April 2022
“And the angel said to the women, ‘Do not fear, for I know you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for He is risen!’”
Matthew 28:5-6
Beloved Ones in Christ,
This is the month we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and the hope of new life for all of us who believe in Him. In Matthew 28 the angel of the Lord tells the followers of Jesus not to fear. At the end of the chapter, verses 18-20, Jesus gave the Great Commission to His disciples, saying, “All power is given to Me in heaven and in earth. 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.”
Although the Covid restrictions are easing up in Kerala, the effects of the pandemic are still very prevalent. Therefore, there is still a great need for food provision, so we are continuing our food kit programs in Kerala and Uttar Pradesh (U.P.). A good example of the continued need is Meena Koshi, who works in an office in U.P. She lost her husband during the pandemic, and although she is working again, she’s only making half of what she did previously. She has two school-age children, and the food kit was a great help to make ends meet.
This month we are conducting the Leadership Training Institute for 30 days of intensive Bible teaching for about 80 local citizens in Kerala who desire greater biblical knowledge. This is the first opportunity we have had to conduct this program since Covid began in 2020. We are encouraged that we are finally able to use our campus again, and we look forward to having a new class of Bible College students in June. Although applications are down due to the Covid restrictions just recently being lifted, we pray that we will get a good group of students for the new school year. Likewise, we are praying we can welcome children back to our Children’s Home this fall.
The resurrected Christ encourages us to have no fear in spreading the Good News throughout the world. Dayan and I are praying about returning to India in June, if my health permits. We are thankful for your prayers and your continued support of the ministry in India. We love you and uphold you in our prayers as well.
Yours in His Service,
G.V. Mathai and Dayan Mathai