May 2020
Dear Friends,
During the past few months the world has been going through great fear due to the global pandemic. One of the many scriptures that has been comforting to me during this time is found in I John 4:4, “Greater is He who is in me, than he who is in the world.”
The mandatory lockdown continues in many parts of India, and it is having a great impact, especially on the poor. In Kerala, IEM staff have been delivering food packages each week to 25 poor and unemployed families. We are hearing about these families’ needs through local churches and the Christian community. Since public transportation has not been operating, the poor have no means to access food supplies. They are grateful for the provisions of groceries at a time like this.
Likewise, Mumbai has been greatly impacted by the virus. As Covid-19 spreads and resources are scarce, the work of our evangelists in the slums is further compounded by people’s fear of the virus. Please continue to pray that those who are ministering in these areas will be able to help the physical and spiritual needs of the people.
Despite these challenges, I am encouraged by what the Lord is doing and grateful that I can continue to minister for Him. When I was there in January and February, I traveled to many villages in the southern part of India. I spoke to several Bible study groups and taught them how to win unbelievers to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. I also traveled in many parts of Mumbai and its suburbs, where I was able to encourage the believers that minister in the slums to continue spreading the Gospel in those communities.
I thank the Lord for friends like you who have genuine love and compassion for the suffering people of India. Let us be diligent in reading the Scriptures and praying for the sick and suffering, and let us continue to be comforted by the thought “Greater is He who is in you, than he who is in the world.”
I think of you and thank the Lord for your part in the work of our Lord in India. I pray the Lord will keep you “safe and secure from all alarms.” By God’s grace, all of my family are keeping well. I love you very much and remember you in my prayers.
Yours in His Service,
G.V. Mathai