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Editorial Ready To Shun And Shake Off Biblical Rev. Vijayesh Lal ...... 4 Illiteracy Rev. Dr. Duke Jeyaraj ...... 31 What are Christian Teachers to do today E. The Holy Spirit- Baptism with the Rev. Kuruvilla Chandy ...... 7 Holy Spirit Rev. Richard Masih ...... 34 Understanding our Times - Indian Education and Teachers in the Catch the Kairos Crossroads Dr. Sanjay Avinash Mall ...... 38 Mr. John Amalraj ...... 13 Silent no more Social Justice day Ms. Stuti Farmer ...... 42 Mr. Chacko Thomas ...... 19 Great Teachers are found at Home! A Craving for Peace Mr. Hansraj Jain ...... 45 Dr. Shantanu Dutta ...... 25 Prayer An Exemplary Teacher ...... 47 Rev. Dr. David Mende ...... 28

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3  September 2020/AIM Editorial

Rev. Vijayesh Lal

5th September is celebrated in India in 1968 and 1986 (also modified in as Teachers Day in memory of Dr. 1992). The National Education Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan on his Policy is prepared by the birthday. Dr. Radhakrishnan served Government of India to promote as the first Vice President of India education amongst the people of from 1952 to 1962 and then as the India and covers elementary second President of India from education and higher education 1962–1967. It is a special day when throughout the domain of the nation. we publicly appreciate our teachers and honour them through various The NEP 2020, which aims to celebratory programs and make transform India's education system them feel special for investing their by 2040, has been received with lives in this noble profession. much appreciation and criticism at Indeed, we can never repay the debt the same time. Interestingly the of our teachers. We can only respond teachers have had a mixed response with gratitude and love. to it as well. While some like Prof. Najma Akhtar, the Vice-Chancellor This year, amidst the COVID-19 of Jamia Millia Islamia have termed pandemic, the Indian government it “groundbreaking”; others like the finally released the National Academics for Action and Education Policy. This new National Development (AAD), has called it a Education Policy (NEP 2020) is the policy that has "tall ends with little third revamp of our education means''. The AAD is a body made up system so far, the earlier ones being of teachers in Delhi University.

4  September 2020/AIM The AAD points out that India has any chance of in-service training presently 18 per cent Gross opportunities. This weakens the Enrolment Ratio (GER) but the NEP system and defeats the morale of the 2020 sets the goal of 50 per cent teachers whom we celebrate on 5th GER by 2035. “How can this be September every year. achieved -- more than double of GER in next 15 years?”, they say. But there are other related issues too They also allege that the NEP 2020 that the NEP does not address. speaks of internationalisation which Privatization of education, may only facilitate the entry of the particularly elementary education is foreign universities to tap the Indian encouraged under the new policy. educational market for their own This will no doubt make way for the benefits. “This is a "return of regularization of schools that Macaulay" -- building an education although charge lower fees, system in the interest of foreigners particularly in the rural and semi- and wealthy ones," they alleged. urban areas but also have poor infrastructure and untrained The NEP is also silent on the issue teachers. It will also legitimise and that concerns the teachers a lot i.e. mainstream “one teacher” schools the system of contract teachers. like the Ekal Vidyalayas that While the NEP says that “the teacher currently spread across the country must be at the centre of the and number more than a lakh. Ekal fundamental reforms in the Vidyalayas are run by the Ekal education system,” and recognizes Vidyalaya Foundation (EVF), which the need for “recruitment, is “associated with the Hindu c o n t i n u o u s p r o f e s s i o n a l nationalist organisations Vishva development, positive working Hindu Parishad, which is in turn a e n v i r o n m e n t a n d s e r v i c e member of the Sangh Parivar, the conditions”, it does not explain family of organisations run by the words like recruitment, service Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh conditions etc. which are then open (RSS).” to multiple interpretations. Contractual teachers normally work Minority educational institutions, in smaller schools and do not enjoy particularly Christian educational the same service conditions as institutions have contributed a lot to regular teachers. They also are hired nation building. The Church’s w h i l e h a v i n g j u s t b a s i c contribution to education of the qualifications but almost never get nation has been disproportionately

5  September 2020/AIM large. The earlier policies like the a lot of areas of concern that need to National Education Policy of 1986 be addressed. Space constrains us had unambiguously recognized here but a good resource for the minority rights and the importance readers would be the August issue of of education of minorities and the the magazine Indian Currents. You need for protecting the constitutional can access the magazine from their guarantees given to minorities to s i t e : establish and administer their own https://www.indiancurrents.org/ educational institutions. However, the NEP 2020 is silent on this. EFI’s centre for Public Affairs, Public Policy, and Research had held Issues like these have prompted a consultation on the NEP in 2019 critics like Nandita Narain, associate and later had collaborated with other professor at St Stephen’s College to bodies and had submitted a term the NEP 2020 as the “National document to Mr. Ramesh Pokhriyal, Exclusion Policy” rather than an the current Minster of Education education policy. “The NEP 2020 is highlighting the concerns of the a blueprint for privatisation of community. education and ideological takeover by the right wing. Education will be The NEP is a policy and not a law, used to disempower people further,” but no doubt will become the basis of she told the National Herald. laws and standards that will eventually shape and impact The gravest charge against the education of Indians and their National Education Policy, whose w o r l d v i e w. T h e C h r i s t i a n rules are yet to be framed and noted, community in India is committed to is that it encroaches precariously on nation building through our the rights of states as Education is on contribution to all sectors including the concurrent list in the education and will welcome any Constitution, and it makes one man, policy which is beneficial to the the Prime Minister, the sole arbiter of nation in building up of values, both all things. Already facing charges of moral and constitutional, so that we conceding much to sectarian groups, as a nation may progress and have a the NEP must shed elements that sense of common citizenship and assault federalism. culture so that national integration is strengthened. While there is a lot of potential for good in the NEP 2020, there are also Rev. Vijayesh Lal

6  September 2020/AIM WHAT ARE CHRISTIAN TEACHERS TO DO TODAY? Rev. Kuruvilla Chandy

Schools are closed. Classrooms are god. That is not the same as standing empty. Teachers are now required to in line with God. It is idolatry to let do on-line teaching. That is the new anyone or anything take the place of mode of doing the teacher's job. God. Idolatry always displaces God.

One problem is that teaching was Moses was reminded that God was never meant to be just a job. It was/is the Maker and so, He would take a vocation/a calling. Old English care of the impediments that Moses novels in a village setting show the said he had that would prevent him parson, the teacher, and the doctor as from doing what God wanted. When the three people of noble callings in a we buy any machines or gadgets, we village. get an instruction manual from the manufacturer. Significantly, the next God, Who Teaches time the Bible talks of teaching is when God told Moses that he was to The first time the Bible used the teach people from the divine word “teach” was in connection with instruction manual that God was God telling Moses that He would giving him so that they would know teach Moses and Aaron how to speak how to live (24:12). on behalf of God (Ex. 4:12, 15). So, God is the very first teacher, and in The aim of all teaching should be to that much every teacher stands in show pupils how to live. The line with God. India does have a question to consider is whether tradition of treating the guru as a instructors teach subject matter or

7  September 2020/AIM whether they are engaged in Apostle Paul was careful to maintain teaching girls and boys, youth and his integrity as a teacher and was adults. Teaching subject matter is therefore able to say, “Follow me, as only a case of filling a gap in I follow Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1). knowledge, and filling such gaps can be done by the individuals on their Even today, Christian schools are the own by reading up on the subject or first choice of many parents in urban searching the internet. Teaching a India for their children's education. person, on the other hand, is a matter H o w e v e r, m a n y C h r i s t i a n of having a relationship, that of guru- institutions are merely resting on the shishya. laurels earned in earlier times. There have been compromises, and there is Representative of Christ rampant corruption in so many mission institutions. Our Lord was a teacher. People called him rabbi or teacher. Here's It is the staff of schools, colleges, and what Jesus did. He called people to hospitals that must uphold the follow Him. That is the role of a mission of their institutions. What is teacher: to get the student to follow the mission of a Christian school or her/him, to do as she/he does. Jesus college or hospital? deplored the fact that while the teachers of His day were teaching all First, they are to be representative of the right things, they didn't do right. Christ Jesus. Being representative of Learning from them was not someone is to take his or her place. liberating, but people were Any Christian who is a teacher burdened. Those rabbis and therefore takes the place of Christ, Pharisees were just people who liked the Teacher, and should manifest the to be idolised as teachers so that they character of Christ Jesus. The could reap all sorts of advantages Christian teacher must be like Christ. and privileges (Matt. 23: 1-7). Righteous Like Christ Our Lord said to His students/ disciples, “Follow me.” Every Jesus described His disciples as the teacher should be able to say that to “salt of the earth” (Matt. 5:13). Salt students: “Follow me. Follow in my preserves food and flavours it. steps. If you follow me, you will not Arresting decay and making food go wrong. Your life will be blessed. palatable are what we use salt for. You will grow as a person.” The These are not either/or functions of

8  September 2020/AIM salt. They go together. If food is to be was in the world. He passed on the palatable, it must not be rotten. baton to His followers in the relay race of life, or, shall we say, He People expect mission institutions passed on the torch for us to carry it and their staff to have a higher forward and light up our world? standard of conduct. They do not expect to encounter corruption in a Representing Jesus as a teacher mission institution. They are therefore means that one has to be shocked and disgusted when they do. righteous like Jesus. According to A Christian teacher must face the the Bible, righteousness is question of whether she or he is conformity to the standard given by functioning as salt in society. Are we God. Jesus fulfilled God's Law and arresting the decay, the downward He is our standard for conduct in all spiral of society? Are we adding a walks of life. We need to be people of Christian flavour to life and living integrity. The Oxford English and thereby inviting people to get a Dictionary defines “integrity” taste for what is Christlike? primarily as “the quality of being honest and having strong moral Jesus also said that His followers are principles”. A second meaning is that the “light of the world” (vv. 14-16). it is “the state of being whole and He went on to say that “a city built on undivided…condition of being a hill cannot be hidden”. Christian u n i f i e d o r s o u n d i n churches and institutions are built on construction...[having] internal the hill of Calvary. It is not a very tall consistency or lack of corruption”. hill, but in terms of historical significance there is no higher Do fellow-workers and students get mountain than Calvary. Any person justice in the Christian institutions or institution standing on that hill where we serve? Often, instead of comes under scrutiny. Others expect being righteous like Christ, we fit to see the purity and sacrificial into the system and blame the conduct of Christ when they look at system. We manifest an inability to whoever and whatever is founded on buck the system because we just the teachings of Christ Jesus. want to safeguard our own interests.

Significantly, the title “light of the A system is a power structure, and as world” was Christ's own title (Jn. Lord Acton famously said, “Power 8:12; 9:5). He said that He Himself corrupts and absolute power was the Light of the world while He corrupts absolutely.” Managements

9  September 2020/AIM and executive heads have only the economically deprived families. concerns of the management on their While, government and school hearts and minds. Their concern is to authorities have been congratulating safeguard their own power. They are themselves on providing on-line guided by the profit-motive because classes, poor kids have felt they themselves will reap the benefit marginalised and left out. Schools in of profit-sharing. When the Kerala started online classes in June. management of a Christian In Kerala's Malappuram district, a institution and its executive head young girl who was a good student, function in this way, they are despaired because she had neither a certainly not representing Christ TV nor a smartphone. She was in because they are not righteous like Class 10. She went missing from her Christ. Such situations call for some home in the afternoon. A few hours to take a stand in the name of our later, her charred body was Lord – to do what Christ would do, to discovered at a deserted place near be like Jesus in cleansing the temple her home. The girl's father is a of God. Scheduled Caste daily wage labourer and has not been able to Redemptive Like Christ make ends meet during the ongoing coronavirus lock-down. He said that Jesus was righteous, but not self- the television at home was not righteous. Righteousness for Him working. The girl told her father that meant being redemptive toward it needed to be repaired but he those who needed to be rescued. He couldn't get it done. He couldn't said that He had come not for those afford a smartphone either. who prided in their spiritual health, Obviously, the girl was worried she but for those who deemed would not be able to study further, or themselves to be in need of healing that her studies would be affected (Lk. 5:31-32). because of the financial situation of her family. This aspect of being like Jesus is particularly significant at this time What can a teacher do in the present when schools are not open to circumstances to ensure that poor children who need teaching. On-line kids are not left out? Teachers need classes just don't do it for those who to do something because when the are poor and underprivileged. disciples tried to distance children Computers, tablets and smartphones from the Master, Jesus got indignant are just not there for children in and said, “Let the children come to

10  September 2020/AIM me” (Mk. 10:13-14). He said that the of Cyprian (249–262 AD), the Kingdom of God belongs to Christian response won admiration children. How it must make Him sad and converts. Dionysius, bishop of and angry that poor children have Alexandria, reported: “Most of our been dispossessed in the kingdoms b r o t h e r C h r i s t i a n s s h o w e d run by adults doing programmes that unbounded love and loyalty, never meet requirements! sparing themselves and thinking only of one another. Heedless of There are no institutional solutions danger, they took charge of the sick, for the problems of those who are attending to their every need and marginalised and deprived. But there ministering to them in Christ, and can be a solution that individual with them departed this life serenely teachers can offer. There are poor happy; for they were infected by children in every neighbourhood. others with the disease, drawing on Open your home to teach them in themselves the sickness of their small groups. Or, go to places where neighbors and cheerfully accepting they live in a cluster and tutor them their pains. Many, in nursing and in small groups. The health curing others, transferred their death departments of state governments to themselves and died in their will not allow gathering a full class stead.” of 30/40/50 children, but the rules permit 10 persons to gather. Similarly when the Black Death (ravaging Europe from the 14th Or, how about offering to tutor the Century onward) struck Wittenberg children of the domestic workers in 1527, Martin Luther and his who come to your home to help you pregnant wife, Katharina, remained with housework? to care for the sick. Luther said, “We must respect the word of Christ, 'I The Second Mile was sick, and you did not visit me.' According to this passage, we are The Christian response to plagues in bound to each other in such a way earlier times gives us a cue about that no one may forsake the other in how we are to respond to the present his distress but is obliged to assist crisis. Christians of old were clearly and help him as he himself would motivated by the Word of Christ like to be helped.” However, Luther about visiting the sick and dying as d i d s p e a k o f t h e r e b e i n g though they were visiting Christ circumstances where fleeing was (Matt. 25:35-36). During the Plague allowed and warned Christians not

11  September 2020/AIM to judge one another for different that year on. Think of it: a teacher decisions. had to become the vice president of the country before the nation, Sadly, the image of all the noble thought of honouring teachers with a callings has taken a severe beating day. That's sad. And, the fact is that because most of those who do the apart from observing the day work of being a pastor (of souls), a commemoratively, for the most part teacher (of minds) and a doctor (of teachers are still not honoured. But bodies) take their professions as just it's OK. They have been called to the means of their livelihood. With follow the Master Teacher and He that attitude, making money has has asked them to go the second become the ultimate goal. mile.

Teachers have a wonderful opportunity to restore the nobility of their profession, but they have to go the second mile (Matt. 5:41), and there is no payment for going the second mile.

I was in school when Teachers' Day was first celebrated on September 5, 1962. We were told that our Vice Rev. Kuruvilla Chandy President used to be a teacher and is a freelance preacher and writer. He therefore, his birthday was going to c a n b e r e a c h e d a t : be observed as Teachers' Day from [email protected]

12  September 2020/AIM Understanding Our Times Indian Education and Teachers in the Crossroads

Mr. John Amalraj

Abstract: This article is an attempt villages and around the globe with to analyze the crisis of the friends and families. This educational system in India and how t e c h n o l o g i c a l r e v o l u t i o n the churches can respond positively unfortunately has not impacted the in a post-COVID 19 context. It gives field of education as much as it was a clarion call for educators to re- expected. Until recently, some imagine the role of teachers as higher educational institutions mentors. banned the use of mobile phones on their campus or in classrooms. No The desire to possess the latest one imagined that the temporary branded smart phone is a symbol of closure of educational institutions in the influence of technological the context of the pandemic, would r e v o l u t i o n i m p a c t i n g extend for months affecting the communication in today's world. future of the students. Most private The mode of communication has schools, colleges and universities changed from a post card to social u s i n g t h e s t r e n g t h o f t h e media video chat that has caught the infrastructure have made a transition imagination of the world. Even to remote learning using multiple during the extended lockdown, digital platforms. However, the people are learning to socially reality is that almost all government survive as their mobile phones are run or aided schools catering to the still connecting them across cities, low-income population are

13  September 2020/AIM struggling to catch up with year 1830 by opening the 'normal' technology and are being left behind. school in Calcutta which catered to Recently, I was talking to a friend Indian children across caste and who is a teacher in a government r e l i g i o u s b a r r i e r s t o h a v e aided school in a small rural town. educational opportunities in He was content that the government English. However, these schools is paying his monthly salary but was were only for boys. frustrated that he is not able to connect with his students. The During this period, some British government had distributed women observed that girls including textbooks to the students and asked young widows and orphans were them to do 'independent study' at confined to Zananas (the women's home which is complemented by quarters for high caste women living centralized teaching sessions via in North India which restricted the television telecast. My friend was entry of men who were not related) wondering when the schools will re- and did not have opportunities for open and if it does not, what will be education or health care. They his role as a teacher. Private schools initiated discussions in London and catering to the middle-class started a mission movement to send population can use internet and women teachers into the Zananas, smart phone but for a poor student in and later in 1852, the “Indian Female rural India who has little or no access Normal School and Instruction to the latest technology the dreams of Society” was opened in Calcutta to education is shattered. train Indian women as mobile village teachers. (The early origin of Let us go back to understand the Interserve's ministry). background of the present educational system in India, before Social reformers Savitribai Phule looking at how we can respond to the and Jyotirao Phule opened the first present crisis. school for girls in Pune in 1848. (Roshni, “Savitribai”) Later, Pandita Origin of Present Educational Ramabai gave a testimony before the System Hunter Commission on Education in The first Scottish missionary 1882 passionately advocating for Alexander Duff initiated the female education as her duty to her educational reform in India in the late father who had broken

14  September 2020/AIM traditional barriers to teach Sanskrit overwhelmed by their need to to his daughters, believing that this administer heritage institutions and was a cause to which she would be provide employment opportunities devoted until the end of her life. for their community. (Frykenberg, “Biographical”) Pandita Ramabai then founded Educational Reforms Mukti Mission to educate orphan We are now in the crossroads of a girls. Since then, men and women n e w e r a . G l o b a l i z a t i o n , have had access to educational technological advancement, and the opportunities across India although pandemic call us to rethink the challenges of equitable access for educational system. In the past those in the lower caste system and seventy years of an independent lower economic strata remains. nation hood, several attempts have been made to reform the educational The present Indian education system system by building new model is the legacy of the British empire schools and universities like the and the Western missionary Indian Institute of Technology, movement. It is an established fact Indian Institute of Management, that whenever national leaders refer Jawaharlal Nehru University, All to the Indian Christian community, India Institute of Medical Science they commend our role in education and the Kendra Vidyalaya schools. and health care. It is the Christian educational institutions that built the The most recent reform was the foundation for the emergence of enactment of “The Right to freedom fighters and many Education Act 2009” that made influential political leaders and education free and compulsory for bureaucrats. Today, government all children between the age of six to intervention and individual fourteen years and giving every entrepreneurial efforts have child in India the right to education. multiplied the educational Meeta Sengupta, an educational institutions. The private institutions policy observer wrote an article often follow the example of the calling for a complete overhaul of 'good old mission school'. Today, the the Indian educational system and church and mission run educational suggested a shift in the mindset to institutions seems to have lost their build a good learning system. founding vision as they have been (Sengupta, “Educational”) There are

15  September 2020/AIM three major gaps in the educational lack of basic infrastructure of system in India that needs urgent b u i l d i n g s , f u r n i t u r e , a n d reform. playgrounds the education system collapses. The Gap in Life Skills Higher education has a very high The Gap in Teachers value in India, but it is limited to the There is an acute shortage of trained craze of just getting a degree, teachers in both governments run diploma, or certificate. The need for schools and private management bridging the gap between the job schools. (Education Desk, Shortage, market requirement and the skill 2018) 12 lakh teachers are the short level of available workforce is very fall in government schools. The acute. Work opportunities abound report indicated that we need 20 lakh everywhere, but the current trained teachers by the end of 2018 workforce fails to meet most for government schools alone. At the requirements. Employers require higher education level, the need for people with inter-personal faculty in existing universities is a relationship skills, communication challenge of capacity and quality. skills, critical thinking skills and India needs 1.16 million teachers for moral character. The educational all the universities in the country and system fails to provide basic life by the year 2020 the shortage will skills to make a living. rise to 1.38 million. The scarcity of qualified teachers results in under- The Gap in Infrastructure qualified and contractual teachers in It is pathetic to even talk about the government schools, private government run schools and management schools and mission colleges across most parts of our s c h o o l s . Te a c h e r s a r e t h e country. It is the elite among the cornerstone in building the population who have access to educational system and the lack of private management run institutions trained teachers is troubling. who have large infrastructures. The primary and secondary schools in National Education Policy rural India have no infrastructure On the heels of several demands which contributes to the migration of “The National Education Policy students to semi-urban and urban 2020” was released by the areas for better facilities. If there is a Government of India on July 31,

16  September 2020/AIM 2020 promising to reform the transition to digital platforms and educational sector by shifting the online delivery the million-dollar focus from rote learning to critical question is whether a paradigm shift thinking, skill training and research is needed in our educational system. mindset. This policy also integrates How can we provide digital access to arts, science, technology, and every child irrespective of economic humanities to provide holistic backgrounds? Can existing church c u r r i c u l u m . P r i o r i t i e s o n b u i l d i n g s b e c o n v e r t e d t o foundational literacy and numeracy, classrooms and computer labs for adult education, continuing the neighbourhood? Can our education, three language formula, congregation members volunteer as standardization of sign language, tuition teachers in the evenings in the provisions for disabilities, neighbourhood? The Government of internships, teacher training and Delhi in the last few years have universalization of early childhood proved that with the right intention care and education etc., are some of and use of resources the quality of the highlights. However, a closer education can be transformed. The examination of the policy, the key was re-training teachers to political agenda of the ruling party is change their mindset and adopt a evident. Even though the budget new teaching style. Teachers became allocation has been increased from life mentors to students. Whether it the present 1.7% of the GDP to 6%, is a brick and mortar classroom or a the scope for further privatization digital platform a teacher as a mentor and commercialization of the can make a difference. Teachers education sector is ripe and not a need on-going professional training good sign for the larger population. along with being envisioned with the We need to wait and see how the 'higher calling'. policy is implemented on the ground and whether the hope of making The role Christian teachers can play 'India a global knowledge in moulding the mind of children and superpower' will be realized. youth with the values of Jesus Christ has been underestimated. The Re-imagining the Role of Teachers testimony of thousands of Indian In the context of educational leaders about the exemplary life and buildings and campuses being shut passion of a Christian teacher is told and many of them making a to the next generation. The role of a

17  September 2020/AIM Christian teacher is not just a secure employment opportunity. It is a call to mission whether they serve in a Christian institution or in other government or management run institutions. Young Christians must be encouraged to take on the once 'noble' profession of teaching and serve the nation not just in Christian institutions but in government and Mr. John Amalraj served with Indian mission other private institutions rather than organizations in leadership roles. just opting for 'careers' that assure Presently he is pursuing doctoral money. Indian education is at the research on leadership development. crossroads and it is teachers who can become the cornerstone of the new educational system.

References: BS Web Team, “New Education Policy, 2020”, Business Standard, July 31, 2020. https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/in-pics-major-reforms-under-national- education-policy-2020

Chakrabarty, Roshni, “How Savitribai Phule…..”, India Today, January 3, 2020. https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/gk-current-affairs/story/how-savitribai-phule-india-s-first- female-teacher-dealt-with-abusers-hell-bent-on-preventing-her-from-educating-girls

Editors, “Alexander Duff”, Encyclopedia Britannica. Accessed on August 18, 2020. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Alexander-Duff

Education Desk, Indian Express, December 25, 2018, https://indianexpress.com/article/education/severe-shortage-of-teachers-in-public-schools-highest-in- up-bihar-report

Frykenberg, Robert Eric “Pandita Ramabai Saraswati: A Biographical Introduction,” in Pandita Ramabai's America – Conditions of Life in the United States. Kshitija Gomes, Translator, Philip C Engblom, Translation Editor. William B Eerdmans Publishing Company: Grand Rapids, MI, 2003.

Sengupta, Meeta, “India's Education Policy Needs a Complete Overhaul”, Forbes India, December 19, 2014. http://www.forbesindia.com/blog/economy-policy/indias-education-policy-needs-a- completeoverhaul/

18  September 2020/AIM Happy Social Justice Day

Mr. Chacko Thomas

Introduction Haugen, President, International It is very commendable that we have Justice Mission. (Dr Haugen a day called “Social Justice Day.” formerly worked with the US dept of The need for social justice is almost J u s t i c e a n d U N g e n o c i d e as old as our planet itself. investigation in Rwanda). He is also the author of the book, “Good News In this article, we want to look at about Injustice”. some people who have made and are making a difference for the billions The Baptist Minister and Human who have been “thrown under the Rights activist, Martin Luther King bus”, into a “bottomless pit” called is the one who said that “the moral injustice. arc of the universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” He lived and God's Word is not silent on the died to make America, a more subject although our pulpits are. I perfect Union. would be introducing a Justice Study Bible (NIV) called “GOD'S The Bible Says, JUSTICE. The Flourishing of “Let Justice roll on like a river, Creation and the Destruction of righteousness like a never-failing Evil”. stream.” Amos 5:24

“It is not enough to sit back and say “He has showed you, O man, what is 'the world is bad, God is good, finally good. And what does the Lord it will turn out alright'” said Gary require of you? To act justly and to

19  September 2020/AIM love mercy and to walk humbly with prosperity and luxury. But alongside your God.” Micah 6:8 these externals, the nation suffered a profound social and moral decay. In “Learn to do good; Seek justice, every sphere of society Amos saw Reprove the ruthless, Defend the evils that needed to be exposed,” orphan, Plead for the widow.” Isaiah writes Rev. John Stott. 1:17 And he continues, Social Justice: More than 200 “In the law courts magistrates verses in our Bibles uses the word trampled on the face of the poor, for “Justice” in one form or another. justice had to be bought with bribes” Have you noticed that one of the (Amos 5:12). reasons why God chose Abraham is that, “he will direct his children and “In the marketplace, merchants were his household after him to keep the guilty of “skimping the measure” way of the LORD by doing what is and “boosting the price” (8:5). right and just, …” Genesis 18: 19. “In upper-class mansions, the The choice of Abraham comes in just wealthy were indulging in luxurious a few chapters after the Lord had living, eating, and drinking, while destroyed the world in the flood, for ignoring the plight of the poor (4:1, being 'wicked', 'evil', and 'corrupt', 6:4-6). that is Social Injustice. It leaves us in no doubt on where God stands on the “And in the sanctuaries, worshippers matter of Social Justice. were longing for the festivals to be over so that they could get back to All the writing prophets from Isaiah their buying and selling (8:5). to Malachi, were preachers of Social Justice and righteousness than “… Amos insisted that privilege preachers predicting the future. In brings responsibility, not immunity the eighth Century BC, Amos the to the judgement of God.” [quoted Prophet cried out these words, “Let from “Through the Bible Through Justice roll on like a river, the Year.”] righteousness like a never-failing stream.” Although far from perfect, Christianity has championed the Amos was “speaking to a religious cause of justice more than any nation, Israel that lived in peace, religious or non-religious groups in

20  September 2020/AIM our world. Social progress is more You may have read on the BBC visible in the parts of the world that website about a leading AoG Pastor are based on Biblical values. in Malawi, Africa being elected for However, we Christians are far more President of Malawi. He said that familiar with Compassion than with God told him to stand in election for Social Justice. We have delegated President of his country. He did so Justice to the governments of our and won the Presidency. It remains respective nations. The rest is to be seen, how well he would do. I history. pray that He would do well.

A Ruler After God's own Heart: Recently, our world watched the The Man hand-picked by God to lead f u n e r a l o f t h e A m e r i c a n the nation of Israel, “a man after Congressman, John Lewis. What God's own heart” is King David. blessed me was to learn that he was a God's last word on his leadership is Bible Seminary student, preparing to that “David reigned over all Israel; preach and pastor a church when he and David administered justice and heard the Baptist Minister, Dr righteousness for all his people.” 2 Martin Luther King Jr. preach. Samuel 8:15, NASB. The NIV Young Lewis joined Dr King to fight renders it “doing what is just and for justice for the African Americans right for all his people.” That is right, and other minority groups in the “for all his people” not just for his USA. He gave close to 60 years of family or his tribe. David's life is his life for it. One of the worth studying, to find out how he accomplishments of Honourable did it. Congressman Lewis is a Museum of African American History, now There is a general feeling among standing in the US Capital. His last Christians that politics is dirty, political act was to come out of a therefore do not get involved. Many sick, rather death bed and stand on even preach against Christians going the “Black Lives Matter” Plaza and into politics. We may know support the protesters who were Christians in India who tried and there to protest Police brutality. Days found it impossible to progress later, he passed-away. He was 80 playing by the Bible Values. But you years old. Without him, Martin may never find a Bible verse to tell Luther King Jr. and others like them, you that a Christians should not enter there could not have been an African politics. I agree that it is not for American President in the USA. everyone.

21  September 2020/AIM Act justly, love mercy and walk Socially relevant people. It is humbly with your God. Timothy heartening to see some people who Keller, the American author of the could live a very comfortable life, book “Generous Justice”, subtitled almost untouched by Social “How God's Grace Makes us Just” injustice, would take the risks of comments on this verse found in confronting injustice that has Micah 6:8. The verse “He has penetrated every part of the society, showed you, O man, what is good. including religions. They are And what does the Lord require of champions for Justice. If Christians, you? To act justly and to love mercy they are “socially relevant and to walk humbly with your God”, Christians.” he says, “is a summary of how God wants us to live”. Their hearts ache for the child labourers, child slaves, sex He adds, 'do justly and to love mercy' trafficking, political prisoners, are not two separate things, but they people labouring on one meal a day, go together. The one ('do justly'), overcrowded clinics filled with emphasises action we are to take and sickness and death, people who takes other ('love mercy'), emphasises the bribes, courtrooms where the poor attitude or motive, with which we are mocked, governments that ratify act. He summarises the study like the oppression of the weak by the this, “To walk with God, then, we strong, and the list goes on. How must do justice, out of merciful about religious atrocities, cloaked in love.” religious mantle? These things are called out all through the Bible. Another verse Dr Keller expounds is, Leviticus 24:22. Have the same Look for example in Job 24:2-4, 9- 'rule of law' for the foreigner as the 10. “some remove the landmarks, … native. It means, says Keller, they drive away the donkeys of the “acquitting or punishing every orphans, they take the widow's ox for person on the merits of the case, a pledge. They push the needy aside regardless of race or social status. from the road; the poor of the land But justice means more than just the are made to hide themselves punishment of wrongdoing. It also altogether…. Others snatch the means to give people their rights”, orphan from the breast. And against again regardless of their racial [caste the poor, they take a pledge. They in India] or social status. cause the poor to go about naked without clothing, and they take away

22  September 2020/AIM the sheaves from the hungry. worship the Lord for those Believers [NASB]. I feel that God has tears in from Muslim background in Muslim his eyes as he got these words written Countries, where believers from down for us in His Word, even as Muslim background are killed for Jesus, “the Man of Sorrows” wept at trusting the Lord. sad occasions in the Bible. In part, it is because He knows the judgement A n o t h e r f r i e n d s t a r t e d a n that is coming on the unjust. organisation called Starfish Asia, helping poorest of the poor in The Bible is not ignorant of these Pakistan to get an education, to get a evils. God has given us in writing, a good job in their country. Here is long list of evils is going on all over why he and his wife called their the world, the who and how and why. efforts, Starfish. Please read through your Bible once with Social Justice in mind. We “I was walking on the beach one could be overwhelmed, seeing morning and I saw a young man Injustice being so formidable. Sin is picking up starfish from the sand and more profound than we had flinging them back into the sea. imagined. The devil is still the god of this world. He is the enemy of all I asked why he did it. good (Acts 13:10.) We would have no chance against these wicked and “If I don't, they will die in the midday corrupt forces except for the fact that s u n , ” h e s a i d . God is against these evils as well. “But there are thousands of starfish,” I replied. What can one person do? We feel “What difference does it make to helpless against these relentless, save a few?” stormy blasts. Many freeze seeing the vastness of the ills and do He looked down at the starfish in his nothing, saying what they do will not hand and flung it to safety in the even make a dent on this massive waves. evil avalanche. But thank God for those who do what they can, because “It makes a big difference to this the difference it makes for the ones one!” he said.” and twos, that they can help. I have a Thank God for such a mindset. friend, he and his wife started an organisation called “Set my People A Study Bible on Justice. Free”, fighting for the freedom to Let me on closing introduce you, to a

23  September 2020/AIM study Bible, now available, that us ask ourselves the question, “what focuses on Social Justice. This will am I doing with my life that is more make up for all the sermons you important than “doing justly and should have heard on Social Justice, loving mercy and humbly walking but you never did. with God?”

“God's Justice: The Flourishing of May God guide us to serve His Creation and the Destruction of purposes in our generation. Evil.” This is one of the newest additions to the series of Study Bibles available today. It is ably edited by Tim Stafford of the famous magazine, Christianity Today. Contributors to this Study Bible consists of “56 writers who have produced God's Justice” among them some Indian writers we are proud of, like Dr Raju Abraham of Emanuel Hospital Association. They Mr. Chacko Thomas come from various Charities and is presently a Minister-at-large with Organisation like International Operation Mobilisation. He served Justice Mission, World Vision, for 15 years on the OM Ships Logos, Compassion and many more. Doulos, and Logos II. His ministry has taken him to 107 countries in six God has far more to say about Justice continents. One of his few passions is and Righteousness than about many to see the earth filled with the of our pet doctrines over which we knowledge of the Lord and His fight and divide as Christians. We values blessing the nations. He can need to set our priorities right. The be contacted on devil is a “distractor-in-Chief.” Let [email protected]

24  September 2020/AIM A Craving for Peace Dr. Shantanu Dutta

Although 21st September is numbers of domestic violence are observed as the World Day of Peace, constantly rising.. often because as long as these days are on the husbands and partners are now at calendar, they serve as a grim home all the time – either because reminder that we have set up these they can't go to work or having lost markers in pursuit of goals that have their jobs, they have no work to go thus far proved elusive. Not only are to. Observing a day of peace is the decades old conflicts still around relatively compared to sustaining but new ones continue to emerge all peace on a day to day level whether the time. Although the day marked at home or in the world. by the UN System primarily talks of world peace, the long duration lock The International Day of Peace, or, downs have ensured that peace is World Peace Day was first often an elusive commodity even established by the United Nations in inside the four walls of a home. 1981.The UN declared that “Peace Prolonged confinement of people in D a y c o u l d b e d e v o t e d t o cramped homes, long duration work commemorating and strengthening from home requirements with no the ideals of peace both within and adequate infrastructure and lack of among all nations. At the same time, adequate preparation have led to the International Day of Peace is also situations where even petty a Day of Cease fire– a day for disagreement can flare up into peace making peace in both personal disruptors and more. On the other relationships, and the larger conflicts extreme, we read about how the of our time. On Cease fire Day, the

25  September 2020/AIM world calls for and prays for, the Jesus' response must have shocked guns to fall. Silent everywhere at them. He said, “That temple will be least for one day. utterly destroyed. Not one stone will be left upon another.” Forty years Sadly, in our society, the true horrors later, in the year 70 A.D., Jesus' of war and its inherently craven prediction came true. The Romans nature, are too often obscured. In our utterly destroyed Jerusalem. A movies and television shows, our portion of Matthew's 24th chapter, news and our memorials, we often Matthew 24:2 and Matthew 24:15- prefer to hide the lawful reality of the 22, relates to those awful events of human suffering and death that 70 A.D. But most of that chapter results from war. Instead, we focus deals with the end of the age, the end on its heroism and nobility, sacrifice of history. and national affirming character. The Bible seems clear on a few But what does the Bible say? Let's things. It predicts that things will get see if God's word can give us worse instead of better. answers concerning world peace. Though our technology is growing Matthew 24 is filled with Jesus' by leaps and bounds, though the predictions about the future. Let me level of literacy is increasing set the scene for you. The disciples worldwide, those trends do not had been admiring Solomon's create world peace. Why not? temple in Jerusalem. Indeed, the Because the basic problem is evil in Temple was one of the most human hearts. Just think about it. beautiful buildings in the ancient The only world peace we have world. At that time, it was already known has been the brief periods 1000 years old. It was built of white between wars when nations paused marble and plated with gold. Some to reload. Jesus would have agreed of the temple's supporting stones with this statement by Plato: “Only were 40 feet in length and weighed dead men have seen an end to war.” 100 tons. The cutting and moving of In Matthew 24, Jesus gave us a those massive stones remains a preview of what the world will look mystery of ancient engineering. The like just before the end of time. He disciples, some of whom were predicted that certain trends would Galilean fishermen, were awe- be apparent as the end time draws struck by these huge and beautiful near. He called these trends “birth buildings. pangs,” sort of like the contractions a woman feels before childbirth. As

26  September 2020/AIM we consider these signs of the end- tells us that many false messiahs and time, you may agree with me that all false prophets will appear to deceive of these signs are ominously present many people. right now. In Matthew 23:5-11, Jesus tells us that many false messiahs and The second biblical truth about false prophets will appear to deceive world peace sounds almost contrary many people. to the first. While the trends of our world do not point toward world The Bible predicts that things will peace, nevertheless, God's People get worse instead of better. Must Pray and Work for His Kingdom to Come on Earth. Even Though our technology is growing though the trends will be against us, by leaps and bounds, though the we must work for peace. Our task is level of literacy is increasing to establish beachheads or outposts worldwide, those trends do not where Kingdom values prevail. We create world peace. Why not? must build models of the Kingdom Because the basic problem is evil in for a sceptical world to see. human hearts. The Bible's final word on world Just think about it. The only world peace is this: World Peace Will peace we have known has been the Finally Come Through God's brief periods between wars when Massive Intervention. God will nations paused to reload. Jesus write the final chapter of world would have agreed with this history. statement by Plato: “Only dead men have seen an end to war.” 1

In Matthew 24, Jesus gave us a preview of what the world will look like just before the end of time. He predicted that certain trends would be apparent as the end time draws near. He called these trends “birth pangs,” sort of like the contractions a Dr. Shantanu Dutta woman feels before childbirth. As a former Air Force Doctor serves as we consider these signs of the end- Senior Specialist, Thought time, you may agree with me that all Leadership Initiatives, International of these signs are ominously present Justice Mission. He can be reached right now. In Matthew 23:5-11, Jesus at [email protected]

27  September 2020/AIM An Exemplary Teacher Rev. Dr. David Mende

“Better than a thousand days of R. Though I'm a theological educator diligent study is one day with a great and a pastor-teacher, the qualities teacher,” says a Japanese proverb. that I mention here are applicable to How true! Teachers lay a vital all teachers. foundation for children. Teachers have an important role in nation- 1. Tenacious building as they mold young people into responsible citizens. Teachers While some students grasp concepts are a great blessing to every society. quickly, others take time to understand what is being taught. In our country, Teachers' Day is That's why teachers must be observed on September 5th every tenacious until their students grasp year to commemorate the birth the content. Jesus himself was anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli persistent in repeating the same Radhakrishnan, who was a former teachings until their disciples President of India. He was also a grasped it (e.g., Mt. 15:16; Mk 8:21; teacher, educator, and scholar. On 9:32). An exemplary teacher is Teachers' Day, students make cards tenacious as she teaches. for their teachers and even give gifts to them. Even as we celebrate 2. Encouraging Teachers' Day, I would like to Anatole France, a French poet once present seven qualities (using seven said, “Nine-tenths of education is adjectives) of an exemplary teacher encouragement.” Many students by using the acronym T-E-A-C-H-E- need more than a lecture session.

28  September 2020/AIM Especially those who struggle in 5. Hardworking t h e i r a c a d e m i c s n e e d encouragement from their teachers. While some people hardly work, A teacher can make a huge others work hard. Teaching is hard difference in a student's life by being work. Preparing the lessons, a constant source of encouragement. teaching for several hours, grading the papers, and doing several other 3. Adaptive tasks pertaining to teaching is a lot of hard work. Most of the teachers get Each student is different and thus low pay and work long hours. Still, teachers must be adaptive. The exemplary teachers work hard and current coronavirus crisis has forced give their best to their students as many teachers to be adaptive to the they see it as a ministry to the Lord changing circumstances and needs and to their students. of education. Even as the new 6. Enthusiastic education policy is being introduced by our government, teachers are When a teacher is demotivated in a challenged to be adaptive. As times class, we can be sure that even are changing, good teachers learn to students will be demotivated. quickly adapt in order to continue Students don't like to listen to a serving and equipping the students. boring teacher. However, energetic and passionate teachers motivate 4. Caring students to learn and engage in the c l a s s . O u r e n t h u s i a s m i s Some students may be having health communicated through our voice, challenges and/or academic body language, eye contact, etc. challenges and some even come What's more, a teacher's enthusiasm from dysfunctional homes. This is can be contagious and encourage where a caring teacher can make all students to be enthusiastic about the difference. Teachers must get to their studies. know their students. When students know that a teacher genuinely cares 7. Reproving about their studies and future, they tend to pay more attention to what is There will be times when teachers being taught. The students even gain have to reprove their students. An confidence as they study. A caring exemplary teacher doesn't overlook teacher can literally transform the indiscipline among the students. Even our Lord often reproved his lives of his students.

29  September 2020/AIM disciples. Sometimes, a playful student who disrupts the class has to be reproved. Needless to say, teachers must reprove the students in love with the goal to see them become better students.

Conclusion

Lord Jesus is the greatest Teacher! Scottish theologian, James Stuart, Rev. Dr. David Mende who lived and ministered during the is the pastor-teacher at El-Shaddai 19th century once said, “The A s s e m b l y o f G o d C h u rc h teaching of Jesus has had a power (elshaddaiag.in) in Hyderabad. He and an effect with which the also serves as an adjunct faculty influence of no other teacher can member at Southern Asia Bible even for a moment be compared.” College (SABC) in Bangalore, Amen! Christ is the role model for all Hyderabad Institute of Theology and teachers. He taught through words Apologetics (HITHA) in Hyderabad, and deeds. Teachers, we are given a and SUM Bible College & great privilege as well as a huge Theological Seminary in California, responsibility by the Lord. let's USA. He can be reached at +91 strive to imitate Christ and thus 9 8 4 8 0 0 4 0 9 4 a n d glorify God and be a blessing to [email protected]. people!

30  September 2020/AIM READY TO SHUN AND SHAKE OFF BIBLICAL ILLITERACY?

Rev. Dr. Duke Jeyaraj

September 8 is World Literacy Day. India, missionaries taught that, “You How many of us appreciate the fact cannot be a Christian without that the Bible Translation works reading the Bible!” p So, people have indeed accelerated the literacy were taught to read in Schools.' levels in many a place? (Darrell L. Whiteman's essay in the Philip C. Stine-edited book, 'Bible The translation of Bible into English Translation and the Spread of the by the likes of John Wycliffe (1328- Church: The Last 200 Years,' page 1384) and William Tyndale (1494- 138). 1536) in the 14th century and 15th century paved way for even Unfortunately, Christians who shopkeepers in England to become brought in literacy initiatives so that 95% literate. Bob Creson writes, people could read the Bible, are fast “Literacy in England is directly becoming Bible illiterates. 'Sodom attributable to the Bible” (The and Gomorrah? Are they sisters?' – Washington Post, December 11, this Biblically illiterate generation 2014). This phenomenon was asks! repeated in India. Here is a report: 'Teaching people to read was one of Let me use the word 'THEOLOGY', the responsibilities the evangelists as an outline to underline the need undertook so that by the time they for Biblical Literacy among God's left a village there were Christians people. who could read. Conversion and literacy were adopted together. T-Titus Being Called To Pick Among the Khasis in Northeast Bible-Strong Elders!

31  September 2020/AIM Paul fondly called Titus his 'son' rings in my ears: “Then shouldn't I (Titus 1:4). He told Titus about what show concern for the great city of kind of elders he had to appoint for Nineveh, which has more than one providing Christian Leadership in hundred twenty thousand people every town: “He must hold firm to who do not know right from wrong, the trustworthy Word as taught, so and many animals too?” (Jonah 4:11, that he may be able to give NCV). The big number of people in instruction in sound doctrine and Nineveh who were morally confused also to rebuke those who contradict as they had no knowledge of it” (Titus 1:9, ESV). Yahweh's life-giving laws which in- turn left none in any doubt about H-Head-nodders, the Bereans right and wrong – from that big Weren't! number comes a missionary call to The people of Berea were not head- teach the Bible to those who know nodders. They were more noble than nothing about it! India's population those in Thessalonica because they, is approximately 10,000 times more not only “received the Word with all than Nineveh and that means we eagerness”, but also “examining the have a bigger motivation to reach the Scriptures daily to see” if the things Word of God to the ignorant millions Paul and Silas taught were in line and teach it to them! with Scriptures. L-Lack of Knowledge Which E-Ephesian Elders Called To Hosea Writes About! Commit Themselves To The Word One of the most painful cries from of Grace! God in the whole Bible is recorded in Paul never stayed continuously in the book of Hosea. God says, “My one place to minister as much as he people are destroyed from lack of did, in Ephesus. And when he knowledge. 'Because you have wanted to move, he made a gripping rejected knowledge, I also will reject farewell speech to this church's you as my priests; because you have elders. What did he say? He said ignored the law of your God, I also after he left, 'fierce wolves will come will ignore your children!” (Hosea in not sparing the flock' (Acts 20:29). 4:6 NIV). What was the antidote for this wolf- attack? A commitment to the 'Word O-Online Millions and the of His Grace!' (Acts 20:32). Opportunity For Evangelism They Present! O - O n e H u n d r e d Tw e n t y Sandhya Keelery wrote on July 7, Thousand People, That God 2020, that there are 550 million Talked About! internet users in India (Statista.com). God's last question to Jonah still

32  September 2020/AIM This huge number beckons Bible picked up my first theology book, Teachers to dedicate their lives to not after I landed in Bible College, teach people by modern media, such but long before that. As a student of as Zoom. And there are fully online Technology (B. Tech) in Allahabad, I Bible Training programs by reputed was studying volume 1 of Renewal Bible Colleges like South Asian Theology by Rodman Williams! Institute of Advanced Christian And I led Bible Studies on the Studies (SAIACS), Southern Asia Doctrine of God, for a small group in Bible College (SABC), etc., which the men's hostel! That was the trains those who feel called to be training ground for a nation-wide Word preachers. Bible Teaching ministry for me! God has grand and glorious plans for you! G-Going On Circle! And as you shun and shake-off Apostle Paul talked about an ever- biblical illiteracy and take time to increasing circle of Bible Teachers, study His Word systematically, you when he wrote to Timothy: “And the will become a blessing! things that you have heard me say among many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be qualified to teach others as well…” (2 Tim. 2:2).

Y-Yahweh's Prediction! Yahweh's prediction about a famine of hearing God's Word is mentioned in the book of Amos (8:12). So, in the short time available now, let us become Bible Literates! Let us learn to handle the Word of Truth and Rev. Dr. Duke Jeyaraj teach it to our generation! is the founder of Grabbing the Google Generation from Gehenna Mission, a ministry that reaches out You may be a lay-person. But you to present day people via writings, can equip yourself by a self-study of pulpit preaching and counselling. the Word of God. Pick up a good Find out more at www.dukev.org or Systematic Theology book. Wayne by WhatsApp to +91-8886040605. Grudem, Millard J. Erickson and He is a fulltime itinerant preacher others have written excellent and writer-in-residence with this systematic theology textbooks. I ministry

33  September 2020/AIM The Holy Spirit: Sent from heaven 1Peter 1:12 E. BAPTISM WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT

Rev. Richard Masih

What is Baptism with the Holy the Holy Spirit is based on the book Spirit? Is speaking in tongues the 'By the Power of the Holy Spirit' by evidence of the Baptism with the David M. Howard. The book is Holy Spirit? When does it take published by the Inter-Varsity Press. place? Is it simultaneous with or I am grateful to God for this book. It subsequent to the new birth? Is it removed all confusion from my what is called the 'second blessing' mind as to the meaning of the (Cf. 2Corinthians 1:15). This phrase Baptism with the Holy Spirit. It gave is translated variously in different me a straight forward clarity on the translations. Such as, 'benefit twice' matter on which there are lots of (NIV), 'a double blessing' (NLT), 'a confusion and division in the second experience of grace' (ESV), churches. Generally, we go by the 'twice receive a blessing' (NASB), 'a testimony of God's people of their double favor' (NRSV), 'a second experiences when they received the benefit' (CSB, KJV). Probably, ESV, Baptism with the Holy Spirit. Some CSB and KJV come nearer to the have described it as electricity going phrase 'second blessing' because from the top of their head to the they all use the word 'second.' bottom of their sole. Others have Someone asked a servant of God experienced, what is known as, whether he had received the second vomiting in the Spirit. blessing? He replied, “Yes, second, and the third, and many more.” One man went around and around in the meeting hall, driving an However, what is the Baptism with imaginary motorcycle for two hours. the Holy Spirit? This part of the He was releasing the pent up present study on the Baptism with emotions within him. Still, others

34  September 2020/AIM have spoken in tongues or were everyone falls flat, except the coaxed into speaking out whatever photo/videographer.” Another was coming in their minds without puzzling thing for me is this. In John pausing to think the meaning of the 18:6, those who had gone to arrest gibberish they were speaking. I Jesus, fell backward. In being slain believe there are genuine tongues as in the Spirit, the people fall back well as fake ones. We will see more ward. In the Bible, the true of it later. I was taught by one worshippers have always fallen gentleman to sing 'Sa, Re, Ga, Ma' to forward. learn to speak in tongues. I was told that the Holy Spirit will be pleased to We will not learn the correct see that his child is learning the Holy meaning of the Baptism with the Spirit's language. Others were taught Holy Spirit if we go by people's to act as if they were drinking from a testimonies and experiences. The cup. They were told that in that way testimonies and experiences, they were drinking in the Holy Spirit however genuine, should be (Cf. '…we were all given one Spirit interpreted in the light of God's to drink' (1Corinthians 12:13). One word, not God's word in the light of gentleman was trying me to receive p e o p l e ' s t e s t i m o n i e s a n d the Baptism with the Holy Spirit experiences. There are seven with the evidence of speaking in occurrences of the phrase 'Baptism tongues. I asked him which comes with the Holy Spirit' in the New first- Baptism with the Holy Spirit or Testament. They help us to speaking in tongues? He had no understand the true meaning of the answer. If Baptism comes first, then phrase 'Baptism with the Holy Spirit. let's focus on Baptism, tongues will Five of them are prophetical. They follow. But to focus on tongues is to look to the future. One of them is put cart before the horse. historical. It looks backward to the past. One is theological. It gives us Have you heard the phrase 'Slain in the true meaning of the phrase the Spirit?' In a public meeting, the Baptism with the Holy Spirit. preacher calls a person or several persons to himself. Then he puts 1. Prophetical (5). forward his hands towards them, and they all fall flat on the floor. The These all look to the future. They are preacher makes them rise again on found in all the four Gospels as well their feet with the help of his helpers, as in the book of Acts. In the only to make them fall flat again. I Gospels, it's John who is have never understood the purpose prophesying them. In Acts, it's our of this exercise. Someone Lord. commented wryly, “When the preacher puts forward his hands, a. “I baptize you with water for

35  September 2020/AIM repentance, but he who is coming 3. Theological (1). after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He The theological occurrence is also will baptize you with the Holy Spirit only once. It gives meaning to the and fire” (Matthew 3:11 ESV). phrase 'The Baptism with the Holy Spirit.' b. “I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy “For in one Spirit we were all Spirit” (Mark 1:8 ESV). baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were c. John answered them all, saying, made to drink of one Spirit” “I baptize you with water, but he who (1Corinthians 12:13 ESV). is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to The word 'baptize' means to dip, to untie. He will baptize you with the immerse. Notice the word 'all' Holy Spirit and fire” (Luke 3:16 repeated twice in this verse. 'All' ESV). were baptized- not some, not many but all. The Holy Spirit takes a d. I myself did not know him, but person and baptizes him into the he who sent me to baptize with water body of Christ. He becomes a part of said to me, 'He on whom you see the the body of Christ, with Lord Jesus Spirit descend and remain, this is he Christ as head of the body. This is the who baptizes with the Holy Spirit' meaning of the Baptism with the (John 1:33 ESV). Holy Spirit. It is not subsequent to but simultaneous with our new birth. e. “…for John baptized with water, All the born again believers are but you will be baptized with the baptized by the Spirit into the body Holy Spirit not many days from of Christ. now” (Acts 1:5 ESV). F. RECEIVING THE HOLY 2. Historical (1). SPIRIT

The historical occurrence is only Some believe in tarrying for once, found in the Book of Acts. receiving the Holy Spirit. They say, Here, Peter is looking back and “You have received Lord Jesus recalling what had happened in the Christ. Now you need to receive the house of Cornelius. Holy Spirit.” For this tarrying meetings are organized where the a. “And I remembered the word of believers are encouraged to pray, the Lord, how he said, John baptized plead and agonize before the Lord to with water, but you will be baptized receive the Holy Spirit. The word with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 11:16). tarrying occurs in Luke 24:49, “And

36  September 2020/AIM behold, I am sending the promise of 4. How does our Lord come in us at my Father upon you. But stay (tarry- our conversion except by his Holy KJV) in the city until you are clothed Spirit? “Behold, I stand at the door with power from on high (ESV).” and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to But should the believers tarry before him and eat with him, and he with the Lord to receive the Holy Spirit? me” (Revelation 3:20). Though the What does the Scripture say? verse does not mention the Holy Spirit, it is but understood that he can 1. Those who don't have the Holy come in only by his Spirit. Spirit in them don't belong to the Lord. “You, however, are not in the So, to say that we need to receive the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Holy Spirit subsequent to receiving Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone Christ in our lives does not seem to who does not have the Spirit of be right to me. Christ does not belong to him” (Romans 8:9 ESV). So if we do not have the Holy Spirit, we are not even born again. But if we are born again, we do have the Holy Spirit.

2. The Holy Spirit indwells every child of God. “You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you… If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal Rev. Richard Masih bodies through his Spirit who dwells is residing in New Delhi. He studied in you. (Romans 8:9-11). Notice, theology in All Nations Christian how in Vs.9-11 the word dwells is College, England. He served the repeated four times, emphasizing the Lord for 40 years with the Union of indwelling of the Holy Spirit every true child of God. Evangelical Students of India and also authored several books in 3. We are to guard the good deposit English. He is available for the entrusted to us by the indwelling ministry of the word in Hindi and Holy Spirit. “By the Holy Spirit who English on invitation. He can be dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you” (2Timothy reached at Mobile: 9958747748 and 1:14). [email protected]

37  September 2020/AIM CATCH THE KAIROS.

Dr. Sanjay Avinash Mall

There are two words of immense In our lives in this world as we pass importance in the Bible. They are as through the regular Chronos time, follows: there are certain Kairos moments 1. Kairos which God allows in our lives. 2. Chronos Kairos moments may not come to us in the comfort of our day to day lives. The meaning of the word Kairos as They come to us when we may be per the Oxford dictionary is a passing through very critical propitious moment for decision or moments. It is at such times that we action. feel the presence of God very closely in our lives. It could be at the time of The word Kairos is used 86 times in a death of an extremely loved one, the New Testament. It refers to an times of unemployment or any other opportune time, a moment or a very trying times that we may be season such as the harvest time. On going through. Kairos moments may the other hand, the word Chronos not be very easy moments but they which is used 54 times refers to a could leave an indelible impression specific amount of time such as a day in our lives for all time to come. A or an hour. Chronos refers to minutes good example of a Kairos view is the and seconds. It refers to time as a time we have to shepherd our measurable resource. God putting up children. When a friend is with the Israelites for forty years in experiencing pain, we have a brief the wilderness is an example of time 1 window of time in which to reach out that God spent with them. to them.2 It is in these moments when

38  September 2020/AIM God is trying to reach out to us and that Abraham faced in his life. While draw our attention to him that we on the way to the mountains in the should recognize and respond to region of Moriah, we do not know Him. Kairos moments may come to the thoughts that were going through us in the stillness of the night or the mind of Abraham. However, when we are least prepared for them. when Isaac asked him about the lamb How spiritually prepared are we to for the burnt offering, he answered, catch such moments depends upon “God himself would provide.” God our relationship with God. A Kairos honoured the faith of Abraham and moment could be our closest in His time provided the lamb for the encounter with God on this side of sacrifice.5 This was definitely a lie eternity. The Bible in the Epistle to changing experience in the life of the Ephesian church warns us to Abraham, having received his son make the best use of our time as the back from God who he almost killed days are evil.3 at the command of God. It was definitely a Kairos moment for Let us look at some of the people Abraham. It was because Abraham from the Bible who had their Kairos was obedient that God promised him moments: that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the sky and 1. Abraham: Abraham obeyed the as the sand on the sea shore.6 call of God and left his father's home and followed God.4 God told 2. Moses: Moses had his Kairos Abraham, Leave your country, your moment in the wilderness of the people and your father's household desert.7 He saw the burning bush and and go to the land I will show you. In was drawn towards it. When God the following verses, God promises spoke to him from the bush, his life Abraham that he will make him a was changed forever. He led the great nation. Abraham did not greatest exodus in human history question God but left obediently as and was the living witness of the the Lord told him. This act of parting of the Red Sea. obedience was just the beginning of a very close relationship which 3. Ruth: Ruth was a Moabite Abraham enjoyed with God. During woman and the daughter in law of this time, while he experienced the Naomi. Naomi had given both Orpah silence of God, he and Sarah were and Naomi, the option of returning to also blessed with Isaac. Abraham their father's house after they had was obedient to God to the point of become widows. While Orpah chose sacrificing Isaac who was the son of to go back to her people, Ruth, as the promise. This was the toughest test word says, clung to Naomi. Your

39  September 2020/AIM people will be my people and your Life had not been kind to this God shall be my God.8 Life is all woman. She had had a string of about choices and she knew that she failed marriages. Ultimately, she had made the right choice in going to came to the point where she lost faith Bethlehem with Naomi in spite of in the God ordained institution of her mother in law urging her to marriage and tried out a live in return back to her fathers' household. relationship. It is possible that When we read the Book of Ruth, we because of her life style that she had find how God led her step by step. been ostracized by the people in the On reaching Bethlehem, he led her to midst of whom she lived. She Boaz who not only married her but experienced social distancing in the who being her kinsman redeemer, absence of a pandemic. It is at this helped her to redeem the property of point of her spiritual need that Jesus her dead husband. This was a life confronts her and the rest is known to changing experience in the life of all of us. She made the most of the Ruth, something she could not have Kairos time given to her by God and imagined when she was in her home became the first missionary in the country. Later on, she also became community. the mother of Obed. It is no surprise that her name and that of Boaz 6. The Thief on the Cross: The appears in the genealogy of Jesus Bible tells us that two thieves were Christ. crucified along with Jesus. Both of them knew that Jesus was innocent 4. The Shepherds in the Fields: and were very close to the Saviour of Shepherds in the days of Jesus were the world. However, it was only one one of the most marginalized of them who received salvation on communities in the world. They the cross. He recognized that this were not counted worthy enough to was his Kairos moment and he did be witnesses of anything in a court of not let it go by. While they hurled law. It was to such marginalized insults at Jesus, one thief saw the people that God in His wisdom chose Majesty of Jesus in the tragedy that to be witnesses of the birth of His He was undergoing and so, his only begotten son.9 They went and language changed. He who comes to saw the Christ child and even spread me I will not cast out.11 True to His the news in the surrounding areas. words, Jesus promised the thief that today thou shalt be with me in 5. The Samaritan Woman: A lot paradise.12 has been preached and written about the Samaritan Woman and her close 7. Saul: We do not need to dwell on encounter with Jesus at the well.10 this very long. Saul had his life

40  September 2020/AIM changing experience on the road to Thus, we see in the lives of these Damascus. When confronted by people, each of whom came from a Jesus, he asked, “Who are you Lord very different walk of life, how they and the response was that it is Jesus encountered God and their lives who you are persecuting”.13 We were changed forever. know the rest of the story, how Saul and later Paul became the greatest God gives us many chances to come church planter in the history of the close to Him, to have our close world. encounters with Him, to have our own Kairos experiences. Will we be 8. The Jailor: We read that the sensitive enough to recognize those jailor who had Paul and Silas flogged moments and come close to Him? It and imprisoned had his very close is my prayer that we will. encounter with God when the place was shaken by an earth quake. His question to Paul was “Sirs, what must I do to be saved”.14 It is very much possible that the praise and worship of Paul and Silas had made a very deep impact in the life of the jailor. The change in his language as he now spoke to Paul and Silas is very much evident. From a derogatory language, it changed to a Dr. Sanjay Avinash Mall very respectable one. We further is working with World Vision India read that he and his family members as an Associate Director and Head were baptized the same night and of the Corporate Projects Unit. He that he offered food to Paul and Silas, l i v e s i n L u c k n o w . the very men whom he had subjected [email protected] to very brutal physical punishment.

1. Acts 13:18. 8. Ruth 1:14 – 16. 2. A Bibilical View of Time: Shifting from 9. Luke 2: 8 -18. Chronos to Kairos, Loren Pinilis, June 8, 2011. 10. John 4: 7 – 30. 3. Ephesians 5:15-16. 11. John 6:37. 4. Genesis 12: 1 – 9. 12. Luke 23: 42-43. 5. Genesis 22: 13- 15. 13. Acts 9:3-6. 6. Genesis 22: 15 – 17. 14. Acts 16:30 7. Exodus 3: 1- 6.

41  September 2020/AIM Great Teachers are found at Home!

Mr. Hansraj Jain

Using ancient remains and currently Deuteronomy 4: 9 and 10, in use Gothic structures, for effectively, say the same thing, in a PowerPoint, made my grandson very tangible and decipherable inquisitive. He, as usual, asked of the language. The passage reads in 'The relevance of using such archaic Message' as follows: "Just make photos for power-point presentation. sure you stay alert. Keep close I was preparing a series of Bible watch over yourselves. Don't forget Studies on "Building". anything of what you've seen. Don't let your heart wander off. Stay "Well", I said, "remembering our vigilant as long as you live. Teach past (history) for what they represent what you've seen and heard to your and teach, are essential foundation children and grandchildren... God and core of all our present activities. said to me, "Assemble the people in It is on these that we have built and my presence to listen to my words so continue to construct our lives. To that they will learn to fear me in forget our history is to condemn holy fear for as they live on the land, ourselves to the curse of repeating and then they will teach these same the mistakes of the past". words to their children."

As soon as the words escaped my Experientially derived lessons lips, the expression on the face of my taught are far more effective than 9-year-old boy immediately spoke theory-driven and hypothesised up. It felt as if he said, "Dadaji, you teaching. They are mere conceptual have hit a sixer. I do not understand by nature and content. Such what you just said. (By the way, my notionally derived concepts leave grandsons play cricket!)." open windows to conjuncture,

42  September 2020/AIM investigation (to prove its commanded to 'write' them on their reliability). Doubt questions its hearts. In other words, memory workability and authenticity. verses are a great tool. Use it well.

On the contrary, life experiences are The other is: "Keep the daily tools of both factual and tangible by c o m m u n i c a t i o n a s t o o l s . character, reliable and authentic that Unfortunately, neon sign that most can be tested and proven. These homes have hung all around the enable it to remain above ambiguity, house (even the washroom is not mistrust and conjuncture. Creation spared here!), is: Remember of such an environment is a 'Communication devices' reign command and an imperative duty of supreme in this family! every parent. Tools meant to be an asset to better "That's great!", you say. How does living and connecting together. one, in reality, achieve this? Instead, they have become direct invaders of family bonding time. Do we laugh away or get annoyed These have successfully robbed us. when our little one wears our shoes We have no time to sit together, to go or the high heels and walk about the for walks together, day of outing as a house? Is there a silent message in it - family, and then come evening when a sort of non-verbal communication? we could have time for dinner together, and finally bring the day to Deuteronomy 6 verses six onwards a close with our family prayer time. provide with clues on how every parent can achieve the above. Of With the dishes cleared, kids tucked course, no two homes or, for that in bed; it was time for mom and dad matter, parents, are the same. Their to catch up on the day's events with a emphasis, creativity, and values warm glass of milk, tea or coffee. would differ; As would be the history of their upbringings. But the core As for the bed-time story: It always purpose and priority remain the offered a fantastic opportunity to same: to teach deep-seated life- narrate those Bible stories that were impacting truths and values that are "His-story". Remember, these are Biblical in character and content. events that focus on acts of God. So, Among these lessons is the it's alright if we spice them up by knowledge and memory that our modulating your voice and by God is holy and that we are to be a narrator's right to add a little holy people of His. (vs.1,2; 4 to 6). imagination.

God considered teaching this so Then there are the festive times; important that His people are Bible-study times when friends

43  September 2020/AIM come over and share a meal. These Failing our children is not the fault of are extraordinary times for other the children; it is most often, rooted l i k e - m i n d e d a n d g i f t e d i n i n p a r e n t a l f a i l u r e , o v e r storytelling adults to take on the expectations, and short-sight kids. Be aware that All kids ask perspective. Failure (a bit of a strong questions. Please don't get annoyed word, perhaps?) essentially means with them. Instead, be happy to that the man (of the house) or the answer the query and tell the kids mother, have never spent time your reason for such a get-together planning or preparing how they and why you all think these are vital might, together, fulfil their times for everyone. Do it around the responsibilities and expectations campfire! from their kids. Failure to plan is to plan to fail, is the adage to remember. As for Sunday School, they are just Yes, even when called to Teach, an add on - affirming our faith in the nurture and mentor kids into lives of our little ones. Let's not responsible adulthood. forget that we are all attempting to grow children a messed up world! Of course, there is always that hidden element of "Pride" - a huge By the way, all of the above is to be challenge for every parent worth done by Dads. Moms have their role their salt; to have garner courage and and place in the lives of the kids. humility to examine self and were None-the-less, blessed is the home found wanting, to change. Pride where both the parents live, share, always demands a heavy price; it TEACH and disciple their children goes before fall. whom God has granted them stewardship for, together. Choices do matter!!

While Deuteronomy invites and encourages menfolk with the responsibility to teach, train and mentor our broods, James cautions us, saying, "Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers...

Why? Mr. Hansraj Jain ...Because you know that we who Managing Director, Family, teach will be judged more Marriage & Human Relationships, strictly."(3:3). INHERITORS.

44  September 2020/AIM Silent no more

Ms. Stuti Farmer

God has created us to be fully sexual taking efforts to teach women dress and fully human from the moment provocatively, to carry a pepper we were conceived. Sexuality isn't a spray or to take self-defense classes ; taboo topic for God, but one that He teach men that how wrong, filthy and cares deeply about. He wants us to disgusting the act of rape is. embrace sexuality but only according to His design. Sexual 1 Thessalonians 4: 3-5 tells us that intercourse is one of the most closest God wants us to avoid sexual and intimate act between two people immorality, to control our body in a which is designed by God for the holy and honourable way, not in beautiful purpose of expressing love passionate lust like that of the pagans and reproducing young ones but, who do not know God, and in that which is acceptable only in the terms matter no one should take advantage of marriage. of a brother or sister. A woman has the right to wear whatever she feels Outside marriage, such lustful, right, to walk whichever street she violent passions end up sometimes wants, to be dominant, to take up her into rapes which can destroy the space. But nobody has the right to victim's life and is shameful for the rape her. The rape cases which are criminal in society. Many people are reported in media and newspapers aware of such happenings, but they are only the ones which have come are still silent. Why? Instead of into light. There are many such heart

45  September 2020/AIM aching, disgusting and unbelievable shocking and astonishing but it is the assaults happening deep inside many truth. The older ones are either killed villages which are hidden from the or made silent, the younger ones are world. thrown away to be eaten by dogs with their eyes gorged out so their If on a lonely dark night, a man sees a faces aren't recognized. This harsh girl who is alone and vulnerable, reality makes many shiver. Do not be 75% of the boys in his place will treat silent, do not give up and never stop her as their responsibility, the rest fighting for what is right. Our Lord is shameless 25% may tend to treat her sovereign, it is His will to decide as an opportunity. Do not be like the whether the criminal will be put to rest of them. Do not let people be like jail or exiled from the society or the rest of these. Evil has darkened what, but it is our duty to raise our their hearts and minds which makes voices and take action to support our them behave worse than animals. fellow citizens. Do not stay silent, do God has created each woman not be ashamed, you are not alone, fearfully and wonderfully, each of you are a survivor, you are a victor. them is beautiful, each of them Let us ask the Lord for Grace, not to deserves care and respect, not just hesitate when the spirit calls us, to your wife or mother but every girl take a step forward. should be honored. God has given them beauty, poise, elegance, affection, strength, the ability of producing babies by bearing that excruciating pain of childbirth, He has given them strength to bleed every month during their menstrual phase and still light up the world around with a smile on their face.

Me too movement was started in October 2017 against Sexual crimes and harassment. There are young Ms. Stuti Farmer girls out there who are victims of is a college student, pursuing Bsc 1st this, some are not even 3 years old year. She loves to write and who face such problems. Yes, it is fellowship with friends and family.

46  September 2020/AIM Intercessory

September 2020 Points

1 TUESDAY Thank God for His of God's Word. Pray for effective marvelous grace and patience towards teaching and transformed lives as a us. Thank Him for His protection and result of their commitment. provision during the month of August 2020. Pray for effective ministry to 6 SUNDAY Pray for Uttar Pradesh. spread the love of God during this Pray for the persecuted churches in this difficult time. state. Pray for God's Holy Spirit to move hearts and minds of the people to 2 WEDNESDAY Continue to pray for encounter Christ and know him in His Covid-19 disease to stop spreading fullness. Thank God for many people further. Pray for God's intervention who have accepted Christ as their and healing. Saviour despite fear and danger.

3 THURSDAY Pray for Andhra 7 MONDAY Pray for Assam. Assam Pradesh today. Pray for peace and was deeply affected by flood this prosperity for this state. Pray also that monsoon losing many lives and the people of AP would desire to know properties. Pray for restoration, and seek the truth. comfort and God's abundant blessing upon this land. Pray that the people 4 FRIDAY Pray for Arunachal would look to God for help. And may Pradesh. Pray for the churches to God hear their cries and prayers. boldly share their faith in Christ. Pray that the power of the Gospel would 8 TUESDAY World Literacy Day. change people's mindset and, also pray Pray for eradication of Biblical for revival for the churches. illiteracy amongst the believers. Pray for hunger and thirst for God's Word to 5 SATURDAY Today is Teachers' increase. Pray that people of this land Day. Thank God for your teachers and would know the importance of mentors who have impacted your life. learning. Pray that each child would Thank God for those who have get the opportunity to learn and gain committed their lives for the teaching knowledge.

47  September 2020/AIM 9 WEDNESDAY Pray for Bihar. Pray 15 TUESDAY Continue to pray that for all Christian NGOs working in people who have lost their loved ones Bihar to be God-honoring and would be comforted. Pray for many committed. Pray that the believers in people who are affected indirectly such this state would love God's Words and as job loss, strained relationships etc. meditate on it day and night and be a May God heal us and restore us light to the other people around them. completely

10 THURSDAY Pray for Sikkim. Pray 1 6 W E D N E S D AY P r a y f o r for Church leaders to pray and plant Telangana. Pray that God may use this churches strategically. Pray that the land for the advancement of his good news of Christ would reach kingdom. Pray for the willingness of everyone. the people to be used by God to touch lives. 11 FRIDAY Pray for Chattisgarh today. Pray for safety and protection of 17 THURSDAY Pray for Gujarat. the followers of Christ. Pray for Pray that the land would flourish both courage and hope for Christian physically and spiritually. Pray for workers in this state. Pray for religious those who are spreading the Word of liberty in the state. G o d t o b e e n c o u r a g e d a n d strengthened. May His Church grow 12 SATURDAY Pray for West Bengal. and the people flourish. Pray for transformation and growth for the state. Pray for God's kingdom to be 18 FRIDAY Pray for Goa. Pray for extended in West Bengal. spiritual revival in Goa. Pray that the Word of God may be preached and 13 SUNDAY Pray for Uttarakhand. obeyed. Pray also for people would Pray for God's Spirit to work mightily have fresh awareness of the love of the in this state. Pray that God in his mercy Lord Jesus Christ and live for Him. would meet people who have gone to different places in this state seeking for 19 SATURDAY Pray for Haryana. peace and joy. May God meet them in Pray for gender equality. Pray that their need and help them return every girl child would be protected and satisfied and comforted. loved. Pray also that the Lord would bless this state and make it prosper. 14 MONDAY Pray for Tripura. Pray that the Gospel would reach the 20 SUNDAY Pray for Himachal remotest corner of the state. Pray for Pradesh. Pray that God would raise God's light to shine and darkness to many Christian workers to reach all the dispel. Pray for the gospel to be remote places in this state. Pray that effectively preached and lived out by people's hunger and thirst for God will believers in this state. be fulfilled.

48  September 2020/AIM 21 MONDAY International day of Pray that the churches in the state peace. 2020 Peace Day Theme is would focus more on witnessing. Pray Shaping Peace Together. As we the many youngsters from different celebrate the IDP pray that we may parts of the NE would meet God spread compassion, kindness and hope personally during their stay in this in the face of COVID19 pandemic. state. Stand together with the UN against attempts to use the virus to promote 26 SATURDAY Pray for Tamil Nadu. discrimination or hatred. Pray that we Pray for spiritual renewal for believers may all come together to shape peace in the state. together. 27 SUNDAY Pray for Madhya Pray also for Mizoram. Pray for the Pradesh. Pray for the churches in MP people of Mizoram to be the salt and that they would shine brightly despite light of this country. May their faith the many challenges they face. Pray shine brightly and influence people that they would bear many spiritual around them. fruits.

22 TUESDAY Pray for Jammu and 28 MONDAY Pray for Maharashtra. Kashmir. Pray that God would meet Pray for the unreached millions in this the peoples' need and comfort them at state. Pray for more gospel workers to this difficult time. Pray also for the reach them. May the Holy Spirit would people's safety. May God reveal His actively work among them. Continue unconditional love over and over to to pray for the flood victims to have them. their needs provided and be comforted in times of trouble. Pray for full 2 3 W E D N E S D AY P r a y f o r restoration for the state. Karnataka. Pray that the believers will have a vibrant personal relationship 29 TUESDAY Pray for Manipur. Pray with the Lord. Pray that the Holy Spirit for security and peace for the people of would inspire believers to live actively Manipur. Pray that believers would for Him. live out their faith and display God's glory. Pray for revival and growth for 24 THURSDAY Pray for Kerala. Pray the churches. for spiritual alertness for Christian leaders. Pray that they would tirelessly 30 WEDNESDAY Thank God for the continue to plant the seed of the gospel. fruitful month in His vineyard. Thank Him for His faithfulness to all 25 FRIDAY Pray also for Meghalaya. generations.

49  September 2020/AIM 50  September 2020/AIM

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