The purpose of God’s call in your life is not to make you number one in the world but to make Him number one in your life 1 Kerith June'14 Cricket gambling

In IPL Season6, star teams like Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals were found to be involved in gambling and both the teams were not allowed to play in the next season by the Supreme Court. Every player was bought for a price which included crores and the companies which came forward to buy them were on the verge of their defeat. It was found that if the teams were not allowed to play there would be a loss of about 20,000 crores. Even if the players were loyal in their play, the crooked minds around them made the IPL a place of gamble. Though it is a six or a wicket, everything is bought by money through gambling. If this continues loyal players will be hard to find. Kindly pray that a sport should be a sport and not a mere gamble game for money. Let the players think about their duty as a player. Let this not be spoiled.

Anything that does not center around God or His will, will only bring trouble

- Billy Graham

Kerith June'14 2 Editorial The monthly magazine Kerith is published by the friends missionary prayer band for the benefit of the youth prayer cells. Let us heed to the call from our God

Vision Matthew 7:21 says ‘Not anyone who says to me ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven but only he who does the To reach the spheres of and to will of my Father who is in heaven’ imbibe the heavenly manna to our In a certain place, the people living there liked to call the- youth, who are the future pillars of “our selves as ‘fishermen’ because the place was filled with fishes in Nation”. the ponds lakes and rivers that was around the place. The people were only excited in calling themselves a ‘fish- Objective ermen’ but none went to catch fish nor were they interested in it. The king saw and realized that his countrymen were all A monthly magazine lazy in their part. One day the king announced the people ‘I to strengthen the Prayer Cells... have to go to a certain place for a certain period of time and I want you all to catch fish as you all are fishermen. Everyone thought ‘it was not for me’ and that it was for

Produced by someone else. Every week they gather together including the This publication solely belongs to Friends Missionary Prayer Band, Chennai.

This publication solely belongs to Friends Missionary Prayer Band, Chennai. FMPB Youth Wing ministers and plan about bringing out a fish culturing. But 25c, Eden Garden, Srinivasa none went to catch fish. They published books on ‘How to Nagar 5th main Road catch fish?’. All bought it but none read it. Trichy - 620 017 In every part of the country they appointed experienced Layout & Design persons to teach how to catch fish. But still the people thought Communication Dept fmpb youthwing ‘Let them catch the fishes themselves’. So none went to catch call us fish. They built store rooms to store up the large amount

Private circulation only 9444393227 of fishes that they thought they’d catch. A large amount of

Private circulation only money was collected to build store rooms but none caught 9994388850 single copy Rs.20/- Yearly subscription Rs. 250/- fish. The rooms were left empty. On an unexpected day the king arrived. He found that all www.fmpbyouthwing.org the rooms were empty with no fish. The people thought that [email protected] their king would not harm them and that he would have for-

FMPB FMPB Youth wing, gotten his order and said to themselves that He would forgive 29,High School Road 45/20 Ebenazer illam, them even if he remembered his order in mind. The king was Ambattur,Chennai-53 Palayam Pillai Nagar, Ph :044-26570404 Ayanavaram,Chennai-23 on his mighty throne. When the people met him, he said to Cell :9841032224 them ,’I know not who you are.’ And made them all go away from his sight. For the prayer cell Beloved , when Christ entered the kingdom of God He said leaders ‘Go into all the world and preach the good news to all the The articles and the prayer points creation.’ Mark 16:15. Are we doing it? Or are we lazy to in Kerith are divided for 4 weeks even start it? We name the name of Christ ,but are still in the so that you can pray and meditate comfort zones and we do not even take a single step to preach about them in your prayer cells. The prayer points are in the centre page. the gospel. As said in Matthew 7:21 let us follow what our The leader can detach and use them Lord wants. The word of God says in Matthew 25:23 ‘Well during the prayer time. done good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with articles in the magazine and share it a few things ’I will put you in charge of many things. Come with others. Meet you and share your master’s happiness’. How is your life going to every month with new info. Kindly be? Is God going to be pleased with us and make us share His use them and strengthen the prayer happiness. Let us all do the Will of God. Amen!! Hallelujah!!! cell. During the time of harvest do not be silent, for you will lose your harvest. For more In God’s time do not be silent, for you will lose your soul. prayer Friends Take time to think; time to act; Do not be silent points read Focus For contact . . Yours in Him [email protected], +91 9444393227 A.Jesudian 3 Kerith June'14 What is IF YOU RESIST God’s Call? GOD’S CALL . . . God’s call can be defined as ‘an invitation from God to the chosen ones to fulfil spe- How God approaches the man cific plan and purpose or task of God in who resists and even prepared to a particular period in history’. In the pre- die? God intends to transform Jo- Pentecost period, the God’s call was very nah. So God sends signal of his dis- rare and it was considered as a great privi- pleasure through violent storm on sea lege and recorded as great historic events: e.g. Call of Moses to redeem the Israelites Jonah 1:4; God’s displeasure affects the under slavery for 430 years and to lead community life where the resisting man them to Canaan, the promised-land; Call of lives and they cry for God’s help Jonah Samuel as a Judge/Prophet and to anoint 1:5; God makes known Jonah as a trouble Saul and David as kings over Israel; Call of maker Jonah 1:7; God allows painful expe- Peter, John and James by Jesus to follow him and to be fishers of men. But after the death rience and not death to the resisting man and resurrection of Jesus, the call becomes against his intention Jonah 1:15, 17. God general and open to all in the Great Com- transforms and renews the life of Jonah in mission in Matt 28:18-20 and Mark 16:15- painful and hopeless context – belly of fish: 20. God’s call was responded positively in he calls God in distress Jonah 2:1, 2; commits most cases. But in the case of Jonah, there was resistance. Can man resist God’s call? to the temple of God Jonah 2:4; commits with What is the nature of resistance to God’s thanksgiving and vow to make good realizing call? What are the consequences of resis- the grace 2:8, 9. Then God gives another op- tance to God’s call? How God approaches portunity in the life of Jonah and extends his life resistance of man to his call? Does God Jonah 2:10. God renews the original call without abandon his plan? Or does God look for an- other person to fulfil that plan? The study any change Jonah3:1, 2. on Jonah will enlighten few areas that are relevant to modern youth. Jonah’s call was direct and specific with needed explanation: Now Jonah who resisted the call of God initially, “Go to the great city of Nineveh; Preach fulfils the same call after passing through hopeless against it because its wickedness has come up before me” 1:1, 2. But Jonah resists- painful experience: “He obeyed the word of the Lord Why? How?: i) In the form of change in and went to Nineveh and proclaimed” Jonah 3:3, 4. direction –instead of going to Nineveh Jo- As a result of transformed Jonah who obeyed God’s nah heads towards Tarshish Jonah 1:3;ii) call, the people of Nineveh experienced transforma- use of resource to fulfil his own desires Jo- tion by their commitment to God through national nah 1:3; iii) Flee from the Lord for lack of conviction and commitment; iv) insensitive fast and prayer, confession of sins and trust in the to social pains - deep sleep and peace even compassion of God, they were delivered of God’s in storm Jonah 1:5; v) indifference to join in condemnation Jonah 3:5-10. How great is the trans- corporate prayer to save lives in danger 1:6; formation of the nation because of the obedience vi) prepared to die than to obey God’s call of one person to God’s call renewing the resistance even after confession Jonah 1:12. to God’s call! Do you resist God’s call in your life? Do you undergo painful experiences in life? Do you avoid in joining with others in prayer? Do you feel like ending your life against God’s plan for you? God reminds you to renew your call. God wants to transform you first and then through you to trans- form the nation. Do you want to be identified as a trouble maker in public when you resist God’s call? Or do you want to be a transformed instrument with a commitment to obey God’s call and to be used for the transformation of the nation condemned for destruction? May God fulfil his plan for you as you obey his call in this part of history and make you as a historical person!

Kerith June'14 4 Samuel! 1st Week Message 1. The Call of God for full time ministry “Yes, coming Thatha! “It is a calling to be engaged exclusively in the ministry Have you called me?” of the Word as a missionary, evangelist, Bible teacher, pastor and “No, I haven’t called you the like..” Throughout the Bible, both in Old and new testaments, GOD’S CALL . . . my dear, go back and we see God calling people to carry out specific tasks for specific purposes and most of them listened to His call and fulfilled the sleep!” tasks given to them faithfully. “Samuel!” 2. The prerequisite to be called by God “Thatha, I’ve heard you Before you can discover God's calling for you specifically, you calling me again!” must have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. God reveals “Oh No Samuel, It wasn’t His will only to those who accept him as their personal saviour. me, go back and sleep!” 3. God’s call in different situations to different people “Samuel!” It surprises us to note the variability of His call with respect to people, backgrounds, ages etc.Isaiah was called when he was “I’m here Thatha; you’ve in the temple; Peter- at sea; Paul-on a religious mission; Moses- called me once again!” while tending his sheep; Isaiah-in a different political scenario; Pe- High priest Eli realised ter his routine job-fishing. God’s call at different ages – Jeremiah that God was calling & Samuel at a very young age, Abraham 75; Moses 80 etc.The call Samuel and so he told the of God for different people in the Bible Abraham – Gen: 12:1-3, boy ‘if He calls you next Moses - Ex 3:7-10, Isaiah - Is 6:1-6, Jeremiah - Jer 1:4-8, Peter - time, say, “speak Lord for Lk 5:8-11,Paul - Acts 9:4-6 your servant is listening! 4. The necessity of a divine Call A person entering full time Christian service should be per- “Samuel! Samuel!!” fectly sure that God has called him into it. Rev.Herbert F Rein- Samuel answered, “Speak, harot, SIBS says, the desire or dedication of parents, a mere liking for your servant is listen- for ministry or a personal choice or acceptance at a Bible school ing” do not equate to call from God, to God alone belongs the privilege Wow!!! This time the Lord of appointing men to serve Him. “And no man taketh this honour Himself came and stood unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron” Heb 5:4, near Samuel and spoke to II Cor 4:11 God calls a small percentage of believers into such a min- him. From then on Sam- istry even as He called only one tribe in twelve, in Israel, to the uel and God conversed service of the temple. But He expects all His children to be will- regularly. Samuel contin- ing, should He call them. Every believer should therefore con- ued to listen to God and sider this calling and seek with all his heart to know whether God obeyed Him throughout wants him in it or not. his life and he was estab- lished as a Judge, a proph- et and a priest in Israel. I Samuel 3:1-14. God’s call Gods Call to Full Time Ministry to Samuel was vivid and spectacular. But in gen- eral, it may not be so. The Bible talks about God’s call for His people for different purposes such as the call to salvation, holy life and ministry. In this article, we are deal- ing with ‘the call of God to ministry’. Why does God call people in the first place? What is God’s call?

Hearing God’s Call5 Kerith June'14 Interview with Ministers

Interview with Rev. John, Missionary

Brother, could you tell accepted Jesus Christ as my Personal revival amidst all oppositions. us about your family Saviour in year 1979. At that time background? FMPB conducted a Gideon’s Camp Could you share with us any in Palayamkottai and I committed unforgettable moment in your My name is John. My myself to be a full time missionary. ministry? native is Kallidaikurichi I joined FMPB in 1980. After in Tirunelveli District. completing the one year training Everyday God does great things My wife’s name is Celina programme, I went to North India in our ministry. The unforgettable Joy. We’ve two sons - in1981. I’m sharing the good news thing is that, our mission field is Jebakumar, the elder, he has among the Maltos in Rajmahal Hills in two districts and in that we completed his M.S.W. and is since 1987. have two Tamil collectors who now working in a Christian belong to Tirunelveli district. Organisation, the younger, Brother, how is the faith of the Malto Both of them have a heart to do Judson, is working at people after accepting Jesus Christ? something good for this people. Bishop Heber College, I have a nice rapport with the Trichy. I’m working as a The faith they have in Jesus Christ is collectors. I helped them to missionary in Jharkand very strong. Their faith is stronger understand the language of the among the Maltos. than ours. Whatever might be their Malto people, they too have a problem they overcome it with close relationship with me. God Brother, tell us about your prayers. is graciously helping us to do experience of salvation many help for the Malto people Brother, have you ever encountered and God’s calling to be a through these collectors. missionary. opposition in the ministry? Can you tell us about that? What is your contribution to the I suffered from severe growth of the Malto society? stomach pain while I was in We went to a village to conduct a 8th standard. During that night prayer meet. Usually we’ve Many pray for the Malto people. time Jesus Christ delivered to get permission from the village As a result of their prayers we me from that pain. I leader to conduct a night prayer and got have got a Tamil collector in we got permission from the village our area. Through this collector leader and we were ready to start the we easily took the problems of prayer. Suddenly a problem aroused the people to the government. and some of them tied me in a tree. I Earlier people were deceived and was tied up there for the whole night. they never received ration and Believers prayed the whole night for now they are getting everything me. In the early morning an old man properly. We help more than came to untie me. I said to him that three thousand Malto students “you’ve tied me without a reason and to pursue their education. We’ve now you want to set me free without one English medium school, and the knowledge of others. Before you in other places we have built untie me bring the people of this hostels and help them to study village here”, that old man went into in government schools. Now the village and brought the entire people have got awareness about village and he also released me. I told education and many parents make the villagers about the love of Jesus their children to study. With the Christ, the people were in tears and help of the collector we received many people surrendered their life aid from the government to to Jesus and also took baptism on the build toilets in our hostels. Other same day. Like this God is doing great than spreading the gospel we do

Kerith June'14 6 praise God for that. I have been more things and for the benefit Many youths dedicate their life affected by malaria for more of the people we have started to become a missionary and than 60 times and every time I Interview with , Jharkhand Missionary more than 50 Women SHG’s (Self they couldn’t pursue because use to think that it would be my Rev. John Help Group) and by this people of their family situations. How last day. God graciously lead me have acquired a habit to save their do you like to advice them? in all my miseries till this day. money. We help the SHG’s to get What I have done to God is not I faced a similar situation in loan from the government. Villages enough. I wish to do more for my family too. I’m the only son never had good roads earlier but my God. I wish that not even in my family, so my parents now with help of the collector we a single Malto person should hesitated to send me as a have good roads. die without knowing our Lord missionary. I prayed a lot for How is the life of the Maltos before Jesus Christ. Recently I came to this and one day my parents and after their acceptance of Jesus know that in our neighbouring happily allowed me to do the Christ and how is their renewed state there are Lord’s work. Spend your days life? more than 50 villages never of youth with God. There is knew about Jesus and I wish only one life and that too will Before accepting Christ this people introduce Jesus to them. pass away before that we are never go out for a job and they supposed achieve something drink alcohol for the whole day Brother you’ve been affected by for our God. and lived a life of sickness and malaria more than 60 times and poverty. With the available things how did you feel at that time? Dear youths, from the life of nearby they used to make their Brother John we see how an In spite of my sickness, the love own brews in their home. Now individual’s obedience revived of this people upholds me. I they are completely relieved from an entire generation. Don’t do not care about my illness. I alcohol consumption. People are hesitate to work if God calls don’t want to leave this people, very much interested to send their you to build His kingdom. and I wish to live for them. children to school. Literacy rate has - David been increased and now they have Brother tells us the important graduates among them. Earlier prayer points for your ministry they used to believe the sorcerers and for this people. Many Peoples have but now they are reformed. Many accepted Christ. So sorcerers have accepted Christ. There is a great need to pray So the life of the people and the for the believers and for their the life of the people community has changed a lot. perseverance in their faith. and the community Believers and missionaries Brother, till this day you have always get affected by Malaria has changed a lot. worked for God enthusiastically and Cholera, so pray for and what more do you want to do their health. More than 30 for our Lord? missionary families work here. In spite of their weaknesses Till this day God has used me in they do their work passionately, his ministry. Large number of pray for them. Pray for the people experience salvation and I villagers to get facilities like: electricity, drinking water and hospital facilities.

7 Kerith June'14 It is rightly said “The greatest 2nd Week Message knowledge in life is to know God’s will and the greatest often the call comes gradually, a steady growing realization achievement in life is to do His and compulsion from early childhood”, which will be ac- will!” Zac Poonen, in his book companied by a growing inner peace. A ‘balance sheet’ to “Finding God’s will” writes that evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of a proposed God has a specific plan for each course of action, can be helpful in enabling us to find God’s one of our lives (Eph 2:10). He call. The Holy Spirit will in any case never lead us contrary has planned a career/ministry to the teaching of the Bible. for us, chosen a life partner and 3. Recognizing God’s call through circumstances : even planned where we should God can use circumstances either to confirm the guidance live. In every case, His choice we received or to prevent us from taking a wrong step. must be the best, for He knows Rom 8:28 George Muller said “The steps of a good man, us so well and takes every (as well as his stops) are ordered by the Lord” Ps 37:23, factor in to consideration. It Phil 1:12 Missionary Adoniram Judson wanted to serve in is wisest to seek his will in all India but a he was not permitted to stay in India, he went to matters- major as well as minor. Burma and served there. “What He opens no one can shut If God’s call for you is to be a and what He shuts no one can open” Rev 3:7 sometimes teacher, you would be disobedi- God may lead us contrary to the circumstances. So circum- ent if you become a pastor or stances are not always an indication of God’s will. vice versa. 4.Recognizing God’s call through the advice of other be- How can we get the guidance lievers: from God and recognize His The Bible says there is safety in many counsellors. Prov call? 24:6, 20:18, 13:14, 12:15 the advice of godly men will en- able us to see other aspects of a particular matter which 1. Recognizing God’s call we may have failed to consider. Acts 13:1-3 God made this through the Word of God: provision as a safeguard against our missing His perfect When you accept Jesus as your will. On the contrary, in some occasions we may have to go Savoir, then you are born into against the advice of the godly men in which case the guid- the family of God! The rela- ance should be checked and rechecked. Acts21:10-14, 23:11. tionship between God and you We should never be governed by the advice of other believ- is as the one between a father ers alone. The final decision must always be our own. and his child. When you read His word everyday you start A decision to enter full-time Christian service should be recognizing His still small taken coolly, not in an emotionally tense atmosphere voice. It is an everyday ongo- or under pressure from any person. Hasty decisions are ing relationship. Jesus said “... usually regretted later on. God always gives ample time the sheep listen to his (Shep- to be sure of His call before we decide. herd’s) voice…and…follow him because they know his voice.” John 10:3-5 Listening to God’s voice through His word and obeying it in our day to day life will prepare us to know His will in specific matters. Ps 119:105 2.Recognizing God’s call through inner witness of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit lives in a believer to be his guide. The Spirit of truth… lives with you and will be in you. John 14:17 “The Spirit of truth…will guide you in to all truth” John 16:13 Felix Neff says, “God’s call may come suddenly like in case of Paul Acts 9 or more

Kerith June'14 8 Recognizing God’s Call Professional Profile

Felcita Sundar, born, brought up and residing in the city of Chennai, a passionate teacher by profession is the face of this month’s Professional Profile. In her 10th standard VBS, Felcita ac- cepted Jesus as her personal Savior. After she took this first step for God, He miraculously helped her to take further steps in her spiritual career. God helped her to live a testimonial life among her friends circle. It wasn’t difficult for her to say “NO” to worldly pleasures. During the idle days between her completion of Degree course and employment, along with her church youth girls she preached the gospel among the rag-pickers. In addition to teach- Mrs.Felcita Sundar ing and helping them in their studies, she also taught them to remain clean, cutting nails and also helped them to come out from their addictions. The children used to call her by the name “YESU-AKKA” (Jesus sister). Initially she started this along with her friends, then the youth wing and later the church congregation joined her work. After marriage, along with her husband, who was a music maestro, she started doing various ministries. She not only participated and helped in fasting prayers and night prayers but also she helped in church youth meetings and its activities. Felcita, who successfully completed 15 years in her teaching profession, is so keen in doing her job only for God’s glory. Whenever she gets a chance, she used to share God’s word to her students. She also counsels and guides young girls understanding their needs and problems. Above all, she reflects Jesus in her life. Her life not only sets an example for others to follow, but also it attracts people to come closer to her for prayer and counseling. We also heard that she is always surrounded by a group of youngsters wherever she is. During her leisure times and whenever she is free from work, she does ministry in week- ends along with her family. Visiting prayer groups, organizing meetings, inviting children for camps are her other ministerial works. She is also very talented in leading worship sessions accompanied by her husband’s music. Also she has organized many prayer meetings for her neighborhood Chris- tian friends. On witnessing Felcita and her husband’s What is the answer for my question? prayer group ministries and their works for God right from her childhood, their only daughter Locusts which were against the believers, started a prayer cell along with her friends in her without destroying the grass and green 6th standard itself. Now this 12th standard pur- trees, began destroying humans. From suing girl is still eagerly participates in prayer where did these unusual locusts came cells, Sunday school, and all other ministries from? And who saw that? along with her friends. Let’s uphold this family Send the answer for the question with which has a greater thirst for doing God’s minis- verse location via SMS to 9443998855 try always in our prayers and let us also practice along with name and address. Exciting the same in our lives. prizes are awaiting first 5 correct entries. -Agnes Last month’s question: Fire without kindling will soon turn to ashes. Whose are the earth’s shields? In the same way a big vision without proper Answer: God’s (Psalm 47:9) guidance will slowly fade away with time. Winners: We have to be in deep spiritual connection Ms.Jimla Issac, Avalpoondurai with the Lord otherwise our high submission Ms.S.Vimala, Thenpalli will turn to low agreement. Ms.K.Ananthi Augusta, Maruthakulam Ms.A.Priscilla Jebarani, Thiruthangal 9 Kerith June'14 Lightning

- Rev.John Kirubakaran

How old do you think Hannah’s boy Samuel was when the calling of the Lord came to him? He would have been approximately seven years, an age when he could barely differentiate between right and wrong. The voice which woke Samuel from his sleep shook the roots of the family of Priest Eli, whose sons were living a life filled with sin and contempt in the sight of the Lord. The people of Israel, who lived as slaves forgetting the greatness of their Lord were also turned around. Samuel rules the people of Israel playing the roles of a judge, priest and a prophet and saves them. He also anoints the first two kings of Israel.

When the King’s voice called Moses from the burning alive. They searched for the leader of these bush he was eighty years old. The angel of the lord ap- youngsters, wanting to kill him. peared to him in the flames from within the bush, but Alexander Mackay went to be with the Lord the bush did not burn up. The Lord heard the Israelites at the age of 41. In his own home country crying out because of their slave drivers and was con- people who did not know about his work in cerned about their suffering. The Lord who came down Uganda labeled his work as worthless. In to rescue them called Moses. He sends him to the land 1922, a researcher named Basil Mathew vis- of pyramids. Moses performs many miracles which ited Uganda. He visited all his mission fields, amazed the whole world. He leads six lakh Israelites and after extensive research published a pa- for forty years in the desert and finally leads them into per on Alexander’s work. He says that the Canaan- ‘The Promised Land.’ The mighty hands of service of Mackay to the people of Uganda the Lord carry him and help him to attain glory. was a very fruitful one, even bearing fruits The calling is from Lord of Lords. Serving him is an long after his death. indescribable opportunity. The opportunity to serve He built roads and made transportation easi- Him is a great privilege. The calling comes from the er. He taught them to dig wells and get water. King of kings. Accepting and completing the king’s He introduced good quality seeds, thereby command is a royal privilege to us of his royal lineage. helping them to get a better harvest. He gave Those who do not accept the calling of the ruler of the a written form to their language, taught them world are those who do not have the ability to think to read and write and opened their eyes to and decide for their own good. education. He also translated the New Tes- David Livingston went to Africa “The Dark Conti- tament in their language. Today Uganda’s nent” accepting the Lord’s calling and became a living Prime Minister is a Christian, their King is a legend. As a young man, Alexander Mackay accepted disciple of Jesus Christ, and there are church- the challenge in his life after reading the life history es where 70,000 people can worship together. of David Livingston. Obeying the final command of All these are gifts from the Lord for the in- Jesus, “Go into all the world and preach the good news vestment of the life of Alexander Mackay to all creation”, he decided to become a catcher of men. who heeded the call of the Lord. The waves This talented mechanical engineer learnt a language will kiss away the writings on the sea shore. with no written form and worked hard day and night. But nobody can take away the inscriptions in The moment he started collecting the spiritual fruits the iron hearts of the people of Uganda. of his labour, sufferings sprouted up. Believers were A pleasant evening, a time when the moon killed and as a culmination of all events, the hands of slowly peeps in shyly and the sun bids good- 200 young believers were chopped and they were burnt bye the voice of the Lord came floating in the Kerith June'14 10 breeze and struck me like lightning. “WHOM WILL I SEND? WHO WILL GO FOR MY WORK?” these words of the Lord echoed in my heart. Though I have never experienced the Sunday school nor did have memories of the VBS, the calling of the Lord was very clear, “I WANT YOU”. As clarity dawned on me the moon that was hiding in the clouds came out. It was almost two years since I had accepted Christ as the center of my life from being an idol wor- shiper. The weekly prayer meetings I was attending had introduced me to the importance of mission- ary work and the need to take the good news to the people who have never heard before. Still there were a thousand questions burning inside me: When to go? Where to go? Who’s my role model? And who was going to support me? But the one who was calling me was my savior and I was going to do his holy work through guidance from the Holy Spirit. This thought brought eternal peace to my mind. The decision I made on October 1966 has stayed with me without getting dissolved. I have faced difficulties but I have not been worried. I have felt tired but I never gave up. I have never doubted the decision I made. I have walked more on mountain peaks than in the valleys. The one who called me is always truthful. He has helped me to col- lect the fruits of success and heaped them up at his foot. He is calling you too. Those of you, who have felt/heard his call, commit yourselves without delay. He will lead you in glory.

not only in newspapers but it also sounds in many hearts. But yet, after years only fewer people come up. The wants and work of the kingdom is still not fulfilled. There are lots of person to accomplish the worldly things. Our Lord’s Kingdom can be constructed only by us. If the Lord There is no news or advertisement calls us for his full time work we must without the word Wanted in it. In each pray and give ourselves whole heartedly. and every advertisement you could Wherever we are, we are supposed to see wanted for job vacancies. Lots of reflect God at places we are put in. It may organisation wants efficient and talented be the place where you study or where you persons. All the persons who finish work, where ever we are and whatever we their studies have a dream of expecting do , remember we are called to build His a good job with a good salary in a good Kingdom. Persons are in need to do this organisation which will lift up their life. honourable work. Somehow in our life we must cross the situation called Want, for our wants never For generations and ceases. Over 2000 years we hear the word generation this has not been wanted but there are very less persons fulfilled at least this must be who come up for buildingFor more the kingdom.information fulfilled please contact….. in our generation. We Matthew 9:37, 38 says, The harvest truly are ready to help you! is plenteous, but the labourers are few , - Prabhu

For Contact FMPB YOUTH WING, 25C, Eden Garden,Srinivasa Nagar 5th Main Road,Trichy-17 Ph:9444393227, 0431-2781444

11 Kerith June'14 Week Prayer Points

The mission work in most states of India has been carried out with much consistency by the youth movement of FMPB. It remains young as it has been created by a group of youngsters. The youth wing that was exclusively formed in the year 1973 has been giving unparalleled leaders, prayer warriors, full time missionary brothers and sisters to our nation till this day. The works of the youth wing that so far concentrated on Tamil Nadu has now been extended to the whole nation. 76 leaders from 13 states participated in the National Level Conference for leaders held in the month of March in which they have obtained vision to meet 1 crore youngsters under Aarththezhuvom 2020 project. For FMPB Programmes are prepared to meet youngsters in colleges and cities through media, website, pamphlets; mobile musical troupes etc. God has Youth Wing . . . raised many volunteers to join hands with us towards accomplishing these projects. Special camps were organized for youngsters during past months in mission fields like Beint, Nandhur Barg, Nasik and so on. We have plans to do similar work in Punjab in June 2014. In addition to these the National Youth Missionaries Conference which is conducted once in every two years will be held at Delhi during Diwali holidays. Preparations are going on for that. We praise God for the many young volunteers who translate articles for Kerith Magazine into English and Hindi. More hands are sought after for this task. An interview will be held for them who have devoted themselves for full time ministry in June 2014. Follow up is at progress. Prayer points:

1. For the follow up work of youth wing 2. To meet one crore youngsters through youth wing under Aarththezhuvom 2020 project. 3. For the mission work through media, website, pamphlets, mobile musical troupes etc. 4. For the youngster who have committed themselves for full time ministry to experience strong calling and not backslide 5. For the exams that will be held in June 2014 for those who have devoted themselves for full time ministry 6. For the youth groups to work fervently and send many missionaries to our nation. 7. For the work related to making of Kerith magazine. 8. For young leaders rise up to take up significant responsibilities and work sincerely 9. For many volunteers to come up for mission work.

Kerith June'14 12 Week Prayer Points

We are going to pray for the world environment today. Before we commence our prayer we should know some truths about it. United Nations celebrates every June 5th as World Environment Day and through this it is trying to bring about awareness among the nations of the world. Today nearly 100 nations join together to celebrate this day. This invites every individual to participate in things that would protect the environment. On this world Environment Day, will you utilize the equipments that would bring protection to the environment and what is your responsibility to protect the environment? We the Christians have been given a greater responsibility to protect the environment. In Genesis 2:15 God ordered Adam to work and keep it. When each and every Christian takes this responsibility, we can bring in a great thirst all around the world and the environment also would be protected. Prayer Points: 1. Let us pray that all the Christian organizations, schools and colleges to keep the environment clean and protect them 2. Let us pray for the control in air pollution and the fossil fuels are saved 3. Let us pray that the government strictly ban the usage of plastics 4. Let us pray that people get used to usage of recycled plastic articlrs 5. Let us pray that there are awareness programmes such as Tree planting programmes and painting exhibitions through which awareness on the after effects of destruction of forests are depicted 6. Pray that through internet there is an awareness for the people on the diseases that are on the rise to a great level because of the Green-house gases 7. Pray that there are many competitions and awareness programmes on how to save water and fuel for future generations 8. Pray that all would strive to keep their environment clean and hygienic 9. Let us pray for the protection of endangered species, animals, birds and plants 10.Let us pray that the Corporation and Municipality workers do their job with utmost sincerity and they also accept our Lord and to keep our nation clean. -Charles For the World Environment...

13 Kerith June'14 Week Prayer Points

One people group a month For Madiya Tribe…

The population of Madiya people in Gadichiroh District of Maharastra and Bastar District of Madyapradesh is 1.5 Lakh. They are a sub-division of the Gond tribes. They speak Madiya language. 95% of the people of this community do not know any other language. Men wear half pants and shirts. Women wear vashti or sari. Cultivation, timber, and hunting are their primary occupation. They regard their local village priest very much. They are very tender hearted. But, liqur and adultery is very common among this people. They marry at a very young age. They wor- ship Baat raja who is regarded as the supreme God. There is no specific temple or image for their God. They worship devi “Thalomuthe” and goddess “Pochimatha”. It is said that each year after harvest human sacrifice is done for this goddess. They sacrifice a stranger or a person from other villages. Our organizational work among these people: Since 11.01.1996 our organization is functioning at Kadi- charoli district by having yettapalli as the centre, amidst this peo- ple group . This is one of the fields of the Deccan region . Our missionaries Rev.Vijayan and Mrs.Jebarose work here. They are often threatened by naxalites. Amidst all problems, there are 600 believers, 13 worship centres, 7 swarthick, 4 churches has been raised. There is a children’s home with 95 children. Prayer Points:

1. People should get relieved of the fear naxalites, Pujaris and Oppressors. 2. To get openings at the naxalite dominant villages. 3. Pray for Miracles, revival and church growth. 4. Pray for the believers to remain firm in faith amidst all problems.. 5. Pray for the good health of 95 hostel children and their faith. 6. Uphold the missionaries Rev.Vijayan, Mrs.Jebarose, Saritha Paul, Nesam and local co-workers in your prayers..

-Angel

Kerith June'14 14 Week Prayer Points

Chennai's Water Scarcity … Today, 831 million Drought and inadequate rains have caused the ground water level to go litres are supplied to dry. People at various places are much dependent on the corporation lor- the people through ries carrying water, reason being the well water getting dried and saline. metro water supply According to a survey one tenth of the houses consume water from the scheme which cov- corporation pipes. 44% of the people are not satisfied of the quality of ers just 25% of the water they get. People also fall sick because of unhygienic water con- total population of sumption. The water supply pipes get damaged and the sewage water get Chennai. There are mixed up with the drinking water. Contamination is the biggest problem four storage areas with drinking water. 40% of the diseases are water borne. Such contami- for water in Chen- nation leads to cholera, diarrhea, typhoid, dysentery, hepatitis A and even nai which is going to worse sickness. It is the duty of the government to ensure clean and safe be dry soon in few drinking water to the residents. In 2003 -2004, alone Rs 50 crore was months because of no spent every month for the supply of water for the public. Nearly 3700 rain. Two sea water tanker lorries are plying nowadays days Even today water is brought to desalination plants the city from the villages. have been established in the city along the Do you know what the Bible tells about rain? coast from which 200 If people sin against God, then the heavens will shut up million litres of water (1Kings 8:35; 2Chron.6:26). Do not make idols or set up an im- per day is supplied age or a sacred stone for yourselves, and do not place a carved to the people. For stone in your land to bow down before it, observe the Sabbaths establishing a desali- nation plant, Rs 533 and have reverence for God’s sanctuary, follow God’s decrees Crore is required. By and be careful to obey his commands, then God will send rain 2018, a 150 MLD Prayer points: in its season. (Levi 26:1-4). plant and a 400 MLD plant is going to 1. For the seasonal rainfall in Chennai. function and from 2. For the government to regulate proper distribution of water to the which nearly 70% of people. the city's population 3. For the government's new water supply scheme to reach the people will receive drinking in a right way. water daily. 4. For the proper maintenance of desalination plant every year. 5. For the new desalination plant that is to function from 2018. 6. For the people to have rain water harvesting system in their houses in order to increase the water table. 7. For the corporation workers to repair the leaking pipes so that sewage water doesn't mix with the drinking water. 8. For the proper usage of water by the people. Not to waste excess of water. 9. For the people to pay the water tax regularly. 10. For the people to live holy, the people to obey God’s word, the people not to create or care statues. 15 Kerith June'14 For the district of Flash Hyderabad

Population: 40 lakh Hindus: 55.41% Muslims: 41.19% Christians: 2.43%

Hyderabad is the capital city of Southern that describe their lavish lifestyle greatly attract Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. This city also the attention of the tourists. called as “City of Pearl” and “City of Nizam”. Most of its landscape is dotted with This place is a historical junction of cultures and rocky trails. Rice is the common crop of this languages of North and South India. People who area. As this city is located at a quite good height stay in this city are called as Hyderabadis. They from the sea level, it has generally cool climate are having the mixed culture which was developed in the mornings and evenings. As 40% of the from the tradition of Muslims and Hindus. population are Muslims, they are majority in the This city has been greatly developed with Hyderabad society. Christian Churches are also the best technology in India. The world’s biggest there in many places in the city. Near charminar, cinema studio, Ramoji Film City, is located here. Shia muslims holds procession during muharram Tollywood film industry which holds second place festival. Participants of this procession will hurt in Indian film Industry is successfully running their head, chest and back using sharp weapons here. Companies like IT, IT Consultancies, BPOs and shed their blood during the procession. are increasing in numbers every day. Thus, this has become one of the most prosperous districts Eagerly pray that Hyderabad people under the governance of India. should join the kingdom of God. Hyderabad has become financial, political and income related capital of Andhra Pradesh. Prayer Points: Five star hospitals are in Hyderabad that 1.Pray for them to accept Jesus as their Lord and provides world class medical treatments. There personal Savior. are highways like NH-7, NH-9 and NH-202 that connect Hyderabad to the other part of 2.Pray for the people who work in Tollywood cine the country. 19,000 state transport buses are industry to know Jesus. plying within the state of Andhra Pradesh. 3.Pray for the tourists who are coming to This is considered to be the biggest transport Hyderabad’s temple and masjid to seek gods that corporation in the world which is operating the they should know the true God Jesus. most number of buses. The bus terminus in 4.13% of population is below poverty line. So, pray Hyderabad is considered to be the third largest in for the improvement of the lives of these people. Asia. Hyderabadi briyani is the very famous food here. Osmania University is considered to be the 5. Pray that accident due to traffic should be 7th oldest university in the world and the 3rd in reduced. South India. 6. Pray for our missionaries who are ministering There are many ancient places to attract the in Hyderabad. tourists - Birla Mandir (temple of venkateshwar 7. Pray that God should raise many missionaries swamy), mecca masjid, Charminar, Chowmahalla to work for this city. Palace, Salar Jung Museum, Hussain Sagar. Tales - Allen about the wealth of the Nizams and ornaments Kerith June'14 16 Flash Prayer Points - Angel

Let us praise God for the drastic de- crease of prenatal and infant mortality 1 Odisha has grown from strength to rates in India. strength over the past 13 years. The per Let us thank God for the improvement 11 capita income has increased from Rs. in accessibility of medical facilities in 14,693/- to Rs. 25,583/- in the last 10 rural India. 2 years. Let us thank God for His blessing. It has been estimated that India has 130 Gujarat has jumped from 9th to 5th in hy- million tonnes of petroleum as reserve. 12 giene and 5th to 2nd in agriculture over the Let us thank God for his blessing. last one year in India. Let us praise God. India has come 5th in the list of coun- 3 Let us thank God for his providence as the tries with maximum reserves of coal in number of people living under a thatched the world. Praise God! 13 roof in Chhattisgarh has drastically come down to insignificant numbers. Let us thank God for the healthy de- mocracy in India with a stable govern- 4 In Karnataka, the government has come ment at the centre for the past 5 years. down heavily on people who utilize their money on religious rituals and pilgrimages For the year 2013, in education, econ- 14 to evade income tax. Let us thank God for omy, agriculture and trade, the state of His motivation. Kerala has stood at the top of the table 5 in India. Let us thank God for His mer- Let us thank God for the ongoing peaceful cies. 15 interaction between Tamil Nadu and Kar- nataka with regards to the Cauvery issue. Let us thank God for the Goa govern- ment which has decided to reduce un- 6 The domestic production from cattle rear- necessary expenditures, thereby saving ing and agriculture for the year 2009-' 10 finances usually lost in luxuries. 16 in Rajasthan was Rs. 31,304 crores. Let us praise God for increasing the profits to Rs. In the last one year the number of 42,177 crores in 2012-'13. cases filed in the courts of law has 7 increased throughout the country. In Let us thank God for settling the Indo- Andhra, however, it has come down by 17 China border issues amicably. 3%. Let us pray and praise God for His Last November, 39 lakh cases were settled peace. 8 in one day all over the country through The state of Andhra has jumped 10 the Lok Adalat. Let us praise God for His places from 14th to become the 4th 18 justice. most hygienic state in India. Let us The Indian defense forces are world class praise God for His grace. 9 and hence border insurgencies and upris- The state of which ings in neighboring countries could be was previously languishing in the 8th 19 quelled without much ado. Let us praise and 14th spot in Education and admin- God. istration respectively has ended up in 10 In the past 1 year handicrafts and hand 2nd position this year in both areas. Let woven textiles have been exported for Rs. us thank God. 26,220 crores. Let us praise God for His - Allen 20 goodness.

17 Kerith June'14 3rd Week Message Warren Wiersbe in his commentary says, “The will of God is not a cafeteria where we can 1. Double mindedness: pick and choose what we He who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed want. God expects us to by the wind. That man should not think he will receive any- accept all that He plans thing from the Lord, he is a double-minded man, unstable in for us and to obey Him all he does”. James 1:7,8 John Mark assisted Paul and Barn- completely. Coming to abas in their first Missionary journey but he deserted them God with a hidden agenda in the middle and went back to Jerusalem. Acts 13:13 and with reservations in our hearts will only lead 2.Expecting a trouble free life: to grieving the Spirit and missing God’s best”. When God called Gideon, he was envisaging trouble and We must yield ourselves excusing himself as ‘But sir’, Gideon replied, ‘if the Lord is without reservation to with us, why all this has happened to us? Where are all his God and be willing to ac- wonders that our fathers told us about when they aid, did cept anything He chooses not the Lord has abandoned us and put us into the hand of for us. After hearing Midian’ Judges 6:13. God’s call, some people hesitate to obey it because 3. Love for the worldly riches and pleasures: of some obstacles. Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus for money - Acts 1:18 Let us see some of the Gehazi’s lust for money - II Kings 5:20-27 obstacles a child of God Demas loved this world and has gone to Thessalonica- might face in obeying II Tim 4:10 God’s call. 4. Feelings of inadequacy: Moses complained about his stammering “O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue. Exodus 4:10 Isaiah’s guilt about his unholy lips Isaiah “Woe to me, I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips” Isaiah 6:5 Peter’s sinful life “Go away from me, Lord, I am a sinful man.” Luke 5:8 Jeremiah’s feeling of his inadequacy that he was only a child “Ah, Sovereign Lord... I do not know how to speak; I am only a child” Jeremiah 1:6

This month message writer Mrs.Shanthi Ramya Raju is serving Lord through FMPB HR department. She is a good writer. Her passion is to reach youth in writing in addition to guide and counsel them in the Lord.

Kerith June'14 18 Obstacles in obeying God’s call Karisalpatti was a remote village. There was only one telephone in a small grocery about it! He must have left everything just as it was to shop for all the villages attend the call. surrounding it. Very rarely did any one receive a call. One day the shop keeper went in search If we know who is the one who calls us then we of Deepak a young boy who will not despise it. If Deepak should have known that the was playing cricket with his international icon Bill Gates was the one who called him friends, to tell him that there is then he wouldn’t have hesitated to go. someone waiting on the phone for him. But Deepak sloppily In the same way there is someone calling out to said “sir the call may not be you and me. Do you know who it is? It is the God who for me, but for someone else. created this whole universe. You might tend to ask, why So don’t dare to bother me. such a great God should want to call us. Mark: 3:14-15 Mind your work” saying this says, (i) He calls us to have fellowship with Him. That is he continued his game. The to read His word and pray – Communicating with Him. shopkeeper went away angrily. (ii) To preach His word. It doesn’t mean to go to every By the time the shopkeeper street or to some other distant land to tell His word. But reached his shop the call was to share the gospel to your friends and neighbours, what disconnected. But once again God has done in your life. Where ever you are now, it's there was that call, he asked your mission field & you are the missionary there. But if “Who is this? Whom do you he has called you as a full time missionary then you can want to speak to?” The person go to any part of the country where God leads you to. (iii) on the other end answered “I To give authority. Who will say no to authority if offered am Bill Gates and I want to to us? Also it is an authority over sin and satan. God did speak to Deepak, because he not entrust it to the Angels, though they longed to do the has applied for a job in our job God did not give this job to them. In Mark 3:11-12 company”. The shopkeeper the demons told, “you are the Son of God,” He rebuked was awestruck and Bill Gates them and He assigned this great and holy job of making kept saying ‘Hello … Hello I’m His name known to others to you and me. You know why? waiting on the line kindly go Because of the fact that we have received the salvation and call that young boy”. freely by His blood. He has given us His all. What are you going to do in return for this love? Now tell me friends, Hi friends now tell me what has this good Lord called you? How have you responded? would have been Deepak’s If you hear His voice today do not harden your heart. Are reaction? Would he have you willing to say like Isaiah, “here I’m, send me (Is: 6:6-8) given some lame excuse and though many are called a few are chosen. Are you among boycotted the call or would the chosen ones? have responded to it? Ponder - Mercy Selwyn Obstacles in obeying God’s call 19 Kerith June'14 God’s calling is that He is calling • It will be revealed when God fills us with us individually according to His plan to do the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. His work or task. Each one’s calling is in a different manner and situation. If we have As you have known the will of God through received the calling, then we have to obey and the above points, God expects us to be go in the way and direction that He leads. We truthful and completely obedient in our as Christians our whole life should be so that calling. In Ezekiel 3:10-11 ‘And he said to it is dedicated to glorify His name. God calls me, Son of man, listen carefully and take to us to do many things such as: heart all the words I speak to you. Go now to your people in exile and speak to them. Say • To accept Jesus Christ (John 1:12, 17:3) to them, “This is what the Sovereign Lord • To become a friend of God (John 14:15) says,” whether they listen or fail to listen.’ • To fulfill a particular purpose ( 1 Peter 2:9) What the Lord told prophet Ezekiel, the same he expects from us today. What the Though He has called us for these Lord tells us we should take it to heart and purposes we need protection, guidance and we should proclaim it to people who are in help of the Holy Spirit to do this properly. bondage so that they will be freed. This is God calls all Christians to do a particular our duty. work. In Matthew 4:19 we are asked to follow Him and that He will make us fishers of men. In schools and colleges where we study, we In Matthew 28:18-20 He gives us His power see many teens, who are in bondage. What and ask us to go and raise disciples for the are we doing to do to help them? First of all Lord. He calls us to be the light of the world, do we listen to what God is saying and are salt, to be the temple of God, as an example we doing according to it? When our friends of God and as a soldier for God. see us can they recognise the change in us? Are we leading an exemplary life among our How do we know God’s calling/ How do we parents and our siblings? confirm it? The Lord tells us that whether the situation • We need a sensitive heart to know the Lord. is right or wrong, we should preach the • God will create an opportunity for it. We Gospel. This is God’s calling. Your words have to be aware of it and use it. today may not yield your desired output. But the words of the Lord will be in action all the • The Holy Spirit will reveal it through prayer. time. Someday it will bring comfort to them • H e w i l l c o n f i r m i t t h r o u g h t h e a d v i c e o f and will change them as God’s child. others. Victory is how we finish the work given to • It will be revealed as sincere earnings of us by the Lord. The worldly things such as our job, position and wealth will all be taken our heart. away. But the mission that God has given us • B y w e i g h i n g a n d a n a l y s i n g e v e r y s i t u a t i o n i t will continue to come along with us till we will be revealed. reach the Paradise. • It will be revealed through scripture verses. - Mr. J. R. Daniel • I t w i l l b e r e v e a l e d t h r o u g h g o o d r e l a t i o n s h i p with the people of God.

Kerith June'14 20 I boarded the bus for Mettur Dam. Usually I fall asleep the sooner I sit in the bus, but this time I couldn’t sleep. Great anxiety and fear was there, so much of confusing thoughts were going in my mind. I was thinking to get down at next stop and return home. I was invited to speak about the importance of Bible and devotion in a one day retreat at the C.I.G.M church located in Mettur Dam Park. This was the reason behind my anxious state. The C.I.G.M church secretary Mr.Rajkumar Robinson who was a prayer group leader in FMPB (Friends Missionary Prayer Band) wanted to conduct a training camp Mr. Reginald. to his church elders as we do in FMPB, hence he invited me to speak about Bible. Till that time I was a FMPB prayer group leader doing the Lord’s work in whatever ways I can and recently I was asked to take over the responsibility of helping the prayer group leaders of Salem and Namakkal as a district leader. Since I was the district leader I was invited to speak here as they wrongly thought I have the ability to train them in Bible. This invitation came to me during the last day of a FMPB training camp at Dindigul, there I accepted this invitation without giving much room for thought. I had never delivered a message or a speech in any of the meetings or in church. “How am I going to speak about Bible?” was the question running in my mind. I was thinking “Is it truly a God’s call to preach? Am I really capable to do this holy work? I am a person without much spiritual gifts and talents, How am I going to do this? ”. This made me anxious and confused. Suddenly in that confused state I thought of praying to God. I closed my eyes and started looking at God. I was asking God to strengthen me and remove all my fears and to use me to preach His word. During that time I felt like reading the Bible. I was trained in the leadership camp to read the Bible in a systematic way; not just browsing here and there. So I took the next chapter where I left in the morning devotion and started reading. The passage I took was from Jeremiah Chapter 1. I could read till verse 9, but I could not continue further and I was repeating the verses 6-9 in that chapter till I reached Mettur Dam. I felt that these words were written for me. These are the words that strengthen and encourage me even today. I reached Mettur Dam and God helped me to share His word in the one day retreat. I realized that the one who called me is the true and faithful God. The same day the pastor of the church invited me to preach in their Sunday service, I too agreed for that. But before Sunday service I felt the same kind of anxiety and fear. The pastor of the C.I.G.M church Rev.Paul realized this and encouraged me saying “Many popular preachers like Dr.Dinakaran started their preaching here”. These words increased my fear and I was thinking whether I will be able to speak in front of the church believers. I quietly took the Bible and started reading the same words (Jeremiah 1:6-9). I realized God was strengthening me and helped me to preach. After the church service the pastor came to me and requested to deliver God’s word in their church at least once in 2 months. I confirmed the God’s calling for His ministry for the second time. This was the instance in my life how I hesitantly took up God’s call and could confirm that. God’s calling comes to everyone in different ways. In Bible, we read that God’s calling came to God’s people in different ways and they have accepted in different ways. It happened in the life of Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1: 6-10) and it also happened in the life of Moses. In Exodus Chapter 3 and 4, we read that when God called Moses to bring Israelites out of Egypt from slavery but Moses gave so many excuses before accepting the call. God tried to make Moses understand His call through various ways. But still Moses was not willing to accept the call and said, “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else”. Finally when God told that his brother Aaron will accompany him to help him and speak for him, he obeyed the God’s call. We read that God helped him to become a great leader for the Israelites. He was witnessed as a faithful servant in God’s house (Hebrews 3:5). There are few who has obeyed God’s call instantly. In Genesis 12, we read that Abraham when he was still called Abram, God called him to go to a place leaving his people and his father’s household, he obeyed instantly to God’s call without even knowing the place God want him to go. He was blessed because of his obedience (Genesis 22:18). In Acts chapter 9, we read about God’s call for Paul on the journey to Damascus. When he heard God voice saying “why do you persecute me?” Paul asked “Who are you, Lord?.” When he heard the response “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting, isn’t it hard for you to kick against the pricks?” he asked for God’s will and committed his life to God’s ministry. God made him to become a very important person in the history of church. It is very interesting to read how Isaiah the prophet responded to God’s call. In Isaiah 6:8, we read that when he heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” he immediately responded, “Here am I. Send me!” Dear brothers and sisters, if you have the call for God’s ministry, God will speak to you in various ways to confirm His calling. But if you respond instantly like Isaiah or obey to His call like Abraham or responding to God’s first call like Paul, God can use you mightily in His work. Will you respond to God’s call? 21 Kerith June'14 Many children of God when they are called by God, 4th Week Message delay in obeying His call or disobey God as in the Bible Lord. Joshua 24: 15 times, because of some ob- stacles. This chapter deals 4.Overcoming the love for the worldly riches and pleasures: with how to overcome the Jesus did not promise worldly riches but He promised that He obstacles in obeying God’s would take care of all our needs. “But seek first His kingdom call. and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well”. Matt 6:33. Do not love the world or anything in the 1.Single mindedness: world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not Once we recognize God’s in him…..The world and its desires pass away, but the man who call in our lives for sure, does the will of God lives forever. I John 1:15-17 a firm decision should be taken not to turn back. Jesus 5.Overcoming the feelings of inadequacy: said, “No one who puts his When feelings of inadequacy cross our minds that we are not hand to the plow and looks worthy of doing God’s ministry, we should remember that God back is fit for service in the doesn’t call people because they are worthy but on the contrary kingdom of God” Luke God calls people out of His sheer grace. “Brothers, think of 9:62 John Mark though he what you were when you were called. Not many of you were deserted Paul and Barnabas, wise by human standards, not many were influential; not many he later proved himself in were of noble birth. But God chooses the foolish things of the overcoming his weakness world to shame the strong; He chose the lowly things of this II Tim 4:11 world and the despised things-and the things that are not-to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. 2.Overcoming the fear of I Corinthians 1:26-29. Not by might not by power but by my facing troubles and hard- Spirit says the Lord Almighty Zech 4:6 ships in ministry : Many young people hesi- God is almighty, all wise and all knowing and there is tate to obey God’s call as nothing impossible to Him. If He calls us, He is able to lead us, they think that there will guide us and provide for us. Whatever obstacles we may find in be many difficulties in the obeying God’s call, we can overcome them all as “The one who ministry. When God called calls you in faithful and He will do it” I Thes 5:24 us for the full time ministry through Isaiah 43:1, way back in 1991, I was appre- hensive because I feared that I would have to face many Overcoming theGod’s obstacles call in obeying trails. But God spoke to me through the following verse that his presence would be with me through them all. “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you” Isaiah 43:2, 3 “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart, I have over- come the world” John 16:33

3.Firm commitment : After recognizing God’s call an unwavering and firm commitment should be made. Joshua made a firm commitment that he and his house hold would serve the Kerith June'14 22 CALLED FOR YOU ARE CALLED TO SELF DENIAL FORGIVE When you are forgotten, neglected or purposely set at naught and you don’t sting or hurt with the oversight, but your Heart (FIRST AID FOR SPIRITUAL EMERGENCY) is happy being counted worthy to suffer for It tells you what to do when a hurt is Christ. inflicted on you by a brother or sister in Christ. That is dying to self. 1) Keep Calm. Be still and know that I am God - When you never care to refer to Rushing to correct the injury causes greater yourself in conversation or record your own damage. good works or itch after commendation, when 2) Apply direct pressure of understanding to the you can truly love to be unknown. wound. That is dying to self. What caused the incident? Could you have prevented it? How does the offending When you can see your brother party feel? prosper and have his needs met and can honestly rejoice with him in Spirit and feel 3) Wash the wound thoroughly with kindness. no envy, nor question God, While your own needs are far greater and you are in desperate 4) Coat liberally with the ointment of love. circumstances. This protects the wound from infections of That is dying to self. resentment and bitterness. - Amy Carmichael 5) Bandage the injury with forgiveness. this will keep it out of sight until the If we are to say, ‘yes’ to God, we will often wound is healed. have to say, ‘no’ to ourselves - selected 6) Don’t take the scab off. What is a calling? Bringing up the subject will re-open the A calling is simply God’s shaping of your wound. burden and beckoning you to serve him in the place and pursuit of his choosing. 7) Beware of painful and touchy self pity.

8) Prescription One simply cannot know one’s call without take a generous dose of antibiotics and painkiller from the word of God several times coming near to God in prayer. daily along with prayer. The purpose of God’s call in your life is not to 9) Stay in close contact with the great physician make you number one in the world’s eye but at all times. to make him number one in your life. depend on his strength, joy and grace to help you during convalescence. -Ravi Zacharias 10) What do give to the offending party? Give him that VITAMIN F - Forgive Full recovery is reached when the patient is restored to complete harmony with the offending party. Get well soon - Selected 23 Kerith June'14 You are the light of the World

Many years ago, a man was working in to: tract ministry, Medical ministry, Prison the railway crossing that had no gate. His ministry, ministry among the orphans, Open work is to alert the vehicles that came air Preaching. According to them, ministry this way when the train arrives. In the is all about waving the lamp. Matthew says night, he had to warn the vehicles holding something about such people. “But small a lamp to light their way. On one such is the gate and narrow the road that leads night, when the train was just arriving at to life and only a few find it.”- Matt.7:14. the crossing, he took his lamp to alert the Those mentioned as ‘few’ meet people in vehicles coming that way. A car was fast person. They have true concern for them. approaching. He waved his lamp to alert They talk less and allow others to speak the car driver, but he did not seem to slow more. They listen carefully when others the car. The train on the other hand kept talk. They meditate on the Word of GOD coming closer to the crossing. He shook and share it with others. There is no world his lamp higher again to alert the car in their hearts. God dwells in their hearts. driver. Still the car kept coming fast. There Their lamp glows. “Neither do people light were no signs that the car would stop. The a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead train reached much closer to the crossing they put it on its stand, and it gives light to now. The car did not stop yet. After long everyone in the house”- Matt.5:15. struggle to stop the car, he gave up and moved away to escape being dashed by the -Raja kumar car. The car went rash into the crossing, facing a fatal crash against the speeding train. All aboard were killed in the crash. Investigations followed the accident. The employee described with much tears how he had tried to avert this accident by waving his lamp high yet in vain. The investigator said, ‘It is true that you had waved the lamp with all your strength but Know & Understand you forgot to light it’. In Uttaranchanl about 70% of Today, many young people are people are below the poverty line. ready to do Gospel work. They don’t say But there are a lot of pilgrimage ‘No’ to any of the ministries they are called centre’s here.

Kerith June'14 24 EVE’S COLUMN

Kind hearted means having a heart that is kind. Whom do willingly help others we generally call expecting nothing in return. kind? This is Jesus like,and as A person who is moved Christians wanting to be Jesus on seeing any small like is all that we should aim deviation from the normal for. A kind hearted person course of life, it might will also not hurt others with involve human beings or his actions, words and deeds. animals or nature. Whatever is the level of A kind hearted person damage meted to him by the cannot keep quite when he or she other person, a kind hearted sees an orphaned bird or an orphaned person will not do anything cat. I remember about 5 years back to retaliate. He will my younger daughter brought a baby patiently bear everything crow that she found lying the garden, just because he would not she was trying to be a mother to that baby want to hurt others. Jesus crow by chewing food and giving it into its did this while he wasin mouth; I didn’t chide her because I knew it was trial before crucifixtion her nature, she said she would take care of the . We have an example to baby crow till the bird learns to fly. About three follow in Jesus when he years ago it was a kittle she found in her college that patiently under went all was brought home. The destitute kitten is still at home trouble without opening and has two more kittens for company and a whole family his mouth. of its own now. Lets draw a paralled with our very own Jesus, we see As Christians let many instances in the Bible where we see His kind heart. Even on us make it point today the cross he is so kind to think of his mother in the midst of his pain what we would not do to hand her over to a disciple. anything through which Shall we analyse to see if we are kind hearted. As Christians the kind heartedness in we should be kind hearted just as God is. We should ape Jesus and be us gets diminished . kind hearted. He asked us to be kind even when others are not kind to us. I know of people who as witnesses to accidents, don’t’ want to help the victims just because they might be late to work, -Mrs.Eben their reluctance would cause the victim to die but they are so selfish that they are only bothered about their own self and not about the struggling person on the road. Is this Christ like? Being kind hearted is a virtue every Christian has to develop if he wants to be Christ like. This can happen only when we are concerned about others. When we spend time listening to others problems. You know so many people in trouble die because they don’t have somebody to listen to their problems. They become light when they share their problems with somebody, their stress is released and they get over the pressure. Listening saves lives the Bible says that a merry heart is like a medicine. Medicine that heals others, relieves others of their pain. Some people are kind hearted by nature but developing a kind heart is not difficult. Love for others without being bothered who they are ,what their background is or what their educational qualification is helps us develop a kind heart. Our heart must be moved on seeing anything untoward happening around us, when our heart is moved we will want to help the situation change so that the person affected will be able to get over the situation Christians are generally known to be kind hearted as they 25 ºÔZ› á …ÁÈ 25 Kerith June'14 Foot Steps

John Geddie was born on 10th April 1815, in Scotland. Within few days of spirits. John Geddie lived amidst such people. his birth he fell sick, became very weak and Geddie first started his ministry was almost on his death bed. His parents through establishing a school. In the early with much burden prayed fervently, that if days of establishment he faced many problems. their son would heal of the sickness, they He owed money for children in order to bring would submit him to do the Lord’s work as them to school. Many tried to kill him, when a missionary. No one ever thought that this he went to preach the gospel. Though he came boy would become a courageous missionary across a lot of difficulties, he never ceased to among the most treacherous people. John preach the gospel. By his diligent prayers and Geddie was a very good student. Even continuous effort a big change occurred in the during his childhood days he was an avid island. One day a man named, Yahanoo came to reader of books. When he was 19 yrs see Geddie. He was the head of the cannibals. old, he received salvation and joined the In his island only few children were left over Presbyterian Mission. He joined to study because it was his habit that he killed and ate theology when he was young. On 13th almost all the children. Such a deadly man was March, 1838 he was ordained as a presbyter drawn by God’s love and came to Geddie for and in the same year he got married to pray. And finally more and more people came Madam Charlotte. to know about God’s love and repented for John Geddie along with his family, on their sinful life. Twenty five churches were 30th Nov 1846 left Scotland, to do ministry established and people started to worship the in the islands of Melensian and Polynesian Living Lord. These were the fruits of Geddie’s in the state of New Hebrides (now called as 24 years of toiled ministry. Vanvatu country) among the cannibals. He On 14th December 1872, Geddie reached the island on 17th Nov 1847. From entered God’s kingdom. On his tomb the there he travelled to Aneityum (Aneiteum) following words are engraved - When John at 1848. There he learnt the language of Geddie came to Aneityum in the year 1848 not the people that was only spoken and did not even one soul was saved but when he left the have a written form. As soon as he learnt world there was not even one soul that was the language, he formed written script and not saved. His life changed the cannibals into authored few books. human beings. It also helped them to know But, not even a single soul was ready about God’s love and live for the glory of God. to accept Christ. The people of this island Shall we also submit our shortcomings wore a very different costume and painted unto the Lord and march forward to inherit their faces with colours. They were very the nation for the Lord? treacherous people. Women were treated as slaves and if a man dies his wife will also - Julie be killed and buried along with him. They considered the human flesh to be their most delicious food. They worshipped idols and

Kerith June'14 26 27 Kerith June'14 The world’s belief and focus Is mainly on us. It is good to proclaim; The fame of the risen God. We are the lamps: To go and light the multitudes.

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