Good Samaritan

Traveling in the States

2009-10-05T10:47:00.000-07:00

I am filling a series of preaching appointments in the United States from Sept. 15 – Nov. 1, 2009. Please pray for me while I am away from home and for the work continuing in India also.

India Report

2009-07-09T13:26:00.000-07:00

Justin Huffman

From June 15 to June 27th a team of volunteers from our church ministered in Tamil Nadu, India. During the course of our visit, we were able to visit numerous churches, 4 orphanages, 3 children’s tuition centers, 3 medical clinics, and 2 sewing centers — all of which are being used mightily by God to share the gospel in poverty stricken areas.

I was thankful and amazed to see how God has been blessing the efforts there to the glory of Jesus Christ. As you may know, the Baptist Witness is translated into Tamil each month and it was a thrill to meet faithful readers, whether in small home prayer groups in Salem or in a children’s tuition center in the Yercaud mountains. What a blessing to see and hear first hand how the Lord has been using these, and other sermons and literature from our ministry, to convert and instruct and encourage so many!

Brother Guna, and the other dedicated ministers associated with the Good Samaritan Trust, have tirelessly been laboring to get out the gospel of Christ in every place possible. Besides the work in the state of Tamil Nadu that we visited, they also have been blessed to establish numerous preaching points in the state of Andrapradesh.

But the blessings on our trip were not automatic, of course. In fact, after our first full day in the Salem area, I was somewhat discouraged and disheartened, feeling keenly my own great weakness and inability to empower all the ministry that needed to be done. That night I wrote in my journal:

“Lord, please answer the prayers you seem to be indicting! I cannot express the weakness and feebleness I feel. God give me more faith in you, that you can move, reach, touch, enflame hearts anyway, anywhere. Bless me with the wisdom and strength to compliment, and not hinder, the means your Spirit might use. But, oh, to see you move mightily and soon! Grow us all.”

But what a blessing to write the very next day:

“Wow! God answers prayer! I went to bed weeping last night, feeling so unable to bless this trip…today was an amazing, above-and-beyond answer.”

A big part of that for me was this event: we were coming from sharing the gospel at a sewing center where a group of Hindu women had been very receptive, on our way back to the Veppamarathur church and orphanage. We stopped by the new home of Elizabeth and Zachariah, a precious couple whose amazing conversion had been shared with me during my last trip here.

While we were there, they introduced us to Zachariah’s brother and his wife, with whom they had been sharing the gospel and taking with them to church for several weeks. They told Guna they were ready to be baptized, and he assured them it would be done soon.

We drove a couple of miles on to the church and spent some time there visiting and praying in the shade of a grassy hill; when we walked back to the church grounds, this same couple was waiting – they had walked there, with their clothes, and were graciously insistent that we baptize them as soon as possible!

Not knowing the extent of their understanding, I shared a gospel summary and baptism lesson from Romans 6, emphasizing the need for a changed life – the more I shared, the more excited she became! Zachariah and Elizabeth said the whole community had seen the change in their life since they had started attending church with them. Apparently the husband had been a daily drunkard who had previously abused his wife and children severely. But since they had begun to embrace the gospel of Christ, he had entirely quit drinking and had been transformed into a loving and dedicated husband and father.

According to Christian custom in India, I gave the couple their new and Christian names: Aquila and Priscilla. I exhorted them to be members like this mighty and godly couple from the New Testament church. Then I was blessed to baptize them, with smiles and tears still on their faces.

This was just one of countless examples during our trip of the Spirit’s moving in mighty and evident ways. It was refreshing to see the transforming power of the gospel of Jesus Christ, to convict and comfort in the midst of any culture or spiritual captivity. My prayer is that that we will see similar signs of the power and advancement of the kingdom of Christ in this nation, starkly setting his church on the cultural horizon — a city on a hill that can not be hidden.

The Lord has shown His mercy

2009-01-19T12:56:00.000-08:00

Throughout 2008, the Lord has shown His mercy upon us in the midst of various troubles and persecution.

The church where I am pastoring in Chettipatty has grown in grace and in numbers and also in finance. The church became self-supporting since past two years and supporting a pastor for full-time ministry. In the same way, the church in Thinnapatty and Angiam also became self-supporting. We are encouraging all the other churches to support their own pastors in near future. We are thankful to our friends who are still supporting our poor pastors whose churches are not able to support their ministers due to their poor income.

During this year, the Lord led us to expand His work in Ramnad District down south of Tamilnadu. Brother Rajangam who worked with our orphanage in Chettipatty in the past had returned to his village named Abiramam in the above mentioned district. Since then, he started evangelizing in his own village. As the Lord used him as a powerful instrument, so far 15 people have been converted.

By the immense mercy of God, Yercaud Church building and parsonage construction has been completed after 3 years. Raman Immanuel has already moved into the parsonage and is pastoring the church. The remaining 8 churches in Tamilnadu and 3 churches in Andhrapradesh are still with us. There were 30 new converts baptized during the past year.

Child Care: the children in the orphanages have grown physically and spiritually. We keep teaching the Word of God in the daily prayers, Bible study, and worship services. We have had to close 2 child care centers, but were able to open up 3 new ones, in different locations. There are now 6 care centers, serving 295 children.

Community Health Care: we continue to operate our mobile clinic, visiting about 25 villages in all. Since October, we moved the program to the Omalur area and modified it, opening five clinics in the five major villages of the area. So far we have been able to treat 558 patients. Also, the construction for the Fair Haven Health Clinic has been completed and is ready for use.

Without the mercy of God and the help of the saints, the work could not have accomplished up to this stage. On behalf of the preachers, orphans, and staff I want to express our deep thanks to you for all your support and partnership extended to the work of the Lord in India.

Please pray for these young believers

2008-07-11T12:12:00.000-07:00

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Mt.28:19,20

Papanam is a remote village in Ramanathapuram District about 380 km from Salem towards south of Tamilnadu. This village is surrounded by Hindu temples. There are many churches in towns and close by villages but so far no one able to enter inside this village. But God opened the way to get into this village. Praise the Lord.

There was a call from Bro.Rajangam who hails from this village to visit this village. He was working with GSPBT ministries during 2003 and 2004 as a warden cum driver. While he was with us, he was dead against the Doctrine of Grace and used to argue with us. God used this gentleman as an instrument to get into this village.

Bro.Rajangam professed his faith in God and the Doctrines of Grace and he prepared a group of people to witness Christ in his village. He called us over the phone many times and stated that he is now believing the sovereignty of God and that the Doctrines of Grace is the true gospel of Jesus Christ. After knowing his zeal for witnessing Christ in his own village and by his invitation to visit his village, we fixed-up a date to visit.

On 14th May, 2008, Bro.Guna prayed and sent under the authority of the Chettipatty Primitive Baptist Church, Elders. Immanuel, Judson and Nelson to visit the village and preach the Word of God. By the grace of God we reached a town named Paramakudi in Ramanathapuram District which is closest town to Papanam village on 15th morning. Bro.Rajangam welcomed us with joy in the Lord Jesus Christ.

the breakfast, we moved to a near by water reservoir named Parthibanoor Dam. About 15 men and 10 women gathered for the meeting. Elder.Nelson preached the Doctrines of Grace and Elder.Immanuel preached the importance of Scriptural Baptism. Elder.Judson and Bro.Rajangam led the gathering with prayer. People gathered were much receptive to the teaching. 2 men and a woman got baptized in the nearby water. Praise the Lord!!! 2 more people were ready, but Rajangam restricted them not to be baptized telling them to grow more in the knowledge of Christ. The three who were baptized are from typical Hindu background. Then all were served with fellowship dinner in the bank of the river.

In the evening, we visited the Papanam village, the native village of Rajanagam. It is about 30 km away from the town. 3 big Hindu temples are surrounded by this village. About 130 families are living there. God has opened the way for the Gospel to enter into this village. Then we had prayer in Bro.Rajangam’s house. 9 young men gathered and listened to the Gospel. At present they are gathering in a believer’s house for Sunday prayer fellowship. Rajangam has great burden in his heart for his own village people.

According to Apostle Paul in Romans 1:8,

“First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.”

I thank and praise the Lord for everything He has done. Please pray for the young believers and the work in Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu State.

Elder A. Gunasekaran

Pray for Stephen பரி போர் ஸ்டீபன்

2008-05-02T06:03:00.000-07:00

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Brother Guna called me tonight with some very disturbing news. One of our most faithful ministers is Brother Stephen. He was one of the first of the Indian brethren to become a Primitive Baptist. At his ordination he showed a great grasp of the truth. He is very faithful and courageous. The first PB church he pastored was at Thinnipatti. There we had to build a parsonage for him, because the Hindus would not allow him to rent a house in the town.

Now he is pastor at Regadahali. He has done a very good work there. Very recently some Seventh Day Adventists stirred some of the people in town against him. He was severely beaten by a mob. Some people got him to a house and locked him in it to keep him from being killed. The mob waited outside the house past midnight, hoping to kill him. Finally someone got hold of the police and rescued him.

Now the enemy has been visiting in the homes of some of the people who have been going to the church Stephen is pastoring and are stealing their affections away from that church. Stephen is broken hearted. Much of his hard and faithful work has been destroyed. Brother Guna has gone there to comfort and advise Stephen. Please pray diligently for this dear brother and for the situation. As Brother Guna and I talked on the phone tonight we noted that the work in India is exactly like the situation recorded in 1 Corinthians 16:9, "For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries."

We serve a Mighty God Who hears and answers prayer. Let us go to the throne of grace with all our hearts.

God bless,

ழஅச்க் குஎச்ஸ் Zack Guess

A new church constituted in Vellore

2008-04-22T04:20:00.000-07:00

We are all rejoicing over the meeting in Vellore last night. There we constituted the Revival Primitive Baptist Church with Elder G। Eliezer as pastor. The church was constituted with about 47 members. Bro. Jeff said that Bro. Guna were walking about three inches off the ground with joy. This is a very fine group of saints at Vellore who love the Lord and His Truth. Pray for this new church.

[Note: Vellore is the city where Amy Carmichael labored for so many years. It is now a widely sought center for medical research and care, including Mother Theresa's hospital. As a result, there are an unusually large number of Western physicians and medical personnel there, in addition to an unusually high number of well-educated Indians. However, up to this point there has been no Baptist church in the whole region. This new church therefore has a tremendous and unique opportunity to be an influence for Christ in this region and, through this region, to many parts of the world.]

Pray the Lord will be pleased to continue to bless the labors of His servants in India. Later on this week they will travel to Andhra Pradesh, before returning to the States on April 29.

The Lord is greatly blessing in the services

2008-04-20T05:54:00.000-07:00

Bro Jeff said the crowds at Chettipatty have been the largest he has seen there and the Lord is greatly blessing in the services। Bro। Guna said that Bro। Jeff was doing some great preaching on the book of First Corinthians. They have baptized 10 and ordained Bro. Emmanuel. He is the man the Good Samaritan Primitive Baptist Church at Chettipatty had called to be an assistant to Elder Guna.

Tonight they will have an open air meeting at Chettipatty and they are expecting a very large crowd. Bro. Jeff said they have already set out over 300 chairs.

Elder James Taylor arrived safely in Chennai on Sunday morning at 10:00 A.M. and was met by Elder Judson. They have traveled to Vellore where Elder Taylor will be preaching tonight. Tommorrow, Elder Guna and Elder Harris will travel to Vellore and meet up with Elder Taylor. They will ordain Bro. Samuel and constitute a Primitive Baptist Church there, Lord willing.

On Tuesday, they plan to travel to Yercaud and conduct services there.

Another blessed day in India

2008-01-25T07:37:00.000-08:00

Dear Helpers in the Gospel,

Today has another blessed day in India. We went up to the beautiful Yercaud mountain. This is a beautiful location with a cool climate at the high elevation. The vegetation is beautiful, especially the coffee plantations. However, even more beautiful are the precious saints who worship here, that we have come to love. We had been here on several previous occasions. We had to worship then in an extremely small room, belonging to one of the church members. We were literally crammed in wall-to-wall. However, even in those days we felt the blessed Holy Spirit in our midst.

Today we had the happy privilege of helping them dedicate their newly constructed church building. It's construction is not totally complete, but it is adequate for them to start meeting in. We're praying that more funds will come in to complete the building.

Elder Babu is their faithful pastor. He is very energetic and has a great zeal for spreading the gospel here.

Bro. Zack prayed the dedication prayer, then Bro Timothy preached on the importance of church unity. He spoke from the virtues of Colossians 3:12-15 that is essential to unity. The message was well received.

Bro. Herb spoke from I Kings 6:7, drawing a lesson from the building of the temple. He said that a New Testament church is built from living stones, emphasizing that God has to be the builder. This message was also well-received. Before the preaching, the congregation was obviously filled with joy and engaged in lively singing.

We enjoyed good fellowship the rest of the afternoon and visited the site of Pattipaddy church, in a rural area of the mountain. In this beautiful location, there is small orphanage. Elder George and his wife are doing a good work here.

Only five years ago, Bro. George was making illegal alcohol. Elder Immanuel of Veerianthanda church witnessed to him of the Lord. Bro. George's life is totally changed. After his conversion, he immediately began to love God's word. As he grew in grace, the brethren recognized a preaching gift in him. He apprenticed under Bro Guna and was finally ordained. This is an amazing example of God's grace.

A young deacon at this church, Bro Paul, has suffered for following Christ. He is from a tribal community in the mountain. When he became a Christian, his parents kicked him out of the house and disinherited him. But it is obvious by looking at him, that he is very happy serving the Lord.

We are still feeling the results of your prayers and ask that you continue, as we must split up tomorrow. Bro. Herb going to a new work in Vellure, and Bro Timothy and Bro Zack will be going with Bro Guna to the coastal town of Cuddalore and the new church there. We will be there for Sunday services and hope to meet back together in Chennai. Bro Guna will leave for Cambodia on Monday night, with us starting our journey back Tuesday night.

We have tried to be faithful and have grateful evidence of God's blessings.

Your brethren in Christ,

Elders Zack Guess, Herb Hatfield and Timothy Guess

ANNUAL NEWS LETTER- 2007

2008-01-08T10:51:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends and prayer partners,

greet you all in the wonderful name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

It is my pleasure to share the up-date news in the ministry during the year 2007. In fact in the history of the GSPB ministry, this has been a difficult year for us in many ways. There have been discouragements, disappointments, unhealthy tensions prevailed in the ministry. But in midst of all such hardships, we felt that the Hands of the Lord were upon us and His work has been continually growing steadily. Let me share a comprehensive report on what the Lord has done throughout this year.

EVANGELISM AND CHURCH PLANTING:

We continually see an effectual open door to preach the Gospel in various places in the States of Tamilnadu and Andhra Pradesh. During February 2007 the Lord enabled us to constitute a church with 23 members in Thalavaipatty a suburb of Salem city. Elder. Zack Guess, Herb Hatfield, Mike Stewart and Timothy Guess were with us on this special occasion and helped us in the constitution service. Elder Judson Ravi is pastoring the church. This church is meeting in a handicapped children’s home for worship service. We have already purchased a piece of property to build a church building in this place. A foundation has been put up in the site. In God’s time the church building may be erected so that the local believers will worship the Lord corporately.

Another church has been constituted in Cuddalore during July 2007. Elder Jeff Harris helped us in the constitution by preaching and ordaining the local minister. Cuddalore is a coastal town terribly affected by tsunami three years ago. Most of the believers in this church are from fisherman community still living by seashore. As these people now believe the Sovereignty of God, which gives a comfort even in midst of their loss of lives and possessions.

The churches in Andhra Pradesh are growing in numbers and Grace. Except in Kanekal, other two churches in Budedu and Gooty Ananthapur were meeting in open air for Sunday worship, as there is no bigger building to rent for the meetings. We felt the need of building for these believers. By the help of Andrew Bishop and Collierville Primitive Baptist Church, a church and parsonage building has been constructed in Budedu which was dedicated on 27th October, 2007 by Bro. Jones JayaKumar and Bro. Prince. We are thankful to them for their partnership in the gospel ministry.

The Ananthapur region is the most backward District in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Poverty, illiteracy, unemployment and sickness are the big common problem in this District. Terrorism is another long standing problem around this area. A large group of Terrorists are scattered all over the District. In this context, Evangelism is very difficult among this people. On the other hand, a good number of people are responding positively to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Our preachers are really doing a challenging ministry among this kind of groups.

The Church building construction in Yercaud Mountain is still slowly going on. Generally building construction in Yercaud Mountain is extremely expensive. Most of the support has been received from Indian source for this building project. We are thankful to Bro.Jones Jayakumar, Prince and Bro.Sam Surya for their generous contribution extended towards this construction. By faith, it is our goal to finish the construction and start the worship in the new building by next year. Still the church is meeting in a believer’s house which is too small to accommodate all the people for worship and other services.

The total No. of people baptized in 2007 are 60. Three churches have been constituted and 5 Elders have been ordained.

S.No Details Tamilnadu Andhra Pradesh Karnataka Total

1 No. of Constituted Churches 11+ 3= 14

2 No. of PB Fellowships 2 +13 = 15

3 No. of PB Preaching points 11+ 3 =14

4 No. of Ordained Elder/Pastors 9+ 4 =13

5 No. of Evangelists 7+ 13 20

We continue, teaching the young believers to grow in His knowledge of Truth and become sound in the faith and Practice.

LITERATURE:

Literature is an effective tool to reach thousands of people with the Biblical Truth. The Tamil Baptist Witness has been continually blessing to the Primitive Baptist Churches as well as to the other orders. We receive good testimonies from the readers time to time.

On the occasion of the 10th Anniversary meeting we released 2nd edition of Commentary on the book of Philippians. Presently we are on the process of translating Romans and Colossians. And God willing these commentaries will be published in near future. It’s our goal to translate commentaries on the whole New Testament books being written by Elder.Jeff Harris. As we do not have any commentaries in our vernacular language, these commentaries will be a great help to the Tamil Christians at large. We are thankful to Elder.Lasserre Bradley and Cincinnati Primitive Baptist Church for the partnership in the literature and church planting ministry.

CHILD CARE:

“Jesus said, And whose shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me” ( Matt 18:7).

I and every one of the children in all our orphanages are thankful to the sponsors who received these poor and orphan children and extending support for feeding and educating them. Children between 5 to 17 years are in the different Homes. During my USA visit, in the months of March and April 2007, as there were some new sponsors came forward to sponsor children, about 30 children have been admitted in our orphanages in the beginning of this Academic year. As we were not able to resume the school, still children are going to Government and Private schools for their education.

I do not think ever we can have our own school unless the Lord provides the requirements. However, our Home staff members diligently teach the children to improve their learning. Apart from the school work, Christian education is imparted to the children on every day regular basis. As a result, Children have remarkably grown in spiritual life.

Two boys have finished their High school and joined in a Trade school for Electrician course. This is a Two years Diploma course. Once they graduated the school, they can stand on their own leg. One boy is going to complete 12th grade and 9 others are going to finish 10th grade. Still we are thinking and praying to start our own Trade school to give vocational training to the older boys and girls after having completed high school studies.

DETAILS OF THE CHILDREN:

S.No Name of the Home No. of Children
Boys Girls Total

1 Shady Grove Children's Home 61+ 35= 96
R.C.Chettipatty, Salem District

2 Eureka Children's Home 43+ 27= 70
Veppamarathur, Dharmapuri District

3 Hope Children's Home 15+ 19= 34
Pattipady, Yercaud Mountain

4 Sovereign Grace Community Child Care Program 12+ 8= 20
Regadahalli, Dharmapuri District

5 Rehoboth Children's Home 18+ 7= 25
Angiam, Trichy District

Total 149+ 96= 245

COMMUNITY CHILD CARE:

The Veerinthanda Child Care has been closed in June 2007 as the duration of the project period was over. Instead, Tuition centers have been started in 30 different places in the states of Tamilnadu and Andhra Pradesh. About 80% population of India are from rural villages. Mostly educational system in rural area are still very poor. Therefore, it is our vision to reach the rural Children helping to improve their education and also to preach the Gospel. So far we have received good positive reports from Tuition Teachers.

For a long time, the people in Regadahalli have been requested me to start a community child care effort for the poor children in their village. We were waiting for the Lord’s time to start. In a due course of time, a church in the States came forward to sponsor 20 children to start this labor. Accordingly, during July 2007 the child care effort has been inaugurated by Elder. Jeff Harris and those who traveled with him.

Presently, there are 28 children being benefited by this effort. Nutritious breakfast and dinner are served to the children. Daily in the morning and night instruction is given by a qualified teacher. Spiritual nurture is being given by the local Pastor. Stephen. From early January 2008, similar kind of labor is going to be started in Thalavaipatty village under the supervision of Elder. Judson Ravi, the local pastor. About 30 poor children have been committed to this effort already. Now we are in the process of making a proper infrastructure to be able to support the effort. Our goal is helping the poor children for the holistic development without isolating them from the families. Ultimately, along with the children, their families can be reached with the gospel of Jesus Christ. I am thankful to Lower Mill Church for their generous support of this endeavor.

COMMUNITY HEALTH CARE:

Our efforts to help the community receive healthcare started in a simple manner and is growing day by day. About 25 villages are benefited by our mobile clinic. First aid, General Health Awareness, Pre-natal and post-natal care are being given to the poor community in and around Veppamarathur. An average number of patients treated in this local dispensary and the mobile Clinic are about 500 per month.

As the Lord provided finance through Elder. Jeff Harris, our long term vision of constructing maternity centre has become materialized. About a half of the building construction is over and hoping to inaugurate the maternity centre named Fair Haven by April 2008. The clinic will be a great help to pregnant mothers to deliver babies without much expenses. Presently, desperately we are in need of a staff nurse, dedicated to work in the clinic. Please pray that the Lord will send a right person to work in this project.

Recently, the Lord led us to start an effort to help the poor farmers in Veppamarathur area. A retired Government Agricultural Officer named Duraisamy has gladly come forward to help the farmers by imparting training for effective cultivation. A model Agricultural farm has been planned to teach the farmers practically. Rice paddy is growing in our orphanage land which is being used as a Model Farm. We are working on to facilitate poor farmers to tap the Government resources for their agricultural development. We are thankful to Sis. Lee Morrow who is behind the scene, for everything she has done to materialize this effort.

While concluding this report, I am reminded of Deut 8:2, “And thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord their God led thee these forty years in the wilderness”. July 10th 2007 was a special day in the History of the GSPBT. On that day, 10th year has been completed since the Good Samaritan work had been started. As a GSPBT family and overseas guests, we had a wonderful time of gathering and thanked the Lord for what He has done in our work during the past one decade.

We acknowledge the friends and churches in USA and Australia and in India who are backing our ministry by their support and prayers. We are thankful to Sis.Lea Bennett, Ripley, MS, USA and Bro.Steve Dallimore, Nowra, Australia for their commendable service in co-ordinating the sponsors in the above mentioned countries. Without you all, the work could not have grown up to this stage indeed. We are grateful to every one of you for your love and support and partnership are being extended in our work.

“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you” (Philippians 1:3).

Yours Fellow Servant in the Lord,

A.Gunasekaran

Growing Spiritually and Numerically

2007-09-13T09:52:00.000-07:00

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

My U.S. visit - a great blessing

2007-05-21T07:41:00.000-07:00

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

Many Things Accomplished

2007-03-06T04:47:00.000-08:00

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.

Pray for power

2007-01-25T06:57:00.000-08:00

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.

Testimony of a Former Hindi Priest

2006-12-19T07:43:00.000-08:00

This is an interesting story of a servant of Christ who was a diligent Hindu Priest, but God mightily converted him to be a believer in Jesus Christ. This is Bro. Sake's father - Jeff

Dear Brothers and sisters in Christ,

Greetings to you in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who called us to do His ministry.

My name is Pastor S. Matthew. I was born and brought up in a Hindus family, which used to strictly practice its own religious customs and its tradition. I had developed a positive attitude toward Hindu god and goddesses and toward its books as well. I used to worship idols and used to bow down before them having a great fear in my heart. I only made idols out of rock and put in the temple believing them that they were capable to give me salvation from my sins. In year 1961, I had a negative attitude toward Christians and Christ Jesus, therefore I persecuted them in big crusades thinking that this is 'Foreign god'. They just were transforming the Hindus as Christians in order to enlarge their religion in the land of India. I was staying in the hostel in my school time (6th to 10th classes); in that hostel there were Christian students, and they used to go for church services on Sundays. When they come back from church service, there would be no lunch for them because I would take their lunch and feed the donkeys and dogs.

In 1968, I got job, after my studies: I used to work as Railway employer. When I got this job, I was thinking that it was because I have fear in my heart towards my gods and goddesses. Therefore I donated golden eye and silver earrings to those idols and have increased my worship. Before going to job and after coming from job I would go and worship them daily. Those gods names were Sanamma, Astalakshim, Navagrahalu and Trimurthulu. Not only this but also I used to write 'Rama Rama' for one chore, times believing that if we write like that one of sins will be forgiven and also I used to write 'glory to rama' a thousand times. Still I did not have any peace in my heart. More over, I was appointed as a Hindu priest for that temple in my village called Chabhalla for twelve years. I have studied Ramayana and Mahabharat. I used to read them daily believing that I would inherit the kingdom of god after my death. I got married in year 1968.

One night one man who was seemingly a beggar came into temple; I told him since it is night you can sleep here and go in the morning. So he slept there. When I came in the morning to perform worship idols were thrown down. They were not in the place where I placed them. When I was trying to put them in the right place I noticed golden eyes and silver earrings of those idols were stolen. I lifted up and cried, later I came to know that the man who came that night had stolen them.

Many came and comforted me, among them also one pastor who used to come and tell about the Lord Jesus and used to distribute the gospel tracts. That pastor name was Isaiah who went to be with the Lord. He came and caused me to think of what I was doing. Pastor told me 'if those idols whom you worship can not save themselves how can you think that they are going to save you?' After few days, I wanted to talk to that pastor. Pastor received me gladly and explained about the real and True Savior of the world. He told me that Jesus came to us first and loved us in order to take away our sins, so just put your trust in Christ that He came to this world and suffered on the cross, buried and rose again on third day. He prayed for me, I went back home. I did not tell anybody that I went to meet pastor.

I was just thinking about all gods whom I used to worship. Then I came to know that no gods in Hindu books gave their lives for man's sin sake. I told this to the pastor, and then he gave me small New Testament Bible. I read that daily to know about the Lord Jesus. God touched my heart when I came to Romans letter chapter 8. God loved us when we were yet sinners. I was thinking how God can love me who persecuted many Christians since my childhood. God blessed me with that word and pastor counseled me from the word of God. I just cried and opened my heart unto God for my mistakes I did in the past. I put my trust in the Lord as my personal Savior and my God. I praise God for that man of God who told of my True Savior. He taught me how to read the bible and pray. Pastor baptized me in year 1970. I used to go after pastor for the ministry in the field. And I resigned the job and involved myself in the ministry full. I desire God to use me in ministry so that many would come to know the Lord and His Saving grace in days to come.

My father came to know that I became child of Living God (Christian) and not doing any thing in the temple. He just excommunicated me and my wife. I and my wife came to pastor and pastor gave me shelter in his church for some days. We spent many days without food and proper clothes. From 1972 to 1974 we had to face famine. There was not food to eat for us. That time God blessed us one son after three years of our marriage. Thrice in a week we used to have ganji (liquid food).

In year 1974 I came to place called Kanekal for the ministry of God. Kanekal was place where was no gospel heard. People used to ask me when I preach them is it male or female god? Many people came and warned me that I should not tell the people about Jesus; if it is so we will take your life and your family life. God never allowed me to go back, rather made me to stand on faith in the Lord. Some Hindu priests came for debating but Almighty God gave me victory over them. God also brought my father and my mum to be saved.

God used me to bring and to give baptism for many people in Andra Pradesh and in Karnatake states of South India. Let the Name of God be glorified. God caused 80 people to believe in His Son in Kanekal itself. So far God made me not look back; even many hardships and trials took place in my personal and ministry life. I always thank the Almighty God who enables me to carry on this work so far in India.

God blessed me with three sons and one daughter. They are Isaac who got married and blessed with one daughter and one son. They are altogether serving the Lord in place called Bellary. Second son is Prasad who also got married and blessed with one daughter. They are also in the ministry for the glory in a place called Gooty. Third son is David, he is assisting me in the ministry in Kanekal. Daughter is Christu Vani, she got married recently, she and her husband wanting to serve the Lord. So like that God blessed my family in such a way that we are all in the ministry.

More than that God has given me an opportunity to produce 25 ministers who are doing ministry in 25 villages. They are not financially supported. Please pray that God would provide our ministry needs here in India so that the work might be carried out and the Gospel might reach to many people in Andra Pradesh and in India as well. There are many children in our ministry who needs education and other supports like cloths and food. There are many more villages to be reached with the Good News. I want to do more work for the Lord. Please continue to pray for me and the ministry here in India.

Waiting for His return

Pastor S. Matthew
AP, India

A Joy to Witness the Work of God

2006-12-19T07:27:00.000-08:00

Jeff Harris reports again on preaching the gospel in Andhra Pradesh:

We stayed in a small apartment near Bro. Mathew's good home. His dear wife and daughter prepared our meals in their house, while we stayed in their village for three days. It was a joy to be in their country and to witness the work of God going on in their midst. All three of Bro. Matthews' sons are preachers, and they all speak good English so we used them as translators for our messages in the village of Kanekal, which is in the state of Andhra Pradesh, one of the very poorest states of India.

The twelve-hour drive to AP was highlighted by different kinds of scenery. We were traveling due north into the more mountainous and dry terrain of that region. We were able to see a lot of little monkeys that played near the road hoping the passers by would throw them a part of their banana or lunch, which I noticed several people did. The closer we got to Anapatur, the more I noticed the dryness of the land, reminding me a lot of the land in NW New Mexico. The mountains are rocky and they mine a lot of granite stone and coal in them. The trees are short and look like West Texas Mesquite. The farmland is mostly flat and you could see farmers working with buffalo and oxen in the fields. They had several grape vineyards, papaya groves, dhal plants, peanuts, pepper plants, oats, rice patties, wheat and grain sorghum, as well as corn and potatoes. Most of the crops looked withered and dry. I do pray they will get some rain.

We held services in three remote villages and were blessed with the attendance and the attentiveness of everyone as we bragged on the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Some had some issues with the doctrine of particular redemption, but when they came to understand that everyone for whom Christ died would certainly be brought to heaven because their sin debt was paid in full, they rejoiced just like we did and looked as though they had believed that all their lives! It was interesting to say the least.

The highlight of the trip was in teaching the basic TULIP Doctrines to the Church in Kanekal, which has over eighty members and over one hundred attendants. We preached our messages to well over a hundred each service on Saturday and Sunday, but Monday was mainly the ministers and their wives. A cobra came into the compound about noon yesterday and caused quite a stir, but they kept him from coming inside the building where we were teaching so we moved right on. Following the TULIP series, we brought a message on scriptural baptism and communion, which was well received by everyone. We were able to finish earlier than we thought, so instead of staying another night in Anapatur (2 hr. drive from Karekal Village), we decided to drive all the way back to Chettipatty and save the hotel costs involved with that. Bro. Sake (pronounced Saw-kay) went with us back to Anapatur because Bro. Guna does not speak their language (Tunelegu), which we appreciated. We bought his bus ticket back home. I see a lot of potential in that young man.

We drove without incident through the night and were amazed at how many trucks and buses were on the road, even late at night! It slowed us down a lot and the roads were mostly terrible. We averaged about 25mph getting back to Chettipatty about 1:00AM. It was another twelve-hour drive. I heated my water and took a good, scrub-down shower before hitting the hay about 1:30PM and slept soundly in our clean room. Bro. Jamey hardly moved after he went to bed. We both slept later than usual this morning.

It was good to see the smiling face of Sis. Karen when we got up this morning. Mrs. Mary had our breakfast waiting on us when we came down to eat. We had oatmeal and bananas with toast and coffee. Hey, you can hardly beat that combination! I then took Jamey and Karen on a little walking tour of the compound, explaining the development of the huge compound during the years we have been coming. It is amazing to see how God has blessed the vision of Bro. Guna to become a reality!

Lifting up Christ in Andhra Pradesh, with wonderful results

2006-12-16T10:54:00.000-08:00

Jeff Harris reports from Andhra Pradesh:

We are being truly blessed by the spirit of the Lord here in Andhra Pradesh. It took us 12 hrs. to drive here because of terrible traffic in Bangalore (a huge City, like New York) and Bro. Guna insisted on taking us to the McDonald Restaurant that recently opened in Bangalore. They did not offer hamburgers, but they did make a mean fish sandwich and chicken sandwich! The fries were the same as ours. It was fun and refreshing!

We then went all the way across town to find our road had been closed and detoured us to a longer route! We like to never got out of that city! We were one hour late to our first service in a small Hindu Village, where about 40 believers have already been baptized. They have been blessed to begin a good building in this village. The believers in Tamil Nadu raised over four hundred dollars for their building! Isn't that wonderful! Even though they are a poor people, they sacrificially gave of their substance to help this very, very poor congregation in AP (Andhra Pradesh). May the Lord bless them for that.

The services were very well blessed there, with a good, attentive congregation. I was impressed by their attentiveness and the fact that they kept up with us well, having Bibles that were well used! Bro. Guna does not know the Karalala language, so we enlisted the talent of a good minister named Sake (this is short for Sakeprasathande). We just call him Sake after Kawasake! He is a very intelligent man of God with a heart for ministry and the doctrines of grace! What a blessing he is. He and his dear wife have one little girl (8 or 9 yrs. old). His father was a Hindu priest and leading persectutor of Christians in AP, but God mighily converted him and now all three of his sons are preachers of the gospel! How about that!! We are scheduled to have services in his father's church this evening, Lord willing. I am looking forward to hearing about his conversion.

We will leave from here (Anathpathur) and drive about three hours to get to that other place I cannot spell that is west of here about 150km. We will have three services at that same church tomorrow, Lord willing, then, a Minister's Seminar on Monday, coming back to Anathpathur for Monday night. Tuesday morning we will leave here to drive back to Chettipatty. It should take only ten hours because we will not be passing through Bangalore again. We will meet for a final service in Chettipatty at 4:00PM Tuesday. Then, on Wednesday, we will drive to Vellamathur for services with that young congregation. Of course, Thursday, we will travel on to Madras to have our final meetings there.

Yesterday, we were blessed to have an all-day meeting for preachers in Gooty. I think about 12 ministers were present. We studied the doctrines of grace together centered on the preeminence and majesty of Jesus Christ. We are committed to lifting up Christ above everything else and have faithfully executed that goal since we started this trip, with wonderful results.

Following the successful and Spirit-filled meeting, we went to another small village called Gooty-Anathpamur, where they set up a tent awning for us and gathered many people to us to hear the gospel of grace. It was heart-warming to see so many that were willing to gather from the village itself. Hindu and Christian alike gathered to hear the good news. It was a powerful meeting and I know the Lord was leading our teaching and driving it home to his people that were gathered there. There were many smiling, beautiful little children that hung onto every word! It was powerful!

From Darkness to Light - Nelson's Testimony

2006-12-14T09:30:00.000-08:00

“According as he has chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love” - Ephesians 1:4

My name is L. Nelson. I was born in a Syrian orthodox family and brought up in Roman Catholic tradition. My father and mother come from the tradition of Syrians who followed the foot steps of St. Thomas the Apostle. In each and every family in my relative side, they have one catholic priest and a nun.

From my childhood, I was interested in Church activities. By seeing my zeal, one catholic priest asked me to join with Catholic seminary. So I joined St. Francis Xavier Minor Seminary in Salem at the age of 12 while doing my 7^th grade. From then onwards, I spent most of my time with the priests and in Catholic churches. After completing my school 12^th grade in April, 1994, I gave up myself to Salem Catholic Diocesan Society to become priest. I stayed in minor seminary for one year to know more about Catholic Church history, Salvation history and to learn Latin. They call it as a formation period. Then I finished my Degree B.B.M. (Bachelor of Banking Management) with Madras University while staying St. John’s Regional Seminary, Cuddalore.

After completing my degree, I was sent to St. Peter’s Pontifical Seminary, Bangalore to do my Philosophy and Psychology. Here I had lot of time to reason out many things and raised questions. But in Roman Catholic tradition, questioning is not advisable one. Whatever the superiors say, the seminarians have to obey. That made me to think lot, but I could not do anything from there. After my school I spent one year in St. Xavier’s minor Seminary, 3years in St. John’s Regional Seminary and 2 years in St. Peter’s Pontifical Seminary. In the seminaries, they taught many subjects and made many references but I failed to spend time in reading Bible.

After finishing my Bachelor of Philosophy and Psychology, I was sent for field work to a priest. He allowed me to work on my own and so I spent most of my time in reading Bible and visiting houses in the town and surrounding villages. Then I started 7 prayers groups in different villages. At that time I had big problem in my family and they were facing big financial crisis. I did not know what to do. At that time God gave me the Scripture,

“If you continue in my word, then are you my disciples indeed; And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” – John 8:31, 32.

At last during January 2001, I left the seminary life and stayed with my parents. I joined with a very famous company named New York Capital Advisory Service as a business advisor and earned salary and commissions. But, the work did not satisfy me well. Since His plan was different according to Ephesians 1:11,12, “being predestinated according to the purpose of him who works all things after the counsel of His own will”.

By knowing my situation, a catholic nun introduced Brother Guna to me. And she said that he will guide you. I met Brother Guna in his office on 9^th June 2001 asking for a job. By seeing me he was pleased to appoint me as an office assistant in GSPBT office and he asked me to join. Then he gave me the book Undeniable Doctrinal Truths – written by Zack M. Guess to read. I joined as Office Assistant on 11^th June 2001 and I came to the office everyday by bus from Salem for three months from June, July and August.

Even though I studied many years in the seminary, I loved to know the Bible doctrines through Brother Guna. I slowly came to know the real truth. From 11^th August 2001, I was staying in the orphanage to help the orphan children in Shady Grove Children’s home and to help in the office. After growing in the knowledge of Jesus Christ I was baptized by Brother Guna in January 2002. From then onwards lots of changes are happening in my life. At the same time many problems came from my family side. My parents and relatives got angry with me. But God loved me in all the ways.

As a father nourishes his child Brother Guna and other preachers nurtured me very well. So I was grown up in the spiritual knowledge. Then God blessed me with a spiritual woman named Kiruba Selwyn Rosy as my wife on 30^th August, 2004. My parents did not like this marriage and did not help anything, but God did it through His people. She helps me in all the ways. And now God blessed me with a son named Jefferson.

So far I was assisting Brother Guna in his office and often times I go with him for village ministry. But from January 2006, I am helping Brother Guna in Chettipatty Church. This is the greatest gift God has given me in this year. I desire to be grateful and truthful to God in His ministry and preaching the Gospel.

I request you to pray for me to do well His ministry in this area. And please pray for my wife and son.

Thanking you. Loving brother in Christ,

L. Nelson

God is good

2006-12-14T07:27:00.000-08:00

This is the latest report from Jeff Harris and Jamey Tucker in India:

Jamey and I enjoyed our first full night's sleep last night. We have been waking up at four in the morning and couldn't go back to sleep, so I used my time to study and prepare lessons for the Minister's Conference, which ended today.

The Lord blessed our day with the completion of our studies in the two books of Timothy. The response was great and the attendance more than at any other time in our history. It was just greatly blessed of the Lord, what more can we say? We ordained three outstanding men, who have been in the church for a number of years, but have exercised only for the last two years. They are Bro. Nelson, Bro. George and Bro. John Mark (whom I baptized). They passed their written examination with flying colors and answered the questions we presented to them scripturally and without any hesitation! We also participated in the baptism of three more Hindu converts from Yercaud, which made everyone rejoice even more!

This evening, Bro. Jamey and Sis. Karen went with Bro. Sridharan to the refugee camp to minister to the small flock of Christians there, while I was needed by Bro. Guna in Salem. Now, we are very tired again and ready to go heat our water to take some warm showers before getting to bed.

Tomorrow, Jamey and I will accompany Bro. Guna to Andhra-Pradesh, which is a ten hour drive from here. We will not get back to Chettipatty until next Tuesday, Lord willing. There are no computers there or phones, so just pray for us and we will make contact with you whenever possible. Sis. Karen will be taken to the Eureka Children's home in Veppamarathur to work with children in the orphanage there and in several neighboring villages with Bro. Guna's mobile medical unit outreach. Pray for her as she serves. God is good.

"The spirit is moving mightily among us"

2006-12-11T14:11:00.001-08:00

Jeff Harris and Jamey Tucker are holding a pastors' conference at Good Samaritan Primitive Baptist Church at Chettipatti, hosted by Brother Guna and lasting several days. Here is a report from the sessions so far, by Jeff:

We have just finished our final session for the day and rejoiced at the good attendance and attention they are paying to us. Bro. Jamey is focusing upon I Timothy and I am focused on II Timothy. It is a great match up and well received by all the ministers and their wives. There are about 75 persons present today, but even more are expected tomorrow. The spirit is moving mightily among us. We are meeting some new ministers that have been encouraged by the spiritual growth of the preachers here. It has been a great blessing indeed.

We are staying in a comfortable place and looking forward to the remaining two days of the conference before we leave to Andhra Pradesh on Thursday morning at 7:00AM.

Tonight, Sis. Karen will address the women and orphans on the importance of nutrition. She is doing well and is a great encouragement to Jamey and I. We make a good team! Keep praying for us...

Report from Jeff Harris in India

2006-12-09T20:17:00.000-08:00

Elder Jeff Harris, Elder Jamey Tucker, and Sister Karen Baldree (a trained dietitian) left for India on Thursday, Dec. 7. Please pray for this trip -- they will return to the States, Lord willing, on Dec. 22.

Jeff writes:
Saturday, December 09, 2006 11:51 AM

We got into Madras about 30 min. late, but still got to our clean rooms at Madras by 2:00AM local time.

We had a good breakfast at 9:00AM and drove to Chettipatty, where Mrs. Mary had a good supper waiting on our arrival! We then had a "Welcome Service" with the orphan children that stay in this compound, complete with huge garlands for us visitors. We taught them a few children's songs, but they sang and did their little skits for us. They all did very well indeed! It was a joy to see their smiling faces and to see the growth (physically) in each of them. Everyone was very happy, especially the visitors! We miss our loved ones at home, but they made us happy to be here as well. God is blessing them all so wonderfully.

We are staying in the brand new "Guest Cottage," which is beautifully constructed and very comfortable. I think we are the first guests to try it out. We even have our own kitchen, so I told Sis. Karen that I figured that was probably the reason the Lord had her come this time! Ha! She didn't laugh at that one either! ; ) No, her and Brother Jamey are doing great. They are great companions in travel for sure. All is well thus far.

We are going to split up tomorrow. Brother Jamey will be taken to preach at Tinnipatty by Bro. Nelson, who will translate his message for the growing Church there. This church is now self-supporting and doing very well under God's blessing.

I will stay here and meet with Chettipatty Church for their regular service, which is always a highlight for me. We expect a full house and I am praying for the right message to deliver to them. I am thankful for the pending schedule of several other ministers from our country to come here next year and Bro. Guna is planning to visit our country in March of next year, Lord willing. So, just pray for us and you must know we are holding you up in our prayers as well.

In good hope through grace, I remain, weary IN the journey, but not OF it,

jeff
Gal.2:20

Work in Tamil Nadu Continues, Churches Established in Andrah

2006-12-01T09:16:00.000-08:00

By the mercy of God we are all doing fine and the work of the Lord is going on. The Tamil Baptist Witness is continuing to be a blessing and fruitful to the Tamil Christians. Many people have told me over the phone and in person how much they are being blessed by the articles. We praise and thank God for reaching many people with the message of the sovereignty of God. We have now printed 2,000 copies of the booklet, The Doctrines of Grace by Lasserre Bradley, Jr. in the Tamil language. One of our preachers, Sake Prasad, has volunteer to translate the same booklet into the Telugu language so that people though out this whole state can read it.

The Lord has blessed our work in Andhra Pradesh. It is the fifth largest state in India, both in area and population. The total population is 7.61 million and the literacy rate is 61%. During the past eighteen months we have made four visits in the Gooty area of Anantapur District. In each visit the doctrines of grace have been systematically taught to all who were interested to study the truth. As the Lord has worked in the hearts of the people, remarkable progress is obviously seen in them. We praise and thank God for what He has been doing according to His own pleasure.

We have been able to constitute churches in the area and in Gooty Anantapuram village two acres of land have been purchased for a church building. It is amazing that we acquired this land in such a suitable place. In Budedu village, someone has donated a piece of land.

The Apostle Paul writes, “not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; who also hath made us able ministers of the new Testament; not of the letter, but of the Spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life” (2 Corinthians 3:5). We thank God for his mercy and grace bestowed upon us to fulfill this ministry in Andhra Pradesh. We also thank you for your prayers for all of the work of the Lord in India.

Brother Guna's Testimony

2006-12-01T08:20:00.000-08:00

I was born in a strong Hindu family in a village named R.C.Chettipatty, Salem District, South India. My grand father built a Hindu temple in my village. As my father was a drunkard, our family became very poor. In 1959, my brother became a Christian and later on (except me), my whole family was converted and joined with an independent church. I had no faith in God. During my early years, I was afflicted by malnutrition and for many years had sores all over my body. Even though I went to school, I could not be successful in studies due to the ill health. Because of that I was forced to discontinue my education.

In my village, as I grew up in a slum area, some bad friends influenced me to live a wicked life. One of my brothers and parents had tried to discipline me but it did not work. I became more rebellious and disobedient in the family. Everybody hated me. I had many questions about life. Why should I live on this earth? What is the purpose of my life? There is no love in this world and there is no hope for the future. Finally, I had come to a conclusion that the only solution to all my questions was to finish my life by committing suicide. In 1975, August 5th, I bought a bottle of poison and [was] ready to drink and finish my life. At that moment a thought came into my mind: If I die, where will I spend my eternity? Certainly I will go to hell. But if I continue living life there is no love in this world, no hope for my future. An uncertain fear gripped my heart. At this juncture, as a first time, I took up the Bible and started reading a portion from [the] book of Hebrews. As I was reading Hebrews 10:26-27, the Holy Spirit started working in me. I knelt down and confessed my sins and asked forgiveness from the Heavenly Father and He changed my life. The Lord showed mercy upon me.

After I made such a simple prayer, I could feel the difference. A great burden [was] relieved from my heavy heart. Instantaneously, an unspeakable peace and joy filled my heart. The Lord put me a great desire in heart to study the Bible and to spend time with God in prayer. Moreover, the Lord laid a desire to serve Him. In the beginning, I worked with India Every Home Crusade as an Evangelist. Later on I joined with a Christian orphanage and worked as a warden. My salary was five dollars per month with free food. With a joy and contentment I worked in the orphanage because of the free food. Because of my faithful work, my salary was enhanced up to 15 dollars. So, I got married with Mary in 1979. The Lord blessed us with two children.

As the days were passed, I wanted to join with a theological seminary to study the Bible. As I was not qualified, I took home study and made up the deficiency and later on joined with a seminary affiliated with Serampur University founded by William Carey in India. After having completed B.Th. and M.Div. degrees, I wanted to be a pastor in a big church in a metropolitan city. But obviously it was not the plan of God for me. So, He led me to work among the poor community through a Christian organization. After eight years of service, I resigned the work and later on started Good Samaritan ministry with help of a German friend named Dieter Lochschmidt in 1997.

While visiting USA in 1999, by God’s providence I met Lea and Tommy Bennett in Ripley, Mississippi. They are one of the early sponsors of the orphanage. Sister Lea gave me a copy of the book Undeniable Doctrinal Truths by Zack Guess. As I was reading the book, the Lord enlightened my mind to perceive the truth of the doctrines of grace. As a result, the first Primitive Baptist church in India was constituted in March 2001.