The Call_GEMS Eng Mag_Aug 2020

THE CALL August 2020

For as the heavens are high above the earth,so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him.

Psalm 103 : 11

June 2020

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Aug 2020

THE CALL Transforming Peoples to Transform Nations

Contents

From Bihar With Love Bro. D. Augustine Jebakumar

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Flood Disrupts Life in Bihar

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Missionaries Brutally Beaten in Jharkhand

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Missionary Brother Suresh Entered God’s Glory

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Missionary Sister Elizabeth Hospitalized with Brain Haemorrhage

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Missionary Brother ArokiadasEntered God’s Glory – 14 Job Openings in GEMS Hospital

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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

Field office

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

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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 2020 and beyond since June 1972.

Aug 2020

From Dear Prayer Partners in Christ Jesus, Greetings to you in the name of the Bihar Lord who declared: “I will have mercy on whom With I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on

Love

whom I will have compassion” (Exo 33: 19) and who shows us the wonders of His great love. Since it is important for us to live by His grace, it is necessary for us to identify that which He detests and avoid them in our lives. The intent of this letter is to help you identify these problem areas. Yes, it is true that some set aside the grace of God (Gal 2: 21) and some turn away from God’s love (Jonah 2: 8), but most of them destroy the grace given to them.

Charles Swindoll, in his book ‘Awakened Grace’ talks about 24 things that can destroy the grace of God. Let us analyse some of them for the usefulness of our spiritual life.

1. Legalism

People with a Pharisaic spirit glorify this. In Luke 6: 6 – 10 we can see that Jesus got angry with such people. Their argument was that the man with the shrivelled hand should not have been healed on Sabbath day. In Luke 13: 10 – 17 we read about Jesus, again on a Sabbath day, setting free a woman crippled by infirmity for 18 years. The synagogue leader was indignant and declares that this cannot be done on the day of Sabbath (v 14).

Jesus does not hesitate to call him a hypocrite (v 15).

Which is important, He asks and screams at them saying that they left out justice, mercy and faithfulness for legalism The Call

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(Matt 23: 19, 23). Anything that glorifies the law alone

and forgets humanitarianism will result in the destruction of grace.

2. Expectations

When others do not behave the way we expect them to, we don’t hesitate to sabotage and destroy grace. Analyse Naaman. He was angry and said, “I thought that he (Prophet Elisha) would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy. Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel?

Couldn’t I wash in them and be cleansed?” So he turned and went off in a rage (2 Kings 5: 11, 12).

He does not know the law. The law says that a man with leprosy needed to be outside the city gates and shout ‘Unclean, unclean!’ when he notices anyone. Yet he expected Elisha to cure his disease by waving his hand over the spot.

Also, three times the river Jordan listened to God’s word – to the word of His servants. The river parted when Joshua’s leg touched it and later when Elijah and Elisha commanded as well. By comparing it to the rivers of Damascus he destroyed his grace. It is a pity that this was followed by anger and rage.

3. Traditionalism

Let us again take note of the fault-finding Pharisees.

Tradition is of paramount importance to them (Matt 15: 2).

Jesus asks: “why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?” (v 3) and tells them that they were disrespecting God’s word (v 6). Also tells them that their worship is in vain (v 9). From this it is now clear that people giving importance to tradition are perturbed by

June by 2020the God’s word (v 12), that they are plants not planted heavenly Father and will be pulled up by the roots (v 13) and that tradition has the power to make them blind (v 14).

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4. Manipulation

We read of a particular incident in 2 Sam 1st chapter.

A young Amalekite man brings the crown of King Saul and deceives David that he had chivalrously killed Saul. Yet, what was the truth? Saul committed suicide (1 Sam 31: 5). The young man manipulated David expecting reward and recognition for his brave act, yet he ended up losing his life.

People destroying grace also behave this way.

5. Demands

A father that says: “You are my child, hence do as I instruct”, a master that says: “I gave you a job and a salary, so do whatever I ask of you”, a husband that says: “You are my wife, hence I have the right to treat you as my slave”, a child that says: “You gave birth to me, so get me the things I desire even through debts”, A pastor that says: “you are my sheep, so hold me in reverence and be obedient” are all worse than even burglars. They are also a set of people that destroy grace.

6. Negativism

Whatever they see, they spot the negatives in it. They are against anything that is told. They are pessimistic about everything. They do not know to speak words of faith and grace. When a task is given, they only know to highlight the problems in it but do not seek patiently for the grace to complete it. These are also people that do not hesitate to destroy grace.

7. Control

These are people that use power, position, influence and money to try and control things, people and colleagues. They are blind to the grace, talent or experience of others around them. Jezebel’s spirit will control them (1 Kings 21: 7). It is their forte to boastfully say: “I’ll get you”. We can escape from its clutches if we identify it.

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8. Comparison

Jesus vehemently opposed this. Read Matt 20: 1 – 15 to understand this. They lament: “These who were hired last worked only one hour,’ they said, ‘and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day” (v 12). These resentful people do not understand the generosity of their master (v 14). They worship the Lord by saying: “‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector” (Luke 18: 11). Even while thanking God they find pleasure in comparing themselves to others. This attitude also has the power to destroy grace.

9. Perfectionism

They do not worry if they are perfect or not. Yet, they expect perfectionism in others and get annoyed at the lack of it. Look at Paul: “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.

But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Phil 3: 12 – 15). This was his wish.

He also says: “My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me” (1 Cor 4: 4). This shows his patience. It is not a crime to think that others should do their work without blemish. It is appreciable to want the work to be done perfectly. But when it is used as an excuse to put down others, it destroys grace.

10. Competition

Healthy competition motivates and encourages people.

June 2020 When two institutions compete, it revitalises all involved.

But when it is used as a means to stamp on another, it brings about great danger. It positively overwhelms us to see the The Call

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losing team in a sport embracing the winning team. This cannot be seen in most missionary work. Instead, we see jealousy and hatred for each other (1 Sam 18: 9 – 10).

This sells us off to the evil spirit and not only destroys grace but has also resulted in the end of many a ministry.

11. Criticism

No matter what another person does, it is their job to find faults with it. The Pharisees behind Jesus, the Jews behind Paul, the circumcised Christians behind Peter, the haters of Christianity behind the Apostles, and many other false preachers had this as their main job – to criticise. They make people turn away from grace quickly (Gal 1: 6). Constructive criticism is very much needed, but destructive criticism needs to be weeded out as it also destroys grace.

12. Pettiness

Certain people’s behaviour will be extremely frivolous.

These people behave like Shimei when he cursed David (2 Sam 16: 5 – 13). They do not hesitate to stoke others’ anger and to curse them. Yet, such pettiness destroys grace.

The points listed above are all external behaviour traits.

Swindoll also lists the internal attitude issues which destroy grace. I will not list them now as we have discussed them in depth already.

Pride, fear, resentment, bitterness, unforgiving spirit, insecurity, fleshly effort, guilt, shame, gossip, hypocrisy, talking adversely of others – these are characteristics seen in one’s heart. These are also sufficient to destroy grace. May the Lord protect us from all of this. May God’s mercy be upon us to protect us during these end times against the loss of grace.

In His Vineyard, D. Augustine Jebakumar The Call

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Aug 2020

Floods Disrupt Life and Displace People in Bihar

Heavy rains and floods affect lakhs of people as the water levels continue to grow in many districts of Bihar.

Nearly 8 lakhs people are affected in the districts of East Champaran, West Champaran, Gopalganj, Muzaffarpur, Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Supaul, Kishanganj,

Darbhanga, Madhubani and Khagaria in North Bihar. Click to read a report – http://news.gemsbihar.org/2020/07/pray-for-flood-affectedJune 2020 places-and.html

25 families of believers are greatly affected because of the floods; their houses are completely flooded.

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Gorhia, Darbhanga (GEMS English School Campus)

Basantpur, Siwan

Pray for all the people affected by the rains and floods in Bihar.

Pray for the protection of the people from snakes and other dangerous insects & reptiles.

Pray for the rehabilitation of the affected people and the restoration of resources and life.

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Aug 2020

GEMS Missionaries Severely Beaten in Jharkhand for Praying for the Sick

Bro. Sanjeet and Bro. Siddharth of PEACE 1 Zone were brutally beaten by Bajrang Dal members near Chatra, when they were invited by a believer to pray

for his unwell relative.

Mr. Lakhan is a believer of GEMS Church at Garhwa and he took Bro. Sanjeet and Bro. Siddharth on 22nd August 2020, to a village Kharik (which is 7 kms away from Chatra, Jharkhand) to pray for his relative Mr. Ramdev, who has been unwell for one and half years. When the missionaries were praying for the unwell Ramdev along with his family, a group of Bajrang Dal members came to Ramdev’s house at 11:00 AM and took them out.

T h e y began to beat the missionaries mercilessly using sticks and their hands and legs.

June 2020 Bro. Sanjeet was severely beaten and injured in his head, back, hands, and leg. He is having difficulty in hearing since the attack. Bro. The Call

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Siddharth was injured in his left hand and thigh.

They snatched away their Bibles and song book and the mobile phone of Bro. Siddharth.

Immediately the missionaries reached Chatra to the house of Bro. Saravanan (Zonal Leader, PEACE 1) and along with him they went to the Chatra S.P. Police Station to lodge a complaint.

The missionaries were sent for medical

check-up.

At the police station, two police personnel requested for prayers.

Bro. Saravanan shared the gospel to them and he and the beaten missionaries prayed for them.

Pray for the complete healing and recovery of Bro. Sanjeet and Bro. Siddharth.

Pray for Jharkhand where continuously Christian believers and missionaries are being severely persecuted.

Pray for the persecuted believers and missionaries to be strong in the Lord.

Pray for the persecutors to be touched and transformed by the love of Lord Jesus Christ.

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Aug 2020

GEMS Missionary Brother Suresh John Entered God’s Glory

Bro. Suresh Kumar John (Asst. Zonal Leader, Bhojpuri 2 Zone) who was serving at Gamariah, Bihar went to be with the Lord on 12th July 2020. GEMS family bereaves the demise of Bro. Suresh.

20 Jan 1968 - 12 July 2020

Bro. Suresh (52) underwent Angioplasty on 23rd June 2020 and was recovering. After a week’s time he fell sick again and was hospitalized.

He went to be with the Lord on 12th July 2020 at 1:35 PM. His funeral service was conducted on the same day at 5:00 PM at GEMS campus, Sikaria, Bihar.

Bro. Suresh served in GEMS for 27 years. He joined as a Teacher in the year 1993 at Baulia (Rohtas, Bihar) and then moved to church ministry and served the Lord in many places and June 2020 in many capacities faithfully.

Bro. Suresh is survived by his wife and two children. Please pray for the The Call

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Lord’s comfort to the family of Bro. Suresh.

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Pray for GEMS Missionary Hospitalised with Brain Haemorrhage

Sis.Elizabeth w/o Bro. Nandlal Soren (Biharshariff, GEMS Magahi 1 Zone) is suffering with Brain Haemorrhage and hospitalized since 7th August 2020.

Sis. Elizabeth fell sick suddenly on 6thAugust around 6:30 PM. She was taken to a hospital in Katihar and after CT scan she was diagnosed with Brain Haemorrhage and was referred to a higher hospital.

She was taken to Silliguri and admitted there in Paramount Hospital for treatment.

When she was suspected with Covid19, she and the whole family was sent for diagnosis and it came negative. She suffered stroke and partial paralysis as well and is now admitted in Navbharat Mission Hospital in Purnea.

There has been improvement in her condition and by herself was able to sit and eat and she sang praises to God.

Please pray for Sis. Elizabeth’s treatment and healing.

June 2020

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Aug 2020

GEMS Missionary Brother Arokiadas Entered God’s Glory

Bro. Arokiadas (Sikaria, Bihar) went to be with the Lord on 20th July 2020. GEMS family bereaves the demise of Bro. Arokiadas.

3 Aug 1949

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20 July 2020

Bro. Arokiadas (72) was unwell from the end of the first week of July and was treated at the

GEMS hospital and was continuing the medications at his house. But on 15th he felt uneasy and was again taken to the hospital and tests were done and was hospitalized from 16th July.

On 20thJuly 2020 early morning Dr. Ashok tried his level best but the pulse rate kept on sinking. That is when he thanked the doctor for his care and concern. Even during his last hours, he never trembled, murmured, or yelled but he endured the pain peacefully.

Finally, he asked the doctors to stop the treatment and asked the staff to pray for his home call. By holding his bible with both his hands he breathed his last at 7.15 am, 20th July 2020.

He had a definite faith in God and finished his race with the hope of eternity. Glory be to God.

The funeral service was conducted in the GEMS campus the same evening.

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Bro. Arokiadas was pastoring the GEMS church in Dalmia Nagar, Bihar and was residing with his eldest son Bro. Jeyaseelan (R&D, GEMS). He was serving the Lord for the past 22 years in GEMS in Evangelism, Church Planting and in the Auditing department.

Until the end he served the Lord faithfully. He was known for his generosity in the field.

Though the entire family had come to ministry, he would use his pension money and the missionary

allowance entirely for ministry. Most months towards the end they would not have money to buy vegetables or provisions, yet joyfully they served the Lord.

His wife Sis. Esther went to be with the Lord in 2013 (http://news.gemsbihar.org/2013/08/retired-gemsmissionary-esther-went-to.html)

Click to listen to Sis. Ether sharing about their call & ministry – https://soundcloud.com/ gemslink/esther-auntyinterview_gems

he was working June 2020 the Treasury Tamil Nadu, he, call for missions

When in Department of the government in Trichy, and his whole family received the specific

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and joined GEMS in 1996.

His eldest daughter Sis. Florence serves the Lord in Erode, Tamil Nadu, his eldest son serves as a missionary in GEMS and his youngest son Bro. John Paul serves in Orissa (his daughter and younger son were serving in GEMS previously). Pray for the comfort of the bereaved family.

Openings in GEMS Hospital at Sikaria, Bihar

S. No 1.

Position Lab Technician

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Radiology Tutor

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Qualification B.Sc. MLT

Gender Any

B.Sc. in Radiography or DRDT (with teaching Experience) General Physician & M.B.B.S., M.D. Consultant B.P.T. Physiotherapist

Any Any Male

To apply send your resume to hr@gemsbihar.org The Call

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