By Pem, a sister serving in New Delhi supported by PJEFC
Since the last time I wrote to you, things have not changed that much. We are all struggling and battling with the viruses, change of the weather and trying to live normally. Unfortunately, two of my friends have passed away because of the virus and other health issues. Very sad for the untimely departure of my friends but I do believe we will meet again sooner or later. In the midst of the storms I know there is hope and a future.
During this unprecedented time, I’m reminded of God’s faithfulness. Yes, the pandemic has “imprisoned” us in our four walls, but thank God for technology which has given us a platform to reach further. Let me share a few observations. Firstly, Disciple Making Fellowship is always actively engaging and adjusting with the time and year we are in. Secondly, we are engaging more intentionally with family and relatives far and near over Zoom. Thirdly, engaging with the community works according to the needs of the society.
This pandemic has actually enlarged the tent! It has also given us a platform to reach out faster to people and helped me to value my time with others. Every call I make is now more intentional in ministering to the other person. Before the pandemic, it’s more casual conversation but now, every phone call is a call for evangelism and ministering to souls.
I am reminded by Paul’s letter to the Roman believers “to reach out one another to God’s glory” (Romans 15:7); to “preach the word: be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching” (2 Timothy 4:2); and to “rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice” (Philippians 4:4).
To live in this spirit during this time is really challenging, but I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. It is an unpredictable time indeed because we never know what will strike us next. A few days ago in one of the districts of my state (Manipur), a landslide occurred and over 80 people were buried alive. The disaster was inevitable. How fragile our lives are! In the blink of an eye, tragedy struck. I’m very saddened by this incident. The hope is there for believers to meet again but what about those who didn’t believe? There is no hope of meeting in the future and I’m sure they were not prepared to die that way. It’s a painful experience for the loved ones and for most of us who heard the news. Being prepared in season and out of season as Paul said so in his letter to Timothy makes more sense in times like this. How a person demonstrates Christ now becomes vital. Receiving the Good News (the Gospel) and sharing it with neighbours is our spiritual mandate. Faith in action is when we reach out to people in the love of God to others.
Prayer requests:
- The lockdown has affected employment. 50 percent of our members are unemployed during this time. Pray for opportunities and stability.
- There is vulnerability in the lives of the believers. This is a time of testing in our Christian journey. As our church comprises mainly young people, they need to catch up with so many things in life. They are therefore tempted to take the easier way in search of a brighter future. The world offers temporary pleasure for living yet God offers eternal. Pray they remain faithful to God and persevere.
- Pray for FM22 (F=Follow, M=Me, 2022) Retreat on October 1-2 at Golden Hut Hotel. The main purpose of this retreat is to remember, recognise and refresh God’s faithfulness as a church and spend quality time with members as one family. Pray for the plans, needs and success of the retreat.
- Pray for the families, relatives and friends of those who lost their lives during the landslide. May God comfort and bring peace and healing to them.
I’m thankful and grateful for the continuous prayer and financial support for my ministry in New Delhi, India. As the church is expanding, there are more and more responsibilities to oversee. It’s indeed a great joy and privilege to serve in the kingdom of God.
As I have mentioned in my earlier letter regarding emphasising more on small groups, the core leaders are implementing action in that direction. However, there is difficulty in expecting commitment from the members. Training the second line leadership, leading them in Bible study, spending casual time over prayer and food fellowship are the mediums of our connection and implementation.
It is indeed challenging to be a servant of God but I am much encouraged by the great men and women of God. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Thank you for standing with me financially and in prayer. May His name be glorified as we extend His territory in every part of the world that we live in.
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