10 Volume 6 Issue 9 September 2016

The Lord says, “ I will teach you the way you should go; I will instruct you and advise you. Psalm 32:8 Jesus has been the Greatest Teacher who ever walked on this earth! And the Greatest Teacher who ever will be to all eternity. What a privilege to know this Teacher as our personal Saviour. Our social development actions Our social development

1 Friends Focus September 2016 September 5th is celebrated as Teachers’ Day every year from 1962 in India for the appreciation of teachers. The day commemorates the birthday of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakhrishnan, a philosopher and a teacher par excellence, and his contribution towards Indian education system. Dr Radhakhrishnan believed that "teachers should be the best minds in the country". On this day, we gratefully remember the great educationist, apart from honoring all the teachers who have made our life much more knowledgeable and fulfilled, as serving as our beacons of light. In this tradition, FMPB also serves many young minds who are deprived of their right to get educated, by providing quality education and other needed things for a child. In addition to running children homes, day care centers and primary schools we also run two English Medium Schools in Gujarat and Jharkhand in the neediest districts. Thus far, 192 children have completed their 10th std and 83 have completed their 12th std. from the Jhavda school in Gujarat. Mr. Fulesh Bhai and Mr. Phoolchand Bhai, the alumni of the school, have completed their M.Sc. Biology and secured the University first and third rank respectively. The school in Pandeni, Jharkhand also serves the needy Malto community children and 5 of them have completed their Engineering courses. A few number of students from these schools have joined us as missioanries. FMPB is humbly fulfilling its part in nation building. I would like to share with you something which is burdening my heart. I was in Thildega, Chhattisgarh to conduct a 5 days’ workshop for 24 missionaries serving the Lord in that remote place. Within the span of 5 days, out of the 24 missionaries participated, 5 missionaries caught malaria and became seriously ill. Our missionaries working in Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Asom are repeatedly affected by malaria, yet serving the Lord cheerfully. FMPB appreciates your sincere prayers for the missionaries who are carrying the light of gospel in the darkest places. Deuteronomy 32:2 “Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants.” 2 Friends Focus September 2016 The task of the modern educator is not to cut down FRIENDS FOCUS is the official organ jungles, but to irrigate of Friends Missionary Prayer Band deserts. (FMPB). - C.S. Lewis FMPB is an indigenous Missionary Movement presenting the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to unreached The disciple is not above people groups in India. his master: but every one FMPB serves as an arm of the Church that is perfect shall be to plant Churches across the country. as his master. FMPB does saturation evangelism - Luke 6:40 among various people groups. FMPB invites Churches, institutions, My mother was a Sunday families and individuals to pray and support its work. school teacher. So I am a For remarks, recommendations and requests byproduct of prayer. [email protected] My mom just kept on praying for her son. - Steve Harvey A monthly blossom of FMPB If any of you lack wisdom, Publisher & Editor let him ask of God, that Rev. D. Simon Ponniah SUBSCRIPTION INDIA FOREIGN giveth to all [men] liberally, Annual Rs.100 Rs.600 and upbraideth not; and it Life Rs.1500 Rs.5,000 H.Q: 29, High School Road, Ambattur, shall be given him. Chennai - 600 053 - James 1:5 Tel: +91-44-2657 0404 Fax: 2657 3353 Cell: 9444394342 E-mail: [email protected] Teachers can change lives Web site: www.fmpb.co.in Layout and Preparation: with just the right mix of Communication Dept., fmpb chalk and challenges. - Joyce Meyers

Friends Focus September 2016 3 ear partners Din the mission, Loving greetings in our Lord’s Holy Name! Let me share from my meditation of Psalm 67. a) God’s Blessing: Vs. 1 Verse one speaks of God blessing us and looking at us with a countenance filled with joy, - They praise and worship which is a way of understanding God Vs. 3,5 the phrase, ‘to make his face - They experience the joy of shine upon us’. God blesses up being justly ruled by God and he is happy to do that. Vs. 4a b) The purpose of the - They are under God’s Blessing Vs. 2 guidance Vs. 4b God’s blessings are not meant to d) The cycle goes on Vs. 6 be contained within us. God’s We are further blessed, materially purpose in blessing us is that we as well Vs. 6 and the people of might make known his ways and the earth fear the Lord Vs. 7. I am salvations to all people. indeed thankful to god for many c) The outcome of the of you I meet day in and day Blessing Vs. 3 – 5 out who have been abundantly blessed by God and hence are The result or outcome of people eager to partner with us as a way coming to know of God’s of sharing God’s blessings so salvation and ways is that that God’s ways may be known on earth. 4 Friends Focus September 2016 Ministry Development Punjab visit Council Meeting All our missionaries serving in This is a forum within FMPB Punjab gathered from the `10th to plan and discuss strategies to the 13th of August at Faridkot for the ministry both on the for three days of fasting and expansion and consolidation prayer and a day of planning fronts. This met on the 4th and for the way ahead. All of them 5th of August and God gave us a left with two sets of plans, one long range and a short duration for expanding the ministry and plan to keep the ministry on the the other for strengthening the path of growth. Our mobilization fruit of our ministry so far. Pray staff will share details of these specially for our missionaries to plans with you. Pray for the as they work hard to carry out implementation of these plans. these plans. National three days Fasting Thanks for your continued & Prayer prayers and support. As informed in last month’s Yours in Christ, issue, three days of fasting and prayer were observed on the 12th, 13th and 14th of August at several places in our mission field and in our prayer groups. Sudarshan Thomas

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT NEEDED Chartered Accountant (CA) needed for FMPB to work in HQ. Qualification : CA (Chartered Accounant) and born again Christian. Place of Work : HQ (Ambattur) Work : To help the Finance Department by suggesting the accounting system and Internal Auditing. Brothers/Sisters are welcome to apply. Apply to HRD FMPB, 29, High school Road, Ambattur, Chennai 600053

Friends Focus September 2016 5 My dear brothers and sisters, ‘What kind of FMPB movement we want to have ?’ nurture a prayer movement, that will This is a question that encourages and be an enormous blessing to every challenges each one of us to orient person in India. We want to mould a our intentions and aspirations, our fellowship movement, where there is expectations and hope about the FMPB overflowing unity and love, integration and movement. collaboration. We want to script a national More than 50 years ago, God gave missions movement with a national vision, our founding fathers and our leaders, a involving leaders from every language and grand vision to build and nurture a noble tribe, every region and community. Yes, missionary movement, that will proclaim FMPB stands committed to do this and the Gospel, work for the revival of the we seek your whole hearted support. ‘Let churches and teach Christians their duty us rise up and build’ to spread God’s love. How do we take this Where no one is willing to go and help God-led movement forward in achieving transform the society, be it valleys or the God-inspired vision ? How can we mountains, tribal or backward areas, make this movement a great blessing to villages or slums, we want to be there the whole nation ? and give hope and light to the people We want to strengthen and enlarge FMPB of our land. It was due to the committed as a model movement, with Jesus model missionaries like Bro. Durairaj, Bro. of governance and servant leadership.. Jeyaraj, Bro Paul Kannan, Bro Johnson We want to build and sustain a noble Barnabas, Bro Israel Davadoss and mission movement, that serves noble other missionaries, today, we purposes, irrespective of caste, colour, see a transformed and joyful creed, region or gender. We want to community among Malto 6 Friends Focus September 2016 and Kukna tribes. It was due to the families should be overflowing with love, faithful leaders like Bro Emil Jebasingh, care and hospitality. The people of our Bro P Samuel, Bro Theodore Williams, nation should be filled with God’s love Bro Sam Kamalesan, Bro Patrick Joshua, and holiness. Bottom line is that when Prince annan and others, today we see God’s children are involved, there shall be a new generation of God’s children being God’s Kingdom, filled with abundance of nurtured and developed. It was due to creativity and productivity, righteousness the countless prayer group leaders and and truthfulness. This is what we want to prayer partners at every town and village, achieve through FMPB movement. bending their knees and pleading for the All the Senior Secretaries and their nation, today, we see God’s grace and families, along with the General Secretary, mercies covering the whole nation. came together at Jhansi recently and I Now, we want to raise a multitude of had the opportunity to interact with them, missionaries and prayer partners, who teaching them on the Kingdom culture of will be ‘role models’ in true service ‘Beatitudes’. The eight beatitudes of Jesus and holiness, in honesty and integrity, Christ as given in Mathew 5 mandates in prayer and love. We want to raise God’s children to have God’s character, leaders, young and old, men and women, quite different from the world’s view. True, pastors and laymen, with exceptional in the DNA of FMPB, we need to have strategic leadership potential for Gospel, Godly values – humility and accountability, Kingdom values and Church impact. We gentleness and righteousness, forgiveness want to raise thousands of Bible teachers and honesty, togetherness and courage, and Bible translators, Christian teachers as revealed in the Beatitudes. Only then, and doctors, Christian businessmen and FMPB can be a truly God-led movement. professionals, who will make a difference Recently, I was in Mumbai speaking at the in the society. Above all, it’s our prayer FMPB Missions Conference. The active that our nation of 125 crore people knows involvement of many young people in Jesus Christ. It’s for this purpose, we FMPB programs in Mumbai was quite an seek your sacrificial involvement and encouragement. A few committed families commitment. are providing excellent leadership to help Wherever we are located in life’s arena, the youth, teens and children. Well done in our work place and in the mission ! We wish to have such a model in every fields, in our homes and in our churches, town because the youth represent the God calls us to manifest abundant fruits, future of FMPB. We want to strengthen with full potential. Our communities and enlarge the FMPB Youth wing and should be safer, delightful, righteous and FMPB Women’s wing across the nation. prosperous. Our schools should excel in Will you please come forward ? learning and research, building boys and I thank God that the Lord girls of character and competence. Our Friends Focus September 2016 7 enabled us to have 60 new missionaries set goals; they set very high standards during this year and they are full of based on God’s values. Christians don’t enthusiasm and commitment to ‘go, teach, just work in their work place ; they take baptise and make disciples’. When I met it as a calling and work with integrity and them in NIM, Jhansi, I found in them a competence; Christians don’t just establish new breed of people, who have a great missions; they transform the nation into passion in bringing the Gospel to their own empowered and enriched communities. people, tribe and community. Out of the 60 Christians don’t just go as missionaries; new missionaries, many have come from they embrace love and compassion, to the North and North East Indian states, touch the lives of every one in the society; specially Jharkhand, Manipur, Orissa, UP Christians don’t just do the ordinary things; etc. Many FMPB missionaries invested they do noble and extra-ordinary things. their lives in these States and now, we In FMPB, we have been called to do see the abundant fruits, in the form of local noble things, great things, honourable missionaries coming forward. A turning things, extra-ordinary things in every point in the history of FMPB ! area of our life so that God’s name is Can we pray that the Lord of the harvest glorified. Don’t settle for the ordinary; go will raise more missionaries so that we will for the extra-ordinary, because our God be able to touch the lives of 125 crores is a Great God and Extra-ordinary God. people ? Can we pray that we will be able “Lord, make me an instrument of to multiply the number of our sponsors, our Thy peace. prayer partners and our leaders in order to ‘enlarge’ the ministry ? For this, let us Where there is hatred, let me sow love; pray and organise programs, specially where there is injury, pardon; Youth Camps, Teens Camps, Gideons Camps, Missions Conferences, All Night where there is doubt, faith; Prayers, Family Retreats etc on a regular where there is despair, hope; basis. I encourage each one of you to take steps in this regard. where there is darkness, light; All the General Body members are where there is sadness, joy” meeting on 3 September in Chennai for God bless you and God bless FMPB a day of Retreat and Prayer, followed movement by GB meetings. We would appreciate your prayers, as the GB members chart John Samuel the road map of FMPB’s future course President - FMPB of action. Email: [email protected] Brother and Sisters, Christians don’t just 8 Friends Focus September 2016 t is God’s will that Christians are to Ibe holy. Before the foundation of this world was laid, God purposed that Christians were to be holy and without blame. “Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him.”(Ephesians 1:4) Paul the Apostle tells us that God saved us in order to make us holy “who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began”(2 Tim. 1:9). Peter writes: "…as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:15-16). Holiness is exemplified in the life of Christ. So Christ-likeness is holiness. To be holy in thought, word and deed is to be Christ-like in thought, word and deed. To have a holy heart is to have a heart like Jesus. To be holy in our attitudes, ambitions and activities, is to be Christ-like in our attitudes, ambitions and activities. In short, to be Christ-like necessitates having the mind of Christ."Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross" (Phil. 2:5-8). Jesus left us an example that we should follow in His steps. He was and is totally obedient to the Father. He humbled Friends Focus September 2016 9 Himself, renouncing all selfish ambitions are saved not only from the penalty of sin, or considerations, and did the will of but from its dominion too (its hold on us the Father even though it cost Him His in our Christian walk).Christianity is more life."For to this you were called, because than a moment-in-time conversion; it is Christ also suffered for you, leaving you the radical transformation or conversion an example, that you should follow His which leads to a whole new way of life. steps: ’Who committed no sin, nor was It implies the forsaking of our former deceit found in His mouth…” (1 Peter way of life, and our commitment to live 2:21-22).Holiness begins in a person’s as God requires, by His grace. In other life the moment he/she is born again. words, discipleship is used because it His/her sinful past is forgiven and he/she compresses conversion and Christian is made a new creature …if anyone is in living, salvation and sanctification, Christ, he is a new creation; old things into one term. Conversion to Christ, have passed away; behold all things have in the Gospels and the rest of the New become new" (2 Cor. 5:17). This is the Testament, was inconceivable without a beginning of Christ-likeness! commitment to follow Him in life. That Positional and Practical Holiness is why our Lord persistently challenged would-be followers to count the cost, as God’s holiness is a holiness that brings well as the rewards. about the holiness of His people. It is a creative holiness, a goodness that can Lessons from the Wesleyan’s be transferred to His people and that ‘Holiness Movement’ must be transferred to His people if they are to be His people at all. This is called The founder of the Methodist Church, ‘positional’ holiness. Though we are not Wesley started the ‘Holiness Movement’ totally sinless, we are in a position of and reports in 1725 that he committed holiness before God because of what himself to "entire holiness of life". Wesley Christ did for us. We are made holy when described the aim of the movement as the we have faith in Jesus. Paul sees this as a spread of “scriptural holiness". Wesley’s central element of holiness. We are saints compelling vision of the Christian life only because God’s holiness has made was ‘Christian perfection’. It captivated us holy (Col.1:13, 2 Cor.5:17, Col.2:10). his imagination, reordered his desires Conversion is an instantaneous miracle. and directed his own spiritual quest The new birth is a sudden occurrence for ‘whole-life discipleship’. ‘The pursuit in the life of a believer. The moment of Christian perfection’, or ‘holiness in one person exercises faith in Christ, that heart and life’, is Wesley’s language for person is placed in the body of Christ. ‘whole-life discipleship’. It is a spiritual maturity that describes not only a fullness We are made holy in Christ in our standing of God’s love, reordering all our self- before God, and called to be holy in our centered and worldly desires, but a daily lives (1 Cor. 1:2). When the Holy completeness of devotion and dedication Spirit comes in our lives at salvation, He to God’s will in every aspect of our lives. comes to make us holy in practice. We Perfection in love is embodied in works 10 Friends Focus September 2016 of piety – including all kinds of prayer, Other commands given to the Christian searching the Scriptures, receiving the to pursue holiness include: Lord’s Supper, participating in Christian fellowship, fasting or abstinence; and in • “Make every effort to live in peace with works of mercy – doing all the good we all men and to be holy; without holiness can for the physical and spiritual needs no one will see the Lord”(Heb. 12:14). of whomever God should bring our way: • “For this is the will of God, your family, friends, neighbors, strangers and sanctification (holiness) that you abstain enemies. It is a diligent witness to the truth from sexual immorality”(1 Thess. 4:3). of our faith in whatever circumstances we may be found: at home, in the workplace, • “Flee from sexual immorality” (1 Cor. or at church. These good works flow from 6:18). the fullness of our communion with God. • “let us cleanse ourselves from every Discipleship requires Believers’ defilement of body and spirit, bringing Active Co-operation with God holiness to completion in the fear of God”(2 Cor. 7:1). While salvation is solely of God (Jon 2:9; Eph. 2:8-9), in sanctification, God and man Goal and the Process of cooperate. This is not to imply that man’s Discipleship and God’s role are equal in sanctification. The goal of discipleship is to transform God’s work is primary and man’s part the believer into the likeness of Jesus. is secondary. Phil. 2:12-13 provide the “For those whom he foreknew he also biblical picture for sanctification. Here predestined to be conformed to the image the apostle Paul exhorts believers to of his Son.”(Rom. 8:29) The phrase “to work out (to bring to completion) their be conformed to” indicates more than salvation; but then Paul adds “for it is God just an external or superficial likeness; who works in you.” Sanctification is not it signifies the complete character of a a mystical experience in which holiness person. Of course this was the thrust of is ours without effort. God sanctifies us Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount when He by engaging our minds, wills, emotions warned about the motives of the heart. and actions. We are involved in the It is not sufficient for His followers simply process. That is why biblical teaching to appear to be righteous. True disciples on sanctification appears in both the need to transform their inward disposition indicative (“I the Lord sanctify you”) and toward sin. While this is primarily the work the imperative (“sanctify yourselves this of the Holy Spirit, God has commanded day”). all believers to participate in the process In fact, Scripture exhorts the believer of discipleship. For example, the believer to work at becoming holy. “As obedient should: children, do not be conformed to the • Study Scripture (Ps. 1:2; Matt 4:4; passions of your former ignorance, but John 17:17) as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct” (1 Peter 1:15). • Pray (Eph. 6:18; Phil. 4:6) Friends Focus September 2016 11 • Worship (Eph. 5:18-20) holy), says the Lord… Separation from all uncleanness is what holiness is all about. • Make disciples (Matt 28:19-20) Secondly, the people that God separates, • Fellowship (Heb. 10:24-25) He redeems them. The Israelites are • Self-control (Gal. 5:23; Titus 1:8) spoken of as God’s redeemed people. We are redeemed from our old way The apostle Paul understood the sober call of life. We are bought out from there. to discipleship and labored vigorously to Paul talks about this in Romans and in “present everyone mature in Christ.”(Col. 1Corinthians. 1Corinthians 6:20 says, For 1:28) He admonished the church to ensure you were bought at a price … God bought that men and women not only receive us with a price, with the blood of Christ. Christ as Lord, but also pattern their lives We don’t belong to ourselves anymore. after Jesus.(Col. 2:6) Paul was greatly We belong to God in the sense of being concerned that believers move beyond His possession. And to be holy means to spiritual infancy (1 Cor. 3:1-2) to become belong to God. wise (2 Tim 3:15), pure (1 Cor. 6:18), and godly (1 Tim. 4:7). He fervently prayed for Thirdly, we find that the redeemed the complete sanctification of believers (1 people, the people who now live under Thes. 5:23). Significantly, Paul understood God’s covenant and God’s command that his role as a mentor necessitated to holiness, are the people with whom strenuous work. He describes his toil as a God dwells. They are holy because they struggle, as if he were enduring an athlete. become His dwelling place, His temple. Then he sent Timothy, his beloved and This is the point that Paul is making and faithful child in the Lord, to remind the applies to the Christians in 2Corinthians Corinthians of the ways of Christ. This 6:16: … for we are the temple of the was the heartbeat of Paul. living God … So we are holy because Israel People and the Concepts God lives in us. of Holiness and Discipleship Fourthly, everywhere in the OT as in Firstly, we notice that when a person the NT, God’s holiness is expressed in comes to God, God separates him out of a concern to impart this holiness to His the world. He called Israel out of Egypt. As people by the power of His Holy Spirit. In we know, Egypt represents the world in the Ezekiel 11:19: Then I will give them one OT. God separates people out of the world heart, and I will put a new spirit within in order that they may serve Him. This them, and take the stony heart out of separation from the world is what holiness their flesh, and give them a heart of flesh. is about. Paul quotes the same thing in That’s holiness, to have a heart of stone the New Testament. In 2Corinthians 6:17, transformed into a heart of flesh, according he quotes directly from a passage found to God’s righteous standards. Paul applies in the book of Numbers and applies it the same thing to the Christians in to the Christians. Therefore, come out Ephesians 4:24 when he says … put on from among them, and be separate (be the new man which was created according 12 Friends Focus September 2016 to God, in righteousness and true holiness. of God which is to come – Acts 17:31; Our change into a new creature gives Ro 5:9 us the responsibility to live according to God’s holiness. 7. We can look forward with joyful anticipation of eternity with God, Fifthly, God’s holiness will be expressed free from sorrow, pain and death in judgment upon His holy people if they – Rev. 21:1-8 don’t live a life that is in line with God’s sanctifying work in them. God called His 8. Jesus offers peace the world people to holiness in order that His name cannot give, to calm the troubled heart be glorified. And failure to live the kind of - John 14:27 life to which He called His people will bring 9. His words inspire joy to lift our condemnation. The people of Israel, the spirits out of any depression. holy people, came under God’s judgment John 15:11 when they failed to live holy lives. Ezekiel 18:30 puts it very specifically. I will judge 10. He offers to those who follow Him, you, O house of Israel… I will judge you the abiding love of God, which because you have not lived according casts out fear - John 15:9; 1Jn 4:18 to my ways. 11. He makes it possible for us Rewards of Discipleship to be members of the family of God. Mk. 10:28-30 There are rewards to a life of discipleship. However, that should not be our motive One challenging old FMPB song reads for being a disciple. They are a blessing like this: we can experience as we are consistently Let us all become the good disciples of faithful. Our real motivation should be Jesus Christ that desire for an intimate relationship with Jesus and to follow Him wherever We will walk forward in the faith He desires to take us. Now, all of us, for the sake of His ministry 1. We Are Acknowledged By Christ: Matthew 12:49,50 Work in unity all the days 2. We Are Enlightened By Christ: In the beginning history of FMPB such John 8:12 challenging songs called out many young believers to leave their parents and places 3. We Are Guided By The Spirit: to become the disciples of Jesus to go John 16:13 as missionaries in the unreached places 4. We Are Honored By The Father: to plant churches and many to support John 12:26 them by their prayers and sacrificial lives. Let us all continue that legacy in 5. He Confides In His Disciples: our movement so that we will live as the Psalm 25:14 fruit bearing disciples of Jesus to fulfill the 6. We shall be saved from the wrath Great Commission in our mother land. Friends Focus September 2016 13 Pray: For the healing of Kantha Devi affected by brain fever who has been declared that she would not survive Thursday more than six months; for Kotta who 1 has suffered huge loss in business to Happy Birthday reconcile and recover from the loss. Mr. Paul Renganathan P Johnson Mr. Vincent Premraj Jammu & Samba: & Santhammal, Dongminlal Jammu & Kashmir Haokip, T. Sianlunthang Zou Akhnoor: Praise: Night meetings at 29 places Laulin Bhuinya & Kiran and satsang programmes at four Bhengra, Arun Ghanta & Renu places were held. Aman and Kajal were relieved from the grip of evil Praise: Gospel was proclaimed spirit. to 270 persons in new villages. Kakku, addicted to alcohol for many Pray: For the proclamation of Good years was relieved from the same News at the villages of Khada, through prayers. One-day meeting was Sundarpur, Thak, Kharde and Kariya conducted at Parthal village. where there are no believers; for Ramesh to accept Jesus Christ; for the Pray: For the safe return of the two registration of church land at Samba. children of Kala missing from home; amidst opposition only four families Separated family united remain in faith from a total of 200 Seema from Maldhan Chour families and pray for the remaining field Uttarakhand state was families to accept Jesus Christ. haunted by an evil spirit and was mentally depressed and hence Udampur: Local Evangelists she was deserted by her husband. Praise: Neelam who had been Magicians and medicines could affected by paralysis was brought not bring any relief. And she was to satsang programme, everyone bound by chains by her relative. At prayed for him and after three days this juncture missionaries visited he began to walk. Bablu married for Seema and undertook fasting 13 years was blessed with a baby. prayer. Within two weeks Seema Night meetings were conducted at recovered and now lives with her seven places. husband. 14 Friends Focus September 2016 Pray: For the repentance of workers of other organization who try to divert the attention of evangelists; for the Friday speedy registration of church land; 2 for the new missionaries to acquire Happy Birthday linguistic skill in Dogri language. Mrs. Anjana Masih Satya Prakash Surkar Rameshbhai & Miss. Chiinsianmuan Basohli: Gavit Sunitaben Rashyabhai Noushera: Praise: Radhika aged 45 could find Vasave Elesh Prabhu & Sunita a suitable life partner. Aman Kumar Vechya, Jeewer Joeswa & recovered from dengue fever and Kshetrimayum Priya Rajini Devi from asthma. Good News was preached at three new villages. Praise: Rajput and Ramdasi people are receptive to evangelism. The Pray: For Johinder to get healing from backslid believers of Khai village liver problem; for believers such as worship centre came back into faith. Sumar, Neelan, Shobra Kumar and Rajpur worship centre closed due Radha Devi to find suitable spouses; to stiff opposition, resumed worship for new believer Bishan Das who has again. suffered loss in his business. Pray: For the repentance of religious Himachal Pradesh fundamentalists who oppose our Thanedar: Thsangse Sangtam ministry at the villages of Thappat, Thanlam, Poka, Khadigrund, Kanetti, & Zuchano Yanthan Lambadi, Bakkad, Set, Geethpur, Praise: Night meetings at 14 places Pareri, Noniyal and Polokda. and training for church elders and classes for children were conducted. Jammu Region: Krishna who had been suffering due Chittaranjan Tandy & to a boil on his head for 15 years Tejaswita Beborta attends church worship for four months Praise: Four-day training on Dogri and has laid his faith on Jesus Christ. language was imparted to missionaries. Pray: For the registration of church 37 church elders attended the training land without any hitch donated by for elders held at the regional level Premchand; for new contacts such as and planned about future course Mothilal, Mahinder, Thaniran, Sanjay of action. 429 children attended and Lal Bahadur to accept Jesus children’s meeting. Christ. Friends Focus September 2016 15 get accustomed to local language at the earliest; for those who had given Saturday their ears to Good News to accept 3 Jesus Christ. Happy Birthday Mr. Egalaivan K Punjab Mrs. Ching Hoih Kim Gin Sawm Sangrur: Sanjib Anand & Prastuta Pati Rekongpeo: Pani, Ruben Tudu, Naba Khetovi Sumi & Khatoli Praise: Buddha Singh after seven Praise: Moorang village worship years of married life was blessed with centre run on rented building has a baby. Kurmit Singh who suffered obtained land to build a church. fracture in his leg during an accident Backslid believers have come back recovered. into faith and are attending Sunday worship. Many new persons are Pray: For Baljinder Singh, who attending church worship. Om Prakash encroached on church and threatened through prayers recovered from the believers and missionary, to accept psychiatric disturbance. Jesus Christ; for the healing of Bajan Gaur from cancer, Gaurav from mental Pray: For a new Bible translator to disorder and Budhran Singh from renal translate Bible into Rajput language; disorder. for the people taking part in Kailash Yatra to accept Jesus Christ. Bareta: Valvi Netaji Dadu & Kalpana Karsog: John Arulraj & Thanapushpam Praise: Gurucharan quit alcohol through prayers. 10 ladies attended Praise: Gospel was propagated at women’s meeting held at this field. 13 new villages. Meeting for children was conducted. Pray: For the new contact Nandam Lal to accept Jesus Christ; for backslid Pray: For open door to proclaim Kasthura and Saida to come back to Good News at all the villages under Jesus Christ; for the healing of little Karsog field; for the missionaries to boy Preethan from tuberculosis. 16 Friends Focus September 2016 Budhlada: Jeruel Pani & Jyotsana Rani, Priya Hethzi, sonali Bebarta, Hebzibah Sunday 4 Jamima Joy Praise: Happy Birthday Prayer groups were launched Mrs. Malangmei Sanalung Ditungbou at four new places. Meeting for church elders was conducted at five places. Nehalsingwala: Nijwm Muchahary & Sarojini Narzary Pray: For the success of Annual Mela scheduled on October; for the Praise: Night meetings and fasting blessings of the meetings scheduled prayers were held without any this month; for Samper, Sughan, Rajni disturbance. and Santhosh to find suitable spouses. Pray: For all villagers to come into the fold of Jesus Christ; for Shipok Singh Haryana to accept Jesus Christ; for Shinddi to Jeevan Nagar: recover from cardiac problem; for the Bibhaba Pani & Bithika Pani peripheral expansion of Nehalsingwala Praise: Buddha Singh who would church. often quarrel with his wife under the Leharagaga: Pradeep Kumar influence of alcohol gave up alcohol & Jebish Ponsily and believes in Jesus Christ. A family at Malarampura village has come into Praise: 30 persons attended film the fold of Jesus Christ and as a result show ministry held at Papren village open door for evangelism at this village for the first time. Maya received has been established. healing from back pain. Pray: For Rajan to get justice in the Pray: For the repentance of Madanlal, remaining cases in the court of law; Antal and Theep who disturb our for Madhan and Bhola to give up ministry; for Good News to be alcohol; for believers to be steadfast proclaimed at the villages of Khokkar, in their faith amidst opposition; for Kandebah, Lehargara, Chottiyar, Khai, people to come into Jesus Christ in Haryav, Rampura and Jawaharwala; droves in villages where Gospel has for Butta Singh, Mitta Singh, Manjith been proclaimed. Singh and Keval Singh to quit alcohol. Friends Focus September 2016 17 nine years was relieved from the same through prayers.

Monday Pray: For the targets of this field to 5 be achieved; for Kala Singh, Meher Singh, Keksish, Kala, Om Prakash Happy Birthday and Roshan lal to come into the Mr. Esakkiah R Mr. Dharmendra Parrichha fold of Jesus Christ along with their Mr. Joshi Malto families; for Swetha to land a job and the domestic problems in her family Uttarakhand to be amicably settled. Maldhan Chour (Bazpur): Shishu Pal, Kherwada: Vasava Sunil Vabei Khohmo Choza Kumar & Beenakshi Praise: Prayer meetings were Praise: Open door toward evangelism launched at two villages. Gospel has been established at Devas, Mada and Renkela villages. A new worship was propagated at the villages of group was launched of Manas village. Bhikrampur, Kheshewala, Uraha and Sultanpur. Meeting for children was Pray: For land to build churches at started at Ithawa village. Saranath and Chottanada villages; for the opposition against ministry Pray: For Gospel to be preached at Jadapiple village to disappear; at the villages of Brainy, Periya and for the witnessing life of believers Pargha; for Attham to give up alcohol; migrate to other states for jobs; for for open door to evangelism among the construction of a Home for children Dhesi people group; for the healing of of believers. Jaswinder Gaur from heart problem. Rajasthan Faith one Bablu Bhai hailing from Gainad Sri Ganga Nagar: village Dahanu field woke up from Bodar Amrut Bhai & Suvera bed. He could not speak and his Martha Bahen hand became non functional. Praise: Gospel was preached at five His wife Sintha Ben with all faith villages through film show ministry. prayed for the recovery of the Aman under the grip of evil spirit for husband and God healed him.

18 Friends Focus September 2016 objects to church construction. Uttar Pradesh 6 Tuesday Rania: Ebenezer G. Sam & Jebarani Hanumangarh: Praise: Believer Lalu rejected all the Selvam Thavamani & Hepzi idols and believes in Jesus Christ with heart and soul. Ranu from Rania field Praise: Believer Aman was declared did not perform any Pooja for her the topper in her std. X examination daughter’s wedding and has inscribed in the district. Believer Bola Singh and Bible verses on the wedding invitation. his wife came out for personal works, it rained heavily; their house with mud Pray: For Ram Babu to attend wall collapsed and God protected both worship; for the villagers of Jasora, from any damage. Veersinghpur, Maharapur and Kurwapurwa to accept Jesus Christ; Pray: For the new contact Jegadeesh for the salvation of Rachel; for Sonu, to be freed from fear and evil spirit; Suresh, Hayokhin and Arvind to give for Iqbal who faces many hardships up alcohol. and difficult days at home to be firm in his faith on Jesus Christ and the Sikandra: Peter Hariram problems in the family to be settled. & Prema, Suresh H. Patil, Thonkholun Haokip Delhi Praise: Gospel was preached at Patparganj: Thesai village. 23 ladies attended P.G. Christopher & Mabel women’s meeting held at Sindandhira Praise: Trilokpur church construction church. Worship group was launched stopped by anti-Christians has started among Panjara people group. the work with permission from officials. Pray: For Panjara people to accept Paulraj and Bharat found out their Jesus Christ; for Sheela, an important spouses. person of Paski village to give Pray: For men to be liberated from permission for the launching of worship evils such as alcohol and gambling; for group; for those at Sahanipur village the healing of Padmini from stomach receptive to evangelism to come into tumor who is financially very weak; the fold of Jesus Christ along with for the repentance of Mahaveer who their families. Friends Focus September 2016 19 psychiatric problem and for their son who suffers oozing of pus from the Wednesday body, for which the cause could not 7 Fasting Prayer Day be diagnosed by medical doctors. Happy Birthday Basti: Om Prakash Gupta & Mrs. Evangelin Jemi Roby Tumpa Chowdhury, Pumsonchin & Lunching Bahua: Vasava Pachiyabhai & Praise: Gospel was proclaimed Savita Ben without any hindrance. Paasi people are receptive to evangelism. Bandana Praise: Night meetings were held was freed from evil spirit through at 10 places without any obstruction. prayers. Many new persons attend Sunday worship every week. 450 children Pray: For new believers to be firm in attended special meetings for children faith; for open door towards evangelism conducted at 15 places. among all people groups of this field. Pray: For land to build church at Jhinjhak: Bibipur village; for a committed Clement Bakia Raja & Lourthu volunteer to help the ministry; for the Mary, Rajan & Jeba Malar, people of Akasi and Rajwa villages to Madhusmitha Pani, Emimal. be firm in their faith on Jesus Christ. Praise: Good News was preached at 13 villages. Chandran miraculously Parthana: J. Srinivasan & Sheeba G. Chandra, Anil Kumar, survived electrocution. Sushma under the clutches of evil spirit for 20 years Arun Kumar was relieved from the same through Praise: Meeting for children at 13 prayers. places, meeting for church elders and Pray: soul winners’ camp were conducted. For Kanakpura villagers to be Keran whose wedding was postponed freed from alcoholism; for the ongoing found a suitable life partner. Good church construction at Mubarakpur News was proclaimed at 15 villages. without any crisis; for land to build churches at Tibiapur and Rahal Pray: For Smitha’s husband to Lalabath villages; for the healing accompany Smitha in attending church of four-year-old boy Samuel from worship and husband to heal from cerebral fever and epileptic fits. 20 Friends Focus September 2016 Ghatampur: Suresh Malto & Premlata, Nisha, Manpreet Kour Praise: Thursday During church construction 8 at Jahanabad, Vinial fell down and God protected him and the church construction is going ahead smoothly. Gonda Home: Classes for children were conducted Jangkholun Touthang & Ngai at five places. Thianching Hauzel Pray: For the new believers to be Praise: 120 children joined the Home. steadfast in faith; for the blessing Home children along with missionaries of the church dedication service conducted children’s classes. Home scheduled in October; for Prema to children were admitted in Christian recover from paralysis. school to further their studies. For the repentance of Pray: For the higher studies of senior magician and husband’s students of Home children and for their family spiritual life; for justice to be delivered at the earliest in the Gonda land case. Jamuna Ben of Anadu village Mosda field Gujarat had been Pukhrayan: suffering from epileptic fits and Mongwaiphom & Nisha, various physical sufferings. Anuratha, Nesam, Shanti Malto Magician could not help her to Praise: Sunday worship was relieve her suffering. He also conducted newly at Mandi village. declared that if Jamuna Ben had physical relationship with him Meeting for believers was conducted she could be cured. Jamuna at Kalvi village. Meetings for children Ben’s husband family accepted and adults were held at Machha village the proposal. But Jamuna Ben in which many people participated. rejected the proposal and attended Pray: For the healing of Maya church worship. There has been from cancer; for peace to prevail perceptible improvement in her in the family of Sukumani Rani; for health. Pray for the recovery of Santhakali to recover from psychiatric Jamuna Ben and repentance of magician and her husband family. disorder.

Friends Focus September 2016 21 Bilhaur: John Victor & Sathya Praise: Believer Anil who could not send his four children to school due 9 Friday to poverty overcame the problem through financial assistance and the Happy Birthday four children have been admitted in Mrs. Yesurethinam Thyagarajan the school. Mr. Anil Kumar Bisoyi Mrs. Rani Sukanto Kumar Singh Pray: For believer Pooja’s husband to Mr. Ruben Tudu give up alcohol; for believer Vishal’s Bakhshi Ka Talab: Ramasamy mother to accept Jesus Christ and the tumor in her throat to disappear; for Jerome & Anthoni Rajam the healing of Ashok from headache Praise: Gospel was preached to suffering for three years. 1200 persons through film show at nine places and Gospel ministry at 12 Madhya Pradesh villages. Ajith recovered from cerebral Chiriya: Vinu M. & Subila L.R. malaria. Child Abai Tagore survived snake bite through prayers. Praise: Ram Singh suffering from stomach pain for seven days, was Pray: For peace to settle down in brought to the residence of evangelist the family of believer Maya; for the and the latter prayed for him and healing of Ruby from jaundice; for God healed him from stomach pain. three month old Anmol to tide over Eher Singh survived snake bite and physical weakness. Mosha Bhai from scorpion sting. A new worship group was formed at Thawdia village. Freed from fits Pray: For the launching of worship Agalsampia of Jaganathpur field groups at the villages of Rashpoidi, Jharkhand had been suffering Soppali, Tithrarya, Vadi and Hella from fits since childhood. She Padawa; for the safe return of attended our prayer meetings and evangelist’s son who has been missing for the past five months; for the prayed for her healing God brought repentance of Paw Singh and Nan healing to her and the new Singh of Mundiyamal village who believer helps the prayer group. oppose our ministry; for construction of churches at Mengiricumal and Chirondiamal villages. 22 Friends Focus September 2016 Pray: For Bhai Ram to be relieved from alcoholism and come back into faith; for the healing of speech and 10 Saturday hearing impaired children Kavitha (13years) and Akash (3 years) of Rem Happy Birthday Singh and Nandhu Bhai. Mrs. Sapna Om Prakash Nepanagar: Pal & Khandwa Children Paul Durai & Yahel Ponnammal Home: Egalaivan James & Praise: Meetings for children were Beril Siromani held at the villages of Jarin Bhaor, Praise: A new worship group was Palasur and Rampuni. Meeting was formed at Pipel village. 22 children conducted for the first time among newly joined the Home. Three days people who have never heard of Jesus camp and one-day excursion for Christ at Nepa Mathanpur village. children were conducted. Pal field Pray: For the liberation of people of which had been experiencing drought Nepanagar from fear and magicians; for three years received copious rain. for the consolation of Lakshmiamma whose son had expired; for Rekha Pray: For the so-called people of whose tumour in the breast though upper caste in Pal field to accept surgically removed four times still Jesus Christ; for little girl Rekha weak grows and hence her marriage is in studies to excel in her academic hindered. activities; for the safe return of Rohit studying at VII std. absconding for two months; for a Home for boys at To be freed from fear Khandwa. Tribals and other people of Selemba field are under the fear Khakanar: psycho of magicians and pujaries. Jerald Xavier J., Ravi.S As a result they become slaves to pujas. Many young women are Praise: Medhi Bhai who was on haunted by evil spirit. Pray that death bed due to paralysis and other these people are relieved from ailments escaped from death through fear psycho and accept Jesus prayers of missionaries and believers. Christ. Pawar Singh survived scorpion sting. Friends Focus September 2016 23 believers on which witchcraft is being worked out; for believers addicted to alcohol and narcotics to be liberated; 11 Sunday for the launching of worship groups at the villages of Khodha, Khot, Nandurai Happy Birthday and Kaushat. Mrs. Kasheli Yecto Chophy Bihar

Udai Nagar: Araria: Edwin Selvaraj & Daniel Marvel Raj & Jebaseeli Cindu, Dharmender, Anandan Praise: 12 persons attended prayer Praise: People are receptive to meeting conducted anew at Putipara evangelism at Rangada and Nathpur village. Gospel was proclaimed at villages. Sunil Rithi Dev donated a five new villages. Computer training piece of his land to build a temporary and Gospel stories were imparted to church at Sakkarhar village. students. Pray: For the safety of Musahar Pray: For the students who were people who are accommodated in given training in computer to accept government schools due to heavy Jesus Christ; for sister Ranu who downpour; for Sakkarhar people to has expressed willingness to conduct boldly declare their faith inspite of prayer meeting at her home in Teachers’ opposition from their own people; for colony and for the repentance of the the launching of worship groups at society which hinders her. Kundelpur and Rangolaha villages. Khandwa Region: Roby Arulappan & D. Wilson & Rashmita Parida Raharia: Evangelin Jemi Praise: New fields were opened at Koda Dhongri and Pestha Praise: Sunday worship was areas. Though church construction conducted for the first time at the was completed two years ago at residence of Sonu. Sandar has Chippeapura village, the church could volunteered to help the ministry. not be dedicated due to opposition, Pooja suffering from various ailments but the evangelist boldly implanted overcame all crises through prayers. the cross on the front of the church Pray: For Sonu who is ready to building. declare his faith to give up tobacco Pray: For the protection of family of and boldly confess his faith on Jesus Christ. 24 Friends Focus September 2016 West Bengal Haldibari: Udipta Kumar Bag Monday & Surjyakanti, Jennis J.B. & 12 Suganthi Happy Birthday Praise: Film show ministry was Mrs. Mabel Christopher undertaken at Prinkidonkha village. God gave open door to evangelism at Asom Halthipada area. Perceptible changes in the behaviour are noticed among Lakhimpur: C.H. John & Veni those who attend church worship Praise: God protected Missing people newly. God’s protection was felt during from sudden flash flood. heavy downpour. Pray: For the new contacts at the Pray: For those attending church villages of Devpil, Pamundoluni, worship newly to accept Jesus Christ; Ohjansandhi, Jhorikuru and phoghipil for Biswas Kanak Roy, Sudhir Roy, to accept Jesus Christ; for the healing Aroop Roy, Reena Roy and Meena of Keshe Thabe, Marterraj Nera, Roy to come into the fold of Jesus Prema Kumari and Punitha Milli from Christ; for the healing of college girl paralysis. Anna Roy from arthritis and immunity related disorder. Narayanpur; Sunil Prasad Singh & Joy Bella Evangeline Dadra Nagar Haveli Praise: 75 children and 20 adults Khanvel: Bidush Kumar Nayak attended VBS classes conducted at & Pritibala Pradhan three villages. Jesus film was screened at two places. God protected believers Praise: Mahesh Bhai and Leena Ben from flash floods. were blessed with a baby after four years of marriage. Santhi Ben’s child Pray: For the speedy completion of was protected from venomous snake. church construction in this field; for Mukul Tuni and Akash Tuni to accept Pray: For the youth of this field to be Jesus Christ; for the repentance of firm in faith and come forward todo Negho, Rotten Doli, Pongiyal Sokiyer ministry; for the people of villages of and Soida Milli who try to reconvert Raimal Nagar, Dolara, Anklash and believers into their old religion at Sudhrahar to come into the fold of Sokiyal village. Jesus Christ. Friends Focus September 2016 25 create confusion among believers. For Porsom villagers whose houses were gutted to get necessary assistance and 13 Tuesday help. For three new churches to be built in this field Happy Birthday Mrs. Leela Johnson Barnabas Jashipur: Haramohan Prabhudas & Susama, Sukinlal Odisha & Jeyarani Devgarh: P. Shankar & Jelin Praise: Magicians such as Kusha, Lodo and Lebin have come into the Praise: Thakkar Sahu family of Bahulal faith of Jesus Christ. Rajendra Barla village is receptive to evangelism. was freed from evil spirit through Seekers’ camps were conducted at prayers. two villages. Permission has been continuously granted to undertake Pray: For the hindrance against church jail ministry. The plan of finding one construction at Kuchharpal village to person from each village to make him disappear. For the repentance of disciple of Jesus has commenced. people who confuse the land owner who has donated land and unity to Pray: For Ramu Pehera family prevail among believers. married for five years to have a baby; for Kiero Sahu and Suman Pallahara: Basudeo Malto & who oppose the missionary to accept Basanti Malto, Rajendra Prasad Jesus Christ. Praise: Women’s one-day fellowship prayer was held at Anthani village. Angul: Pratyush Nayak & God protected Missionaries and Marithai Leona Evangelists during rainy season Praise: New worship group at infested with snakes. Dalapokka village and Sunday worship Pray: For the Evangelist from at three places have commenced. Juang people to find a suitable Believer Bipin recovered from renal accommodation; for believers to disorder through prayers. volunteer for ministry among Juang people; for the new believer, magician Pray: For the repentance of Juhal, Rama Nayak to stand as a testimony Mangho, Pinno and Ranjan who try to among his own people. 26 Friends Focus September 2016 into faith. For the healing of believer Rebecca from Malaria.

Wednesday Pathalgaon: Padvi Somalia Fasting Prayer Day 14 Mansubhai & Mahala Shilaben, Priscilla, Manjusha Gautam, Happy Birthday Sathya Mr. Francis J Singh Mr. Lakshmanan M Praise: Open door for Evangelism among youth of Rahoot, Chauhan Chhattisgarh Lohan, Sarathi and Yadav people was Champa: Rameshwar Dayal established. Monisa suffering from fits Nirmal & Madhu Kala for 15 years brought to the camp by believers and all prayed for her and Praise: A new worship group was God healed her. formed at Kamasda village. Gospel was preached to about 1000 persons Pray: For magician Eshwar to recover at two villages. from paralysis and the entire family to accept Jesus Christ. For the Pray: For the new believers to be repentance of religious fundamentalists deep rooted in Jesus Christ. For who threaten believers attending committed Evangelists to undertake worship centre at Amanara. For the 15 families who have been threatened mission work in this field. For to turn to their old religion and these Mukhesh and Chottilal Sahu to give families to attend church and be firm up alcohol. in their faith. Sitapur: Muthukumar & Nethravathi Healed Praise: A new worship group has from epileptic fits been formed at Pinthupura village. Two year old boy Aiyush of Tapti Groups containing 12 persons each region had been suffering from were formed in six places so as to fever and epileptic fits. A huge encourage and get people involved amount was spent on medical in ministry. doctors and magicians but in vain. The little boy was taken to the Pray: For the healing of Veeraswathi, evangelist for prayers and God Divya and Nithya from epileptic fit. For healed him miraculously. the backslide believers to come back Friends Focus September 2016 27 recovered from cerebral malaria. Bablu Tehri survived snake bite. Pray: For Kalu Tehri to get government 15 Thursday job. For a volunteer to work at the field of Mohulpahadi. For Bhaneet Happy Birthday Pajan who opposes ministry to accept Mr. Ezekiel Perumal Jesus Christ. For open door to drama Mr. Vasava Bhangsingh Moulya Mr. Paul Dayasingh A Y ministry at all villages. Mrs. Savithiri Kumar Mr. Malkit Singh Sinduriya: Miss. Emimal A John Dinesh & Binny Gnanam Jharkhand Praise: Amidst heavy downpours, about 60 persons viewed Jesus film Birpara: Manasseh Daniel & held at Hamar Chinduria village. Selva Merina Song books were printed at Kardha Praise: Survey was held at Thinkatta language. Four Buriyan believers area. Three day fasting prayer was attended soul winners’ camp. undertaken at Halthipani village. God Pray: For backslide Kushal Yadav gave us open door for evangelism in family and Sadev Roy and wife to this field. come back into faith. For Buriyan Pray: For the tribals living around people group to come into the fold Birpara area where flood has of Jesus Christ. damaged their life to get suitable Bhagaiya & Tinpahar: assistance. For the success of film show ministry scheduled at the villages Jebakumar P. & Pon Latha of Santhalpura, Thothopara, Dalmuni Praise: Evangelist Samuel Malto who and Sesupani. For the missionaries to works among youth has started three youth prayer meetings. After attending learn Chandri language at the earliest. night meeting at Pachariya area, the Mohulpahadi, Talahi & youths attend church service regularly. Children Home: B. Sateesh & Pray: For training to be imparted to Mutha Ratnakumari evangelists to work among youths. Praise: Gospel was proclaimed at 16 For the launching of Adult Literacy new villages. Jesus film was screened program at 10 villages. For revival at five villages at Talahi area. Kalu among Masubeda villagers. For the healing of Sunil Malto suffering from Tehri, Pulmuni Rani and Daniel Kuwar epileptic fits for three years. 28 Friends Focus September 2016 success of training of evangelists to work among children scheduled for three months starting from October. 16 Friday For evangelists’ children to get suitable educational facility. Happy Birthday Mrs. Hanna Gansalves Jehovah Jireh CDC: Gajen Champramary & Roshila Pakuria & Maheshpur: Mochahary Ramesh Velraj & Priscilla Praise: Missionaries recovered from Praise: Night meetings at 15 villages Typhoid. and drama ministry at eight villages were held. Pray: Many of the children of CDC suffer from Malaria, typhoid and Pray: For Rajendra Murmu who viral fever. For the church elders opposes ministry to accept Jesus to encourage believers to conduct Christ. For the repentance of the Sunday worship at five churches which people of upper caste who beat have been closed for many months. believers and handed them over to For the back slide believers to come police. As a result Madaiya family at back into faith. For eight students to Pulshanjari having accepted Jesus get admission in high school. Christ. For Shanthi murmu and Saimat Soran to recover from Kala-azar and Rajmahal Primary School jaundice. - Malto: John Paul Harris & Vimala Daisy Malto Children Ministry: Surendran & Annaselvam Praise: Students and parents benefited from the medical camp conducted at Praise: 49 people attended VBS Keppa Kudia, Pochhakudia and training conducted at Pahadiya and Bedopokria areas. Teachers Michael, Singarsi areas. They have pledged Samu and Devraj survived snake bites. to conduct children classes at 16 places and have started the classes Pray: For the betterment of road for children at nine places. TAFTEE facilities at Thumbi, Keppakudiya and classes have commenced in Hindi and Pochhakudiya areas. For the healing Malto languages. of student Mary Malto from epileptic fits. For good protected water at Pray: For the checking up of lesson plans of Sunday classes. For the Kustan village. Friends Focus September 2016 29 Pray: For new believers to be steadfast in faith. For Ajith, receptive to good news to accept Christ. For 17 Saturday the healing of Pittanjar undertaking treatment in hospital for psychiatric Happy Birthday disorder. Mr. Abraham I K Jeganathpur: Community College – Vinod Kumar & Sanam Joyce Malto: Albert Samuel & Praise: Hepzibah, Krishan Kumar & Persia, daughter of Evangelist Shantilal, Agustian Biji & Manna Mothilal recovered from cerebral Raja Vidhya, Malla Vidhyasagar malaria. Though Papahara village is known for anti Christian activities, Praise: A local trainee has joined the one dead believer was buried as per faculty of Production of Metal Plates. Christian faith. Suhasini Besra and Salomi Malto who had completed their training last year Pray: For Sumithra to recover from have joined Chandrakoda Medical psychiatric disorder for three years. Centre. Vijay Malto, Mathias Malto For Poojari Prankana Somprai to and Sheela Malto who had completed accept Christ. For the people of their training at community college Kalaiya, kathpanth, Laghasai and are undergoing missionary training at Palkantha villages who are receptive NIM, Jhansi. to gospel to accept Jesus Christ. Pray: For more students to join the community college. For the healing Clinging to the shrub of Mathias Malto from tuberculosis. Our evangelist from Motaponda For the protection of students and field Gujarat slipped and fell into a missionaries during monsoon. well of 50 ft depth. During his fall Dhalbhumgarh: he clang to a shrub and shouted Ephraim Malli & Prosonsita for help and prayed to Lord to help him overcome from the crisis. Praise: Believers attended one-day The passers-by who happened soul winners’ camp held at Pahutia and to move through that area lifted hence vowed to proclaim good news at the evangelist safely. Thus God neighboring villages. Sub-centre was miraculously saved the evangelist. opened at Singpurna village. 30 Friends Focus September 2016 Bauvha people live. For good rain at the village of Kushtampura, Lazares, Sarskunda, Khaji, Kundampura and 18 Sunday Savitha where agriculture is the back bone of people. Happy Birthday Mr. John Stephen Y Thanakla: Yuvanesh & Jhansi Mr. Raphael Murmu Rani, Ruth Malto, Sara Malto Utkal Region & Badajamda: Praise: Gospel was proclaimed to Samarendra Singh & Sushmita 400 persons through film ministry. Praise: Night meetings at 20 places, Two new missionaries have joined training for church elders at two places this field to work among youths. and proclamation of good news at 73 Church construction was completed villages were conducted. at Ralaiyambha village without any hindrance. Pray: For the opposition against our ministry at Pokhne and Majikhan to Pray: For revival among Jatri people. cease. For the repentance of youths For the protection of believers and of Ho Mahasabha who beat and missionaries from seasonal diseases. tortured evangelist Soma Hebron. For For good news to be proclaimed at great revival among Pan people group. Vahume village. GUJARAT Dehgam: Bodali: Titus Babu & Mohana Kumaran & Jelin Jeya Pratha Praise: 100 persons viewed Jesus Praise: Sunday classes were film screened at Rusthanapura and conducted at two new villages. Gospel Kanpura Vashat areas. Open door was proclaimed at Saklapakki and for evangelism was established at Jalaiyamat villages. Kanpur Vashat villages. Pray: For the consolation of 14-year- Pray: For the spiritual uplift of old boy, whose mother Kamala Ben believers of Kundarpur village and died recently and his father had died medical camp to be conducted among earlier. For the healing of Sunil from these people who are afflicted with renal disorder whose hand and leg various diseases. For the new worship have become dysfunction. centre at Kanpur vashat area where Friends Focus September 2016 31 Pray: For the leucodermic patches in the lip of believer Rathanlal to disappear and to find a suitable Monday 19 spouse. For the person who had borrowed money from Mahendra Happy Birthday bhai and now refusing to give back Mrs. Glory Robert William Mr. Pratyush Nayak the money. Devmogra: Mosda: P. Vinu & Suhi Malar Yesu Babu & Usha Praise: Good news was proclaimed Praise: Tumor in the heart of Pushpa to 60 persons at Madhapat village. Ben disappeared through prayer. Gandhi Ben, Kandu Ben and Oli Ben Speech impaired little boy Kumar is newly attend church worship. able to speak through prayers. Gospel was proclaimed to 430 persons. Pray: For backslide Kedia Bhai and Gomathi Ben suffering from jaundice Kansuya Bhai and their families to frequently received healing through come back into faith and those who prayers. guided them wrongly to accept Christ. For Mohani, Kudawan and Pada to be Pray: For the recovery of believer freed from evil spirit and accept Christ. Nirmala Ben whose both kidneys have become non-functional and for medical Valiya: expenses to be met with. Ramsingh Bhai Vasava & Urmila Ben Vijaya Nagar: Paul Raj R. & Koilpushpam Praise: 50 persons attended all night bhajan program held at Kooti village. Praise: We had been praying for Gospel was preached at Rettati, Kanniyalal, an important person in this Podawada, Varoli and Verakkuyi field and he attended church worship. villages. Though surgeon advised to remove the tumor, in the stomach of 2 ½ years Pray: For Navesh Bhai, Kamlesh, old boy, through surgery, believers Koman Bhai and Binoth Bhai to come prayed and the tumor disappeared. into fold of Jesus Christ along with their families. 32 Friends Focus September 2016 Thalar village. For those who listened to good news to accept Jesus Christ. 20 Tuesday Tapti Region: Madhavaroy & Jebathangam Happy Birthday Praise: Special night meeting at Mr. Johan Malto Mighan village, meeting for children Selemba: at Suhali and meeting for women and Samuel Ganesh & Mini Evangelists were conducted. Meeting Praise: Raisingh Bhai and Pushpa was started newly at Thasadi village. Ben survived snake bite. Susha Ben Pray: For children’s meeting to be and Raju Bhai were blessed with a held regularly on Saturdays at Suhali baby after 10 years of married life. village. For the Hindi speaking Good news was proclaimed at seven people who attend prayer meeting at villages. Itechajrun area to accept Jesus Christ. Pray: For the repentance of religious Aravalli Region: fundamentalists Baghu Bhai, Prakash P. Rajadurai & Bathsheba Bhai, Mohan Bhai, Maharal and Rajesh Bhai who oppose our ministry Praise: The missing goat of believer at Sithapur village. For Gandhi Bhai Tulsi returned home after eight days. who spreads false news against Gospel was proclaimed at six villages. gospel at Mokshan village to accept Samsi’s four year old son fell into hot Jesus Christ. water and was protected by God. Naswadi: Pray: For the healing of 13-year-old Asir Moses & Amirtha Golda girl Saila from elephantiasis and the Praise: 90 persons watched Jesus family to accept Jesus Christ. For film at Jadoli village. Night meeting the new believers who attend weekly was held for first time at Thalar village. prayer meetings to be deep rooted in faith. For the completion of church Pray: For Sathish Bhai to recover construction at Jamnia village. For from paralysis. For Kemu Bhai to Kalu bhai and Aphu bhai who oppose regularly attend church worship. For ministry to accept Jesus Christ. the launching of worship group at Friends Focus September 2016 33 Motaponda (Vapi): Govindaraj @ Benjamin & Goma Wednesday Praise: Night meeting was started 21 Fasting Prayer Day newly at Pardi taluk. Many new persons eagerly attend the meeting Happy Birthday to listen the good news. Open door Mr. Prasantha Kumar K was formed to proclaim gospel at Chodri Bible Translation: three villages. Church construction Christopher Thomas & Vasanthi commenced at Kakatgopar and Parai villages. Praise: Books of Nehemiah, Jonah, Ruth and first four chapters of Daniel Pray: For the commencement of were subjected to secondary check- church construction at Kudliad, up. 14 more chapters of Jeremiah Babardate villages. For the people were translated. 12 chapters of I of Parsi and Pordia to whom gospel Samuel were translated and are final has been preached to come into the checked-up. fold of church. Pray: For the analysis and verification Maharashtra of translated books of Judges, Ezra Surgana: and Nehemiah by linguistic experts. Mayilsamy & Yesumani Satpura Region: Praise: The village president of Ruban Ravi & Vijayarani Ughatmand has invited missionary to Praise: Mumbai prayer group leaders preach good news in the village and and youth conducted two day meetings he himself listened to gospel. 20 for home children. Many children new families attend church worship. accepted Christ and two of them Gospel was propagated at 13 villages. committed themselves to ministry. Pray: For the repentance of people Pray: For good yield of crops in who oppose evangelism at Kate the fields of believers. For the new village. For the construction of church warden Thiru bhai to execute his job at Poripada and Sonkir village. For with commitment. For the healing of Meera bai to be freed from evil spirit senior evangelist from paralysis. and get healing from swelling all over her body. 34 Friends Focus September 2016 Gurunath and Usha with their families to accept Jesus Christ. For the success of training for church elders 22 Thursday scheduled this month. Khandesh Bhili Bible Dindori: Translation: Binaya Kumar Guru & Ruhama Ajayakumar Lima & Pratyasini Praise: Through prayer Arun gave Praise: Some of the chapters of Mark up alcohol. He received a Bible and already translated were subjected to reads the same. Kavita leads her final review. Gospel was preached at mother into Jesus Christ. God blessed eight villages. this area with good rain. Pray: For the completion of New Pray: For Lakshman, Sheela, Kanlus Testament in Kandesh Bhili Language and Kavitha who gave their ears at the earliest. For the formation of to good news first time to accept worship groups at the villages of Thikri, Christ. For the healing of Sheela from Rohan, Umpra, Gondas, Theshirvat arthritis. For the spiritual growth of and Sitthant. youths such as Prathik, Kandhu and Boisar: Hemanta Kumar Sabar Shivam and to excel in their studies. & Rasmita Rani Rout LTI Igatpuri: Sanjeeb Kumar Praise: Sunday worship was started Andrap & Swarnalatha newly at Thalwada village. Little girl Praise: 54 evangelists attended Monah was delivered from the clutches and benefited through the training of evil spirit through prayers. The for evangelists held at Poscra and domestic issues in the family of Anil Nandurbar. Mahesh, Gurunath and and Akshaya were solved. Sumitha attended prayer meeting for Pray: the first time held at Portha Nagar For getting no objection village. certificate for church construction at Thalwada village. For the healing Pray: For the healing of new contact of Sandhu bhai from mouth cancer. Mahesh who suffers from sores all For the opening of Day Care centre over the body for two years. For in this field.

Friends Focus September 2016 35 into faith. For the repentance of anti-Christian elements who oppose believers. For no objection certificate 23 Friday to be received from government to build churches in Kursha and Sarie Happy Birthday villages. Mr. Daniel Vijayaraj Mrs. Lourdu Mary Giri Babu Mrs. Jasmine Kavitha Rani Densingh We will never give up Jesus Christ. Dharni: Binit Prasath Bardhan & Amojitha Nayak, Kulam Believer Balasingh of Suratgarh Kisku, Hiran Limma town under the Hanumangarh field died in Christ on Praise: 30 persons attended night meeting in Pawra village. Parvathi 10.07.2016. The two elder sons ben after attending fasting prayer was who have not accepted Jesus freed from evil spirit. Christ decided to conduct last rites as per the Sikh faith and Pray: For the repentance of Mothilal Sikh priest was invited. The sikh who opposes evangelism at Kuttonga priest requested the intimates and Pawra village. For the church of the house to remove all the construction at Kalar and Pari villages. Christian symbols from that For Rathanlal and Sithara to give up house. And he said that he would alcohol. start the final rites only after the Talasari: removal. But the younger two M. Shankar & Anandhi sons, believers, declared that they would never give up Christ Praise: Gospel was preached at the and they the last rites conducted villages of Khoripatta, Pentagaon and as per Christian faith. Trouble Kavada. Sitha ben recovered from is slowly brewing. Kulzar has paralysis through prayers. Sivaji bhai initiated action to excommunicate survived snake bite. the believers from the society. Pray: For the believers of Ibathpada to Pray for the repentance of Kulzar be steadfast in faith amidst opposition. and the believers to be steadfast For the backslide believers to be back in the faith.

36 Friends Focus September 2016 Babupada, Pawarpada, Thaminkav and Jamkolikav. 24 Saturday Challisgaon: N. Balaji & Jegadeeswari Happy Birthday Praise: All night prayer meeting was Mrs. Premila George Edward Mrs. Nirmala Mithran held for the first time in this field. Mrs. Shanti Lal Krishan Kumar Prayer meetings were started at Vaghil Mrs. Sanam Joyce Vinod Kumar and Sherjkav villages. Gadchandur: Pray: for the blessing of ministries Vasava Bhangsingh Moulia & scheduled at the villages of Yemen Bhangsingh Ganeshpur, Hakkav, Pimpri and Praise: Ravindra received healing Ketgav. For Ramakrishna to recover from skin allergy. An evangelist has from paralysis. For the land to build emerged from Gond people. Gospel church at Harippur village. was proclaimed at six villages. Ettapalli & Allapalli Children Pray: For Thinandia Adwas, Kamala, Home: Vijayan & Jebarose, Arsitha, kajana, Schidan, Snabash Saritha Paul, Naresh Kumar Adaram and Mothiram who attend Praise: Maruthi Adraman who was on worship for three years to accept the death bed due to sickle cell anemia Jesus Christ. For the recovery of received complete healing by prayer. Mahadev from ailment of unknown Ramu Ranot was struck by thunder cause. and lightning and was recovered from Pimpalner: unconsciousness. Medical camps Ramesh & Sunita Vasava were conducted at three places. Praise: Good news was preached Pray: For the healing of Home children to 318 persons. 150 ladies attended who suffer from various ailments one women’s meeting conducted at three after other. For the speedy completion places. of church construction in Kattapalli village. For Pasu Adram and Joba Pray: For the healing of Subhah and who lost eye vision all of sudden to Tulsira from tuberculosis. For open receive sight. door to evangelism in the villages of Friends Focus September 2016 37 suffers from stomach pain for the past 10 years. For missionary Alex Prabhu to learn Marathi language at 25 Sunday the earliest. Happy Birthday Karnataka Mr. Ganesan M@Samuel Ganesh Vinayaraj & Shantha Mr. Albert Prabhakaran N Mundargi: Asifabad: Praise: Haligamma and Nagaraj K. Ramesh & Thoti Gurramvari couple was blessed with a baby after Himabindu nine years of married life. Praise: youth meeting at V.Kotta Pray: For Sheshamma to recover and ministry by gospel ratham were from hip and spinal cord problem. For conducted. church construction in this field. For the salvation of Suresh and Ganga Pray: For the missionaries to excel and their children. in the Marathi language. For open door to evangelism in this field and Malur: Francis Duraisamy & opposition to be ceased. Jeyanthi, Xavier Kiro Peint Region: Praise: Believer Sheilaja became Arthur Jebaraj & Gnanasundari, unconscious due to weakness and Alex Prabhu was admitted in the hospital. When believers prayed for her and God Praise: Though evangelist Manjunath’s healed her. After seven years of house was completely gutted, the Bible marriage, Pavithra came to the church remained unaffected. Good news was and prayed, she is now pregnant. shared at six villages. While Sakku Bhai was up on a tree, a snake coiled Pray: For Subash, Hanik, Girish, his hand and God protected him from Munusamy Reddy, Malu Venkatappa, the vile creature. 155 persons came Mylanahalli. Venkatramappa. to the church for prayers. Atopenpaplli manji and Pavahalli Manju to be deep rooted in faith in Pray: For the believers of Vadovi Jesus Christ and attend church service village to get justice in the case against regularly. For Missionary Xavier to them. For the healing of Jamuna who learn local language at the earliest. 38 Friends Focus September 2016 Chillamathur: Paul Ravi Raj & Hemalatha Praise: Believers’ children are 26 Monday often tortured by teacher for being Christians, but the children are bold Happy Birthday amidst negative approach by the Mrs. Rebacamma Paul teachers. Paul Chandra who was Mr. Siehkhothang Zou often sick overcame weakness after Shirahatti: Sunil Kumar & confessing faith on Jesus Christ. Sangeetha, Ganesh Nayak & Pray: For Keerthana and Angelina Yasodha to find suitable spouses. For 1 ½ Praise: 18 years old Manjunath year old Vaishnavi whose neck is miraculously survived electrocution. very weak due to nervous problem Hemalatha was blessed with a baby to receive healing from God. For the after 10 years of marriage. Good news consolation of David studying at std. was preached at five villages. XII whose mother had expired and his relatives have deserted him and Pray: For the youth of Shirahatti field David to get help. to accept Jesus Christ. For good rain so that the believers can undertake agriculture work in their field. Magicians declared their faith Andhra Pradesh Magician Kuzar Saya residing at Chittoor Region: Silthiya village, Jashipur field, Venkatesan & Sasikala Odisha has been one of the Praise: Survey was undertaken in important persons opposing the Kadappa. Drought region of Kadappa believers. All of a sudden he was received good rain when we prayed severely affected by an ailment. for the same. Sumathi and Devendran Magicians could not help him. after 14 years of marriage were Finally he approached believers blessed with a baby. Five days training for prayers. Through the prayers was conducted for new evangelists of believers God healed him. On who have joined the ministry recently. 14.07.2016 he along with his family Pray: For the opening of children declared their faith on Jesus Christ home and LTI in Chittoor region. For publicly. On seeing the testimony church construction at the villages of two more magicians accepted Appiniappalli, Kothapetta, Mithapalli, Jesus Christ. Nathampalli and Konnapalli. Friends Focus September 2016 39 Narayanapuram, Pyapuram and Sainappam. For those who have accepted Jesus Christ to boldly Tuesday declare themselves as Christians 27 amidst laws that forbid them to do so and the new believers to get all Happy Birthday concessions as others and social Mrs. Hepzibah Deva Sundaram curbs on them to cease. Puthalapattu: Lakshmanan & Princess Rositta Tamil Nadu Praise: Good news was proclaimed Thoothukudi: at two villages. Training program was Azariah Rajkumar & Jebarani conducted for church elders. Survey Praise: 18 persons attended soul was undertaken at the villages of winners’ camp. Shankar, a contractor Bundharlapalli and Nadimpalli. from Jharkand who employs 50 Pray: For unity and oneness to prevail persons has invited us to conduct among church elders and leader of night meetings. Pattu church. For the registration of Pray: For open door to evangelism church land at Sankarambakkan and among 150 persons who work at saw Andravanippalli villages and church mills at Korampallam. For introducing construction to commence. night meeting at Tharuvaikulam. Ananthpur Region: John David Raj & Gnanasekari Fear over death Praise: Mission vision camps At Siri village Talasari field for volunteers and parents were Maharashtra Vijay’s father, mother conducted on Saturdays. Two persons and brother died one by one. His became volunteers and four persons last son Rohith became physically joined the ministry on part time basis. weak and there was hair fall from New fields were opened at C K Palli and Pukkapattinam. Sister Bakkurni his head. Fearing that his son would a neighbour accepted the Lordship die Vijay approached magician but of Jesus Christ and she gave up there was no relief. Our evangelist alcohol business and is involved in visited the house, shared Good News chips business. and prayed for his recovery. And God Pray: For the launching of healed Rohith. Hair fall has stopped. night meetings at the villages of Through this miracle five families Kondampalli, Chandragiri, Venkatapalli, have come into faith. 40 Friends Focus September 2016 Pray: For the repentance of the contractor from Jharkand who threaten Wednesday the missionary through mobile phone 28 Fasting Prayer Day and the same contractor does not allow the Santhal people working under him to meet the missionary. Periamalai Region: Local Evangelists Pahalur: Matthew Jebaraj & Nagomi Praise: Good news was preached Praise: to 200 persons through sound and Valli who was on the verge of light program held at Ulaphan village. death due to serious health problem Johnson was protected in a vehicle received total healing through prayers. accident. Meeting for women was Pray: For Sekhar to accept Jesus conducted at Thirumachandra village. Christ and Parimala to be freed from Pray: for constructing a church at the grip of evil spirit. Ilayapuram. For Prabhu to give up Thiruvannamalai: alcohol. For Jeyanthi to find a suitable David Perumal & Stella life partner. For the backslide believers Praise: God gave good yield of cotton of Kalingavaram to come back into in the field of believer Zacharia. Banu faith. Priya’s wedding was solemnized and Chennai: all the expenses were met with. The Devadoss & Asnath couple of Balaji and Priyanka after eight years of marriage were blessed Praise: Residents from Jharkhand at with a baby. Manalipudu nagar have opened their doors to conduct worships. Two-day Pray: For believers of Gandhi Nagar camp for believers was held. Amir, to regularly attend church worship. For Jeyesh and Rajesh share the good the repentance of Shanmugam whose news to their relatives and villages wife had died and he does not attend through cell-phone and during their church worship nor does he allow his rest. children to attend church service and to give up alcohol. Friends Focus September 2016 41 P.Natham, Arasampatti and Patchur. For the healing of Sannabaiya who could not walk due to sore on his leg. 29 Thursday Happy Birthday Magician’s change of Miss. Angel Margret B heart brought healing Ilampillai: K. S. Joshua & Arul packia Bai 62 years old Ramanayak from Pallahara field Odisha state has Praise: Gospel was preached to 27 persons first time. Indrani possessed been a magician from youth by evil spirit for many months attended hood. The neighbours would church worship regularly and was visit him to get relief from delivered from the clutches of evil their physical illness. His wife spirit. For the consolation of Vennila Moulini suffered acute stomach whose brother had expired. For the pain. Ramanayak’s magic healing of Lakshmi from cancer. was futile. He spent huge Pray: For Kumaresan and Nanda- amount of money and senior kumar to find suitable spouses. magicians and physicians, but For the healing of Syaha whose kidneys have failed to function. For in vain. Finally, he requested Karthik, Thangaraj, Manikkam, Jothi, the evangelist to pray for his Govindammal, Venkiah, Sugumar, wife and also told him that he Alagesan, Packiam and Paramasivan would give up all his evil deeds to come into the fold of Jesus Christ. and designs. The missionaries Patchur: David Nickelson & Ivy shared the Good News with Praise: 15 new families are receptive the family and prayed for her to evangelism. Five new contacts have and God healed Moulini Nayak. been identified. Rama Nayaks change of heart brought healing to Moulini Pray: For the open door to good news in the villages of Arvipuchau, Nayak.

42 Friends Focus September 2016 30 Friday Happy Birthday Mrs. Tumpa Chowdhury Om Prakash Gupta

Road accidents are increasing day by day. In May 2016 alone, 14000 persons became victims to road accidents. More of such accidents occur between 3 pm to 6 pm. In an hour 57 accidents take place in which 17 persons die. Younger generation is the victim to a large extent. More accidents happen in Mumbai and death toll up in Delhi. Pray for the road accidents to be brought under check. During investigation, National Investigation Agency concluded that Pakistan is behind the Kashmir violence. Pray for cross border terrorism in Kashmir to be stopped and peace to prevail. For flood affected people of Assam and Bihar to receive relief. 170000 persons have been forced to vacate their residences in central India. India requires seven lakhs more medical doctors. Medical colleges churn only 30000 doctors per year. Pray for the gap in the medical services to be filled up. Four thousand women disappeared in Bengaluru. Of them 50% could not be traced out. Pray for the protection of women in our country. During south west monsoon, north Indian rivers are flowing above the danger mark while in South India, there is deficiency of rain during the same season. Pray for the inter-linking of Indian rivers.

Friends Focus September 2016 43 Teachers’ Day offers tremendous privilege for students across the nation to honour their teachers. They sing their praises and say their accolades. Here is an accolade for the greatest teacher the world has ever known. He never had a classroom. Most of his lessons were on the streets. He never taught complicated theories. His lectures included every day life examples. Most of his conclusions were derived from parables he told. His teaching career lasted just three and half years yet he is the greatest teacher the world has ever known. He taught the highest truths that were ever taught. He promoted the purest ideals that were ever presented. He gave the greatest wisdom that men ever heard. Moses gave laws, he came to fix flaws. His aim was to transform behavior by transforming the heart. Histories greatest humanitarian movements, like the International Red Cross, was founded by men in response to his teaching to care for the sick and the suffering. Florence Nightingale, Mother Teresa were just two names on the long list of his followers who followed this train. His followers pioneered tens of thousands of schools throughout Africa, Asia and the Pacific Islands - providing education for countless millions, even in the remotest jungles, giving the gift of literacy to tribes which had never before had a written language. The concept of graded levels of education was first introduced by his German follower, Johan Sturm in the 16th Century. Another one, Frederick Froebel introduced kindergartens. In the 19th Century, Louis Braille, another of his dedicated follower who lost his eyesight at age three, developed the world’s first alphabet that enabled blind people to read with their fingers. His teachings changed hearts, introduced a respect for life and liberty that was completely unknown before his coming. In the ancient times, his teachings halted infanticide, liberated women, abolished slavery, inspired the first charities and religious organizations, created hospitals, established orphanages and founded schools.In the medieval times, it built libraries, invented colleges and universities, dignified labour and transformed the

44 Friends Focus September 2016 barbarians.In the modern era, his teaching has advanced science, inspired political, social and economic freedom, promoted justice and provided the greatest inspiration for the most magnificent achievements in art, architecture, music and literature. He was born in an obscure village. He grew up in another obscure village where he worked in a carpenter shop until he was thirty when public opinion turned against him. He never wrote a book, He never held an office, He never went to college, He never visited a big city, He never travelled more than two hundred miles from the place where he was born. He did none of the things usually associated with greatness. He had no credentials but himself He was only thirty three, His friends ran away. One of them denied him. He was turned over to his enemies and went through the mockery of a trial. He was nailed to a cross between two thieves. While dying, his executioners gambled for his clothing, the only property he had on earth. When he was dead, He was laid in a borrowed grave through the pity of a friend. Twenty centuries have come and gone and today Jesus is the central figure of the human race and the leader of mankind's progress. All the armies that have ever marched, All the navies that have ever sailed, All the parliaments that have ever sat, All the kings that ever reigned put together, have not affected the life of mankind on earth as powerfully as that one solitary life." May we safely add that He has been the most powerful person in transforming society for the better across 2000 years. The Greatest Teacher who ever walked this earth! And the Greatest Teacher who ever will be to all eternity. What a privilege to know this Teacher as a personal saviour! Happy Teachers Day!

Personnel needed for Communication Department Born again Christians are needed for translating articles from Tamil to English and English to Tamil, Proof reading, writing articles. Apply to HRD - FMPB, 29, High School Road, Ambattur, Chennai - 53

Friends Focus September 2016 45 Some testimonies of the graduated Missionary Trainees of 2015 - 2016 batch

Mr. Thomas Charles Dani How I was: I was in the Ministry before coming to NIM. I was not able to speak in Hindi. I was not sure about my calling and ministry. Now I am: After I came to NIM, God changed my mind and thoughts towards His Ministry. Now I am speaking and writing in Hindi. My spiritual life and my perspective towards our nation are changed in NIM. I learned group living in believers’ fellowship. My vision for mission: To plant churches across the nation. God has given me burden to do ministry among the tribal people and establish many congregations and involve in Youth Ministry. Miss. Suguna How I was: God gave me an opportunity to serve Him in the mission field at Nandurbar, Maharashtra. This experience gave me the opportunity to understand the field ministry of FMPB. Now I am: God helped me to learn Hindi language during the training. The Community living also trained me a lot to have good relationships, and to learn from one another. Various subjects which were taught in the class room, gave me the zeal to be a missionary, in order to establish the Kingdom of God in our mother land. My vision for mission: Reaching the under privileged with the gospel. Encouraging the believers in day to day life to grow in the Lord and starting the youth camp, children ministry and to make sure that they also grow in the Lord. I want to do Pastoral Care ministry also and plant indigenous self supporting churches.

46 Friends Focus September 2016 Retreat for EC & GB Members Venue: YMCA, Vepery, Chennai Date: 03-09-2016 Time: 9.30 am to 1pm Speakers: Mr. Patrick Joshua Mr. John Samuel

Rt. Rev. Robert Ali took charge of Bishop for Diocese of Chhattisgarh on 10.7.2016. He had been transferred from Bhopal diocese. A thanksgiving service was conducted at St. Paul’s Cathedral CNI, Raipur in which a large number of Chhattisgarh congregation, heads of Institutions and religious heads of various Christian denominations graced the occasion Friends Missionary Prayer Band greets the newly appointed bishop and wishes him God’s blessings in all his endeavors in the expansion of God’s kingdom on Earth

FINANCE DEPARTMENT Some of you are sending your contributions through Net Transfer. We are very grateful for your support. We give below the A/c details for your ready reference.

A/c Name: Friends Missionary Prayer Band ICICI - A/c No. 602701216912 - IFS Code ICIC0006027 - Branch: Anna Nagar SBI - A/c No. 10402752621 - IFS Code SBIN0000987 - Branch: Ambattur Indian Bank - A/c No. 406157474 - IFS Code IDIB000A095 - Branch: Venkatapuram Kindly contact us at: [email protected] Friends Focus September 2016 47 Stalin Jeeva is the sixth son of Late. Mr.S.Navamony & Mrs.Darling of Chidambrapuram (Kalakad) 242 village of Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu. He was nurtured in Christian faith and practices from childhood onwards. He accepted Jesus as his personal saviour at the age of 24 through reading a book called “Hell and its Punishment’’. Then he gradually understood God’s call through daily quiet time and God’s interventions. He attended Mission Rev. Stalin Jeeva & 95 meeting conducted in Nagercoil Mrs. Gnanaselvarani family and committed his life for ministry and Rev. N.Stalin Jeeva : 15.03.1970 Mrs.Gnanaselvarani : 20.03.1974 joined FMPB as full time missionary Miss. Rheni Deborah : 04.10.1999 in June 1995. After few months of Miss. Fanny : 29.12.2003 promotional ministry in Chennai, he was sent to Muzaffarpur for one year she was sent to work among Maltos missionary training and then sent to with Premjyothi Community Hospital in work among Malto people group. He Chandragoda, Jharkhand and worked worked in Bhagaiya home & school, among Santhali people for some months. Borio and Singarsi mission fields. Stalin Jeeva & Gnanaselvarani were united Sis. Gnanaselvarani is the first through Holy Matrimony on 30.12.1998. daughter of Mr. Joseph & Late. Mrs. They started working in St. Thomas English Rosebell of Saralvilai, Palappallam School and Children home, CDC in Pandeni of Kanniyakumari district. In 1990 and Gangapada children home. Now they she accepted Jesus as her personal take care of Gangapada Malto Girls Home saviour. When she worked in a from 2014 onwards. hospital as nurse, she understood God has blessed the Missionary couple God’s call and joined FMPB as full with two daughters. Elder daughter Rheni time missionary in1996. She did Deborah is studying in XII std. and younger promotional ministry in Nagercoil daughter Fanny is studying in VIII std. in and Virudhachalam for few months Santhosha Vidhyalaya Dohnavur. Let us and she was sent to Jhansi for one uphold the missionary family in our day- year Missionary training. Afterward to-day prayers. 48 Friends Focus September 2016 Rev. Balasubramanian is the last son of the Hindu family of Mr. 243 Ponnan & Mrs. Chinnammal of Madukkarai village, Coimbatore district. He had been suffering from physical ailment for more than 15 years. In 1990, a pastor of local church told him about Jesus Christ and prayed for his well-being and God healed him. Rev. Balasubramanian So he accepted Jesus Christ as & Mrs. Paranjothi Lucina his Lord and Saviour. For four Family Balasubramanian : 07.11.1967 years he undertook ministry in Paranjothy Lucina : 25.03.1973 Coimbatore. Through a prayer Daniel : 14.07.1998 Eunison : 21.11.2003 group leader he came to know about FMPB and joined FMPB in Balasubramanian and Lucina were 1995. He worked with the SCAN united through marriage on 02.05.1997. and in the headquarters for a few After marriage, the missionary couple months. After completing one year ministered at Jhavda School and among missionary training in Muzaffarpur Kukna and Varli people in the fields of in 1996, he started the ministry Vansda, Khergam and Bilod and Silvasa among Kukna people in Gujarat. and Talasari fields in Maharashtra.

Sis. Paranjothy Lucina was God has blessed the missionary couple brought up in Bethel Home since with two sons. Elder son Daniel is childhood and completed B.Com. studying B.Th. 2nd year and younger She joined FMPB in 1995 and son Eunison is studying in std VIII. Let completed missionary training at us continue to uphold the missionary Gonda. family in our daily prayers. Friends Focus September 2016 49 R. Isaac is the third son of (late) Mr. Rajamani and Mrs. Seeniammal 244 of Mangudi Meenakshipuram, Rajapalayam Virudhunagar district. With the aim of earning handsome salary to do away with poverty of home, he entered into the portals of Kamarajar college, Thoothukudi. During the meeting conducted by UESI, he accepted Jesus Christ in October, 1990. In 1995, he attended Rev. R. Isaac & Mission’95 meeting conducted Mrs. Seetha family by FMPB and joined the same R. Isaac : 03.04.1970 as missionary. After one year Seetha : 04.05.1974 missionary training at Muzaffarpur, Deborah Priscilla : 13.02.1999 Beulah Merit : 15.03.2000 he worked Gujarat office. Sis. Seetha is the last daughter Isaac & Seetha were united through of the Hindu family of (late) marriage on 11.02.1998. The missionary Mr. Annamalai and (late) Mrs. family undertook mission work in Molgi, Muthammal. During her school Sindhukeda, Boradi, Parthana and days at Nallur High School, Nandurbar children’s home. Isaac was she heard about Jesus Christ ordained by CNI Gujarat Diocese in 2003. through a missionary organization. From 2010 onwards, the missionary family She accepted Jesus Christ as is doing ministry among Gond and Korku her Lord and Saviour during a people in Kalwa field. meeting conducted at Courtalam God has blessed the missionary family in September, 1992. She attended with the two daughters, elder daughter Mission’95 meeting and joined Deborah Priscilla is studying B.Sc. Botany FMPB and completed one year 1st year and younger daughter Beulah missionary training at Gonda. Merit studying at std. XII in Santhosha She later ministered in Jammu & Vidhyalaya. Let us uphold the missionary Kashmir and Hisar. family in our daily prayers. 50 Friends Focus September 2016 Bro. Samuel Jebakumar is the fifth son of (late) teacher couple 245 Mr. Arul Gnanadoss and Mrs. Jeevalakshmi from Kalakkadu, Tirunelveli district. Even before his birth his parents had committed him for ministry. Since childhood he actively involved in church related activities. After college study he forgot his parents’ commitment and joined a company in Mumbai. He became very sick and was on the verge of death. At this juncture Mr. Samuel Jebakumar & he renewed his commitment Mrs. Glady Beulah family with Jesus Christ in 1994 and Samuel Jebakumar : 27.05.1968 joined FMPB as a volunteer. The Glady Beulah : 30.05.1968 Naveen Eliot : 02.11.1997 following year he joined FMPB as Nithi Sneha : 22.04.2001 a full time missionary. He was with Gospel Ratham for three years completed her theological studies through and undertook theological studies TAFTEE. through TAFTEE. Sam and Glady were united through Sis. Glady Beulah is the last marriage on 30.12.1996. After marriage daughter of (late) Mr. Lazar and Mr. Sam worked with various departments Mrs.Thankammal from Palliyadi, in Headquarters, and at North Field Office, Kanniyakumari district. She was Jhansi. Mrs. Glady worked with Finance nurtured in Christian faith from and Communication departments and childhood. After completing school Mobilization ministry. At present the studies she cleared examinations couple is with the Finance Department. in typewriting and shorthand in God has blessed the missionary couple English and Tamil. When it was with two children. Elder son Naveen Eliot advertised that a steno was wanted is studying B.E. II year and younger at the headquarters of the FMPB daughter Nithi Sneha at std. 10. Let us she joined as fulltime missionary uphold the missionary family in our daily with the Finance department. She prayers. Friends Focus September 2016 51 52 Friends Focus September 2016