August 2024
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know
that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” James 1:2-3
Dear Friends,
I was reflecting on these well-known verses recently as the political landscape in India continues to create trying circumstances for Christian believers, especially in northern India. I have been so impressed with their steadfast faith, despite the trials they are facing.
In the northern state of Uttar Pradesh (U.P.), IEM has expanded the number of evangelists we are supporting. These evangelists are situated in different parts of the state, but they are all working with poor communities where there is very little Christian influence. Evangelist Robin is our Coordinator for the state, and recently he traveled to different parts of the state to check in with these other IEM evangelists working there. He met with their local congregations and participated with them in worship and in helping develop their Sunday School programs.
In Robin’s area of ministry, he and his wife conducted a special Sunday School program to celebrate India’s Independence Day. It is a day when India celebrates its independence from British rule in 1947, and it is one of the most popular Indian holidays. Robin and his wife organized a special program for the Sunday School children in the local village where they minister, which included treats for the children and prayer for God’s continued work in India. Please pray for Robin as he will be traveling to the eastern state of Orissa as we continue to develop the ministry there. He will be visiting various ministry centers and working to develop and train an Orissa Coordinator for IEM.
Please continue to pray for our Bible College students and the activities on our campus in Kerala. There are many challenges as the program grows. We are so grateful for your prayers for the believers in India. Please pray that the Lord will give them steadfastness and build them up in their faith as they face many hardships. May God richly bless you and your family.
In His Service,
Dayan Mathai