The Call_GEMS Eng Mag_July 2020

THE CALL JULY 2020

Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord.Lord, hear my voice!

Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications!

Psalm 130:1,2 

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THE CALL Transforming Peoples to Transform Nations

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Flood Affects Lakhs of People in Bihar –

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Jharkhand Believers Forced into GharWapsi

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Missionary Kid Ankit Recovers

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DCC Teacher Passed Away in Jharkhand

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From Bihar With Love Bro. D. Augustine Jebakumar

Jharkhand Family Severely Persecuted – 17 Missionary Sundar Devi Entered God’s Glory

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School Staff Suffering from Paralysis –

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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.

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From Dear Prayer Partners in Christ Jesus, Greetings to you in the name of Bihar the Lord that made the sand a boundary for the With sea, an everlasting barrier it cannot cross, who

let the waves roll, but cannot prevail; they may roar, but they cannot cross it (Jer 5: 22).

The current corona pandemic has caused many nations to lose a sense of balance. India, additionally has do deal with border problems and floods.

These uncertain times have affected many school and college children. We can also hear the murmur of worry on the lack of an end in sight even after so much praying. When problems surround us, we need to understand God’s unique way of working to help us grow in faith. Hence, I would like to mention two incidents that happened during Jesus’s time on this earth.

Even when there are many hindrances to doing God’s work, I strongly believe that new doors will open. The eagerness to spread the Gospel and the importance of discipleship training has made us plan in different ways and seek God regarding them and go the way the Lord leads us.

Our brains often cannot fathom the way God works.

Love

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isa 55: 8,

9). To understand God’s ways, let me narrate two incidents

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from the bible that seem to look similar. In the verses: Matt 8: 23 - 27; Matt 14: 22 - 23; Mark 4: 35 - 41; Mark 6: 45 - 53 we read about two incidents when Jesus along with His disciples sailed across the sea of Galilee.

In both situations we see that when strong winds lashed at their boat, the disciples lost their faith. In both situations they screamed for help. Though they look similar, if you analyse them in depth you can learn many of life’s lessons through them. Even in today’s situation, if we begin to see God’s ways in this light, it will help us to not only understand God, but also worship and pray accordingly.

Godneither has the obligation to work according to our will nor has the compulsion to shower His grace and mercy according to our prayers.

Most of our confusion stems from a lack of understanding this.And it is a result of taking few disjointed verses and praying based on them alone. Hence, meditate carefully on the points I mention here which I hope helps you to get some clarity of thought. I have mentioned ten points. The quotation above and my explanation below do not make the learning from these verses complete. I hope it will urge us to think and meditate further, and helps us to not lose our balance in our personal lives, in our families, work places and in confusing situations. May the Holy Spirit help us. “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law” (Ps. 119: 18).

1. In the first situation, Jesus is in the boat with the disciples (Mark 4: 38). In the second one though, He isn’t (Mark 6: 47). This is how we feel in our lives as well. We feel His presence at times, yet in many a circumstance He seems far away from us. Problems seem to torment us whether He is near or far away from us. We start wondering if what we have been taught is wrong: that if Jesus is with June us that is 2020 enough! What is then the difference between the worldly and us? Should I also face the problems that they face? These The Call

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are questions that plague our minds. Remember, the world will know who we are based on how we respond when the storm rages.

2. In the first incident, Jesus commands: “Let us go over to the other side” (Mark 4: 35). In the second instance, Jesus

orders his disciples to “go” (Mark 6: 45). For many of us, we prefer His promises to His commandments. We rejoice when we receive a promise, but are weary and reluctant when we receive a command from Him. We hope and pray that the Lord acts on His promises made to us, but we sometimes find it unpleasant to action His commands made to us.

Many a time, promises and commands are given together. If commandments are bitter, isn’t that why the sweet promise

of God is applied on top of it? “Then He said to me, “Son of man, eat this scroll I am giving you and fill your stomach with it.” So I ate it, and it tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth” (Eze 3: 3). “I took the little scroll from the angel’s hand and ate it. It tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I had eaten it, my stomach turned sour.” (Rev

10: 10). Isn’t this our experience as well?

“Go and make disciples of all nations” (this is a command), “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (this is a promise) (Matt 28: 19, 20). Most of us behave like kids sucking on the outer sweetness and then spitting out the rest. May the Lord show us the consequences of commanding discipline in our lives. Whether it was a promise or a command, they were still His disciples. Why did they end up facing a storm on both occasions? These two

incidents teach us a valuable lesson that: “The God who promised is faithful” and “I will not lose by obeying my Lord.”

3. It has been well explained that in the first instance Jesus was asleep and in the second instance He reached out to them when they were in trouble (Mark 4: 38; Mark 6: 48).

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There is this misconception that the Lord listens to us only when we seek and cry out to Him. This second instance has been mentioned to break that stereotype. What do we learn from this? The same Lord that said “Call to me” (Jer 33: 3), also says: “Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear” (Isa 65: 24). Isn’t this proof

that the Lord wants us to taste and see His many facets?

4. In the first incident, the disciples forced Jesus awake.

In the second, they did not even expect to see Jesus. The Lord is able to grace us with His presence both when our prayers become laments and even when we don’t seek Him. Even when I am about to drown, I will not fret is what Jesus was teaching us. I can also do things inconceivable to man, is what Jesus taught us by walking on the water. We will understand this when we are eager to find out what the Lord is trying to teach us.

When problems surround us, we can learn many lessons from it and they will be necessary for us. “You will keep in

perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you” (Isa 26: 3) – the Saviour lived His life on earth as per this verse. “I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?” (Jer 32: 27) –

The miracle Worker proves this verse in actuality. The one who teaches us also astounds us by performing wonders. Let us hence celebrate the Lord saying – You alone are sufficient.

5. At the time of the first incident, the disciples did not know what Jesus was capable of (Mark 4: 41). At the time of the second incident, they thought He was a ghost and were terrified (Mark 6: 49). They knew to sing songs of their forefathers: “Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen” (Ps. 77: 19). But when they saw the verse in

June winds 2020 reality, the disciples could not fathom it. The strong taught them this lesson. “He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed” (Ps. 107: 29). This

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song was in their lips. Yet when they faced difficulties, they were reluctant to believe these to be true. Isn’t that the case in our lives as well?

6. In the first incident, Jesus had to rebuke the wind and the waves (Mark 4: 39). In the second, the wind died down the moment Jesus got into the boat (Matt. 14: 32). In some situations, God’s spoken command is needed to turn things around. Only when Ezekiel prophesied, the dry bones came to life (Eze 37: 9, 10). In other situations, His presence alone is sufficient to turn things around. The Lord wants His people to be vessels that carry His presence. He also wants them to be able to use His commanding word. This is because, we read about Jesus: “For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit” (John 3: 34). If the presence of the Holy Spirit is combined with His word, then what follows will be nothing short of amazing!

7. In the first incident, we can see that Jesus wanted his disciples to realise and acknowledge His power (Mark 4: 40). In the second incident, we see that Jesus uses it as an opportunity to make people like Peter attempt to do remarkable things (Matt. 14: 29). “Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God” – this statement by the missionary William Carey can be set in action even today.

When the others were astounded, Peter was motivated to try it out. Even today there is a need for people to rise up and do remarkable things for God. Strong winds may rise up to create the situation for us or the constant waves may lay the foundation.

8. Through the first incident, the disciples learnt how shallow their faith was. In the second incident, they realised that Jesus was the “Son of God” (Matt 14: 33). Problems in our lives help us to identify our lack of faith and enable us to build and strengthen it. In some cases, they help us to understand

Christ better.

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9. The first incident occurred a day after a usual day with His disciples. The second was after a hard day’s work of feeding thousands. Torments and temptations can affect us

at any moment. They can attack us with no precedent and with no readiness on our side. Yet, the only weapon we need to overcome them is Faith! Satan as well targets our faith alone. We see that in Peter’s life. When Satan sought Jesus’

permission to sift him like wheat, Jesus prayed for Peter.

Jesus says: “But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail” (Luke 22: 31, 32). Hence, we should be cautious that our ship of faith does not get damaged. Satan is targeting us to reject our good conscience and shipwreck our faith (1 Tim 1: 18, 19).“The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith” (I Tim 1: 5).

10. After the first incident, Jesus restored a demon-possessed man at Decapolis (Mark 5: 1 – 17). Due to this man, after the second incident, people recognised Jesus and so a huge crowd followed Jesus (Mark 6: 54 – 56). There is always the possibility that triumph follows trials. Isn’t it proven through these two incidents? Even if message is preached to one man, it results in the expansion of God’s kingdom. Storms

and whirlwinds and high tides may frighten us. They all are but tools to expand God’s kingdom. They do not have the power to stop us. It is the duty of the church to prove this!

Therefore, let us strengthen our faith. Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith (Heb 12: 1, 2).

May the grace of God help us to identify problems and throw off every sin that hinders and so easily entangles.

June 2020 In His Vineyard, D. Augustine Jebakumar The Call

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Pray for the Flood Affected Places and People in Bihar

Rains and floods have affected lakhs of people in Bihar and nearly 10 districts of North Bihar are worst affected.

East Champaran, West Champaran, Gopalganj, Muzaffarpur, Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Supaul, Kishanganj, Darbhanga and Khagaria districts in North Bihar are worst affected by the floods. Nearly 8 lakhs people have been affected in these places.

GEMS churches, institutions, believers and staff in these places are also affected. A view of the flood situation through the photos.

Darbhanga Fields & Institution

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Benipur

Gorhia (GEMS English School)

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Kasraini

Rajnagar

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Madhubani Field – Jainagar

East Champaran Field – Raxaul

Pray for all the flood affected places and the people of Bihar.

Pray for the displaced people to be provided with the necessary June 2020 sustenance.

Pray for the flood situation to return to normal soon.

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July 2020

GharWapsi Forcefully Performed on Christian Believers in Jharkhand

Six families of GEMS House of Prayer in McCluskieganj, Ranchi District were forced to partake in GharWapsi by Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal.

On 5th July 2020 (Sunday) at 3:00 PM a group of VHP & BD members in four motorcycle went to the house of Mr. Karthik, a believer in McCluskieganj. Within sometime a big group of people in three Bolero Cars reached his house and threatened all the believers. They forced them to stay in their houses threatening to beat them up.

The next day, 6th July 2020, fifty VHP members reached

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McCluskieganj and performed GharWapsi ritual and forced the six Christian believers to participate. Kathik Malar, Geetha Devi, Jeera Malar, Pinky Devi, Arjun Malar, Pramod Malar, Urmila Devi, Chandru Malar and Poonam Devi were threatened and forced to partake in GharWapsi. They were forced to chant ‘Jai shree ram’ and the believers were taken around the village in a procession. Even the little children were not spared and they were also forced to participate.

VHP and Bajrang Dal members threatened the believers to not conduct prayers and to not to pray to Lord Jesus Christ.

They searched for the missionary Bro. Raneshwar to beat him up, but they could not find him.

MCN News Coverage of the GharWapsi – https://youtu. be/OJMscP5XuJI

Pray for the believers and missionary of McCluskieganj to stand strong in the Lord amidst persecution.

Pray for God’s protection upon the believers and missionary.

Pray that the VHP & BD members may be touched and transformed by the gospel of Lord Jesus Christ. June 2020 Pray for the administration and police to protect Christians in Jharkhand.

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Hospitalized GEMS MK Ankit is Recovering

Ankit Kumar (10 years) s/o GEMS missionary Bro. Suresh Prasad (Gamariah, Bhojpuri 2 Zone) who was hospitalized in critical condition is out of danger. Praise be to God!

Ankit suddenly fell sick in the morning of 3rd July 2020 and was taken to GEMS Hospital in a critical condition. He had convulsions and increased heart rate. He was referred to a hospital with Paediatric speciality and Ankit was admitted in a hospital in

on Ankit.

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Sasaram, Bihar. For four days his condition was critical, and he was put on ventilator. He was treated for epilepsy and probable snake bite.

By the grace of God Ankit’s condition began to improve from 7th July and he is out of danger and recovering. Thanks to everyone who prayed and supported Ankit. Praise be to God for His healing

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July 2020

GEMS DCC School Teacher Passed Away Due to Electrocution

Bro. Soumendra Nath Sarkar who was serving as a teacher at GEMS DCC, Jorsa (Jharkhand) went to be with the Lord on 5th July 2020.

GEMS family bereaves the demise of Bro. Soumendra Nath.

Bro. Soumendra Nath (54) had left his house in the evening of 5th July.

Since he did not return even after a couple of hours, his wife Arti Sarkar along with others began to search for him. Around 9:30 PM they found him lying dead

because of electrocution. By mistake he had come in contact with an electric fence and he was electrocuted.

Bro. Soumendra is survived by his wife and only son Soubhit Sarkar (17).

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Bro. Soumendra joined GEMS on 14th July 1997 and had served for 23 years. His contribution towards DCC Jorsa is commendable.

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Pray for the family of Bro. Soumendra that they may receive the comfort of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Pray for the protection of all staff and missionaries and their families.

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July 2020

Jharkhand Family Loses Land and Livelihood Missionary for Believing in Lord Jesus Christ

Sis. JauniOraon and her family live in Kairo, Lohardaga are persecuted for their faith in Jesus. They were beaten up, land confiscated, and conversion cases filed against them.

Sis. Jauni (47) who lives in Mahuwari village, Kairo committed her life to Christ in 2015 and since then she has been persecuted by her own family members, her father-in-law and co-sister among others. On 12th March 2017, a group of family members went to Sis. Jauni’s house and Sis. Jauni was severely beaten up.

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Her co-sister BinitaOraon (23) filed a FIR against Sis. Jauni and her husband Bro. DukhaOraon (54) on 9th August 2018 with sections IPC 295(A), 504, 506, 341, 323 and Jharkhand’s Religious Freedom Bill 2017.

On 2nd March 2019, Sis. Jauni’s mother-in-law, who was also a believer, passed away and her relative and villagers did not allow her to give her a funeral. Even though Sis. Jauni approached the Kairo Police Station for help, they did not help her.

Since 2017, Sis. Jauni has been disturbed in farming in her land and since last year, 2019, her opposers have taken away all her lands and not allowing her to farm.

Christians in states like Jharkhand are persecuted by their lands and livelihood being taken away from them, like the days of Gideon in the Bible (Judges 6:3-6 NRSV),

“For whenever the Israelites put in seed, the Midianites and the Amalekites and the people of the east would come up against them. They would encamp against them and destroy the produce of the land, as far as the neighborhood of Gaza, and leave no sustenance in Israel, and no sheep or ox or donkey. For they and their livestock would come up, and they would even bring their tents, as thick as locusts; neither they nor their camels could be counted; so they wasted the land as they came in. Thus Israel was greatly impoverished because of Midian; and the Israelites cried out to the Lord for help.”

Pray for Sis. Jauni and her family who are being persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ; pray that they may receive the legal and other necessary support.

Pray for her family members who are opposing, especially pray for BinitaOraon that their eyes may be opened to the gospel.

Pray for the State of Jharkhand where many Christians are persecuted, to be strong amidst persecution.

Pray that the new Jharkhand administration to scrap the anti-conversion bill which is misused against Christians.

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GEMS Missionary Sister Sundar Devi Entered God’s Glory

Sis. Adi Sundar Devi w/o Bro. Nandan (Bhojpuri 1 Zone, Bihar) went to be with the Lord on 6th July 2020. GEMS family bereaves the demise of Sis. Sundar Devi.

Sis. Sundar Devi (50) was suffering with high sugar levels due to diabetes for the last five years and for the last two years she often had vomiting and diarrhoea.

She was under medication. At 5:00 am on 6th July she passed away.

The funeral service was held the same day at Bejan (near Piro), her native village.

Sis. Sundar Devi committed her life to Christ on 6th July 1986.

She supported her husband

in ministry and they served together in many places in Bihar; Makhdampur, Arwal, Dinara and Durgawati.

Sis. Sundar Devi is survived by her husband and five children; Sandhya Kumari (32), Saroj Kumar (30), Jyoti Kumari (28), The Call

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Sujatha (27) and Sameer Kumar (26).

Pray for the family of Sis. Sundar Devi that they may receive the comfort of the Lord Jesus Christ.

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Pray for GEMS School Staff Suffering from Paralysis of Both Legs

Bro. Christopher Thomas (GEMS English School, Sikaria) was hospitalized with Diabetes Ketoacidosis. He has developed paralysis of both the legs.

Bro. Christopher who is a staff of GEMS English School, Sikaria in Bihar was admitted a few weeks back with a serious complication of Diabetes called Diabetes Ketoacidosis with Lung Pneumonitis. Though he could come out of the illness, he developed paralysis of both the legs below the hip.

He has been suggested a full course of Immunoglobulin injections, which is an expensive treatment, as a final trial for recovery.

Pray for Bro. Christopher Thomas’ medications and treatment.

Pray for his complete healing and recovery.

Pray for the good health of all the staff and families of GEMS.

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