The Call_GEMS Eng Mag_Aug 2019

THE CALL Aug 2019

He has made

everything beautiful in its time…

Ecclesiastes 3:11

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House of Prayer Dedication Nagatoli (Rohtas)

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THE CALL

Transforming Peoples to Transform Nations

Contents

From Bihar With Love Bro. D. Augustine Jebakumar

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House of Prayer Inaugurated in Nepal

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VBS Interrupted and Missionaries Threatened

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Training for New and Young Missionaries

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Daisy Brenson Went to be With the – Lord

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Nepal Women Exhorted thru Lydia Prayer –

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13 Sister Catherine Entered God’s Glory – 14

Published for 11, 13th Cross Street, New colony Chromkpet, Chennai - 44 Ph. : 044-22386031, 044-22380295

Published by GEMS Educational Media Services 14, Jeba Nagar, Vasanthapuram south, Near Vijaya Garden, Tirunelveli 627005 Ph. : 9488771655

Field office GEMS, Sikaria, Indrapuri - 821308 Rohtas Dist., Bihar , Ph. : 06184 - 234567 (Railway station & courier centre : Dehri on Sone) Website : www.gemsbihar.org

Gospel Echoing Missionary Society is a Christian mission organization that serves to bring about wholesome transformation in all the lives that it touches staying true to its motto ‘Transforming peoples to transform nations’. It touches the hearts of the people through the gospel of Jesus Christ and serves as a beacon of love and hope to the deprived, disadvantaged, exploited, destitute and homeless thousands fulfilling this vision through Spiritual, Educational, Medical and Humanitarian Services primarily in Bihar, other Northern States of India and beyond since 1972.

E-mail : gems@gemsbihar.org

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Beloved Prayer Partners in Christ Jesus, Greetings in the sweet name of Jesus Christ, the Judge standing at the door (James 5: 9).

From,

Bihar with Love

Knowing this ‘True Word’ encourages us to strengthen our hearts and wait. However I am deeply saddened and burdened to see that churches function without realising that the Judge is standing at the door. May all their eyes be opened by the Lord.

The events that are taking place in our midst in our nation are troubling. Even more disturbing are the events that are unfolding within the main stream church today. The church should have been the place where the world learnt from, instead, it has become the place of loathing, making us bow our heads in shame.While the streets are filled with hue and cry, it is now becoming common to see church premises being filled with police presence. The missionaries who toiled with great sacrifices to build these churches have been long forgotten. The lands on which these churches exist had seen great sacrifices but the very same lands have become battle grounds for power grab and greed these days.

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“If the Bible scholars who preach forget the truth, heaven will be filled with tax collectors and sinners.” This song of cry from Brother Emil fills my ears. “If they keep quiet, the stones will cry out”(Luke 19: 40). The Church, instead of being the fullers soap removing the nation’s impurities, is stumbling.

We see in our society that the greed for political power has made hypocrites out of many. Their acts of benevolence are just a show of concern for the society but they have no qualms to harm others and even bury them in a pit. They are very careful to see to it that others do not prosper beyond them. They go around toiling without sleep, to not only steal money, but also to spend it like water and use it to seduce others. They are apt at scaring the ones who are anxious, kill the ones who resist, and make a commodity out of those that remain with them.

But, when the same tactics are followed in the church, our hearts are seared, making us lose the strength to even plead and pray. Absalom, the handsome son of David, made his own father walk barefoot in the desert (2 Sam 15: 30).

When we study the things that Absalom did in his greed for power, we will better understand the behaviour of today’s traditional churches.

Absalom lived for two years in Jerusalem without seeing the king’s face (2 Sam 14: 28), acting as if he longed to see him. His motives however were different. He wanted The Call

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to usurp the kingdom and his schemes to achieve them were numerous. He acted in humility when face to face (2 Sam 14: 33) but behind the scenes he was accumulating chariots and horses (2 Sam 15: 1). He was out there daily near the kings court, showing false concern for people to attract them to his side by embracing and kissing them(2 Sam 15: 2 - 6).

He did not pray to God regularly and yet he went to Hebron in the pretext of holding a worship service for the Lord(2 Sam 15: 8, 9). He used the Lord’s name to show that he should be king, surrounding himself with yes men (2 Sam 15: 10). He knew to use innocent naïve men (2 Sam 15: 11) and was adept at spreading fake news (2 Sam 15: 13). He also readily accepted and acted on a filthy advice (2 Sam 16: 21, 22). Finally he also did not hesitate to erect a monument to himself (2 Sam 18: 18).

The Lord Jesus Christ, who was called the son of David, saved many by dying on the cross; He also redeemed us all (John 3: 14, 15). Absalom, on the other hand, became the symbol of arrogance and got destroyed. He should have been called the receiver of grace, the receiver of forgiveness, but the victory turned into grief for all (2 Sam 19: 2). Absalom who learnt to act (2 Sam 15: 5, 6) ended up carrying shame.

Another of David’s sons, Adonijah faced a similar situation as that of Absalom (1 Kings 1: 6 - 25). Instead of learning from other’s mistakes, the greed for power blinded his eyes. He failed to learn that it was not enough to bribe The Call

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people with feasts (1 Kings 1: 9 - 49).

There are other examples of people grabbing power in the Word. We learn about Athaliah who usurped the throne of Judah (2 Chronicles 23: 12 - 21). And we learn how the greed for power made Saul, the first King of Israel, to want to kill David? When his sin was identified, instead of repenting, he only sought the honour of elders (1 Sam 15: 30).

Today, within the walls of churches there are caste fights, groupisms, politicians in church programs and processions, pastors in police stations, etc. – how shameful it is. As it is written: “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you” (Rom 2: 24).

The group that was called to show the One that has come and be a light to the Gentiles (Luke 2: 32) have now disgraced His name and yet saunter around with no shame.

We need to cry out like Jeremiah saying “If you will not hear, my soul will weep in secret places for you’’ (Jer 13:17).

If traditional churches are affected by the greed for power, then the so called spiritual churches are affected by greed for degrees and money.

“Immense wealth, advanced studies,

Albeit great assets;

Aren’t they all of no consequence,

When I look upon the cross.” said our elders. Since it is very easy to get a “Doctor” degree The Call

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and a‘‘Bishop” degree today,without any hard work, there has been a proliferation of people craving these. It is those who want to show off among others and those who are looking for approval from others fall prey to this.

Above all this, the lust for money has made people foolish. The ploys are many: frightening people, seducing them, using schemes, false messages like “the Lord said”, etc.

Through some means or the other they cheat people for the sake of their own comfort or for their family’s wellness or to garner wealth for their future generations. I am reminded of the prophet’s words, “It breaks our hearts and melts our souls” to see the lack of concern for the kingdom of God.

People who had to preach,“Such are the paths of all who go after ill-gotten gain; it takes away the life of those who get it” (Prov. 1: 19), have lusted after money and have let go of the faith. People who had to teach that this will pierce them with agony, that this is a landmine, that it is destructive and that it is foolishness, have got caught up in this. And they go around the world to convert people and “make them twice as much a child of hell as they are” (1 Tim 6: 9, 10; Matt 23: 15). “Here now is the man who did not make God his stronghold but trusted in his great wealth and grew strong by destroying others!” (Psa. 52: 7) This should be their degree.

“Their tombs will remain their houses forever, their dwellings for endless generations, though they had named lands after themselves” (Psa. 49: 11). “People, despite their wealth, do The Call

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not endure; they are like the beasts that perish” (Psa. 49: 12). “This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings” (Psa. 49: 13). The number of people falling for this senselessness is increasing.

It’s not God’s will for the church to lack strength. The Lord is looking for people who can pray for the church to free itself from this addiction that is eating its strength and explain these things boldly. The enemy knows very well that by pushing the church into this, by making it sleep in the lap of the world(like Samson did with Delilah), and if the church’s blessing and calling is cut and thrown away, there will be none left to destroy him.

So let’s shout out and awaken the dazed. Let God’s uproar be heard. Let the young and the old and even the babies be made free. “Spare your people, Lord. Do not make your inheritance an object of scorn, a byword among the nations. Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’” (Joel 2: 17).

This country will not know God until He does this.

Therefore, let there be purification, commitment and a change of heart among the people of God today. Let us earnestly pray in tears until there are showers of blessing bestowed from above.

In His Vineyard, D. Augustine Jebakumar

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GEMS Action Center Mumbai GEMS Action Centre in Mumbai was inaugurated on 16th June 2019.

The General Secretary Bro. D. Augustine Jebakumar inaugurated the centre with prayer.

GEMS staff, Pastors and GEMS Mumbai partners participated in the ceremony. Personal counselling and training people for ministry will be done through this Centre.

Cell: 9322730294 Land Line : 022 5949999

GEMS Action Centre Gala B-47, 2nd Floor, Sharad Industrial Estate, Lake Road, Near Bhandup Police Station, Mumbai – 400 078 .

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House of Prayer Dedication –Lauki

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House of Prayer Dedication –Dumraon

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House of Prayer Dedication –Rangpur

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GEMS House of Prayer at Ranpur, Nepal (Parsa District) was inaugurated for the Glory of GEMS House of God.

Prayer Inaugurated in Ranpur of Nepal

The inauguration ceremony of the GEMS Nepal church built at Rangpur was held on 18thJune 2019.

Parsa district of GEMS Nepal.

Rangpur is a field in the

The inauguration ceremony began with opening prayer by Bro. Rajulama (GEMS Nepal). The Associate General Secretary of GEMS Dr. Ashok Kumar welcomed the gathering. Bro. Jobin(Chennai) cut the ribbon and inaugurated the church building.

Dr.Ashok Kumar introduced the Guests. Pr. Keerthy (Chennai) shared the word of God which was translated by Bro. Paul Abraham (Regional Director, North West Region). Children of the Our PeopleProject of Japhra, Nepal performed cultural programs.

Bro. Kanagaraj (Mathandam), Bro. Benjamin (Regional Director, Northern Region), Pr.Roy Theophilus (Hebron Church, Vizhag) Bro. Stephen (Chennai Promotions), Bro. Jobin (Chennai), Bro. Paul Abraham, Pr. Keerthy (Chennai), Bro. Rakesh (Associate Director, GEMS-CP) participated in the inauguration along with 10 people from Chennai and 10 People from Vizhag. The guests were presented with a memento by GEMS Nepal and the Vizhag team presented a special song.

Pray for the missionary Bro. Sujan Rana Magar and his family who serve in this place.

Praise God for the church building which has been built in Rangpur.

Pray for this House of Prayer and the missionary family.

Pray for this church to be used by the Lord as a powerful witness of the gospel to bring about transformation in this place.

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Sis. Catherine (Sikaria, Bihar) went to be with the Lord on 5th August and the funeral service was held on 6th August. GEMS family bereaves the demise of Sis. Catherine.

1 July 1950 – 5 Aug 2019

Sis.Thamilarasi Catherine (69 years)

GEMS Missionary Sister Catherine Entered God’s Glory

p a s s e d away on 5th August 2019 (Monday) at 3:00 PM at Sikaria, Bihar. She was hospitalized for several months.

The funeral service was conducted at the GEMS campus on 6th August at 11:30 AM and was attended by GEMS m i s s i on ar i e s and staff in and around Sikaria.

Sis. Catherine was born in Tirunelveli of Tamil Nadu and committed her life to Jesus Christ in March 1970.

She studied medicine and after M.B.B.S. when the Lord called her to go as a missionary to the Andamans she obeyed the call. The Lord had prepared her beforehand to serve among the tribes. She was accepted by the tribes because they witnessed a divine act of God’s protection in her life. She faced various issues and opposition from outside and later she had to discontinue the work there and joined GEMS as a missionary The Call

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in August 2000 and served in the Hospital and Rohtas hills and later in the Guest House.

She was suffering for years with Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT) in the left leg with Pulmonary Embolism with Diabetes Mellitus.

Even though she suffered much from ill health she did the prayer ministry faithfully. Whoever visited GEMS were inspired and challenged by her life testimony and committed to serve the Lord.

She fell severely sick in May 2019 and had been hospitalized since then. Not a day did she lack visitors.

She was a Amma (mother) to some, Aunty and Paati (Grandma) to many. She loved everyone and she was loved by everyone.

Some of those who loved her wrote these words on her passing away.

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A life well-lived and loved A beautiful woman who loved others indiscriminately and was loved by all Burdened with the sufferings of others and never thought of herself in this selfish packed world What a wonderful soul you are, Aunty You lived your life to the fullest Bubbled with joy despite all odds You are, of course “ONE IN A MILLION�

Never forgets to send your New year handmade greetings Hope you think of me next year to find a way to send the same from heaven Relieved from this physical pain Relaxing in heavenly realm Your life is a Testimony to be told to generations, Aunty -----------------------------------------------------------

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Born to serve; Served the Lord and His people.

Threw away the earthly glory (a doctor), To embrace the secret heavenly victory.

Though no one went with her (to Andaman), Tread all the way seeking the lost thither.

Tears rolling down her eyes, ached her heart for the lost, persecuted, suffered, diseased.

Though her physic was so fragile, she ran and proved that Man doesn’t live by bread alone.

There is no one left, be they far or near, hidden from her caring sight and heartfelt prayer.

Be a prince or pauper, her service, love and care are the same. We salute you dear Akka for all your service.

Good bye until we meet in our heavenly home.

GEMS Family.

----------------------------------------------------------Praise God for Sis. Catherine’s life. Sister Catherine’s life is an inspiration to obey God’s call, whatever may be the cost and to be faithful until the end, to finish the race well.

Pray that her ministry of missionary service and prayer will be continued through many.

Pray that the Lord may comfort all the loved ones who bereave her demise.

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VBS was being conducted in village Thumba in Bihar which was interrupted by SanghPariwar affiliates who threatened to burn them alive.

The final day of the VBS was being conducted by missionary Bro. Sanjay (GEMS Rohtas Zone) at his house VBS Interrupted on 27th July 2019 in which Bro. Gilbert and Missionaries Forced to (Zonal Leader, Rohtas Take Part in Temple Ritual in Zone) was also present. A Bihar group of nearly 60 people shouting slogans entered the house and accused them of conversion. The group had planned to beat up the missionaries and to take them to a nearby temple with the intention of forcing them to eat the religious offering and to apply the ash.

W h e n the missionaries reached the temple 500 people had gathered around that place. One of the members present with the group, came to the rescue of the missionaries and did not allow the people to force anything on the missionaries and to only stand in the temple. The group also threatened the pastor Bro. Sanjay to vacate the house within a week and if not to burn him alive. By the grace of God, the house owner stood with the missionary and did not send the missionary family away.

Through the VBS the missionaries were not The Call

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converting the children from one religion to the other, but were teaching good moral values from the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, for “Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”” (Matthew 19:14). The children are taught not to lie or hate or steal and to not do anything immoral or unhealthy habits.

Praise God for His protection of the missionaries in Thumba, Bihar.

Pray for the people who opposed the ministry that they may know the Truth of the gospel and the love of God. Pray for the children and youths who are led astray and into addictions to be delivered from all such bondages.

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Empowerment Meeting was conducted in which all the new workers from the GEMS fields participated.

The Empowerment Meeting for the AGNI workers and new missionaries Young and New o f Missionaries Empowered to GEMS fields was conducted at GEMS Witness Christ and Disciple People campus, Sikaria in Bihar from 16th to 18th July 2019. Bro. T. Emerson (Associate Director,

GEMS) organized and oriented the participants.

Pr. Rajan (Madurai) was the guest speaker for the training program and he ministered on all the days in the theme ‘Advance Further’. Beginning from the Priesthood of all believers he spoke widely on the role of an evangelist and pastor in witnessing Christ and in making disciples.

The participants deliberated on the theme and the messages through group discussions and committed through prayer.

Pray for all the participants of the Church Planters The Call

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empowerment meeting.

Pray that they may do the work of the gospel as good stewards.

Pray for the training to impact their life and ministry and to bear fruit.

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Sis. Daisy (Sasaram, Bihar) w/o Bro. Brenson went to be with the Lord on 10th August 2019 and the funeral service was conducted in Kerala on 12th August. GEMS family bereaves the demise of Sis. Daisy.

10 Oct 1987- 10 Aug 2019

GEMS Missionary Sister Daisy Entered God’s Glory

Sis. Daisy (31 years) passed away on 10th August 2019 at 3:00 AM at Sikaria, Bihar. She was hospitalized for a few days.

Daisy was serving as a teacher in GEMS English School, Sikaria and was also assisting her husband in field ministry based in Sasaram.

Daisy was born and brought up in a Hindu family in Tirunelveli and committed her life to Jesus Christ. In 2001 while in college, she committed to serve the Lord as a missionary in Bihar and in 2010 she joined GEMS as a teacher in GEMS English School, Bhabua. She married Bro. Brenson in September 2013. After marriage they ministered in Dalmianagar and she taught at the Sikaria school. Because of family reasons they had to take a break from ministry for 2½ years. She was so passionate to serve the Lord that she cried for hours The Call

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before leaving Bihar. They returned back to Bihar as a family in February 2019 and were placed in Sasaram.

Some days before her demise Daisy became unwell and had fever and was admitted in the hospital.

In the early hours of 10th August her BP became quite low and all attempt to revive her failed. The cause of death is Septic Shock with Sever Hypotension. Her body was kept in Sikaria on 10th August.

The next day her body was flown to Kerala and the funeral service was conducted on 12th August at Vagamon.

This Summer, Sis. Daisy and her family did not go for holidays. They spent the days visiting villages after villages preaching the gospel. When the school reopened after summer vacation, Daisy had shared with her fellow The Call

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teachers, that she had a fulfilling ministry in the summer and had visited house after house and shared the gospel.

Daisy is survived by her husband and two small children, Hannah Angel (5) and Hadassah (11 months).

Pray for Bro. Brenson and his two small children who are bereaved at the demise of Sis. Daisy; Pray that they and the loved ones to be comforted with the The Call

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Lord’s comfort.

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GEMS Nepal conducted fasting prayer in two places through which 55 women committed to Christ and to prayer- filled life.

Fasting Prayer

Leads Women in Nepal to Become a Lydia

‘Lydia

The GEMS Nepal team organized fasting prayer for women called Prayer’ in Harda and Hiramuni Churches from

April to July 2019 and Sis. Rita Purushotam coordinated the meetings.

Hiramuni

The fasting prayer for women at GEMS House of Prayer, Hiramuni was conducted from 1st to 3rd July 2019 in which 25 women participated. Bro. Jesuraja (Sikaria) shared the word of God in Hindi and Bro. Purushotam translated into Nepali. The women committed to the Lord

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and prayed with burden and tears.

Harda

Women fasting prayer at Harda House of Prayer was conducted from 29th April to 1st May 2019 in which 30 women participated. Dr. Ashok Kumar (Associate General Secretary, GEMS) shared the word of God. Pray for all the women who participated in the ‘Lydia Prayer’ meetings in Nepal.

Prayt hat they may continue to leave faithful to the Lord and to witness Christ among their household and neighbours.

Pray that the Lord may enable them to serve Him through the grace He has given them and to use them to bring transformation among the girls and women of

Nepal.

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