Pulpit Calendar. Humor. Monthly Theme : A BILINGUAL BULLETIN OF BETHEL METHODIST CHURCH. Date Time Speaker

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1 Pulpit Calendar Monthly Theme : For He will save his people - Mathew 1:21 Date Time Speaker 2-Dec-12 9-Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec-12 (Watch night covenant Holy Communion Service) Humor 7:00 am (Tamil) Rev. Gandhi Selwyn 9:30 am (English) Pastor 5:00 pm Bishop Dr. Taranath Sagar 7:00 am (Tamil) Rev. Stanley Jeyaseelan 9:30 am (English) Pastor 7:00 am (Tamil) Pastor 9:30 am (English) Pastor 7:00 am (Tamil) Rev. Stanley Jeyaseelan 9:30 am (English) Mr Vivek 7:30 am (Tamil) Pastor 5:00 am (English) Pastor 7:00 am (Tamil) Pastor 9:30 am (English) Pastor 10:30 pm Pastor (For private circula on only ) A BILINGUAL BULLETIN OF BETHEL METHODIST CHURCH Volume 6-12 December 2012 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins." Mathew 1:21 21&22, Bethel Nagar 1st Main, Off Kodigehalli Road, K.R.Puram Hobli, BANGALORE Website: bmcbangalore.org Pastor: Rev. T. David Livingston Cell: pastor.bmc@gmail.com Editorial Team : Pastor, Asha, Selvin, Hannah, 20 Wilfred & Arun

2 New Sanctuary Dedication Dedication Service Events 2 19

3 White field outreach Dec 2012 (Co. ord.: Atheejoe, Missions dept.) Regular & Special Programs - Dec 2012, Jan & Feb 2013 Pastoral Letter Dearly Beloved, Gree ngs of this lovely season to you! Dedica on of the new Sanctuary has brought in a lot of cheer and joy in BMC family and the building in its heavenly grandeur is truly a Christmas gi to us from God. What a bliss we experienced when the glorious ceremony was enjoyed by all who were present, right from our honourable Bishop and Bishopamma!. Complimen ng through a Thank you or Well done doesn t seem to be a sa sfying word to me to appropriately appreciate the contribu on of some of you in this sacred accord. I profoundly value the involvement of all BMC members and their friends and appreciate you more than what human words can convey. May God bless all of you for building His dwelling place, by laying all your heart and soul in it. Now we enter into this happy season of Christmas. Jesus is always happy about someone celebra ng their birthday, happy and knows about each of us even in the sea of humanity. But he will truly appreciate if they celebrate his birthday by knowing the why and the how of his birth. The why of His birth: The name Jesus means to save the people from sins. He saves them by bearing their sins on himself. In today s world, people have their own burdens to carry and some are already sinking under the burden of their own problems. How will they help to sort out the problems of others? There are some who try to share others burdens but they also can do it only to a certain extent. They may not be aware of their vulnerability level and may get stuck if that level is crossed. Whereas God, who knows the mammoth extent and the immense gravity of human struggle with its accurate root cause, can hence bear it himself thus helping everyone. If someone gathers all the problems of the world on a table, it would be known that the heart of the problem is the problem of the heart. Yes, sin is the root cause of human fall. Jesus took his very name that addresses the root cause of human suffering. "And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins." Ma hew 1:21. If we want to truly address our life-problems, we must start with Jesus right at this root spot. Then we will be able to get divine solu on to all problems since Jesus has addressed the totality of human suffering on the cross and has finished it. He bore all our weaknesses and nailed them on to the cross. In his name, we have victory. In his work at the Cross, there is fullness of Salva on. The how of His birth: Jesus followed the course of human history and the law of human life. But when the fullness of the me had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adop on as sons. (Gala ans 4:4) He took birth under the divine laws appointed for humankind on earth. Instead of working as a transcendent God above human level, he took the life of a human being. He sa sfied God s holiness and our pending punishment for sins by taking the human punishment upon himself and tasted human death, all in a brutal form. This promises that Christ will follow us through our history of life on earth and sail with us through the laws of human life towards eternal victory in the 18 3

4 end. We can celebrate Christmas meaningfully by star ng with Jesus - by receiving him in our hearts and making sure of his presence in the course of our life. If we are found stuck somewhere, Christmas is a point to start all over again. Since Jesus came as a Saviour we can trust him and ask him to save us. Isn t this great news befi ng to be shared with others in this favourable and friendly season? Let us fill this month with purposeful Christmas ac vi es that bring blessing to others and ourselves spiritually. Blessed Christmas wishes to all of you from Jeya, Tabi, Timo and myself! Rev. David Livingston ப தக மடல க ற ஸ த வ க க ள ப rயம னவ க ள, க ற ஸ த மஸ க ல அன ப ன வ ழத த க கள, ப த ய ஆலய கட ட டத த ன ப ரத ஷ ட வ ழ நமத பத தல த ர ச ச பக க ட ம பத த ல பர ம மக ழ ச ச யய ம உற ச கத தய ம அள த த ள ளத. மண மய ன இந த ஆலயம மய ய க வ தவன ல அர ளப பட ட பrச. நமத பர யர ம பர யரம ம வ ம சகல வ ர ந த ன ம ன ன லய ல ஆலயத த அ ப பண த தத உன னதம ன கள க ரத தக க அன பவம க அ மந தத. இந த உன னதம ன தவ பண ய ல உங களத ச லர டய ஈட ப ட ட ற க வற ம நன ற என ற க ற வத ஏற ப டயதல ல. இப பண ய ல பத தல ச பய னர க ய உங களத ஈட ப ட ட ந ன பர ம மத ப ப க கர த க றன. மன த வ த தகள ன வ வrப ப ற க ம ஞ ச ய ப ர ட ட க க ள உங கள க க அள க க றன. இப பண ய ல ம ழ அ ப பண ப ப டன சயல பட ட உங க ள தவன த ம ஆச வத ப ப ர க. இப ப ழ த ந ம மக ழ ச ச ய ன க ற ஸ த மஸ க லங கள க க நர க கடந த சல க ற ம. இ யச வ ன ப றப ப அ னவர ம க ண ட ட வத அவர க க மக ழ ச ச அள க க றத, ஆன ல க ண ட ட வ, க ற ஸ த ப றப ப எதற க க அ மந தத, எப பட அ மந தத என பத ன ப ர ள உண ந தவ கள க க ண ட ட ம ப த இ யச பர மக ழ ச ச அ டக ற. எதற க க க ற ஸ த ப றந த இ யச என ற வ த தக க ப வ கள ன இரட சக என ற ப ர ள. மன தர டய ப வங க ள தம மல ச மப பதற க க வ அவ ப றந த. இன ற மக கள பல வற ப ரச ச னகள ல, தங கள க கன ற ஒர ப ரத த ச மந தவ கள ய வ ழ க ன றன. இந ந லய ல, மற றவ கள டய ப ரச ச னகள க க அவ கள ல எப பட உதவ ம ட ய ம? அப பட ய உதவ ம ன வந த ல ம ஒர க ற ப ப ட ட அளவ வ ர ம த த ர ம அத ச த த யம க ம. தங கள ச ந த வ ழ க க ய அ வ ப த க க ம ப த, ப றர க க உதவ சய வத ந ன ற ப க ம ஆன ல தவன மன தன டய ப ட கள ன ம ழ பrம ணத தய ம த க கத தய ம அத ன வ க ரணத தய ம அற ந தவர ய இர ப பத ன ல, அவர ல அ னவர க க ம உதவம ட ய ம Carol rounds 2012 House visit plan Date & Time Team Houses to visit In Charge 12-Dec-12 Wednesday Families of Pastor, Ebe Paul Ganesh, Vijay Prakash, Paul Naveenraj, U am, Anand, Sharon, Kalyan, Prabhu, Publius AND David [From Bethel Nagar AF] Families of Selvin, Sathiya, Frank, Clement, Sundar, Wilfred, Deo, Himanshu, Praveen, Vadivel [To Marathahalli AF] Publius / Pastor 12-Dec-12 Wednesday 17-Dec-12 Monday 17-Dec-12 Monday Youth Team Families of Anandraj, Koilraj, Rajpaul, Philip, Wilson, Ruth, Rani Ammal, AND Lydia, Sneha (To Tamil Devasandra AF) & Families of Inbaraj, Karunamurthy, Rueban Gandhi, Nithya, Suresh, Swamidas, Panneerselvam [To Tamil Priyankanagar AF] Families of Selvin, Sathiya, Frank, Clement, Sundar, Wilfred, Deo, Himanshu, Praveen, Vadivel [From Marathahalli AF] Families of Atheejoe, Jayant, Ashok Doddanna, Jeevan, Don Bosco, Joseph Paul Abraham, Naveen Warren, Stephen Daniel, Swaroop, Peter AND Moses, Kevin, Dennis [To KR Puram AF] Youth Team Families of Joseph, Huldah, Vijay, Bernard, Das AND Jonathan, Durai, Jus n (To Tamil Bethel AF) & Families of George, Ravi, Jeyamma [To Tamil Kodigehalli AF] Franklin Koilpillai / Jesuraj Sathiya / Sundar Franklin Koilpillai / Jesuraj

5 16 ஒர வ ள, உலகத த ன அ னத த ப ரச ச னக ளய ம ந ம சகrத த ல, அவற ற ன மயம ம த ற றம ம மன த இர தயம த ன என பத நமக க வ ளங க ம. ஆம, மன த இர தயத த ல த ன ற ம ப வ ச ந த ய மன த வ ழ ச ச க க க ரணம. இ யச இந த ப வத த ன வ ர ம ற க க ம பட ய க ப ம ய ல மன தன க அவதrத த. "அவள ஒர க ம ர னப பற வ ள, அவர க க இ யச என ற பrட வ ய க: ஏ னன ல அவ தமத ஜனங கள ன ப வங க ள ந க க அவ க ள இரட ச ப ப " (மத தய 1:21) நமத வ ழ க கய ன ப ரச ச னக ள சந த க க இ யச வ ல ய ஆரம ப க க வண ட ம. இ யச மன தக லத த ன ம த த ப வத தய ம தம மல ச மந த, ச ல வய ல த த த வ ட டபட ய ல, அவrன ம லம ம த த ர ம நமத ப ரச ச னகள க க த வ அ மய ம. அவ நமத பலவ னங க ள தன மல ச மந த ச ல வய ல வற ற ச றந த. அவரத ச ல வப பண ய ல நமக க இரட ச ச ப ன ம ழ ம உண ட. எப பட க ற ஸ த ப றந த இ யச மன த வரல ற றய ம வ ழ க க ந யமத தய ம ப ன பற ற ன. "ந ம ப த த ர ச வ க ரத தய டய ம பட ந ய யப ப ரம ணத த ற க க க ழ ப பட டவ க ள ம ட ட க க ள ளத தக கத க, க லம ந ற வற ன ப த, ஸ த rய ன டத த ற ப றந தவர ம ந ய யப ப ரம ணத த ற க க க ழ னவர ம க ய தம ம டய க ம ர ன தவன அன ப ப ன " (கல த த ய 4:4,5). மன தக லத த ற க தவன ந யம த த ப ரம ணத த ன பட அவ ப றந த. மன த வ ழ வ ற க மல ன ச வவல ல ம ப ர ந த ய கடவ ள மன த உர க க ண ட. மன தன டய ப வத த ன தண ட ன ய அவ தம மல க ட ரம ன ம றய ல ச ல வ மரணம வ ர ச மக க ந ந த ப த ல ம, தவன டய பrச த தத த அவ ப த க த த. இத ன ம லம, க ற ஸ த நமத மன த வ ழ வ ல இ டபட ட ந த த யம ன இற த வற ற வ ர நம ம நடத த ச சல ல வல லவர ய ர க க ற. க ற ஸ த வ நம இர தயத த ல ஏற ற க க ண ட, நமத வ ழ க கப ப த ய அவரத ப ரசன னத த ல ந றத த ந ம வ ழ ம ப த, இ யச வ ன ப றப ப க ய க ற ஸ த மஸ பண ட க ய ந ம அ த தத டன க ண ட ட ம ட ய ம. வ ழ க கப ப தய ல எவ வ டத த ல வத ந ம த டபட ட ர ப ப ம ன ல, க ற ஸ த மஸ ம லம ந ம மற பட ய ம ப த த க த வங க ம ட ய ம. இ யச ப வ கள ன இரட சகர க த ன ற யபட ய ல, அவ ர நம ப, அவரத இரட ச ப ப ந ம வண ட ம ட ய ம. மக ழ ச ச க க ற ய இந த நற சய த நமத நண ப கள க க ம ப றர க க ம இந த பண ட க ந ட கள ல பக ரத தக க சத த யமல லவ? நமத ஆவ க க rய வள ச ச க க நர ன ச ந தய டன இந த க ற ஸ த மஸ க ல ந கழ ச ச கள ல பங க பற வ ம. எனத க ட ம பத த ன த ர மத ஜய, மற ற ம தப த த, ட ம ஆக ய ர டன ச ந த உங கள க க என இன ய க ற ஸ த மஸ நல வ ழ த த க ள அள க க றன. ப தக டவ ட ல வ ங ஸ டன 5 Carol rounds 2012 House visit plan Date & Time Team Houses to visit In Charge 11-Dec-12 Tuesday Families of Selvin, Sathiya, Frank, Clement, Sundar, Wilfred, Deo, Himanshu, Praveen, Vadivel [From Marathahalli AF] Families of Arun, Isaac, David Anand, Tony, Shibu, David Jabez, Kingsly, Vivek Bangera, Ranjan AND Frank Jeyakar, Meril Joseph [To Hoodi AF] Sathiya / Sundar 11-Dec-12 Tuesday Families of Atheejoe, Jayant, Ashok Doddanna, Jeevan, Don Bosco, Joseph Paul Abraham, Naveen Warren, Stephen Daniel, Swaroop, Peter AND Moses, Kevin, Dennis [From KR Puram AF] Families of Pastor, Ebe Paul Ganesh, Vijay Prakash, Paul Naveenraj, U am, Anand, Sharon, Kalyan, Prabhu, Publius AND David [To Bethel Nagar AF] Atheejoe / Jayant 11-Dec-12 Tuesday Families of Alan, Christopher Vasa, Jabez, Ronald, Anban, Sheldon, John Manoah, Franklink Koilpillai, Irwin, Darwin, Binu George, Sanjay, Rajan Abraham, John Prasanth AND Daniel, John.KM [From Whitefield AF] Families of Mary Rita, Arul, Gracy, Stephen Babu, Jyothi, DC Franklin, Rani Jeypaul, Prabhu Paul, Usha Reddy, Vino AND Saral, Sagadevan [To Tamil Hoodi AF] Irwin / Alan 12-Dec-12 Wednesday Families of Arun, Isaac, David Anand, Tony, Shibu, David Jabez, Kingsly, Vivek Bangera, Ranjan AND Frank Jeyakar, Meril Joseph [From Hoodi AF] Families of Alan, Christopher Vasa, Jabez, Ronald, Anban, Sheldon, John Manoah, Franklin Koilpillai, Irwin, Darwin, Binu George, Sanjay, Rajan Abraham, John Prasanth AND Daniel, John.KM [To Whitefield AF] + Dr.Rajkumar Isaac / Arun

6 ச ட ச கள. ஆண டவர ம அர ம இரட சகர ம க ய இ யச க ற ஸ த வ ன இன ய ந மத த ற க மக ம உண ட வத க. ந ங கள 2001 இல பங கள rல இடம வ ங க ன ம. வ ட கட ட வண ட ம என ற ம யற ச ய ம, அத க ப ரய சம ம பட ட க க ண ட ர ந த ம. ஆழம க ய ச த த ல அத ம ட ய த ஒர க rயம க இர ந தத. ஒர ந ள ஞ ய ற ஆலய ஆர த னக க அ நக கள வ கள டன ந ன சன றன. அந த வ ரத த ல சன னய ல ர ந த ஒர ப தக வந த சய த யள த த கள. சய த ய ல, என கள வ க க பத ல க நன மய ன எந த ஈவ ம, ப ரணம ன எந த வரம ம பரத த ல ர ந த உண ட க, ஜ த கள ன ப த வ டத த ல ர ந த இறங க வர க றத. (ய க க ப 1:17) என ற வ த த ம லம க க த த பச ன. இ தத த ட ந த ந ன ஊக கம க ஜப க கத த டங க ன ன. அத ன வ ளவ க க த த அன ற ச ப பனத த ல எனக க தrசனம க, த ட டம ம தள வ ய வ ட டப பற ற பச ன. அத ன வ ளவ க அன ற பணம இல ல த ச ழ ந லய ல அட த தளம ப ட வத பற ற என கணவ பச ன. ந ங கள வற ம அட த தளம மட ட ம த ன ப ட வண ட ம என ற அந த கட ட ம ன ஒப பந தக க ரrடம க ற ன ம அவ ர, அட த தளத த ட ந ற த த மல, ச வர வத எழ ப ப வண ட ம என ற க ற ன. எப பட ய சம ள த த அந த பணத தக க ட த த ம. எங கள டய வர ம னத த ற க அவ வளவ த க க டக க த என ற ல ம, கடன க க வ ண ணப ப த த, எல ல வ தத த ல ம அத க டக க ம யற ச சய த க ண ட ர ந த ம. கட ட ம ன பண ப த ய ல ய ந ற க ற ஒர ச ழ ந ல. நம ப க க அற ற ப ப ன ந ல ம. என பலன ம ந ன க த தர க க க த த ர ந த நம ப க கய ம அழ ந த ப ய ற ற (ப லம பல 3:19) இந த ந ல மய ல ந ன ச ழ ந ல யப ப ர த, ஆண டவ த டங க ய த ம ட ப ப என ற வ ச வ சத த ட என மனத ல நம ப க க க ண ட ர ந தன (ப லம பல 3:21) ஒர அத சயம சய ய ம ஆண டவ ர என ற ஜபத த ல இ டவ ட மல ப ர ட னன. அத ன பட, கடன க டக கப பற ற, ஒர வ ட கட ட ம பட ய ன ச ழ ந ல ய தவன ஏற பட த த க க ட த த. ந ன ஜப த ததற க ம வண ட யதற க ம அத கம க (எ பச ய 3:20), இரண ட வ ட கள கட ட தவன க ர ப சய த. ந ன எப ப த ம எ தக கட ட ல ம இரட ட ப ப ன ஆச வ தம கட பன எத ப ப பன. இரட ட ப ப ன நன ம ய தர வன என ற தமத வசனத த ன பட ய (சகrய 9:12) தவன எனக க ச சய த. க த தர க க மக ம உண ட வத க. - த ர மத. சச கல ஜ ஜ, க ட கஹள ள 6 prac ces o en risking her own life. She rescued many twins and ministered to their mothers. She even adopted a 6 month old twin girl she had rescued and named her Janie. The people saved would o en inform Mary about the happenings of such ordeals and Mary would quickly go there and do her part to save them. The Lord gave her favor with the tribesmen, and Mary eventually gained a respect unheard of for a woman. A er only 3 years, Mary was sent back to Scotland on yet another furlough because she was extremely sick. This me she took Janie with her and stayed home for 3 years. Everybody loved the dark skinned Janie and also her rescue story. She returned to Africa with more determina on. Mary wanted to leave the coast and live in the interior, in the midst of headhunters and cannibals. When one of the men missionaries went into the district to seek permission to live there, he was captured and narrowly escaped death. Nevertheless, Mary set out on her great adventure in August She stepped into the canoe with 5 na ve orphans, children she had rescued from death. The oldest was a boy of 11 and the youngest was a baby in her arms. It rained the whole day and it was night when finally the canoe was pulled up in the riverbank. The chief of the village liked her brave spirit and gave her permission to stay there. She helped in building up a mud walled house and quickly adopted herself to the food and condi ons there. The chief of an interior village was seriously ill and the villagers had sent for Mary. Assured in her heart that her Lord would accompany her, she set out at dawn. It rained unceasing all day and Mary went on with her head throbbing with fever and her body weak and trembling. A er more than 8 hours of walking, she staggered into the house of the sick chief. Although wet, exhausted, hungry and aching all over, Mary did not wait a moment but went straight to the unconscious chief and a er examining him, gave him a dose of medicine she had brought. She con nued to nurse him and to the astonishment of the villagers, the chief regained consciousness and took food. The people rejoiced and in gra tude to Mary enquired about her magic power and Mary told them the gospel. One day, Mary received a secret message about two villages going to fight against each other. Running as fast as she could she caught up with them and stopped them. Stunned by her courage they hesitated and she shouted saying that she would make peace between them. To her amazement, an old chief came forward and knelt before her and said, Ma, we are glad you came. Looking into the man s face she recognized that it was the same chief she had gone to see years before when he was about to die. She was so glad she had gone that day and therefore could make peace and save many lives. Mary rescued hundreds of twin babies thrown out into the forest, prevented many wars, stopped the prac ce of trying to determine guilt by making them drink poison, healed the sick, and told the people about the great God of love whose Son came to earth to die on the cross that sinful men might have eternal life. She was 55 when she moved on from Okoyong with her seven children to do pioneer work in Itu and other remote areas. In 1915, nearly 40 years a er coming to Africa, she died at the age of 66 in her mud hut. Mary Slessor was truly the queen of the Dark Con nent and has been an inspira on for many. 15

7 Missionary Profile - Mrs. Edith Sundar MARY SLESSOR Mary Mitchell Slessor was born on December 2, 1848 in Gilcomston, Scotland. She was the second of seven children. As a child, she was greatly influenced by the stories told by her mother about Calabar, the deadly coast of Nigeria. Her father, Mr.Slessor ran a shoe making business that wasn t doing well. The failure in his business made him an alcoholic and brought poverty and strife to the family. So when Mary was 11 years old, the family decided to move to Dundee, Scotland hoping that the move would help Mr. Slessor get a stable job and give up drinking. But things didn t change much and the financial strain forced Mary to get a job at a co on mill. She worked many tedious hours to provide for the family. As a young girl, Mary had given her heart and life to Jesus and was ac vely involved in the church and was also a zealous worker in several missions. She was not well-educated but she loved to read and would spend hours reading the Bible and various other books. From her childhood Mary always wanted to go as a Missionary to Africa. Sadly for the Slessor family, out of the seven children Mrs. Slessor had, only 4 survived childhood. Mr. Slessor also passed away from pneumonia, leaving his family with mixed emo ons of sorrow and relief. Early in 1874 the news of the death of David Livingston s rred the land and created a great wave of missionary enthusiasm. Mary s heart was thrilled to ac on and she decided to go. In 1875, the Board of Foreign Missions accepted her offer to go as a missionary to Calabar. A er a year of training, Mary, 28 years of age set sail to Calabar. The trip was a rigorous one and she fell ill many mes but reached Calabar in good spirit. She was first sta oned in a missionary compound as a school teacher where she learned the local language. A er spending 3 years there, her heart yearned to go into the interiors. But she was down with Malaria and was sent home to recuperate. A er 16 months of recovering, she was sent back to Calabar and this me to Old town where she could work by herself. She decided to live with the locals and learn about their culture. Witchcra and spiri sm and cruel tribal customs were hard to fight against. She learned about the cruel gods of the Africans, carved of wood and stone to which they sacrificed humans. With her pale skin, red hair, and blue eyes, it's no doubt she stuck out. It took some me for the villagers to get used to her, but soon they were calling her White Ma. The Nigerians had the prac ce of judging by ordeal. A person suspected of doing wrong would be given poison or boiling oil would be poured over him. The gods were supposed to protect the innocent from harm. Everyone tested by these methods were found guilty, quite obviously. Another horror was the custom of killing the twins. The tribes believed that twins were a result of a curse caused by an evil spirit who fathered one of the children. As they did not know which child it was, both were buried alive or thrown into the forest to be nibbled by insects or gobbled by leopards. The mother of the twins was driven away and shunned from society. Such prac ces broke Mary s heart. Overwhelmed and depressed, she knelt and prayed, "Lord, the task is impossible for me but not for Thee. She fought against these 14 Build Bethel Report - Mr Isaac FAITH - An Experience I would love to treasure! At the outset, I would like to thank our dear Lord Jesus Christ for giving me the privilege to be part of this amazing Project Build Bethel. Step by step and day by day, the way our God led us in everything turned out to be a miracle. In March 2008, when I was handling the inance of the BMC core group, I proposed a budget of Rs.7 lakhs for an Asbestos sheet on top of the ground loor building. Mr Selvin insisted that we need to continue building the church on top. Rev. Immanuel Theodore was pastoring then and the name for the mission was coined as Project BUILD BETHEL and the irst pledge card was issued. Project Team It was in Aug 1 st 2010 that the following building committee was formed (Mr Isaac Tilak - Chair Person, Mr Irwin - Legal Team, Mr Ronald - Fund Raising, Mr Clement Design, Mrs and Mr Rajupaul - Prayer, Mr Christopher Vasa - People Relations, Mr Ashok - Finance and Mr Publius Supervision) and the irst building committee meeting took place on 22nd Aug 2010 at pm. It was decided to have Mr Paul Durai, Major Stanley Jones and Mr Immanuel as our consultants. As a irst step, Rev. David Livingston suggested that we call our dear Bishop to come and lay the cornerstone and this happened on 4 th September Design & Fund-raising The design team under the leadership of Mr Clement did a wonderful job along with our consultants. The Church was designed such that it would be able to hold 140 seats in the irst loor and 80 seats in the Mezzanine loor. Every aspect of church needs was considered by the team Multiple exits, Elevator, Worship team stage, Vestry, Church Of ice, Parish Hall, Pantry, Mothers Nursing Room, Additional Rest Rooms and Sound room. Mid-way through the construction, the need for an additional hall to facilitate ministerial teams such as Sunday Class, MYF, WSCS, Teens etc., was The committee felt that it would be prudent to build a Parish Hall above the main sanctuary. It was initially decided to cast a roof and complete it later, but our dear Lord helped us to complete it along with the Main Sanctuary. The fund raising team under the leadership of Mr. Ronald worked out various strategies to raise the funds. We conducted pledge drives three times and the generosity of our congregation, both English and Tamil, enabled us to meet the expenses. The total budget had to be increased from 30 lakhs to 85 lakhs as the scope of the project increased to include the parish hall, etc. By the grace of God we were able to raise 70 lakhs out 7

8 of which 95% was from our own members within BMC. We would like to thank our dear Bishop Dr Taranath Sagar for his support by giving us an advance of Rs.15 lakhs. It was a timely help for us to complete the project without a hitch. Building Construction It was decided to get the entire project done on Labour contract. M/s Akar Enterprises headed by Mr Antony (our church member) was identi ied and they started the project at a very reasonable cost. We thank Mr Antony for his contribution and he helped us in identifying M/s MSC Constructions Mr Michael and team. Mr Michael and his team were a very talented; they were lexible and accommodated us in all situations. Mr Ramamurthy - Electrical contractor, did an excellent work of the electrical wiring and he also helped in getting us other vendors. Our dear pastor Rev. David Livingston played a key role in identifying and purchasing materials like Stone, Sand, Blocks etc. Mr. Paul Durai was there to bank on at critical construction stages. Mr George and Mr Paul Ganesh were there to supervise the project. Major Stanley and Mr Immanuel offered their help at every instant we needed. Personal I am into the ield of Recruitment and HR for almost 12 years now and in 2007 God gave me an opportunity to head a building project in my of ice, where I had do the end to end of the construction. I feel that this was a God given chance for me to get trained before we started the church construction. Because of that, I was able to understand the technicalities involved in construction. I would like to thank my parents Rev. Tilak Samuel and Rev. Dr. Shanthi Tilak for the experience and exposure they provided me throughout my childhood days, which helped me in understanding the nitty-gritties of what is needed in a church. Also, would like to really thank my family for their constant support. Practical Thoughts (Excerpt from the book The Imitation of Christ by Thomas Kempis) The value of adversity: It is good for us to have trials and troubles at times, for they often remind us that we are on probation and ought not to hope in any worldly thing. It is good for us sometimes to suffer contradiction, to be misjudged by men even though we do well and mean well. These things help us to be humble and shield us from vainglory. When to all outward appearances men give us no credit, when they do not think well of us, then we are more inclined to seek God who sees our hearts. Therefore, a man ought to root himself so firmly in God that he will not need the consolations of men. When a man of good will is afflicted and tempted, he realizes clearly that his greatest need is God, without whom he can do no good. Avoiding rash judgment / Exercising right judgment: Turn your attention upon yourself and beware of judging the deeds of other men, for in judging others a man labors vainly, often makes mistakes, and easily sins; whereas, in judging and taking stock of himself, he does something that is always profitable. We frequently judge that things are as we wish them to be, for through personal feeling true perspective is easily lost. If God were the sole object of our desire, we should not be disturbed so easily by opposition to our opinions. Many, unawares, seek themselves in the things they do. They seem to enjoy peace of mind when things happen according to their wish and liking, but if otherwise than they desire, they are soon disturbed and saddened. On the contrary, he who is full of truth seeks self in nothing but searches all things for the glory of God. He envies no man because he desires no personal pleasure nor does he wish to rejoice in himself; rather he desires the greater glory of God above all things. Daily walking alone with God: If only a man would never seek passing joys or entangle himself with worldly affairs, what a good conscience he would have. What great peace and tranquility would be his, if he cuts himself off from all empty care and thought of things divine, things helpful to his soul and put all his trust in God! No man deserves the consolation of heaven unless he persistently arouses himself to holy contrition. If you desire true sorrow of heart, seek the privacy of your cell and shut out the uproar of the world. There you will find what too often you lose abroad. Your cell will become dear to you if you remain in it, but if you do not, it will become wearisome. If in the beginning of your religious life, you live within your cell and keep to it, it will soon become a special friend and a very great comfort. In silence and quiet, the devout soul advances in virtue and learns the hidden truths of Scripture. There, she finds a flood of tears with which to bathe and cleanse herself nightly, that the farther she withdraws from all the tumult of the world the more intimate she may become with her Creator. 8 13

9 Prayer Points: Pray for God s rule and that peace would come upon all the places which are affected by Naxalites Pray that all Naxalites should repent from their ways and be saved Pray that Government should take wise decisions with help from God to control Naxalite terrorism Pray for the protection of innocent people especially Christians, ministers and missionaries. Saturday: Mission Church Growth Missionary Movement (CGMM) The Church Growth Missionary Movement is an indigenous, interdenominational Missionary Movement started by Late Rev.J.C.Bose Meiyappan at Madurai in 1975 with the primary aim of reaching the unreached people. Their vision is to reach the unreached Indians with the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the Motto of MAKE DISCIPLES AND MULTIPLY CHURCHES. They are working among 15 tribes in 10 states in our country with a band of 265 full time workers. Pray for their mission stations among fifteen tribal groups in six states in India. Pray for the two tribal children homes at BHAMRAGAD in Maharashtra State and at KOWTALA in Andhra Pradesh. Around 120 children stay here and continue their education. Pray for their ministry GOSPEL ON WHEELS. This team comprises 30 people doing evangelism in villages in Tamil Nadu. Pray for seminars and training program for lay leaders which CGMM regularly conducts. Testimony Power in the name of JESUS "There is power, a wonder working power in the blood of the lamb and the mighty name of JESUS, the Jehovah Jireh". I enjoy singing and doing actions for this song...but first time in my life I experienced this power in the name 'JESUS'. It happened on Nov 5th 2012 when I got up from the bed. While I was trying to get up and walk, I felt some strange unusual feeling on my entire left side of the body. However, I managed to get up on my own and tried to pick up the tooth brush. I just couldn't. Again while rinsing, I had the numbness on my left side for quite some time. I was tensed up on this paralytic kind of experience and just uttered, 'JESUS PLEASE'. Immediately, moments after this, I felt the healing touch of the Almighty and was able to move and walk around as usual. "Gods power works best when we recognize our limitations". - Mrs Giftlin Clement BMC DEDICATION SERVICE It was with great joy and excitement that the church gathered at 5 p.m. on December 2, 2012, Sunday evening for the dedica on of the new sanctuary by our honourable Bishop and Bishopamma. The ambience in the church looked great, thanks to Isaac and his team - many of them toiled during the preceding prepara on weeks and specially in the last week, working as one big family with some even staying up to 3 AM on some days to lend an extra hand towards project comple on. Special thanks to Durai and all the youth members who worked hard behind the scenes. Many Methodist pastors from other churches in Bangalore graced the occasion, our Pastor, Rev. David Livingston, led the service and the Bishop shared God s Word, speaking from Psalm 84 which describes the beauty of dwelling in the house of the Lord. Worship was led by John Manoah and team. Many programs were lined up for the visitors including a dance by our kids, songs by our kids choir, and programs by the kids of both the Hoodi Sunday School and Whitefield outreach. A video presenta on prepared by Franklin Koilpillai brought out the history of the church and tes monies by Mrs. Mary Rita, Jesuraj and Mr. D.C. Franklin and Mr. Selvin shared about the beginning of the ministry. The service was bilingual with adequate representa on from both the Tamil and English congrega ons and the message was translated into Tamil by our pastor. Many guests had come from Indira Nagar Methodist church, our mother church, and other churches as well and dinner was served a er service. All glory be to God alone for his guidance, provision, protec on and manifold blessings on us as a church. How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD Almighty! Psalm 84:1. இம ம தத த ல ப றந த ந ள மற ற ம த ர மண ந ள க ண ம அ னவ ரய ம ச பய ன ச ப க வ ழ த த க ற ம. க த த உங க ள ஆச வத ப ப ர க! Wishes from congregation to all who celebrate Birthday and Wedding Anniversary this month May God Bless you! 12 9

10 Prayer Diary Praise points Let s all praise our Lord Jesus Christ for the beautiful new sanctuary for the dedication service held on 2-Dec-12 for all the people who worked so hard toward completing the project on time for the various committees who coordinated so well for our Bishop Rev. Taranath Sagar and other pastors and guests who came from different place to be with us on that day. Sunday: NEPAL: KEY FACTS This exotic Hindu kingdom boasts of 8 of the planet's 10 highest mountain peaks. Population is 27 million, with 1.5 million in the capital city, Kathmandu. Although Nepali is the official language, there are 124 languages in all that are spoken in this diverse and colourful country. In terms of economics, over 40% live below the poverty line. Corruption, the assassination of most of the royal family in 2001, and Maoist terrorists have plagued Nepal for many years. The Nepalese Chhetri is the major ethnic group in Nepal. The Nepalese have many racial, cultural, and linguistic similarities to the people of northern India. As for religion, it is illegal to convert others. Anyone who violates the law faces imprisonment. For foreigners, the penalty is deportation. In fact, until 1960 it was illegal for any Christian to live in the Kingdom of Nepal! The powerful Hindu majority count for 75% of the nation, Buddhists, for 16%, Muslims, for 5%, and Christians, nearly 2%. Praise God That Nepal is no longer a Hindu Kingdom and has been declared as democratic republic and secular nation. For rapid Church growth For the ending of over 10 years of internal war which caused over 15,000 deaths. That Nepal is now making a new constitution. That Christmas has been declared as a public holiday. For the liberty to worship and share the gospel. Praise points For the writing and implementation of the new democratic constitution to be completed as soon as possible. For the establishment of sustainable peace, and a stable as well as good government and righteous rulers. For proper rehabilitation of the victims of the conflict and natural disaster. Also pray that God would intervene in such natural calamities. For Nepali young people to avoid drug addiction and be engaged in productive activities and that the government will provide enough employment opportunities for them. Against the trafficking of women and children. For organisations working to overcome poverty and injustice in the country, For unity and passion for prayer and spiritual revival amongst the churches in the country, For complete religious freedom in Nepal. That the government of Nepal will allocate cemetery land to the Christian churches across the nation. For organisations working in partnership with the Church in Nepal. To see one Church and one trained leader in each village, community or tribe in Nepal. Monday: Praise God for our kids choir who have been performing in various programs in the city. Pray for our Sunday School- for the teachers, superintendent and the children. Pray for the Christmas program scheduled on the 9 th. 10 Compiled by Mrs. Selina Ronald Pray for Friends fellowship (for young adults) & newly married couples of our Church KR Puram AF & its members--- Families of Atheejoe, Jayanth, Ashok Doddanna, Stephen Daniel, Warren, Jeevan, Kiran Rathod Hoodi TAF & its members--- Durai, Madhu and families of Mary Rita, Jyothi, Shyamala, Sarah, Arulkumar/Jeniffer Marathahalli AF & its members --- families of Frank, Selvin, Clement, Sundar, Wilfred, Ashok, Sathiya, Kiran, Samraj, Vadivel ) Tuesday: Let s pray for our Pastor Rev.David Livingston and his family. Let s pray for Bethel Shaale for the children who come and for Mrs. Sudha Peter who conducts the classes Bethel Nagar AF & its members Families of Rajkumar,Publius,Pastor, Vijay,Vijay Prakash, Sharon,, Prabhu, Bernaad, Anand,Paul Ganesh, Sahitya Deep, Diedonne,, Peter, Paul naveen, Kalyan and Daniel Justin, Yao & Yapo Devasandra TAF & its members-- families of Rajupaul, Philip, Wilson, Ruth, Sekar, Latha, Das, Pastor Wednesday: Pray for the various committees of the Church Pray for our Irula outreach program in Hosur. We have planned to give them warm clothes this season. Pray that this would be executed well. Pray that all our prayer cells (women as well as men) would be strengthened. Whitefield AF & its members -- Families of Irwin, Christopher Vasa, Rajan Abraham, Sanjay, Jabez, Anban, Ronald,John Manoah, Sheldon, Darwin, Franklin Peter, Binu George, Alan Paul and Shanno & Isaac Priyanka Nagar TAF & its members-- Families of Rueban Gandhi, Nithya, Latha, Inbaraj, Swamidas Thursday: Praise God for Whitefield area outreach program and for Bro. Vasu & his family. They have opened their home for the program. Pray for the team which regularly visits them on Sunday afternoons. Pray for the children who come there for Sunday school and for the adults who come to listen to the word of God. The children performed two beautiful dances on the day of dedication. Pray for Hoodi AF & its members -- Families of Isaac, Arun, David, Tony, David Jabez, Shibu, Frank, Vivek Bangera, Kingsly, Meril Joseph and Christopher Pray for Kodigehalli TAF& its members: Families of George, Prabhu, Jeyamma, Joshua Devadas and Juliet Friday: Naxals and Maoists The Naxalites, also sometimes called the Naxals are groups waging a violent struggle on behalf of landless labourers and tribal people against landlords and others.naxal groups have been raising mainly land issues and they blame the Government settings. Naxalites are active across approximately 220 districts in 20 states of India. 76 districts are found to be badly affected by Naxalites. Central Government has allotted Rs.2475 crores for Naxal affected States under RSVY plan to control Naxalite terrorism. Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh declared them as the Most serious internal threat to India s national security. Some of the Maoists and Naxal groups are Communist Party of India (ML) Liberation, Peoples War Group (PWG), Maoist Communist Centre (MCC),, UCCRI(ML) & the Communist Party of India (Maoist), The strength of these movements is estimated over 50,000 and claims to control an estimated one fifth of India s forests. More than 10,000 people have been killed due to Naxal violence in the last 15 years. Where do they operate? Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, eastern Maharashtra, Bihar, the Telengana (north-western) region, and western Orissa. 11