Care & Serve. Faith in difficult times. H. W. Smith. Missionary Upholders Trust

Transcription

1 Care & Serve Missionary Upholders Trust March 2019 God s work in God s ways Faith in difficult times H. W. Smith "Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God; and the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:6,7). "Be careful (anxious) for nothing." This is not meant to teach carelessness, but care without anxiety. "For nothing". This covers all possible grounds for anxiety, both inward and outward. We are continually tempted to think it is our duty to be anxious about some things. Perhaps our thought is, "Oh, yes it is quite right to give up all anxiety in a general way, and in spiritual matters anxiety is wrong, but there are things about which it would be a sin not to be anxious--about our children, or those we love, or about our church affairs and the cause of truth, or about our business matters. It would show a great lack of right feeling not to be anxious about such things as these. These we ought to be anxious about, for if we are not, they will be neglected." To such suggestions and to all similar ones, the answer is found in our text: "In nothing be anxious." Our Lord develops this and shows us the reason why we are not to be anxious, in His sermon on the mount (Matthew 6:25-34). The illustrations used here are such as we can not misunderstand. The birds and the flowers are before us continually as living examples of what real trust is. With them it is unconscious trust, but with us it must be an intelligent and conscious act.

2 We all know the relief it is to lay off a care or a burden upon an earthly friend whom we trust. Just like this, only infinitely greater, is the relief that comes to the soul that has "cast all its care" upon the Lord. "Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee; He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved" (Psa. 55:22). He upon whom our cares are to be cast, is able to bear them, no matter how great they may be. Yet, we who trust our choicest things often to our fellow men and feel no fear, are afraid to trust our Lord. Think of the blessed confidence with which children cast their cares upon their parents, without a fear. Recall how the parents love to have it so. How often a mother, when her child is tempted to be anxious or worried over carrying out of a plan, will say, "Do not worry; leave it all to me and I will attend to it. Only trust me, and do as I say, and all will come out right." The only thing a mother asks of her child is that he or she will yield to her care and obey her voice, and then she will take charge of all the rest. Just so it is with us and our God. Must Be Obedience No mother can make all things go right for a disobedient child, and neither can God (Psa. 81:11,12). If we will carry our own cares, and manage things in our own way, and walk "in our own counsels," sorrow and suffering can not fail to be the result (Prov. 3:5,6). We must give everything to Jesus and trust Him and wait. Our worry is a waste if He takes our care. "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me...Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto You. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" (John 14:1,27). Here the Master commands us not to be troubled or afraid. Every time we yield to anxiety or fear we are disobeying Him. There are three instances recorded where our Lord rebuked the little faith of His disciples, and yet in each case the circumstances were such as to make anxiety seem the natural and proper thing. They were certainly such as would cause great anxiety in many Christian hearts now. First, it was in a storm at sea (Matt. 8:24-25). Their fear led them to cry to Him, and yet He rebukes them for their fear. They ought to have known that with Him aboard, they could not be other than safe, and they ought to have rested in quiet confidence through the storm. The second instance was when Peter found himself sinking in the waters (Matt. 14:29-31). The third was when the disciples were troubled because they had no bread (Matt. 16:8-10). In the latter, Jesus referred them to past experiences when He had supplied all their need as a reason why they should trust Him now. He was grieved at the doubts of His disciples, just as we are grieved when those whom we love and whom we are trying to serve, are anxious and fearful about the things we have undertaken to do for them. Three instances from the Old Testament illustrate this lesson also. The first is the story of Hagar when she was sent out from her home into the wilderness, apparently to die (Gen. 21:14-19). The second was when Elijah went, during the time of famine, to the house of the widow (1 Kings 17:12-16). The third was when the army of Syria encompassed the city where dwelt the man of God. (2 Kings 6:15-17). The causes for anxiety in each of these cases were very great, but God was in each instance behind the scene with His perfect supply, and those who were afraid only needed to have their "eyes opened" to see it, and be delivered from all their fears. What Is Our Part? "Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the Lord; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass" (Psa. 37:3-7). Seven things are mentioned here. Trust in the Lord; do good; delight thyself in Him; commit thy way unto Him; rest in Him; wait patiently for Him; and finally, fret not thyself. Our part then is to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. That is, we must make it the first object of our lives to accept His will and to do it under all circumstances, and then trust Him for all the rest. No one can in the very nature of things, be "careful for nothing," who is not fully surrendered to the Lord. Unless we are satisfied with His will, we can not trust Him to manage for us. There is no way but the way of full surrender and simple childlike obedience. The Lord knows what is best. We do not. Therefore we must leave the arrangements all to Him and must say, "Thy will be done," about everything. The Sin Of Doubting Remember that all questioning is of the nature of doubt. It is called in the Bible, "speaking against God." "Yes, they spake against God; they said, Can God furnish a table in the wilderness? Behold, He smote the rock, that the water gushed out, and the streams overflowed; can He give bread also? can He provide flesh for His people? Therefore the Lord heard this, and was wroth: so a fire was kindled against Jacob, and anger also came up against Israel; because they believed not in God, and trusted not in His salvation, though He had commanded the clouds from above, and opened the doors of heaven, and had rained down manna upon them to eat, and had given them of the corn of heaven" (Psa. 78:19-24). Their sorrows came upon them because they did not trust. God was equal to the emergency, but they did not believe it, and their doubt grieved Him more than all their other sins. "And he called the name of the place Massah, and Meribah, because of the chiding of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the Lord, saying, Is the Lord among us or not? (Exodus 17:7). Here their questioning is called "tempting the Lord." How common is this sort of questioning among Christians, who little dream what a sin it is! Listen to our Lord's own words: "Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings? and not one of them is forgotten before God; but even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows" (Luke 12:6,7). In the face of such an assurance, who could doubt? The sparrows and the hairs of our head, two strikingly insignificant and valueless things! Yet they are noticed and cared for. Then surely He will care for me! Care and Serve March 2019 p. 2

3 Isac Raja General Coordinator s Desk I praise God for enabling us to be a blessing in serving His servants in the ministries of MUT. The information shared in this Care & Serve bulletin gives us the details in facilitating the missionary care and member care in MUT. Though the common unmet need is huge we thank God for the way in which He leads us and providing to the needs. Two years back in my write up in Care & Serve I presented on the five future initiatives that God has laid in my heart. Praise God for His wondrous work and all that He is doing. The following information clearly indicate us on the happenings of the future initiatives: 1. Missionary care (physical, emotional & spiritual) in each ministry project of MUT. It means that in each ministry project of MUT ( RH/ IMPACT/LYB/GSF/MKW/RMW) we need to identify and address the challenges in the life and in the families of missionaries, pastors and Christian workers and facilitate the care in the three areas. We could derive systems, procedures and infra-structure in the physical aspect of care. The Rest houses and the funds that come to us in facilitating the physical care is increasing. Praise God. But at the same time the intentional efforts in addressing to the spiritual and emotional needs is vital. This is the only component that distinguishes we are not an insurance company. We praise God for facilitating the care addressing to the emotional and spiritual challenges: The increased number of participants in PDP training and the emerging new trainings, The efforts made by the Beloved family teams for the Beloved families in retreats, counseling, regular interaction, prayer mobilization for specfic needs and challenges, personal visitation and other forms of care. The enrichment retreats for Mkids and the personal interaction with over 200 children The enrichment retreats for the Retired missionaries and the regional get together apart from the personal interaction and counseling. The personal visits of well-wishers, volunteers and in some cases mission leaders visiting the missionaries staying in Rest house, particularly the missionaries who stays for treatment and the follow up steps taken for the missionaries after their treatment Though there are lots of lapses in this we thank God that there is an increased effort in this caring and it should continue with intentional efforts. Recommendations: The core committee comprises of MUT volunteers for each ministry project will certainly enhance our efforts in a quality care to God s servants. 2. Developing the Next Generation Team (NxT GeN) If the vision to continue from one generation to another generation, we need to make efforts in developing next generation of care givers in MUT. At present there are over 60 care givers involving in various ministries of MUT from the age between 20 and 45 years. Two years back we made efforts to cast this vision in Chennai, Bangalore and Tirunelveli. A small team emerged with 13 young care givers and they are placed in various ministry projects. A volunteer couple has been identified to be mentors and a volunteer coordinator to be identified to develop these teams in MUT. Not much progressed so far. In the next three year, intentional efforts to be made to develop younger generations teams. 3. Member care in Member missions It is to see that the member missions in MUT will inculcate member care as core values and ethos in their respective organizations. We thank God for enabling us to sow the seed in the last twenty five years. We could see some sprouts coming up in mission orgs. There are some mission orgs making efforts and inviting our volunteers to help them facilitate member care in their orgs. It is encouraging to journey with them in facilitating the care for their missionaries. In the IMA meeting on 23rd Jan 2019 its recommended that member care in missions is vital and each member mission to take responsibility to facilitate. We started the process by our leaders / volunteers as Board members (about 8 of our volunteers are in the Board / Executive committees / ministerial committees) in around 13 mission organizations. There are over 40 mission leaders who had been influenced by the vision of member care as they were/are part of admin/ Board members of MUT. MUT Member organizations like UESI, WYCLIFF, NLCI, IEM, BYM had contacted us to help them facilitate member care in their organization. God willing the next MUT Member care consultation will focus more on facilitating member care in missions in partnership with IMA and other Global member care organizations. 4. Missionary care in churches It is to see that the church at large in India to be aware of the challenges and the needs of missionaries and Christian workers ministering in India. From our experiences in the vision casting in churches its evident that the church is burdened to pray for and support (finance) missionaries and Christian workers not knowing the conditions, situations and challenges they face with. We started this in 2014 and God has blessed our efforts. Some volunteers are now serving with us as volunteers in some ministry projects of Care and Serve March 2019 p. 3

4 MUT. Recommendation: A core team is the need of the hour comprising of some pastors and lay leaders of the churches along with MUT volunteers. 5. Missionary care teams in North India Almost 65% of the member missionaries are in North India and about 40% are North Indians. 95% of our spiritual and emotional care for missionaries and their children is done for South Indian missionaries. The need to develop member care teams in North India by North Indians is vital. In order to facilitate missionary care for missionaries in North India the first and foremost is to develop member care teams in North India. The teams that are already being developed in Delhi and Mumbai are losing zeal for missionary care due to lack of our regular visits ad motivation. This year a small team is formed in Odhisa and in Andhra because of the retreats we had for the Beloved families and Mkids. Some specific efforts to be made to see that there is a intentional effort to build member care teams in the cities like Kolatha, Nagpur, Bihar. I thank God for giving this direction in the ministries of MUT and has been guiding us towards fulfilling this. I pray that in the next two to three years there will be some good progress in these future initiatives. Blessed to Bless (MUT Scheme) Blessed to Bless Scheme (MUT Scheme) is an entry scheme to all Schemes of MUT, to help the Missionary family in times of sickness, death and crisis situations. Workers of registered christian missions focusing on evangelism and discipleship, with a monthly salary less than Rs.20,000/- and aged between 18 and 65 years are eligible. This is not an Insurance Scheme. Operation of the scheme Each member contributes Rs.50/- and the Mission contributes an equal amount. This amount (Rs 100) is shared by LYB, IMPACT and GS Schemes. The individual members are eligible to avail assistance and the member s contribution is utilized 100% for the needy members in the area of Medical, IMPACT Calamity, Crisis Relief and Retired Missionaries Welfare. The Support Schemes (SS) are further funded by the donations received from Friends of MUT (FOM). Objectives To provide medical help, Calamity Relief & crisis relief to the family of a member. To encourage the spirit of mutual concern and oneness among Christian workers from various Missionary Organizations and enable the Missionary Community to help itself. To provide a common platform to mobilize prayer support and comforting communications within the Missionary Fraternity for the families of the Member Christian worker. Total Organisation enrolled in Blessed to Bless Scheme (MUT Scheme) :- 145 Mission with members as on 31st December MUT- SMILE We praise God for the way God is leading us to facilitate Member care among the servants of God at the time of bereavement in MUT SMILE. The following are the key objectives in this scheme: 1. To provide Calamity Relief to the member / family of a member. 2. To encourage the spirit of mutual concern and oneness among Christian workers from various Christian Organizations / Pastors fellowship and enable them to bless each other in need. 3. To provide a common platform by mobilizing prayer support and comforting communications for the Beloved families of the Member Christian worker. We have a total of 5967 members from 88 mission organizations and pastors fellowship. We also praise God for the wisdom and counsel given to handle the operations of MUT SMILE. It s a joy to see how the members in the admin committee of MUT SMILE had owned the vision and get involve in this ministry. Total no of deaths since its inception 136. Number of deaths from July to 2018 to Feb 2019 : 12 deaths from 8 Organization. Number of deaths since inception of scheme (2009) till date: 135 deaths The following are the details of deaths from July 2018 Feb 2019 Pr. T. Chinzasiam EBC MANIPUR Mrs. Sulochana Tiruppur pastors fellowship Mrs. Glory Ever loving ministries Salem Pr..Ananth@David Ever loving ministries Salem Mrs. Selva Rani Trans Word Radio Pr. Meshac Jayapal.T CWDS - Tamilnadu Pastor Abraham Serve India Ministries Pr. Babu Arunlanandam Serve India Ministries Pr.Yesunesan CWDS - Tamilnadu Pr. Peter Serve India Ministries Mrs. Dhuli B. Damor Shalom - Gujrat Care and Serve March 2019 p. 4

5 Retired Missionary Welfare We praise God for the way He led and provided for the needs of the retired missionaries, during the last 6 months. God enabled MUT to meet a part of some of the common unmet needs of the retired missionaries. Nearly 10 retired Missionaries stayed in our rest houses for treatment, during the last 6 months. As on 31stDecember 2018, the number of retired Missionaries is more than 540 from 55 missions. (99 up to 65 yrs.&447 > 65 years). Purpose of Retired Missionary Care Once a missionary Always a missionary and A missionary needs to be cared for from his MinistryCall to Home Call. A retired missionary has lots of unmet needs in the physical, emotional and spiritual areas. So, the purpose is to care, meet some of the unmet needs and build a strong relationship with them so that they will be revived and continue to live for the Lord till the end. Activities during the last six months July December Retreat for Retired Missionaries (RRM): RRM was held from Oct 15th to 19th, ODC. 46 RMsfrom 16 missions had a blessed time. New retirees and those who have not attended before were invited. The next one is from 26th -29th August Retired Missionaries Regional Fellowship Meet (RMRFM): The next Regional meet for Kerala is to be planned within the next 6 months. NIEA has offered to help in Tiruvalla. 3. MARM (Medical Annual Assistance to RMs) Payments 185 Retd missionaries above 65 yrs and who had not claimed medical bills were assisted with Rs.3.70 lakh, in Dec & Jan. The remaining RMs will be assisted in March. Please pray for God s provision. 4. Financial Assistance for medical crisis has been passed on for nearly 100 RM claims to the tune of Rs.7.09 lakh (Major medical problems, Non-life threatening surgeries, Regular medicines) &Non Medical assistance up to Rs.50K to 5 RMs. 5. Generic Medicines: Affordable cost, generic medicines were supplied to about 14 RMs of 5 missions. (30 claims) 6. Releasing a news bulletin for retired missionaries: God enabled us to release the first bulletin Thestrengthener in August 17, followed by 2 issues per year in Jan & July. The 4th Issue is ready now. Our special thanks to Rev. Jeyapaul Sitther, who took the efforts to compile, edit and bring it to a printable form and Mr. V D S Chandrasekar, who helped in printing. 7. Pre-Retirement Orientation (PRO): The last Pre-retirement Orientation program was done in ODC from Oct 4th to 6th, missionaries from 7 missions attended the same. The retiring missionaries found it useful. Many RMs helped as resource persons. The next PRO is planned in ODC from 22nd 24th of Oct RMWAC : The Admin Committee met on the 19th of Chennai and suggested to focus on the following in the next 6 months: MUT RM policy standardization, find out about the Government & NGO facilities available for senior Citizens, Compile Retired Missionary s Children s profile to take their support, Retired Missionaries skills and talents to be traced and circulated to all missions so as to use their rich experience. A few members to meet in Vellore after 3 months to assess the progress. Send Facilities paper to all missions. We plead for your prayers and partnership in caring for the increasing number of retired missionaries, who are still serving the Lord wherever they are, with their struggles. Missionary Upholders Family MUF was formed in 1984, mainly to challenge & encourage Christian families to involve in missions by raising financial support & prayer for missionaries. There are over 1400 missionary upholders families ( MUF) who meet regularly for prayers and also support more than 500 missionaries of various mission organisations. Volunteers of MUF along with the missionaries of various mission organisation raise money for the medical assistance of member missionaries of MUT. Central Coordinator Mr. D. J. Chelladurai MISSIONARY UPHOLDERS TRUST (MUT) MUT was a spin off from MUF (Missionaries Upholder Family) in the year The role of MUT is to care for missionaries by meeting some of the common unmet needs at a cost affordable to them in physical, emotional and spiritual areas, with a view to equip, energise and to motivate them, to build the kingdom of God effectively. MUT is an umbrella body covering over 254 Organizations as member missions covering about 21,669 missionaries and christian workers. MUT is governed by a Board of Trustees and managed by the General Coordinator assisted mostly by over 60 volunteers; recently some of the Member Missions have taken keen interest in the ministry and are giving their committed workers on deputation for a period from 6 months to 2 years. There are over 37 people on MUT payroll, receiving monthly remuneration. The operational costs and administrative expenses are kept low through sponsorship and donations towards administrative expenses. MUT does not append any money from any of its earmarked donations received. Become Friends of MUT/Missionaries. Care & Serve magazines and other important news from MUT will be sent to these friends at regular intervals. Life membership - Rs. 1,000 For friends abroad Life membership - Rs. 10,000 Annual membershi p - Rs. 1,000 For further information, you may contact: Mrs. Shanthi Ratnakumar, Co-ordinator. Tel: shanthi.ratnakumar@gmail.com Care and Serve March 2019 p. 5

6 Health Care Master Health Check-up For the past few years the MUT medical team has been putting up lot of efforts to encourage missions to conduct MHC for their missionaries. Also they are encouraged to organize the same during their missions annual meet where in MUT could organize a health camp. Trusting that in the near future missions will understand the importance of the same. The purpose is that every missionary is to be made comfortable to serve the Lord in the best possible way. Also Health Awareness Training for missionaries is planned to equip missionaries with basic health knowledge which will be helpful for the advancement of the gospel. By the grace of God we were able to conduct MHC for 126 missionaries from various Organisations in 7 hospitals. In the coming year we want to see that 1000 missionaries will be encouraged to have MHC. Mission Desk Blessing to Missionaries. 25 missionaries referred by MUT have been facilitated for treatment. Missionaries from various organizations, written referral from MUT has been helpful in reliability and in coordinating the various processes in a smoother way. At times, in emergency situations some of the missionaries were helped in meeting the concerned doctors. Medical Assistance From July 18 to Jan Missionaries from 107 Organisations received Medical assistance. Medical Admin Committee The committee met twice, on 21st July 2018 and 12th Jan 2019 at MUT Rest House Vellore in order to review how we can serve the missionaries still better. Mission leaders and doctors attended the same. Different studies done by doctors were very useful to make decisions relating to providing assistance to missionaries. ODC Campus July 2018 MUT meetings (Staff retreat, coordinator s meetings, fasting prayer and board meeting) were held from 27th to 30th July 18. Augst 2018 Retreat for Tanjore MUF & MUT ( 20 adults with two children) was held on 25th & 26th Aug It was coordinated by Mr.Williams, Dr.Victor & Dr.Sathya. September 2018 M- Kids Vacation Missionary kids with their parents (24 missionary families (BYM -1, NSM -2, IMS -1, FMPB 20) 34 adults and 51 children) spent Sept 18 vacation. Dr.Ramesh Pediatrician, CFH came on 21st for medical consultation. Few were asked to come to CFH for treatment. The families went on a one day picnic to Vagai dam on 22nd Sept. 16 Missionaries with 21 children went on a one day picnic to Kodaikanal on 26th Sept. Mr.Mohan conducted activities for children on 24th & 25th afternoons. Dr.Susheel Tharien conducted a parenting session on 28th. Mr.Anburose & Ms.Glory entertained the children with magic show on 29th. Talents show was held on 30th. October 2018 Pre retirement orientation was held from 4th to 6th Oct and retreat for Retired missionaries were held from 15th to 18th Oct (coordinated by Mrs. Juno Sudhakar & Team). 46 Retired missionaries from 15 missions attended the same. They had master health check up also. November participants (Directors, GS Coordinators, Finance in charge, Treasurers) from 36 mission and 12 caregivers from MUT attended the meeting on 13th Nov 18, to discuss about the various issues of B2B scheme and its smooth functioning. A sale was conducted at CFH on 6th Nov 18 with new articles received for Barnabas room & this donation amount will be used to newly married missionaries. December 2018 Beloved families Christmas & New Year celebrations were held at MUT ODC campus from 22nd Dec 2018 to 2nd Jan Missionaries (SV school Dohnavur -1, FMPB -2, NMS-1, Indep/ Smile -14) with 30 children came to celebrate their Christmas and New year day from 22nd Dec to 2nd Jan 19. They came in batches. 36 persons( including missionaries with children) went on one day picnic to Vaigai dam and 16 persons ( including missionaries and children) to Kodaikanal on 27th Dec. Some of them had their medical checkup/treatment. A special get together along with friends of MUT was held on 24th & 25th Dec and 1st Jan 19. Bereaved families children along with campus children organized a half day program for non Christian children in on 30th Dec with the help of Mr & Mrs. Jeyaseelan. (S.U) Basket ball court and garden around the area has been developed. The visitors enjoy the facilities. One more Gazebo has been constructed. Efforts are taken to develop garden throughout the campus. God s grace, everyone coming to stay enjoy the atmosphere and appreciate very much A Request Kindly pray for a missionary transit home in Chennai with a two or three bed rooms. This is a desperate need. The location could be in vepery, Egmore,purasaiwakkam,kilpauk Kelly's, Arumbakkam, Annanagar East /West. Care and Serve March 2019 p. 6

7 Mission Vision MUT Ethos Missionary Upholders Trust will strive for meeting the common unmet needs of missionaries in the area of Health Care, Calamity Relief, Crisis Relief, Renewal of emotional and spiritual life, Rest and Recuperation, Social - Spiritual enhancement of Missionary/ Pastor children and retired missionaries welfare. The purposes of carrying out these activities are to equip, energize and encourage the Missionary Community to be a witness as salt and light of the Society at all times. As followers of Christ, we exist to care for, share with, and meet some of the common unmet needs of missionaries, at their affordable cost, working beyond all man-made boundaries, in a spirit of Christian love. Values Absolute faith in God Humility Regular and focused prayer Unconditional love & compassion Accountability in all areas Love, Understand, Pray, Accept, Serve and Encourage in the spirit of Lord Jesus Christ and meet the physical, spiritual and emotional needs of all the members in the team, to fulfill God given purpose for self, family and the ministry in MUT. Transparency in all the areas of the ministry Holiness and integrity in life and activities Finance Policy Ear-marked funds will be used exclusively and entirely for the purpose donated. Operating cost is kept to the minimum and funds donated towards MUT general expenses is utilised for the same. Sponsorships are sought and fund-raising events are held to meet other specific expenses. Whether you are in ministry work, a church, a mission organisation or a Christ-follower with a passion for missions, we welcome all those who wish to join in encouraging missionaries and other Christian workers, and sharing in their efforts for the kingdom of God. Become partners with us in praying for them and this ministry. You may wish to volunteer your services in different ways as the Lord leads you. You can donate money for the support of this work on a regular basis or as and when you are led by the Lord. The four major support schemes under MUT are for Bereavement relief, Health care, Crisis relief and Retired Missionary Welfare. Contributions can be sent through MO/DD in favour of Missionary Upholders Trust or directly to the below mentioned MUT account at along with an intimation. ICICI Bank, Vellore. (A/c. No , IFSC Code ICIC ) Indian Bank, Anna Nagar, Chennai (A/c. No , IFSC Code IDIB000A025) SBI, Purasawalkam, Chennai. (A/c. No , IFSC Code SBIN , Swift Code SBININBB458) Indian Bank, Oddanchatram. (A/c. No. SB , IFSC Code IDIB000O021) Foreign contributions can be sent to the MUT account at SBI Bank, Purasawalkam, Chennai. (A/c. No , IFSC Code SBIN , Swift Code SBININBB458) along with intimation. Donors in USA and Canada may also route their contributions through the following agencies: In USA Christian Aid Mission, P.O. Box 9037, Charlottesville, VA 22906, USA In Canada Emmanuel Hospital Association, 3220 Faul Bay, Regina, SK, S4V 2W9, Canada. For all earmarked donations feedback on the amount utilised/ person benefitted will be given to the donor, if address is available. For further information, you may contact: Rev. Dr. Isac Soundararaj, General Coordinator, Mobile: isacraja@gmail.com Treasurer, Missionary Upholders Trust, 30/AP 341, 29th street, Kambar colony, Annanagar West , Chennai. India mut.treasurer@gmail.com mut.vellore@gmail.com MUT mobilises prayer support by: Publishing a prayer bulletin. Project updates in its newsletter Care & Serve. MUT actively raises volunteers: Works with churches and mission organisations who can depute personnel to manage projects. Financial support for the projects by: Creating awareness in Christ-followers in India and abroad about the needs of missionaries. Encourage missionary organisations to partner not just to receive support for their own but also support members of other organisations. Encouraging missionaries to make affordable contributions towards specific projects to help them and their fellow workers. We have hospitals partnering with MUT in providing treatment for the missionaries challenged by health issues. Care and Serve March 2019 p. 7

8 IMPACT We praise God for the way God is leading us to help his servants at the time of bereavement. a) Details of deaths Number of deaths from July to December 2018: 18 deaths Number of deaths since inception of scheme (1997) till date: 493 deaths. b) Christmas Get together with Beloved missionary families A Christmas Get together was organized for the beloved missionary families in Chennai on , at the Parish Hall of CSI Good Shepherd Church, Velachery. 15 beloved families with our scheme support members participated in this program. Bro. Augustine Asir, Managing Trustee, Word for the World, Chennai delivered God s Message. c) Christmas Gift to the Beloved Missionary families We have provided a Christmas gift of Rs to Rs. 2200/- to each of the 336 beloved families of deceased missionaries during first week of December The total expenditure was Rs. 4,53,800/- d) Hr. Education assistance From July to December 2018, 2 M-kids were paid Educational assistance of Rs. 25,000/- each of which Rs. 10,000/- is non refundable assistance given to the kids. e) Cause of Death from July to December 2018: Cancer 1 Brain Fever 2 Other 5 Accident 5 Heart Attack 5 Details of member-missionaries who had their home call since reported in last issue Mr. Manik Kumar Lakra Mr. Chandan Kumar Mr. Chegan Ramachandra Chappade Mr. Roy Thomas Pas. Chandramani Digal 46 years old, India Every Home Crusade, passed away on , due to massive heart attack. He left behind his old father, wife and only daughter who is 13 years old. 34 years old, Emmanuel Christian Fellowship Centre, Patna passed away on , in a road accident. He left behind his wife Babli aged 31 years, from Indian Missionary Society, cochin passed away on , due to attack of brain malaria. He leaves behind his wife Kavitha Chappade and aged parents. 58 years old, India Campus Crusade for Christ, passed away on , due to Cancer. He left behind his wife Lissy Roy. 63 years old, Bible Centered ministries International India passed away on , he was suffering from brain fever. He left behind his wife and one daughter who is married. Pas. Vikas Dinakar Vairal aged 36 years, from Indian Evangelical Team, Ahmed Nagar passed away on , due to heart attack. He leaves behind his wife, Mrs. Suvarta Vikas Vairal, and a son (7 years old). Mr. D.Sunder aged 48 years, from Karunai Illam ministries, Vellore passed away on due to depression. He leaves behind his wife Reeta (47) and 2 daughters Shiny 12 years old and Sana 7 years old. Mr. Anil Timothy Gedam aged 52 years, from IMS, Mul in Maharastra passed away on in road accident. He leaves behind his wife, Son (B.Sc II year) and daughter (XI). Mr. Nelson R J P aged 61 years, from Indian Missionary Society passed away on due to succumbed to his illness. He leaves behind his wife Beevi Rosalind V, 2 daughters married and 2 sons one is doing PG (MA. Eng) and the other in doing his B. Ed studies. Mr. K.K. Chacko aged 59 years, from India Campus Crusade for Christ, Bangalore passed away on , due to heart attack. He leaves behind his wife, Mrs. Sunitha Chacko, and a son Finny. Rev. Suresh Bai aged 50 years, from Friends Missionary Prayer Band, Gujarat passed away on due to severe vomiting and diarrhea with fever. He leaves behind his wife Usha Suresh and 2 daughters Mrs. Gowri S aged 31 years, from Jesus Redeems, Chennai passed away on due to road accident. She leaves behind her husband Mr. R. Antony Suresh Titus, and a daughter Evangeline Stefania aged 2 years Mrs. Kanta Aniat aged 61 years, from Indian Evangelical Team, Mukerian, Punjab passed away on due to Heart attack. She leaves behind her husband Pas. Aniat Masih, 2 sons and 1 daughter Pr. Balwinder Masih (son), Pr. Patros Masih (son ) and Sister Baljeet Rani (daughter). Care and Serve March 2019 p. 8

9 Mrs. Puttaboina Appalamma aged 28 years, from Indian Evangelical Team, Andhra Pradesh passed away on , due to a Stomach-ache after two days hospitalization. She leaves behind her husband Pastor Puttaboina Kondana Mr.Purna Chandra Kumar aged 55 years, from Diocesan Missionary Prayer Band, Odisha passed away on due to train accident. He leaves behind his wife Mrs. Golapi Senapati, 1 daughter Monalisha Kumar studying Nursing. Mrs.Sheela aged 51 years from Christian Institue of Management, Chennai passed away on As she was crossing the road along with her sister on 24th afternoon (walking), she collapsed all of a sudden and became unconscious. She was taken to the hospital and was declared dead.. She leaves behind her only daughter Nancy who was going to be engaged in two weeks. Mr. Thomas George aged 52 years from Indian Evangelical Mission, Maharashtra passed away on due to pneumonia and diabetic ketoacidosis. He has left behind his wife Mrs. Sosamma (Moni) and their son Tony and their daughter Tina. The children are still pursuing their Post Graduate studies. Mr. Pravin Dongerdive aged from India Every Home Crusade, Pune passed away on due to hrain hemorrhage. He leaves behind his wife Mrs. Sarla (age 44) house wife, Daughter Mahima (age 19) studying 2nd Year B.Sc Nursing at Reynold Memorial hospital Washim, Maharastra, Son Stavan 8th standard (age12). Mrs. Sharmila aged 34 years from Emmanuel Christian Fellowship Centre, Patna passed away on in motor cycle accident. She leaves behind her husband Virender and her two Children Manish (M/16) and Ansu (F/13). Mr. Gurmaji Singh aged 43 years from New Life development Society, Punjab passed away on due to diabetes. He left behind his wife Devendra Kour (40) and two sons Navajot Singh (17) studying in 10th and Sanamjyot Singh (15) studying in 9th. Mr. Atul Suryavanshi aged 52 years from EFICOR, Maharastra passed away on due to Cardio Respiratory arrest and Bilateral Pneumonia.. He leaves behind her wife Chitra and her two Children Anugraha (18 yrs) is currently in twelfth class, and daughter Shakshi 12 is in her eighth class Mrs.Prabha Rajan aged 58 years from India Campus Crusade for Christ, Bangalore passed away on due to Cancer. She left behind her husband Mr.Rajendran and two children Mr. Aby Ben Rajan Son and Miss. Diya Nissy Rajan Daughter Mr. K. Anavarathan aged 45 years from Jesus Reedems, Thootukudi passed away on due to cardio respiratory arrest. He leaves behind his wife Sis. Evangeline and 2 children (Daughter Sathiya aged 16 years studying 11th Std and Son Manoj kumar aged 13 years studying 8th Std). Pastor Rajan Babu aged 52 years from ICRM, Bangalore passed away on due to Kidney failure. He leaves behind his wife. Mr. Raja Chandrakumar aged 50 years from Calvary Gospel Missionary Movement passed away on due to high diabetes. He leaves behind his wife Mary and 2 daughters. Number of deaths since inception of IMPACT Scheme Uphold these families in your prayers. Stand in the gap for missionaries who face ill health and other difficulties in life. Let us rise, bend our knees- to build a wall of protection for those who toil in the field. As one! Care and Serve March 2019 p. 9

10 Retired Missionary Welfare Purpose of Retired Missionary Care: Once a missionary Always a missionary and A missionary needs to be cared for from his Ministry Call to Home Call. A retired missionary has lots of unmet needs in the physical, emotional and spiritual areas. So, the purpose is to care, meet some of the unmet needs and build a strong relationship with them so that they will be revived and continue to live for the Lord till the end. Praise God for His provisions, which enabled MUT to meet a part of some of the common unmet needs of the retired missionaries. Nearly 10 retired Missionaries stayed in our rest houses for treatment, during the last 6 months. As of Feb 2019, the number of retired Missionaries is more than 550 from 55 missions. 1. Oct 4th 6th, 2018: Pre Retirement Orientation for Missionaries, who are going to retire was MUT campus, Oddanchatram. 19 missionaries from 7 missions and 2 friends of MUT, were blessed by the same. They were assisted to Reflect on their life, helped to understand the importance of strengthening relationship with God & others, tips on managing finance, maintaining holiness and integrity and finishing well. The challenges faced by the present retired missionaries were also presented. Seven resource persons actively encouraged them, including, Rev Jeyapaul Sitther a retired missionary. 2. Oct 15th 18th, 2018: Retreat for Retired Missionaries: 48 recently Retired Missionaries from 17 missions attended the same and were blessed. The topics covered were Stars & Scars in their life and strengthening relationship with God, self and Family, through acceptance and forgiving by Mrs. Heavenlin Theodore. Dr. Godwin strengthened them in the OT, thereby motivating them to be better teachers of the word. Dr. Anish provided them health Tips and also a two days medical checkup was arranged at CFH, giving them excellent care. All of them shared that they enjoyed meeting one another, and were revived and strengthened and also learnt a lot of new things. We were blessed. 3. Other Activities for RMs: MUT conducts writers workshop, with the help of Dr. J Chellappa to help them pen down their Autobiography or the biography of the Indian missionaries (Feb 13th -15th, 2019). Training to become counselors is also available. Annual retreats and Regional fellowship meets are being conducted to revive them and enrich fellowship. Retired Missionaries are invited as resource persons in our trainings, as committee members to give their counsel and to to share the word of God, wherever possible. 4. MARM (Medical Annual Assistance to RMs) Payments 185 Retd missionaries above 65 yrs and who had not claimed medical bills were assisted with Rs.3.70 lakh, in Dec & Jan. The remaining RMs will be assisted in Feb & March. Please pray for God s provision. 5. Medical Assistance : Up to Jan 2019, nearly 110 retired missionaries have been assisted for various medical needs. 6. Generic Medicines: Affordable cost, generic medicines were supplied to about 14 RMs of 5 missions. (30 claims) 7. RMWAC : The Retired Missionary Welfare Admin Committee met on the 19th of Chennai and reviewed the previous 6 months activities and gave a focus on the future care. 8. Home Calls: Mr. R J P Nelson Retd IMS (60 yrs), Mr.P Devairakkam Retd NMS, Ms.Karunyam Selvakumari Retd NMS (65 yrs), Mr. P Rajaratnam, retired from FMPB and Mr. G Sathyanandam (70 ) Retd IEHC AP. Pray for their bereaving families. Continue to remember the retired missionaries, who have been pioneers in their fields, now settled in different places, yet cheerfully serving the Lord, wherever they are, in spite of various challenges. The number is increasing. We need volunteers to pray for them, with them and lend a listening ear to them. Their faith and grace stories will truly inspire us. May God give us the grace to improve our serve. Missionary Kids The academic year has begun. Some missionaries are admitting their little children to the boarding school to provide better education, some knocking at the doors of professional colleges to admit their children. We at MUT try our best to meet some of their unmet needs at these times. Some help in securing admissions, providing little financial help and some meet their logistics need. While, the Tirunelveli team provided logistics support in April & June 2018 to the children studying in SV, Dohnavur, We continue to provide some financial assistance for their graduation studies. In the past year we were able to provide assistance to about 100 Rs each. The new financial year has been a great blessing, as many of the students who were blessed in receiving financial assistance in the earlier years have come forward to bless other children by contributing a small amount every month towards Mkids assistance. The Neyveli team joining hands with Madurai team are gearing up for the retreat for the young minds who are at cross roads, to provide spiritual nourishment. This time the Delhi team also is planning to conduct a retreat for Hindi speaking missionary children in Delhi. Kindly remember for all the arrangements, resource persons, and financial needs in your prayer. Care and Serve March 2019 p. 10

11 Good Samaritan Fund The GSF Scheme co-ordinates in meeting the following unmet needs of the missionaries, during crisis situations. 1. Travel assistance to missionaries to attend the funeral of their parents by Flight/Train/Bus. 2 Travel assistance to the missionaries to visit their parents during their serious sickness. 2. Travel assistance for missionary children to attend the funeral of their parents. 3. A small assistance to meet the Major Medical expenses of dependent parents of missionaries. 4. Marriage gift to missionaries 5. Assistance for Children s Marriage. 6. Missionaries daughter s first delivery expenses. 7. Assistance at the time of Natural calamities, Theft, and Persecution. During the eight Months ending ,225 missionaries have been assisted from GSFund during various crisis situations During the floods In Kerala member missionaries have been helped to the tune of Rs 57,000/- During the death or serious sickness in a missionary s family it will be of great help if volunteers from MUT visit them, pray with them and comfort them. We require more volunteers In all the areas of Tamilnadu,Kerala,Karnataka and Andhra so that they can attend the funeral of missionaries and comfort them and pray with them at the time of bereavement in their family. Please do partner with us in praying and supporting for the missionaries and uphold them during their time of crisis. Youth Encounter Delhi The Mkids Camp was held from October 2018 at EFICOR Centre, New Delhi. 12 Mkids participated from 7 different organizations from the following states Orisa, Gujrat, Madhya Pradesh, Utterakhand, Utter Pradesh, Rajasthan and Delhi. This three day camp was really a great blessing for the youths and for the Delhi MUT Team as well. On the second day evening, children were taken to Dilli Haat at Janakpuri, they had a good time of fellowship with each other. On the final day, after the closing session, children were taken for Delhi sightseeing, they could able to visit, India Gate, Parliament, Presidents House and a well-known market Sarojini Nagar Market, all the children had a wonderful time. We praise God for His provision and Protection. Get in Touch with Our Project Incharge MUT Scheme and IMPACT Mr. Ben Augustus mut.impact@gmail.com Medical and Other Rest Houses Mr. John Daniel mut.medical@gmail.com GS Fund and Rest House (Vellore) Mr. D. Joseph Sudhaker gsfund_mut@yahoo.in Rest House (Chennai) Mr. Christuduss chennai.mut@gmail.com MUT SMILE Mr. David Jebakumar mutsmile@gmail.com MKIDS Dr. Lancelot mkids@mutindia.org Retired Missionaries Mrs. Juno Sudhaker mut.marm@gmail.com Rest House Mumbai Mr. Edwin Ponniah edwinponniah@gmail.com Rest House ODC Mr. John J. Ratnakumar mutresthouse.odc@gmail.com Care and Serve March 2019 p. 11

12 Training Calendar Spiritual Development Seminar Date: Mar 20 Medium: Tamil Resource Person: Mr. D. Ilango Spiritual Enhancement Retreat Date: Mar 26 to 28 Medium: Tamil Resource Person: Mr. Selvakumar Beloved (Bereaved) Families Retreat Date: Apr 04 to 06 Medium: Tamil Resource Person: Mrs. Heavenlin Theodore Biblical Counselling Seminar Date: Apr 09 to 12 Medium: Tamil Resource Person: Mr. D. Ilango Sharpening Your Interpersonal Skills Date: Apr 29 to May 04 Resource Person: Mr. Antony Samy Beloved (Bereaved) Families Retreat Date: May 15 to 25 Medium: Tamil Resource Person: Mrs. Heavenlin Theodore Spiritual Enhancement Retreat Date: May 05 to 07 Medium: Tamil Resource Person: Mr. Selvakumar Spiritual Development Seminar Date: May 10 to 12 Resource Person: Mr. D. Ilango Empowering Women Seminar Date: May 19 to 20 Medium: Tamil Resource Person: Mrs. Helen Jacob Inner Healing Date: May 24 to 26 Medium: Tam & Emg Resource Person: Dr. Latha Paul Biblical Counselling Seminar Date: Jul 01 to 04 Medium: Tamil Resource Person: Mr. D. Ilango Sharpening Your Interpersonal Skills Date: Jul 08 to 13 Medium: Tamil Resource Person: Mr. Antony Samy Life Revision Seminar Date: Jul 15 to 20 Medium: English Resource Person: Dr. Kuruvilla Varkey Marriage Enrichment Seminar Date: Jul 31 to Aug 04 Resource Person: Mrs. Hannah Alex Jesus Says, "Behold I Come Quickly!" "Take ye heed, watch and pray lest coming suddenly He find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch!" (Mark 13:33, 36-37). WATCH against the leaven of false doctrine. Remember that Satan can transform himself into an angel of light. Remember that bad money is never marked bad, or else it would never pass. Be very jealous for the whole truth as it is in Jesus. Do not put up with a grain of error merely for the sake of a pound of truth. Do not tolerate a little false doctrine one bit more than you would tolerate a little sin. WATCH AND PRAY! WATCH against slothfulness about Bible study and private prayer. There is nothing so spiritual but we may at last do it formally. Most backslidings began in the closet. When a tree is snapped in two by a high wind we generally find there had been some hidden decay. WATCH AND PRAY! WATCH against bitterness and uncharitableness toward others. A little love is more valuable than many gifts. Be eagle-eyed in J. C. Ryle seeing the good that is in your brethren. Let your memory be a strong box for their graces, but a sieve for their faults. WATCH AND PRAY! WATCH against pride and self-conceit. Peter said at first, "Though all deny Thee, yet will not I." Soon he fell. Pride is the highroad to a fall. WATCH AND PRAY! Let us watch for our own sakes. As our walk is, so will be our peace. Above all, let us watch for our Lord Jesus Christ s sake. Let us live as though His glory was concerned in our behavior. Let us live as though every slip and fall was a reflection on the honor of our Lord. Let us live as though every allowed sin was one more thorn in His head one more nail in His feet. O, let us exercise godly jealousy over thoughts, words and actions, over motives, manners and walk! Never, never let us fear being too strict. Never, never let us think we can watch too much. "None of us is more than half awake!" Music for Mission - Thanjavur On the 9th of February, 2019, the CSI St Peter's Church campus, Thanjavur, reverberated with melodies from "Voice of Eden" a committed musical group from Chennai. The occasion was a 'Music for Mission' program organised by the Tanjore MUF / MUT Team, to raise funds for the medical needs of Missionaries. Hats off to the ever young duo, Mr.Williams and Mr.Victor who along with Mrs. Sumathy Jason and Mrs. Mano Suresh and an excellent supportive team, were able to organise this beautiful event. The 'Voice of Eden' rendered such lovely songs - a mix of old and new numbers,so challenging and meaningful, leading the audience towards commitment to the Lord, His mission work and getting ready to face Him, when he comes. The choreography on the present persecution scenario, was stirring. Dr. Roopsingh's cry,whether we are ready to meet the Lord, when He comes or when He calls, made everyone rededicate their lives to the Lord. Mrs.Juno Sudhaker shared about the mission of MUT, the challenges faced by missionaries and how God is enabling MUT to meet some of the common unmet needs. An ICGM testified to the timely support received. All present were challenged to pray for the missionaries and become partners in caring for them. God blessed the occasion with a total offertory of Rs 9,37,046/-as on 21 Feb. 1. Rs. 3,37,046/- for Medical Assistance to Missionaries. 2. Rs.3,00,000/- Earmarked for Retired Missionary Welfare. 3. Rs.3,00,000/- Earmarked for Rest House in Chennai. All praise and honour and glory, be to Him and Him alone. Care and Serve March 2019 p. 12

13 Repentance Must Preceed Revival In Second Chronicles 15:12-15 we read the secret of a most remarkable revival that took place in Asa s reign over Judah: And they entered into a covenant to seek the Lord God of their fathers with all their heart and with all their soul. And they sware unto the Lord with a loud voice, and with shouting, and with trumpets, and with cornets. And all Judah rejoiced at the oath: for they had sworn with all their heart, and sought Him with their whole desire; and He was found of them: and the Lord gave them rest round about. (Read also Jeremiah 29:11-13.) With all your heart is a big expression and demand upon us. It means no idols we seek and worship only the true and living God. Perhaps that is our test; we have not offered Him all our heart and all we are and have. Revival calls for a complete turn from sin forsaking our wicked ways. One has written, No Achan must remain unrebuked and unrepentant in the camp or Ai will not fall. It will pay us to reread the seventh chapter in the Book of Joshua as a great lesson on revival. Joshua s prayer was desperate: O Lord, what shall I say, when Israel turneth their backs before their enemies! For the Canaanites and all the inhabitants of the land shall hear Jesse Raley of it, and shall environ us round, and cut off our name from the earth: and what wilt Thou do unto Thy great name? (Josh. 7:8-9). It is God s honor that is at stake as well as ours. And still the answer comes to us as it came to Joshua many years ago: Israel hath sinned, and they have also transgressed My covenant which I commanded them: for they have even taken of the accursed thing (v. 11). No victory can be expected while sin is unconfessed. Repentance must precede revival. God cannot do His mighty works while wickedness prevails within. Neither will I be with you any more, except ye destroy the accursed from among you (v. 12). Only when the offence is removed can the battle be won. That is how it must always be. Unless God s people are prepared to turn from their wicked ways the door to revival is closed. Let Psalm 139:23-24 be the cry of our soul Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Friends of Missionaries/MUT ( July - December 2018) Ambilikai Ms. Dhanalakshmi Mrs.Rohini Trichy Mr. Janath Dr. Hannah Mrs. Seline Augustine Villupuram Mrs. Kalaiselvi.B Chennai Mr. Augustine Paul Mr. Alexander Ebenezer Mr. Clement Moses Mr. Stephen Chandra Mr. Samuel Devanesam Mr. Xavie Vellore Mrs. Merlin Mrs. Anita Kishore Mrs. Devi Mrs. Latha Mr. Joseph J.Nargunam Mr.M.Michael Mrs. Josephine Asirvatham Mrs.Rohini Mr. Jeremiah Mrs. Jenny Suzannah.J Mrs. Nirmala Rufus Mr. Premkumar Mr. Prince Samuel. J.P Mr. Manoher Mrs. Roopa Prince Mr. Selvan John Doss Mrs. Sheeba Nancil Mrs. Seline Augustine Mr. Samuel Devanesam Mr. Xavier Mrs.Latha Mathankumar Mr.M.Michael Dindigul Erode New Delhi Nazareth Neyveli Nandurbar Oddanchatram Orai Paramakudi Trinelveli Mr. Ebenezer John.S Mrs. Sheela Rufus Pr. Daniel Dr. Asok Gambhir Mr. Neraj H Rose Mr. Ferin Mr. Chinapparaj.S Mr. Ebenezer Ms. Mary Dr. Sheba Mrs. Kalaiselvi Daniel Pr. Jublin Joseph Mr. John Sam Daniel Care and Serve March 2019 p. 13

14 Beloved Families Retreat Care and Serve March 2019 p. 14

15 What Does The Cross Stand For? "From that time forth began Jesus to show unto His disciples, how that He must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things and be killed, and be raised again the third day. Then Peter took Him, and began to rebuke Him, saying, Be it far from Thee, Lord: this shall not be unto Thee. But He turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind Me, Satan: thou art an offense unto Me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men" (Matt. 16:21-23). The cross is not only an object of faith, but an experience of the soul as well. Just as the cross was Christ s only way to the eternal priesthood, so it is the disciple s only way to salvation. The Master s rebuke of Peter brings out the startling truth that the cross is the central and universal condition of the kingdom. The apostle besought Jesus to spare Himself, to escape, to turn aside from suffering and death. Christ flung the suggestion from Him. In it He saw the essence of worldliness and a temptation of the devil. The wisdom of the world is self-sparing, self-shielding, selfseeking. Spare thyself is the sum of its philosophy and its invariable policy. The doctrine of the kingdom is not spare, but sacrifice. To shirk the cross is to miss the kingdom. Not only must Jesus go up to Jerusalem and be killed, but every man that would come after Him must also take up the cross. "Then said Jesus unto His disciples, If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me" (Matt. 16:24). It is to be feared that to many the cross means nothing more than reluctant obedience to disagreeable duties, or the grudging denial of some pleasant habit. They imagine themselves bearing the cross when prodded at the point of conscience, or abstaining from things earnestly desired. In the New Testament the cross stands for definite realities which embody the essential features of the Christian kingdom. It is the sign of reproach, the altar of sacrifice, and expression of vicarious service. Sharing Christ s Reproach The cross was not Jewish; it was Roman. The sting of its suffering was its shame. The physical agony was great, but that does not account for its abhorrence. It was hated because it was the imposition of a foreign power, the ultimate assertion of a pagan authority, and the condemnation of a despised and hated conqueror. Crucifixion to the Jew was the lowest depth of humiliation and shame. It was an alien judgment pursuing him even unto death. The disciple of Christ bears a cross. He stands condemned by the power of an alien. The world hated Christ and killed Him. They are still in antagonism. He who would be with Christ must come out from the world and share His reproach and condemnation. If the world crucified Christ, it will not be more tolerant of His Samuel Chadwick followers. He warned us to expect for ourselves the treatment it gave to Him. The cross stands for a life voluntarily surrendered to the will of God. From the standpoint of the world the death of Christ was a murder; in its eternal aspect it was a Divine appointment; in the act of Christ it was a voluntary sacrifice. He Himself said, "...I lay down My life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again..." (John 10:17-18). He was a voluntary offering, not a helpless victim. The death on the cross was the last demand upon His obedience. In its agony He endured sin s utmost penalty, sounded the deepest depths of human sorrow, and experienced the heartbreak of silent mystery. Christ is our example. The obedience of the Christian must be as the obedience of Christ voluntary, continuous, faithful. If obedience involves suffering, loss, mystery, then, like his Lord, he will not flinch in the darkness nor be afraid in the silence, but commit all things to the keeping and responsibility of the eternal Father. This is the meaning of the cross: consecration, obedience, trust. In the burden of sin-bearing, the Savior trod the winepress alone, and of the people there was no man with Him. And yet the disciple is called to the fellowship even of His cross. The logic of Calvary is this: "...He laid down His life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren" (1 John 3:16). If we love as He loved, we shall live as He lived. Living to Serve What does this mean in practical life? It means that the man who takes up the cross and follows Christ lives in the will of God for the service of man. Acceptance of the cross is a proclamation that its bearer stands in the midst of a sinful and burdened world in Christ s stead. The cross calls to itself the weary and heavy laden, and pledges its bearer to lift their burdens and lead them into the way of rest. The Christian undertakes to be as Christ in the world, to do His work, to minister in His Spirit, and for this he lays all at the feet of his Lord. This is bearing the cross: sorrowing over the world s sin, bearing the world s burdens, carrying the world s shame, ministering to the world s need, laying down our life for the world s salvation. This is the badge and test of discipleship. Have we taken up the cross? Have we dared to come out from the world, antagonized ourselves to it, and borne its reproach? Are we surrendered in all things to the will of God? Has all been placed at His disposal and consecrated to His saving purpose among men? Have we returned to the world as Christ came to it? Do we weep over it, pray for it, live for it, die for it? It is for these the cross stands, and without the cross we cannot be Christ s disciples. Selected 16,591 Worldwide total people group Source: Unreached People Group 6, Bn 42.2 % Groups Population World population Unevangelized People Group 2, mn 11 % Groups Population World population Reached People Group 7, Bn 42 % Groups Population World population Care and Serve March 2019 p. 15

16 Youth Encounter Madurai This year M Kids retreat Youth Encounter 2018 at 'His Rest', Saranthangi, Madurai from October 19th -21st on the theme 'Discerning Love' taken from the passage of Phil 1:9-11 (DL-P1911). The first day of the meet started with a devotion lead by Bro. Ilango. Introduction by Rev.Dr.Isac Raja and Mrs.Deepa Jebakumar, follwed by an ice breaking session conducted by Bro.Issac Peterson, in which each groups had to built a tower using balloons. It was fun and people got to know each other. To teach the importance of the Not wasting food, a video was shown. A brain storming session was conducted by Rev.Dr.Isac Raja for the boys and Mrs.Deepa for the girls this session various life problems faced as an individual were discussed. Bro.Isaac Peterson handled a session on the topic WHO AM I? and made the kids understand their uniqueness and who they are in God s sight. Bro.Richard Samuel, whose father was serving the Lord in Danishpet shared about his experiences as a Missionary kid when he didn t have much and how God has blessed him and his family now with everything. Sis. Jyothi, who is working as missionary in Vishwavani, shared her struggles as a missionary kid with no proper place for education and the lonliness she felt in staying away from home and how God was with her through her difficult times and helped her in everything she did. During the solving session, Bro Isaac Peterson, Sis Angeline & Rev.Dr.Isac Raja tried solving some of the common questions and doubts of the kids about temptations and other matters. Sis.Angeline spoke about relationships which are God given and which we choose and how to build and maintain those relationships. A missionary parent shared about his experiences and emotions as the parent of a missionary kid and how God did not leave his children but has blessed them by fulfilling his desires through his son. On the second day we went trekking on a near by hill. Bro. Ilango conducted devotion on the Relevance of God in present times. Later he spoke on salvation and explained what it means and how to receive it. Mrs. Deepa explained about the organization and its functions and the help it offers to the missionaries and their families. Bro. Anbu, the President of MUT took interactive session on motivation and motivated the kids to go on with faith. Bro. Baskar, a missionary kid who was blessed by this camp some years ago conducted a game session. Bro. Isaac Peterson handled a session on how to share the gospel with those who are ready to receive it. The singing sessions were led by Bro.Andrew Sam and others. During the career choices session Bro.Isaac & Sis Angelyn and Bro.Solomon Luther spoke about the various career paths in diffrent fileds. Bro.John Peter, shared from his life about the sufferings he faced and how God helped him through it and blessed him. During the camp fire, testimonies were shared and there was singing and talent show too. A debate on Is Love right or wrong in this age was conducted by Bro. Ilango. It was concluded there is time for everything and this isn t the time and we should love the spouse after marriage. On Saturday evening a Get together was organized for the sponsors and new partners of MUT. Nearly 30 people got the burden of Missionaries and about their children and were blessed. On Sunday, the ser vice was a good time with God. Bro.Richard Samuel shared the message on Gods Kingdom. Rev.Isac Raja made the kids understand why their parents went as missionary and what are the challenges they face in their lives. There was a communion service conducted by Rev.Dr.Gnanavaram. The feed back session was led by Mrs. Deepa and then prizes were distributed to the kids and the camp ended with prayer. Care and Serve March 2019 p. 16

17 Looking Forward To His Coming I love to talk and write about the return of Jesus to this planet. Not argue, mind you, though there are many Christians who think that s what we are to do. From childhood I was taught to look forward to the return of Jesus. There are many passages of Scripture that speak of His Second Coming. Here s my favorite: "First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, Where is this "coming" He promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation. But they deliberately forget that long ago by God s Word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water. By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. By the same Word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the Day of Judgment and destruction of ungodly men. "But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with His promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with Him" (2 Peter 3:3-14). " as you look forward to the day of God..." Are you looking forward to the return of Jesus? I think a lot of Christians are afraid to say "no" to that question. They instinctively know that the answer should be "yes of course I m looking forward to His return." But in our heart of hearts is that really so? Are we longing for His return? All too often it seems that we have made our home here on this planet, and heaven is sort of a safety net to catch us when we die. Occasionally, the death of a loved one wrenches our sight off of the affairs of this world long enough to remember that there is a heaven. Most of the time, however, we find ourselves firmly ensconced in the daily matters of this life. Some would ask, "What s the problem with that? Do you want us to be so heavenly-minded that we are of no earthly good?" My problem is that the New Testament Church seemed to be far more focused on the return of Jesus than the Church today. And that focus served them well. It gave them a passion and urgency so that within a generation it was said of them, "They have turned the world upside down." Dave Butts The emphasis on the Lord s return is not for the purpose of speculation concerning dates or developing systems of what His return will be like. Those matters can be interesting, but can become distractions if we are not careful. Divisions that grieve the Lord can arise over various viewpoints. The Apostle Peter instead gives us a clear, balanced picture of how a proper emphasis on the return of Jesus can impact the Church. It is first of all a matter of looking forward to His return. If repetition is a way of making a point, Peter hammers home the matter of looking forward to the Second Coming: 1. "as you look forward" 2 Pet. 3:12 2. "we are looking forward" 2 Pet. 3:13 3. "since you are looking forward to this" 2 Pet. 3:14 This emphasis on looking forward to the return of Jesus is to have a practical impact on the character and lifestyle of the Christian. Peter asks the question, "What kind of people ought you to be?" and then answers: "You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God" (vv.11-12). In verse 14 he phrases it differently, but with the same result: " since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with Him." Could it be that we do not look forward to Christ s coming because we do not want to change our lifestyles? There is one other lifestyle change that is encouraged by looking forward to the Second Coming. As we begin to realize that this world is temporary, we find ourselves more urgently involved in completing the task of world evangelization. Whether it is in sharing our faith with a neighbor or in giving financially to fund a missionary, we will throw ourselves wholeheartedly into this as a result of a life of expectancy. Throughout our passage, we see the Lord s concern for the lost. In 2 Peter 3:9 it is pointed out that He does not want anyone to perish, but desires them to come to repentance. Verse 12 includes the fascinating admonition that we may help speed the coming of the day of God. Most scholars believe that this means making sure we are involved in finishing the task of world evangelization. It fits well with Matthew 24:14, "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come." William Carey said, "If you want the Kingdom speeded, go out and speed it yourselves. Only obedience rationalizes prayer. Only Missions can redeem your intercessions from insincerity." Andrew Murray stated, "There is need of a great revival of spiritual life, of truly fervent devotion to our Lord Jesus, of entire consecration to His service. It is only in a church in which this spirit of revival has at least begun, that there is any hope of radical change in the relation of the majority of our Christian people to mission work.." Are you looking forward to His Return? Care and Serve March 2019 p. 17

18 Biblical Counseling (Tamil) 8th to 11th Aug Inner Healign Seminar 5th to 7th Nov Inner Healing Seminar 31st July to 2nd Aug LRA KV OCT 18 5 Medical Admin Committee 6. MES (Tamil) 20th 23th Aug Pre- Marital July Spiritual Enhancement Retreat 27th to 29th Nov 18 Care and Serve March 2019 p. 18

19 An Ode To A Cross-Cultural Missionary The cross cultural missionary, I tell you, is a dying breed today Though once a raging fi re, now in ashes lay; Movements die, methods change, God s ways a mystery, Before the embers singe the sand, here is my bouquet. Stephen Jothiraj Cometh the hour, riseth the man and so they came from town and country In God s time they obeyed the call, to go as a missionary; Armed with zeal and passion for souls, no manual in their hands, They set out to sow the seeds of fi re and see it become a tree. As wood on the pyre, awaiting fi re, on the altar lay their dreams, All strewn around, college degrees and their fat pay-cheque leaves; With crying family, moist eyed friends trying to squelch the spirit, With stoic resolve they blaze the trail to the far off mission fi elds. Along came children, zesty, playful, lovely girl and a boy But soon they had to leave the nest, dragging along a toy For the Moriah altar, now asks for the child, and who may dare deny And so in a heap, on the altar lay, their one and only joy. No ram entangled in the thorns, no hand to stay the sword No voice this time, no provision divine, only comfort in the Word; With hand to the plough, no turning back, bracing the loss they move He that giveth, taketh they said, as they reached the end of the road. Weary bodied, weathered skin, with aching bones and old They returned home, empty-handed, no laurels or medals of gold; While singers and preachers are revered here, no such rank they hold Yet I only sing of these great men, whose stories may never be told. I wait for that day when the roll shall be called and rewards given out These men will rise to great acclaim and aloud shout about; And then shall my heart leap like a deer and I shall proudly pout For once on the cruel Moriah altar, I had to lay about! Care and Serve March 2019 p. 19