Please Pray!

To all our blog readers, this news item just came in:

"Madhya Pradesh state in central India awaits the outcome of proposed amendments to its ‘anti-conversion law’, which would lengthen prison time and fines for anyone convicted of forcing someone to change their religion. 

With state elections looming before this government ends its term in October, some observers claim the move is an attempt by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to appease Hindu hardliners.

The Christian minority now awaits the verdict of the state Governor, Ramnaresh Yadav, who must sign the bill before it can become law.

The proposed amendment recommends maximum punishment of three years’ imprisonment and a fine of 50,000 rupees ($830), or four years and 100,000 rupees ($1660) in the case of a child, woman or member of a scheduled caste or tribe.

The amendment also introduces the requirement for both the converter and would-be convert to obtain state permission at least 30 days prior to conversion."

A scheduled caste would include all lower castes like the Dalits. These are where most of the conversions are coming from at this time.

Please be praying for the safety of believers in Madhya Pradesh, and that they would hold steadfast in their faith. The window is closing in many places in India. Please help us spread the gospel as quickly as possible before it is too late! Go HERE and donate Now.


—Russ Sharrock 

Seeing God

I thought I would share this poem with you today. I don't even know its title, but I would like you to think about the message it has for us.

 

Walking through repeated days the sights become routine.
I no longer look around in awe,
Seeing the sin and darkness, beauty and wonder
In the souls that wander across my path.
My mind filters out those around me as I think about my day
And I miss the glory next to me,
Which might penetrate my soul if I would only lift my eyes…

Stop. Look. Ponder what is nearest.
A brilliant red sari drying in the wind declares the glory of God.
A kite, struggling to free itself from the captivity of its string
Breaks away in flight, only to become prisoner in the arms of a tree
And reminds me of the futility of human effort in redemption.

A young man bathing in the cold winter air,
Frantically scrubbing away yesterday’s sin.
Warm chai steaming in an old man’s face
As he huddles with his cronies to speak of things mundane and sublime.
Having lived life they’ve lost hope in their own righteousness
And come together for reassurance more than warmth and chai.

People living on the streets—
Not much different from those living in temples of materialism and comfort.
They are in the end, people
Living without hope and an emptiness of soul that remains
Even if the gnawing hunger of their bellies is satisfied.

A beggar reaches out and calls my name.
Do I see the face of Christ?
But time is money. I’m late. What’s next today?
One more interruption and I am impatient.
Stop. Look. Listen to the Spirit.
I rush off to the tasks that help me feel important.
He bids me stay and engage this moment—
The least of these who is Christ to me.

In my city, Jesus wanders around in unlikely clothes,
And peers at me through unlikely eyes.
He speaks in unlikely places if I would only listen.
Where is He to be found?

I long to see Him and hear His voice.
Stop. Look. Ponder what is nearest.
He is all around me at every turn and has been all the time…

—Anonymous   

"Do you not say, 'Four months more and then the harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest." (John 4:35)

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Blankets for Lepers

Lepers live in colonies, or on the streets and have to beg money for food. Fifty percent of all new cases of leprosy in the world are found in India. The lives of these people are

Leper Colony--Bangalore

so miserable, and this terrible disease separates them from the love and support of their family and the community. But God’s love is more wonderful than any other in the World. We thank God for His great love at Calvary.

Please donate NOW and partner with us to help the Lepers of India by providing food, clothing, and fresh water. Be the hands and feet of Jesus.

 

 

Asia International Mission is an IRS approved 501(c)(3) non-profit ministry.

All gifts are tax-deductible and 100% of donations are used as designated

“SERVING THE SERVERS”

Shalom Bible College

Many young men and women in India have felt the call to ministry, but lack theological education.  The reality of this leaves them ill-equipped to raise up biblically mature disciples for the kingdom of God.  This also impacts church planting, stunting the growth of new churches because of a lack of qualified leaders.

Pastor Ravi (on left) & Student

Lead by President Ravi Sundar, the Shalom Bible College seeks to "Serve the Servers.” We accomplish this by providing free tuition to those who have a desire to serve God as ministers of the gospel, and developing church leadership. In turn, they can better minister to their congregations and reach out to the lost.

We achieve this by intensive training in the core Theological subjects, providing hands on practical experience conducting gospel meetings and witnessing in area villages, and providing Bibles, tracts and other printed materials. When they graduate they are inserted into an unreached village where they are required to plant a church; they will be supported for their first year of service, and trained to develop some type of cottage industry to become self-supporting. All of this is without charge as provided by the generosity of our funding partners.

To accomplish this purpose Asia International Mission raises funds to hold pastors conferences throughout India, and to give those who feel the call of God to the ministry an opportunity to attend Bible College. 

With dozens of new churches being planted each year, there is a great need for pastor and leadership

Shalom Bible College Students

training. AIM provides training conferences free of charge to church leaders in India where pastors and leaders have little access or resources to study the Bible. We offer teaching conferences, taught by qualified and experienced pastors and leaders. We offer periodic 2-3 day conferences on relevant topics for Christian leaders. We provide study materials, including Bibles and tracts.

Many times, Christians are called to serve the Lord, and yet they have no financial means to study and prepare themselves for service. Through our Timothy Fund, we help students through edification, encouragement, and financial support.

Criteria evaluated include financial need, educational achievement, personal character, and spiritual maturity. We help native students attend Bible College in preparation for pastoral service.

If you would like to sponsor a Training Conference or send young people to Bible College click HERE now. Or you can send a check to:

                                                            AIM

                                                            PO Box 1597

                                                            Stillwater, OK 74076

Training Conference                   - $500

Timothy Fund (Bible College)       - $450 per year                                                    

                                                - $150 per semester

                                                - $50   per month

Be sure to designate “Training Conference” or “Bible College” on the memo line. Thank you for your generosity, and may God bless you greatly.