By the time you read this, I will be on my way to the mission fields of Asia. Our goal is to train 1,500 leaders in the next few weeks. Let me share with you the situation there.
Pastor Lalit is from Orissa - one of the most violent states for Christians to live in India. It has been the epicenter of persecution, torture, and killings of Christians. But the believers there have been equally brave and courageous to stand up for their faith - even unto death.
Earlier this year, radical militants burned Bibles, demolished churches, and killed Christians. Lalit has been serving the Lord for the past five years in this hostile environment. His village is known for anti-Christian fanatics. The rebels come by droves to plunder food, money, and whatever little the villagers have in their possession.
One day, Pastor Lalit was kidnapped by these radicals. He was taken into the jungle for days. He endured starvation and severe torture. Not knowing his whereabouts, the believers in the village began to fast and pray for his safety. In answer to their prayers, his captors miraculously released Pastor Lalit. Upon his return, Lalit began to preach more fervently than before. He continued to baptize new believers openly. The news quickly spread into the rebel camp and Lalit was confronted by a terrorist. He tried to convince Lalit to stop preaching and join their group. When Lalit refused, the terrorist pulled out his sword and lifted it in the air to behead him.
The believers had been praying for their Pastor's safety. This time the angels intervened. Miraculously, the rebel's arms froze in the air. He could not bring down the sword. His arms remained hoisted for the next few days. Finally they sent for the Pastor's mother to pray for him. The believers prayed with the promise that they would leave the Christians alone. Amazingly, the rebel's arms were fully restored!
Today, Pastor Lalit continues his work fearlessly. So far, he has established six churches. Many of the former rebels now attend his church and a large number of them have given their hearts to Christ. They are also teaching adult literacy classes and providing water wells of clean drinking water for the villagers.
Please help, pray and agree with us for the training expense. Thank you for your investment in the past; I encourage you to make a sacrificial gift to help train leaders like Lalit.
Together in the Harvest!
Donate to Empower Leaders: http://www.buildinternational.org/training.html
Partner with Us and Transform Lives: http://www.buildinternational.org
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Building People. Spreading Hope.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Empowering Leaders in India and Nepal
I would like to introduce you to Pastor Deep. He is one of 1,500 pastors and leaders from India and Nepal that we have the opportunity to train in the month of September and October. They are in need of encouragement, prayers and support.
Pastor Deep has planted 55 churches with over 5,000 believers where only 2% of the population is Christians. Most of the areas in north India he ministers to have no electricity, clean drinking water or basic infrastructure. Thousands of idol worshippers have never heard the name of Jesus – even once! Leaders do not have Bible School training or a place of worship. These pastors endure brutal persecution – they are kidnapped, beaten, tortured, their houses and property burned down and even murdered.
Another pastor swims across rivers to reach the villages on the other side. When he comes out of the water, his body is covered with blood sucking leeches. Yet they have been able to plant 35 churches.
Like Timothy in the Bible, these leaders are hungry to learn. They baptize hundreds of new converts every week! They are establishing churches amongst the poorest of the poor. For most of these leaders, it will be their first training of any kind. They will walk for miles, travel for days and sacrifice to come to the training. Then they will go back and impact thousands. I want to give you the opportunity to invest in these leaders.
I am so fortunate to have you as a partner in our prayer and ministry. It cost only $100 to train a pastor. I am asking God for someone to invest in the lives of 25 of these pastors; and a couple of others to invest in 10, and others to invest in 5, 2, even one of these leaders. Whatever you can do will transform thousands of lives and your investment will bear eternal fruits.
Thank you so much for all you do. Let me remind you of God’s promises to bless you when you bless the work of God. “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33 NKJV). Thank you. I am praying for you.
Donate to Empower Leaders: http://www.buildinternational.org/training.html
Partner with Us and Transform Lives: http://www.buildinternational.org
Stay inspired on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BuildInternational
Pastor Deep has planted 55 churches with over 5,000 believers where only 2% of the population is Christians. Most of the areas in north India he ministers to have no electricity, clean drinking water or basic infrastructure. Thousands of idol worshippers have never heard the name of Jesus – even once! Leaders do not have Bible School training or a place of worship. These pastors endure brutal persecution – they are kidnapped, beaten, tortured, their houses and property burned down and even murdered.
Another pastor swims across rivers to reach the villages on the other side. When he comes out of the water, his body is covered with blood sucking leeches. Yet they have been able to plant 35 churches.
Like Timothy in the Bible, these leaders are hungry to learn. They baptize hundreds of new converts every week! They are establishing churches amongst the poorest of the poor. For most of these leaders, it will be their first training of any kind. They will walk for miles, travel for days and sacrifice to come to the training. Then they will go back and impact thousands. I want to give you the opportunity to invest in these leaders.
I am so fortunate to have you as a partner in our prayer and ministry. It cost only $100 to train a pastor. I am asking God for someone to invest in the lives of 25 of these pastors; and a couple of others to invest in 10, and others to invest in 5, 2, even one of these leaders. Whatever you can do will transform thousands of lives and your investment will bear eternal fruits.
Thank you so much for all you do. Let me remind you of God’s promises to bless you when you bless the work of God. “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33 NKJV). Thank you. I am praying for you.
Donate to Empower Leaders: http://www.buildinternational.org/training.html
Partner with Us and Transform Lives: http://www.buildinternational.org
Stay inspired on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BuildInternational
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