June 2022
How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
Romans 10:14-15
Dear Ones,
Greetings from India! As of this writing, Dayan and I have our feet on Indian soil. How grateful I am that the Lord has allowed me to be in India in person with all those who labor for the Gospel through India Evangelical Mission. The passage above from the Apostle Paul challenges us to continue the vision of IEM through the training up of those who will bring this good news to the people of India.
I thank the Lord that Dayan and I were able to participate in the food distribution program personally. Vipin, one of the individuals that attended our Leadership Training Institute, is from a small village along the backwaters in Kerala, a poor neighborhood where many fishermen and their families are living. We were able to visit him and meet with the families, distributing about 25 food kits and sharing the love of Christ with them.
We ask for special prayer for the Bible College as we are opening the campus for the first time since the Covid-19 outbreak in March 2020. There are many challenges in fixing up the campus after two years of inactivity. Although many of the Covid regulations have been lifted, many prospective students from north India are fearful of traveling a long distance and then being stuck in the south without the ability to get back home if there is another shutdown by the government. So enrollment is low, but we are beginning with the few students we have. Thankfully, our faculty and administration have remained intact and they are eager to begin in- person training and lead these men and women in their call to study the Scriptures.
We have been able to start the Children’s Home again with a good group of children ranging in ages from 6 to 12 years old. It’s been a joy to see them and have the opportunity to care for them, nurture their faith and help them grow and thrive physically and spiritually.
God willing, Dayan and I plan to return to the States by the end of June. Please continue to pray for all of our workers throughout India in their effort to advance the Gospel of Jesus Christ. May the Lord bless you and keep you as you partner with us for His Kingdom.
In His Service,
G.V. Mathai and Dayan Mathai