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Showing posts from October, 2009

Devotion - Why Pray - Part 2

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Last week we saw that we need to pray because Jesus himself prayed. If the master needed to be in communion with the Father, if He needed to hear the voice of God the first thing in the day, how much more we need to do the same. Jesus always led by example and we do well to follow His example and walk in His steps.You will notice that the disciples came to Jesus in Luke 11 and asked him to teach them how to pray. Don't the disciples know how to pray? Every Jew is taught the Prayer of Moses and memorises portions of the Torah by the time he reaches the age of Bar Mitzvah. Why then the request, "Teach us to pray" They must have noticed that the way Jesus prayed was different, He addressed God as Father when the Jews dared not even mention the name of God. How often have you read in the Old Testament where God was addressed as Father? But Jesus addressed God as "Abba"...Daddy. In fact Jesus prayed with such authority and hence the request, "Teach us to pray li

Aid for victims of Pakistan Persecution

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By God's grace, we were able to send some money to help Christians who suffered persecution at the hands of the militants. With the help Bishop Younis Haroon, an alumni of HI and a Bishop with the United Methodist Chuch of Pakistan, we were able to render some assistance to fellow brothers and sisters. The following is the report from Bishop Younis. There are 176 families in this village, out of these 31 families are Christian. Who become the victims of persecution of non believers. Most of the Christian people do work with the farmers in their fields.Due to the attack by the by the unbelievers persons. They are in fear. They do not go for their jobs till. We reached in this village on 17 October on Saturday.We gather them in a school. First of all we share yours greetings, love and more over your feelings to them.We arrange a worship service receive and share the word of God. Then we distribution the food and cash among them.At the end they thanks for brothers and sisters of who l

Update on Flood Relief - AP

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On 17 Oct. Pst Nehemiah and Pst Dhanaraj, distributed 50 packets (each contained 5 Kg Rice, a stain less steel plate, a stainless steel mug and a blanket. The distribution of these packets under the banner of PEC Singapore Flood Relief . Later distribution was done to to other affected areas. Pst Dhanaraj reported that according to the Govt reports the strength of floods this time was so high and in the history of the state 100 years never was a flood so severe. Some of the areas were washed out completely , with water levels at a depth of 15ft and most of the buildings completely submerged in the water. Pst Dhanaraj said, Thanks to the whole PEC team from the bottom of our hearts for the way you have responded to the dreadful situation here in the Kurnool District". The District Collector have requested that the NGOs to see that the children get the notebooks as the Govt is providing the text books. We did visit different parts of the town that is affected by the flood and foun

Devotion - Why prayer? - Part 1

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We must have heard so many sermons on prayer. We may even have preached sermons on prayer. But do we pray ? We can know all about the mechanics and theology of prayer but until and unless we learn to wait on God in pray, all our christian walk will only be a paper exercise. Remember when Samuel heard the voice of God, he ran to Eli. Eli was able to explain to Samuel what to do, how to respond, sensing it was God speaking but he himself did not hear God. How true it is many times in our own lives, we can tell all about prayer but never experience the power and the personal relationship that prayer affords. Why pray? a. Jesus himself prayed. In Mark 1:35 - Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed . The Lord always led by example. Even in prayer, He sets the example by having a quiet time with God. It is always good to start the day with God. A set time and a set place. You see, Jesus left the house

Faculty at HI Singapore

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It was indeed a blessing and a privilege to be a faculty at HI Singapore from 8-13 Oct. 26 leaders from 14 countries participated in this training. I took Biblical Mandate. It was an humbling experience and God ministered to all the participants in a special way. Many, if not all have been challenged by the Great Commission and are going back to their countries to fulfill the mandate. Thank you all who remembered me in prayer for this request. Tiring but fulfilling. All Glory to God.

Another Church Planter's work bearing fruit - Chitoor District

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Pst Peter Gangadharam, a first batch graduate of the Great Commission Training Center, has pioneered a new work in Chitoor District, under the supervision of Pst Beenm Redy Barnabas. Eight people have taken water baptism today and many more are keen to follow the Lord. Pst Nehemiah and Pst Barnabas were there for the baptism service. Its a great joy to know that our labour has not been in vain and the Lord is doing great things through PEC in AP. All glory to God.

AP Flood Relief

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By God's grace we were able to raise and send a sum of $5000 to assist in the flood relief work. The contributions came from members and friends of PEC. May God bless everyone who has given for this cause. On 15 Oct, Pst Nehemiah and Pst Gopi distributed relief bags, consisting of basic essentials, to about 160 families affected by the floods in Guntur District. Many people from different faiths were touched by the love of God, shown by our people in this time of desperate need. In addition Pst Gopi also gave a free meal to the villagers during one of the evenings. Continue to pray that many people will respond to the gospel even as we share God's love by taking care of the physical needs. Pst Nehemiah sharing God's word before the distribution For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.. Mat 25:35 Tomorrow Pst Nehemiah will travel to Pst Dhanaraj's place in Kurnool and dis

Floods in AP - Update

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Situation has not improved in Guntur District. Farms remain submerged. You can see Pst Gopi in the picture, standing in the water with some members. There is a lack of clean drinking water and food. I am trying to raise some funds through PEC and friends to provide for the basic needs. Meanwhile Pst Nehemiah who has been to Kurnool District, said that the situation there is just as bad. This is the time for Christians to show the love of Christ. If you want to contribute please call me. The response thus far has been poor. Please remember this urgent need in prayer.

Devotion - Brearing Fruit

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In John 15:5, Jesus said, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing" .What does it mean by fruit in the Bible. In the scriptures, "fruit" refers to three things: 1. Character . In Galatians 5:22-23, Paul says, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law" . Fruit here refers to the character of a believer that he acquires as he goes through the process of sanctification in his life. More often than not, we always associate "being filled in the Spirit" to speaking in tongues and miracle gifts". I don't deny that but we cannot neglect the transformation that must take in the life of a believer who is filled in the Holy Spirit. Both are two sides of the same coin and must go hand in hand. Col 1:10, "And we pray this in order that y

Floods in AP - Update

Pst Dhanaraj updated that this is the worst flood in the last 100 years. Praise God for His protection. The church in Kurnool and the Training Centre are still intact. The church in Kurnool has become a refuge centre for those affected by the floods. The waters are now receding. However many people have lost their homes and possessions in the flood. In Guntur District, Pst Gopi reported that many farms have been destroyed. There is a lack of drinking water and food. Toilet facilities are also lacking in that area. We need to rise to the occasion and see how best we can share the Love of Christ to those affected, especially the non-believers, by providing for the basic needs. Please continue to pray and if you want to give some financial help, please get in touch with me. This is the time to rise up.

Urgent Prayer Request - Floods in Kurnool

Pst Dhanaraj, Principal of the PEC Great Commission Center, reported that due to heavy rains, the floods in Kurnool, AP have risen to a dangerous level. Please earnestly pray that the rains will stop and that the flood subside. Our God is in control of the weather.