July 2020
Dear Ones in Christ,
My son Dayan and I have been studying the Psalms together and were struck by these verses in Psalm 116:12-13, “What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits toward me? I shall lift up the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the Lord.” These verses remind us salvation comes from the Lord, and we can never repay Him for all His benefits toward us. Especially in this time of global pandemic, we call upon His name.
Thank you to all who are helping to provide food kits for many poor families in India during the Coronavirus crisis. In late June, our IEM team members delivered food packets to very needy families in a remote tribal village area on the border between Kerala State and Tamil Nadu State in South India. It is called Achankovil. In the early 1980s I had the privilege to help start a church in this area, which still continues today.
The ongoing lockdown in India continues to present a challenge to our campus in Kerala. For the time being, the Indian government is not allowing our Children’s Home to reopen. The local schools are also closed. Our staff is diligently working with the local officials to make sure that our children can be brought back to the Home to resume their studies as soon as the health conditions allow. Likewise the government will not presently allow our Bible College students back on campus. We have been able to implement a system of online study, and so far the students and faculty are adjusting and doing well.
Please pray for IEM as we navigate through the regulations and lockdowns in order to continue these vital ministries. Your prayers and generous financial support have been a great blessing to help feed the suffering families in India. We thank the Lord for your loving kindness and compassion to the poor and needy.
God bless you,
G.V. Mathai