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A Retrospection of
the past Twenty Years
There were
no favorable factors visible to the
human eyes, when I came out for
full-time missionary work according
to the vision I received from God.
But, as it were my spiritual eyes
which had beheld the vision, the
path of growth loomed large before
me. Now as I am writing this, Indian
Christian Mission (ICM) has
travelled 20 years in time on that
path. On this occasion, we are
grateful to God who has led us in
triumphal procession this far. We
also thank the children of God who
have been wholeheartedly encouraging
us in our mission to spread the love
of God; we again solicit your
continued support to ICM.
There were only a very
few people who had said encouraging words to me when
I started working with great desire to expand the
Gospel work in the arid land of North India, and
also my native state, Kerala. A large number of
people tried to dishearten me by their harsh
criticism. However, as I had been receiving comfort
and guidance from God, I did not lose heart.
Instead, I encouraged my fellow workers to labor
with total commitment for the extension of the
Kingdom of God. Today, I reckon the churches and
associated activities pioneered by ICM in Delhi,
Bihar and Kerala, as the progression of the
diligent, hard work done in those initial days.
From what I said here,
nobody should perceive that the mission work is
progressing in a very smooth manner. The fact is
that Christian activities will face tough resistance
in this world until the return of our Lord Jesus
Christ. I have written this in the context of the
theory that it would be easier for the enemy to take
advantage of the weaknesses of an organization in
its fledgling stage; though, it is a historical fact
that the church grows faster in the wake of stiff
opposition. The survival or rather thriving, of the
church amidst adversity is unique. Tribulations and
hostilities are in effect the fodder for the growth
of Christianity.
The Word ‘triumphal’
does not imply a totally trouble free situation. We
can understand this if we observe the life of
Apostle Paul. Paul carried out missionary work in
the midst of numerous hardships and obstacles but,
even in such a situation the Apostle could maintain
a positive frame of mind. See, how grateful he is
towards God- “But thanks to be God, who always lead
us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us
spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of
Him” (II Corinthians 2: 14). Elsewhere he had said,
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine
or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written
‘For your sake we face death all day long; we are
considered as sheep to be slaughtered’. No, in all
these things we are more than conquerors through Him
who loved us” (Romans 8:35-37). The phrase ‘more
than conquerors’ allures to a great victory in a
fierce fight. Even though the challenges may be big,
God who is with us is far greater than them!
Even today Indian Christian Mission faces a lot of
difficulties. But, as the mission has grown
overcoming the past hazards, it will also get past
the obstructions which may come in future as well.
We are inspired by the words of Paul referring to
the situations he and his co-workers were in. “We
are hard pressed on every side but not crushed;
perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not
abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed” (II
Corinthians 4:8&9). When we hold onto God’s
promise’s and work uncompromisingly, the adversities
we face will become blessings in disguise and bring
glory to the name of God.
I once again thank God
for having experienced God’s mighty protection in
the past twenty years of mission work. When it seems
that there is no resources left for missionary
activities, the promise ‘Jehovah Jireh, has a truly
wonderful and practical implication in our day to
day lives. |
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