam 2: 12 to 17, sons of Eli are good examples of who overpowered their father in Temple affairs which Mom: Dory….. No response was not right in God’s sight. In addition, they lived an Dory: What Mom?????? arrogant and uncontrollable life. Mom: How many times should I call you….. 1 Sam 3: 11 to 18. Eli’s sons were doomed & condemned as God did not spare their sinful ways. Children think Dory: I was busy watching TV…. that their parents belong to the previous generation and Mom: Can you clean this place as we are going therefore they think their contributions and instructions to have guests at home in a short while???? are now obsolete. But God clearly instructs that every son and daughter MUST honor their parents however Dory: I can’t….. I am busy now the parents are uncivilized, unfair, addicted, sick, old This is just a simple version of any child fashioned, unemployed, divorced, separated and etc. responding to his/her parent’s call where It’s the bounded duty of the child to respect and treat parents with due reverence. Jesus though was the Son of God He never took advantage of His position and he always respected his parents, shared responsibilities at home, paid due respect ON DUTY at all times and was obedient to them in every step. Are we dishonoring our parents??? If so, what ways??? God is giving a chance to realize and confess both to - David your parents and to God. Take a firm decision today to honor your parent at any circumstance both favorable and even under shameful situations. By this you honor GOD your creator.

25 Kerith July'14 Ponytail or Bald..?

There is a big statue in New York City, USA, with two large wings. The head of this statue has a long braid of hair in its front but is bald behind. It appears to be flying fast with it's big toes touching the ground. An inscription is written below which says,"Opportunity". What does it mean? "I am Opportunity and I am flying rapidly towards you. When I come near you, if you hold on tight to my hair I will stay with you. But once I pass by, you will not be able to get hold of me as my head is bald behind." Ourfamily life on earth as parents, children and with siblings is a wonderful opportunity that God has given us, in his grace, to enter into eternal life, together, as a family. The only condition to grab this opportunity is to obey God's Word. God had placed this as an important commandment in the hearts of our first-parent (Gen 2 :16,17). But, they paid heed to the serpent, disobeyed God and so sin entered into the world. They let slip the opportunity at hand. That has affected us, their children, from generation to generation(From Cain- the first murderer). Just as how the different parts of the body depend on each other, so are the different members of the family. Just as the whole body suffers when one organ is affected, the mistakes of one person affects the whole family. (I Cor12:26;Jer 32: 16). By the Grace of God, again an opportunity was given to Noah. Noah obeyed God and made full use of this opportunity to save his entire family from destruction. (Gen 6: 8,18 ; 7: 5,13,23). Later this opportunity was given to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Joshua and many others too. Like the apostles,the many disciples of Jesus, thousands of missionaries across the centuries gone by and it has now been given to us. That’s why, "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honour your father and mother- which is the first commandment with a promise- that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth. Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord" ( Eph 6: 1-4). "Family" is a beautiful arrangement for man from God.( Mark 10:8; Gen 2:23a,24b). As there is a difference between a deformed limb and a perfect limb, on the day of reckoning, there will be a distinct difference between a family where all the members are saved by Grace and a family which is not. Just as God enquired Cain about Abel, he shall enquire us about our family too. We cannot escape(Gen 4:8-15). Therefore, let us pay heed to the Word of God and let us utilise the opportunity given to us wisely in this life that we live. Let us be ready for the Judgement day and pray that our family would play a small vital role in bringing the millions of families in India to Christ. Let us think and act! May God grant us His grace to seize and make use of the opportunity before it passes by! Oh come, for this is the time that our mighty Lord Jesus draws us near to him. -Ala.

Kerith July'14 26 Relationship is the crux in Christian families. Family prayer is a very important medium to improve this relationship. But in most of the Christian families, members do not have time to come together in the presence of God. Time seems to be a major factor that is affecting relationship in Christian families. The relationship between parents and children is very important and has to be nurtured for the betterment of the child and the family.Children these days do not want to be close to their parents, they are not willing to openly talk to parents and they do not want to discuss thingsArun with Jaitley, parents. born Let’s seeand what is the reason behind this unwillingness. brought up of Punjab, joined the Bharatiya Janata Firstly it is the fact that children feel parents are too old to understandParty their at likes his andyoung interests. age is Now maybe that is true but is it not the duty of Christian children to makeone their of parents the shiningunderstand star what they feel and explain it out to them after all they are going to financeof it.the This party. attitude Though can behe developed when the commandment, honour your father and mother is at thehas top lost of inthe the mind Parliament of the children. Parents are the ones who have brought you thus far in life. As little children when you did not know what was good for you ,your parents consulted people and gave theelection, best for he you is by currentlyputting you into good schools. So the strong foundation that you have is because of yourthe parents.Minister Canfor childrenFinance forget the parents who have been the cause for their strong foundation. Soand as youngstersMinister of take Defence. time to make up your mind not to neglect them, spend time with them, their experienceHe has beenwill reallypractising be very law useful in your decision. They know the world for many more years then youbefore know. the Supreme Court of India and High courts in Secondly talk to your parents every day. You might be a student in school,the country. college In orthe you previous may be working. When you get into the habit of sharing what took place duringBJP the daygovernment with your parentshe has you will be watchful about what you do, you will think twice before doing anythingtaken charge wrong. as Minister of various departments. Share your problems in School, College or work spot with your mother or father, they are better guides than your friends who are just an old as you. When you shareWe your shall problem pray withfor yourGod parents, you have developed an altar where prayers have started going up for toyou, give so your him problems the wisdom will get solved faster with God’s intervention. and knowledge when he is involved in solving the Thirdly, cut down your time on face book with friends and take timeCorporate to tell your affairs parents and about to lift the latest development in the world. Do what they had done to you while youup were the young.economic Talk status things of like current affairs, sports and other important things with them. India worldwide. Forthly, eat one meal with your parents, meal time is the best time, to openly discuss things, talk your heart out and make your parents feel loved. Appreciate your mother for her cooking, appreciate your dad for something he has done. Parents though you don’t realize have been instrumental in your development, since you were children. Just imagine a situation when as soon as you are born parents decide that you are a liability, and they should not spend too much on you and they put you in an institution when you would not have gained any solid background. How would your life be? You would have to work hard to become something in life. Now your work is half done by parents. Do you realize it? Have you ever thought of it? How many sleepless nights your parents spent when you were down with temperature? How many days of leave they applied for your admission, to coach you for examination, to take you to school when the van driver is not there or when the cycle is punctured. Just flash back on your childhood and you will know how much you owe your parents. Allow your parents to be your friend, philosopher and guide throughout your life. Experience counts for sure. -Eben 27 Kerith July'14 Kerith July'14 28