September 2024

”What god is great like our God?  You are the God who works wonders;
You have made known your might among the peoples. You with your arm redeemed your people.”
Psalm 77:13-15

Dear Friends,

What a joy it is to know that we serve a great, wonder-working God. Despite the discouragements we may face in this world, it is so uplifting to know we can put our trust in the Lord. 

I am excited to report to you about the work that the Lord is doing in East India, especially in the state of Odisha (formerly Orissa). Many years ago we graduated several young men and women from our Bible College who were from that state. Odisha has a population of over 40 million people, over 90% of whom are Hindu. It is also a very poor state. Odisha has the third-largest population of scheduled tribes (schedules castes), officially designated groups of people who are among the most disadvantaged socioeconomic groups in India. Many of these castes are often referred to as Dalits, which means “broken or dispersed.”

Last week we sent IEM leader, Robin from Uttar Pradesh, to visit our IEM workers in Odisha. Robin had a wonderful time encouraging the Christian believers in many villages. He also visited IEM workers Sebak and Saka, who started an IEM school in their village. The school continues to grow and is a powerful opportunity to teach these children and their parents about Jesus. It is so encouraging to see our Bible College graduates, like Saka, continuing in Christian ministry many years after their graduation. Please continue to pray for the believers in Odisha and the Christian workers who are helping to spread the Gospel there.

God willing, we will have some new students from Odisha next year at our Bible College, along with students from other states of India. We are so grateful to partner with you as we work to make our mighty God known among all the people of India. May God continue to bless you and your family.

In His Service, 

Dayan Mathai