January 2025
“I will lift up my eyes to the hills.
From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2
Dear Friends,
As the new year of 2025 was dawning, I had the privilege of being with a group of believers in Mumbai. They were ringing in the new year with prayer and praise to the Lord. I was joined on this trip by my sister Mishal, her husband Len, and their son Luke. Also with us were IEM board member Doug Smith and his stepdaughter, Melody, who is the granddaughter of IEM founding board member Don Leavitt. It was a blessing for all of us to be in India to witness what the Lord continues to do there. During the New Year’s Eve prayer service, I shared from Psalms, reminding us all that we face many challenges in the new year, and that God, who made heaven and earth, is our helper.
While in Mumbai, we visited some of the slum areas where IEM evangelists are working, and have local congregations. We were able to serve by distributing food kits and praying with some of the local believers. After Mumbai, we flew to Kerala, where we participated in the annual IEM Christian Workers’ Conference. It was exciting to hear testimonies from different parts of India where IEM is working. Many of these Christian workers shared the challenges they are facing. I want to share one particular challenge with you from former Bible college graduate, Saka, who is running an IEM school in the state of Odisha. The school has a need for a new well to provide water for several hundred students, including some very poor children who are domiciled at the school. Please pray that the Lord will help us to provide for this water project.
While in Kerala, we also participated in a food kit distribution ministry in some poor areas of the state. It was a joy to see our IEM Bible college students joining us as they learn how to serve the poor and needy with the love of God.
During this past Christmas, we encouraged our coordinators in various states of India to celebrate the birth of Christ, especially with their Sunday school children. It was a beautiful time for the children and their parents to learn about Jesus.
We pray that the New Year is filled with blessings for you and your family. Thank you for your continued involvement in the work of our Lord in India. Let us continue to look to God for His guidance and help throughout this year.
In His Service,
Dayan Mathai