October 2022
“When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”
Psalm 34:17-18
Dear Ones in Christ,
What a comfort to read the words of the psalmist as he reflects on the Lord’s compassionate heart. When I think of all the suffering souls in India, I am encouraged by knowing that we serve a God who cares for all of them. There is much work to do in India, but the Lord will see it through.
One of the most dynamic ministries happening at IEM is our Leadership Training Institute, an intensive 30-day Bible course designed for working men and women who desire to impact their friends, neighbors, and colleagues with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Many of these students, who come from all denominational backgrounds, take time off from their jobs to experience for the first time an in-depth study of Scripture. This month the LTI is underway on our campus with about 80 students enrolled. Some pictures from the current class are included in the enclosed insert. Please pray that these students will be inspired to share the Gospel in each of their communities.
IEM’s ministry in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh (U.P.) continues to grow. Through our food kit distribution program, Evangelist Robin has started several prayer groups, and many of the food recipients are coming to receive prayer and learn more about the Christian faith. Robin and his wife have also begun a Sunday School program for the children of many of these families, and the attendance is growing. In the insert you will see some stories of the families being reached.
We appreciate your prayers for our Bible College students and the children in our Children’s Home as those ministries are continuing on our campus. Recently, the Bible College students traveled to the port city of Cochin to take part in the food kit distribution there, and also to engage in some open-air evangelism. For many of them this was a first-time experience, and they were greatly encouraged by it. God willing, these students will return next year to complete their training at IEM.
It was such a blessing for my family to see many of you at our fellowship meetings in Ohio and Washington state last month. Although I could not attend in person, I’m glad that my children and grandchildren were able to participate in the programs. We’ve decided to postpone the Southern California dinner until February or March of next year. God willing, my daughter Mishal and her family will travel to India in January, and we can put together a program for the dinner when they return. By God’s grace I am doing better, and I thank the Lord for each of you and your partnership in this ministry.
May God richly bless you,
G.V. Mathai and Dayan Mathai