There are 18 preaching points with 15 evangelists and 3 elders in Andrapradesh. In Tamil Nadu there are 13 churches and 14 ministers that are working for the Lord. The churches recently constituted in Tamil Nadu and the A.P. are growing spiritually and numerically.
The child care effort and other ministries are also proving to be fruitful. There are more than 250 orphans and destitutes now under our care. The Community Health Care effort is serving its purpose. We are constructing a Maternity Centre to deliver babies in poor community. Three full-time staff are working in this program. Also, the Mobile Clinic is being functioned effectively.
Cuddalore
The Pastor Anburose, Seashore Primitive Baptist Church in Cuddalore, says "there are many new contacts that have started attending the service. Some times, the hall is packed with people and it does not accommodate all the people." The most of the people in this church are from the fishermen community. They used to be rebellious and rough by nature. After the Lord worked in their lives, we could see the transformation in them.
Yercaud
The Church in Yercaud is growing. They are constructing a church building since past two years. Now the construction came up to the roof level. Again the work is going to be pending for some more time until the Lord provides the rest of the needs. The local church has been working among the illiterate tribal community by starting an adult education effort. As there are many people wanting to learn to read and write, Babu has organized this program in the villages. Those who are coming for the educational opportunity are attending the Sunday worship.
Chettipatty
In Chettipatty church, there was a Hindu hermit who got converted and now we named him as Luke and he is growing in the knowledge of God. He grew up in a Hindu monastery and learned Hindu scriptures very well. But now after his conversion, he is very much eager to preach the gospel to the non-Christians. He is effectively communicating the gospel in the community where he lives. Our local church has called him to serve in the church as a deacon. Please pray that the Lord will continue to use him powerfully in witnessing Christ.
Andrapradesh
The work in Andrapradesh is growing steadily. In Budedu village, we are constructing a church building which is in the final stage. We have just fixed a date of October 27th to open and dedicate the building for the glory of God. Some of the preachers in A.P. are going through a hard time just for preaching the gospel. Please pray for the protection of the Lord from evil people.
Your brother in christ,
A.Gunasekaran
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Monday, May 21, 2007
My U.S. visit - a great blessing
The US visit 2007 has been a great blessing to me and for the ministry indeed. I landed Cincinnati Airport on the March 12th 2007. Elder Justin Huffman received me with a warm welcome and drove to Baptist Bible Hour office where Elder Lasserre Bradley + Sis Emily and Bro. David and Sis. Rebeccah welcomed me with great joy.
The next day Bro. Jones Jeyakumar has joined with me and we both of us have enjoyed staying with the Bradleys in their beautiful home for a week. After more than couple of weeks of visiting, Jones went back to India on April 1st. He really enjoyed the visit very much. The Primitive Baptist preachers meeting March 13 to 15th has been a very benificial time to us. The teachings of the different preachers delivered on the theme "Servants for all seasons" has been very inspiring and encouraging to us very much. I am thankful to Elders.Bradley + Justin who made it possible for us to attend the seminar and also gave me an opportunity to speak in one of the sessions and also to speak in their church on the following Sunday.
The Lord blessed me to visit the following States by car and Air. i.e. Ohio, Virginia, Tennesse, Illinois, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Texas, Florida, Alabama and Georgia. In all these 11 States I preached 32 sermons in 27 different Primitive Baptist churches. In some of the churches, a video was presented on the P.Baptist work in India.
Apart from preaching in those churches, it was a joy to speak in the Chapel Service of the Blue Mountain College where Sis.Lea Bennett is Heading a Dept. of Alumnae+Public Relationship. Another interesting experience is speaking among the Christian Medical Students of the Alabama University where Bro. Benjamin Rogers is studying Medicine. It was my honour in visiting the Mayers of two different cities of the States: Mayer David Caddle of Florida and Mayer Cecil Belle in Aberdeen, MS.
In all the places where ever I went a warm hospitalies have been extended to me by the wonderful people of God. On the April 30th, I stayed with Bro. John Mark Decker the one who was instrumental to get me into States in 1998 and laboured with me to start the first orphanage and ministry. It was a time of refreshing our friendship together with her wonderful mother in Bowman, GA. The next day May 1st he drove me to the airport where we had lunch together with Elders Herb Hatfield and Jeff Harris. After the lunch we parted to our terminals. On that day, our brethren flew to Bulgaria to preach the gospel in that country. On the May 3rd I reach back home at 6.00 PM.
Difficulties back home in India
While I was in the States, three sad things happened. An orphan boy named Krishnan was bitten by a poisonous cobra snake. By the mercy of God after being in a Hospital for two weeks, he got recovered. After few days of this incident, robbers entered into our office building by breaking the lock and searched for money. At that time, there was only $20 worthable Indian rupees which was stolen. Just only the day before, our staff Nelson had drawn the monthly support from the bank and -- without keeping it in the office -- distributed the money on the same day to the orphanages. Otherwise, the whole money would have been stolen. The Lord graciously protected the support from the stealing.
During the last week of my stay in the States, I was informed that one of our preachers named John Mark has been beaten by a wicked man on a false charge against him. In the investigation, there has been no proof for the charge made against him. Still he has some problem in the local church. We have been prayerfully dealing with the problem to find a better solution.
There is another problem occured in Budedu church in Andrapradesh. There is a couple named Issac+sheamila left the church and gone back to Hinduism due to some kind of misunderstanding and quarrel. I baptized this couple only just last year and growing in the faith very well. Some of the hurt feelings made them to leave the church. This church has been inviting me to visit them soon to settle the problem by talking to all of them concerned.
Thank you and please continue to pray
On behalf of the Primitive Baptist churches in India, I thank all the P.B. Churches in US who have extended such a generous contribution for the work of the Lord in India.
On my return back to India, there are too many challenges ahead of me. As there is no rest thus far, physically I am not well. Our preak summar started and the average temperature in these days are 108. The summar sickness affected my health. Due to the above mentioned situations, there is a heavy mental stress on me. In midst of all such things, our Lord is sufficient to me and my family.
Bro.Angus Fisher from Australia has arrived India just before my return. His wife and son are going to join with him by next week and will be with us till June 12th, 2007.
Finally I want to thank Elder.Zack and Sis.Judy who organized my trip efficiently. Along with them Elders Herb Hatfield and David Pyles and Jeff Harris have done hard work for my trip and so I want to express my hearty thanks to them for their valuable time spared to spend time with me in driving to different places and did all kinds of help. My hearty thanks goes to all the God's people who all extended warm hospitalities while staying in their houses.
With much love and regards,
Your Co-Labourer in Him,
Elder.A.Gunasekaran
The next day Bro. Jones Jeyakumar has joined with me and we both of us have enjoyed staying with the Bradleys in their beautiful home for a week. After more than couple of weeks of visiting, Jones went back to India on April 1st. He really enjoyed the visit very much. The Primitive Baptist preachers meeting March 13 to 15th has been a very benificial time to us. The teachings of the different preachers delivered on the theme "Servants for all seasons" has been very inspiring and encouraging to us very much. I am thankful to Elders.Bradley + Justin who made it possible for us to attend the seminar and also gave me an opportunity to speak in one of the sessions and also to speak in their church on the following Sunday.
The Lord blessed me to visit the following States by car and Air. i.e. Ohio, Virginia, Tennesse, Illinois, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Texas, Florida, Alabama and Georgia. In all these 11 States I preached 32 sermons in 27 different Primitive Baptist churches. In some of the churches, a video was presented on the P.Baptist work in India.
Apart from preaching in those churches, it was a joy to speak in the Chapel Service of the Blue Mountain College where Sis.Lea Bennett is Heading a Dept. of Alumnae+Public Relationship. Another interesting experience is speaking among the Christian Medical Students of the Alabama University where Bro. Benjamin Rogers is studying Medicine. It was my honour in visiting the Mayers of two different cities of the States: Mayer David Caddle of Florida and Mayer Cecil Belle in Aberdeen, MS.
In all the places where ever I went a warm hospitalies have been extended to me by the wonderful people of God. On the April 30th, I stayed with Bro. John Mark Decker the one who was instrumental to get me into States in 1998 and laboured with me to start the first orphanage and ministry. It was a time of refreshing our friendship together with her wonderful mother in Bowman, GA. The next day May 1st he drove me to the airport where we had lunch together with Elders Herb Hatfield and Jeff Harris. After the lunch we parted to our terminals. On that day, our brethren flew to Bulgaria to preach the gospel in that country. On the May 3rd I reach back home at 6.00 PM.
Difficulties back home in India
While I was in the States, three sad things happened. An orphan boy named Krishnan was bitten by a poisonous cobra snake. By the mercy of God after being in a Hospital for two weeks, he got recovered. After few days of this incident, robbers entered into our office building by breaking the lock and searched for money. At that time, there was only $20 worthable Indian rupees which was stolen. Just only the day before, our staff Nelson had drawn the monthly support from the bank and -- without keeping it in the office -- distributed the money on the same day to the orphanages. Otherwise, the whole money would have been stolen. The Lord graciously protected the support from the stealing.
During the last week of my stay in the States, I was informed that one of our preachers named John Mark has been beaten by a wicked man on a false charge against him. In the investigation, there has been no proof for the charge made against him. Still he has some problem in the local church. We have been prayerfully dealing with the problem to find a better solution.
There is another problem occured in Budedu church in Andrapradesh. There is a couple named Issac+sheamila left the church and gone back to Hinduism due to some kind of misunderstanding and quarrel. I baptized this couple only just last year and growing in the faith very well. Some of the hurt feelings made them to leave the church. This church has been inviting me to visit them soon to settle the problem by talking to all of them concerned.
Thank you and please continue to pray
On behalf of the Primitive Baptist churches in India, I thank all the P.B. Churches in US who have extended such a generous contribution for the work of the Lord in India.
On my return back to India, there are too many challenges ahead of me. As there is no rest thus far, physically I am not well. Our preak summar started and the average temperature in these days are 108. The summar sickness affected my health. Due to the above mentioned situations, there is a heavy mental stress on me. In midst of all such things, our Lord is sufficient to me and my family.
Bro.Angus Fisher from Australia has arrived India just before my return. His wife and son are going to join with him by next week and will be with us till June 12th, 2007.
Finally I want to thank Elder.Zack and Sis.Judy who organized my trip efficiently. Along with them Elders Herb Hatfield and David Pyles and Jeff Harris have done hard work for my trip and so I want to express my hearty thanks to them for their valuable time spared to spend time with me in driving to different places and did all kinds of help. My hearty thanks goes to all the God's people who all extended warm hospitalities while staying in their houses.
With much love and regards,
Your Co-Labourer in Him,
Elder.A.Gunasekaran
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Many Things Accomplished
As Elders Zack Guess, Herb Hatfield, Timothy Guess, and Mike Stewart were with us for the ministry, we traveled together to different places for the teaching and preaching the Word of God. Indeed, the Lord has blessed their visit very much and many things have been accomplished during the past two weeks.
Two churches have been constituted: one is in Talavaipatty with 22 members and the another one is in Kanekal, Andrapradesh with 62 members. Sake Matthew was ordained as Elder for the Kanekal church.
Talavaipatty:
In Talavaipatty, Bro.Issac and Rebekkah have been working part-time for more than four years. The Lord used them among children and women to share the gospel. After the constitution of this church, Judson has been appointed as their full-time pastor. There is an opening for the gospel of Jesus Christ in this area.
God willing, we will purchase a 3000 Sq. feet land for church and parsonage building. So far, the worship has been held at Isaac's house during Sunday evenings. Sunday morning worship has been started in Paul Perumal's house where a handicapped home is also being run. There are 40 people who attend the worship and the house is packed with people.
Cuddalore:
The Cuddalore ministry was very fruitful. We stayed only two days in this place, but taught several doctrinal messages during these two days. About 80 people have attended the service. We went with the intention of constituting the church and ordaining the pastor. But after meeting the people, we felt it is too early and so asked them to wait for some more months to study the doctrine more. The local Pastor Anburose is doing a good ministry among the fishermen community. As his church building was washed away by tsunami, the church is meeting in his house.
Kattukkottai:
On the way to Cuddalore, upon the request of Issac and Rebekka, we stopped in a village named Kattukkottai. This is their native village where he wants to start a church. This invitation has been extended for a long time but we were slow in making a decision.
While visiting Kattukkottai, there was a happy surprise in meeting with two young people named VelMurugan and Anbigapathi. I could not recognize them when they introduced themselves. While I and Mary were working with a Christian orphanage during the years 1980 to 82, these two boys were in the orphanage. As a first time they have heard about Jesus from us and later grown in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. It was a big surprise to see them after 25 years of gap. But the good thing about them is, the gospel Truth that they have received in their young age has produced fruit in their lives. Even though there is no proper church in this area, yet they are faithfully following Christ. They sincerely requested us to come back to their village and teach them more and start a church in the days to come.
There are about 15 people following Jesus Christ but there is no shepherd to lead them. Issac and Rebekkah are willing to donate a piece of land to build a church building. I thank God for His providence in visiting this place. We are planning to start Sunday evening worship straight away from this month onwards. This village is situated about 70 KM east of Salem town. Please pray that our Lord will give us His wisdom to make right decision concerning this ministry.
Trip to the United States:
Please pray for my U.S. trip. On March 12, I will be flying to Cincinnati to attend a Pastors Conference for 3 days and following the conference will visit different churches to preach the Word of God. After six weeks of ministry, I will fly back home on May 2nd, 2007.
Two churches have been constituted: one is in Talavaipatty with 22 members and the another one is in Kanekal, Andrapradesh with 62 members. Sake Matthew was ordained as Elder for the Kanekal church.
Talavaipatty:
In Talavaipatty, Bro.Issac and Rebekkah have been working part-time for more than four years. The Lord used them among children and women to share the gospel. After the constitution of this church, Judson has been appointed as their full-time pastor. There is an opening for the gospel of Jesus Christ in this area.
God willing, we will purchase a 3000 Sq. feet land for church and parsonage building. So far, the worship has been held at Isaac's house during Sunday evenings. Sunday morning worship has been started in Paul Perumal's house where a handicapped home is also being run. There are 40 people who attend the worship and the house is packed with people.
Cuddalore:
The Cuddalore ministry was very fruitful. We stayed only two days in this place, but taught several doctrinal messages during these two days. About 80 people have attended the service. We went with the intention of constituting the church and ordaining the pastor. But after meeting the people, we felt it is too early and so asked them to wait for some more months to study the doctrine more. The local Pastor Anburose is doing a good ministry among the fishermen community. As his church building was washed away by tsunami, the church is meeting in his house.
Kattukkottai:
On the way to Cuddalore, upon the request of Issac and Rebekka, we stopped in a village named Kattukkottai. This is their native village where he wants to start a church. This invitation has been extended for a long time but we were slow in making a decision.
While visiting Kattukkottai, there was a happy surprise in meeting with two young people named VelMurugan and Anbigapathi. I could not recognize them when they introduced themselves. While I and Mary were working with a Christian orphanage during the years 1980 to 82, these two boys were in the orphanage. As a first time they have heard about Jesus from us and later grown in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. It was a big surprise to see them after 25 years of gap. But the good thing about them is, the gospel Truth that they have received in their young age has produced fruit in their lives. Even though there is no proper church in this area, yet they are faithfully following Christ. They sincerely requested us to come back to their village and teach them more and start a church in the days to come.
There are about 15 people following Jesus Christ but there is no shepherd to lead them. Issac and Rebekkah are willing to donate a piece of land to build a church building. I thank God for His providence in visiting this place. We are planning to start Sunday evening worship straight away from this month onwards. This village is situated about 70 KM east of Salem town. Please pray that our Lord will give us His wisdom to make right decision concerning this ministry.
Trip to the United States:
Please pray for my U.S. trip. On March 12, I will be flying to Cincinnati to attend a Pastors Conference for 3 days and following the conference will visit different churches to preach the Word of God. After six weeks of ministry, I will fly back home on May 2nd, 2007.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Pray for power
We are preparing for the forth coming visit of pastors Zack Guess and Herb Hatfield and Mike Stewart and Timothy Guess in February 07. There will be ordination and church constitutions during this trip. Apart from the regular seminar in Chettipatty, we will extensively travel to many places in Tamil Nadu and Andrapradesh. Please pray that our Lord will use His servants powerfully to preach His Word in all the churches. And also for the Lord's protection in all our travelings.
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