Prison Gates open for KSM Ministry

Transcription

1 KARNATAKA SHUBHASAMACHARA MANDALI ù<o~kù Bj"æljDjAjtÖoÚj Aj"0Ûjb PRAYING WITNESSING DISCIPLING Post Box No.9550, Koramangala, Bangalore Phone / Fax: ; immanuel@bgl.vsnl.net.in JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2005 FOR PRIVATE CIRCULATION ONLY No.92 Prison Gates open for KSM Ministry A beautiful chilly morning crept over the treetops as we sat in front of our Indiranagar Methodist Church in the presence of the Lord. It was the 22nd of December 2004, the day we d all been praying about ever since we came back from the Kolar prison. With hopes soaring high we sat praying silently for God s guidance till our bus arrived. At about 8 o clock Baldwin Girls High School bus arrived and we got to work packing the snack packets that our church had generously contributed for the (Above) KSM team and volunteers from IMC with prison police, waiting for the special guest in front of Tumkur District Prison. (Below) Special guest Mr. S. Muniswamy, IPS, the Superintendent of Police, Tumkur District arriving after taking the guard of honour. prisoners and police personnel, as Christmas treat. We were then joined with the KSM ambulance team and we were off to Tumkur singing songs and praising God for the wonderful opportunity He had given us. The weather was hot and the journey was tiresome and so we stopped by for a cup of tea before our destination. At 10:15 a.m. our bus entered the dusty road that led to the Tumkur prison. Our hearts brimming with anticipation, we said our concluding prayer. As we neared the prison, the gates swung open for us. We were warmly welcomed by Mr. D. Sangappa, the Jail Superintendent. Meanwhile, at the same time a few policemen were getting ready to give the guard of honour to Mr. S. Muniswami, IPS, Superintendent of Police of Tumkur District, who was visiting the prison on that day as the Special Guest of our Christmas programme. When he arrived a well-deserved guard of honour salute was given by police force to him. Then the main prison gate was opened and we entered the prison carrying our medical equipment, medicines, literature and gifts. Inside the prison in the open courtyard we were greeted by the KSM team & volunteers from Indiranagar Methodist Church at the KSM Mission Centre before leaving for Tumkur Prison. prisoners who were already seated on the ground, eagerly waiting for us under the shade of the jackfruit tree. On one side a few women prisoners were also seated. The prison authorities had already arranged for a table with a mike system and a few chairs for the Chief Guest and for all of us. The Christmas programme began with Mr. D. Sangappa warmly welcoming the special guest and our entire team. He very generously Mr. D. Sangappa, the Superintendent of Tumkur Prison welcoming the special guest. Behind are Rev. B. D. Immanuel, Mr. S. Muniswamy, IPS, Dr. Cherian, Dr. Mary George, Pastor David Livingston.

2 (Above) Volunteer, Mr. Srinivas distributing tracts and gospel portions to prisoners. (Below) Volunteer from IMC distributing sweet packets to prisoners. appreciated the work of the KSM and told the prisoners that we were here not only for their physical needs but also their spiritual needs. Rev.B.D.Immanuel, Executive Director, K.S.M. welcoming the special Guest thanked him immensely for sparing his valuable time to be present with us. Then our KSM doctor examines each prisoner and Mrs. Selvi Rufus distributes medicines with Miss Lydia Abel and Mrs. Beulah Immanuel assisting. JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2005 (Left) Gathering of Tumkur District prisoners. (Right) KSM medical and evangelistic staff presenting Kannada gospel songs. Anitha Immanuel on the keyboard and Kevin Immanuel with his guitar. team with great gusto sang two Christmas carols in Kannada, to which many prisoners responded in a joyful clapping. Rev. David Livingston, Asst. Pastor of Indiranagar Methodist Church then shared the word of God very effectively through his puppet. The puppet show was about the Christmas story of how God came down to earth to save sinners like us in the form of a baby who would one day give up his life to buy our freedom. The prisoners enjoyed the show and there were smiles and laughter from almost all the prisoners at the end. In response to this message the Chief Guest, Mr. S. Muniswami shared a few words with the prisoners. He said that all of us were sinners and that because of our sins there was darkness and that God came into the world to shine His light on us. Subsequently, our Special Guest distributed the Christmas gifts to the prisoners seated in the first row. Following this we threaded our way through the prisoners and gave them their Christmas gifts. Seeing the immense joy on their faces our hearts leapt with joy we had never known before. Then the Chief Guest inaugurated the medical camp by taking the B.P. of the first prisoner with the assistance of our doctor Mary George. Immediately, our medical team began their work helping the ailing prisoners. Many of us went out into groups of 2 (Above) Pastor David Livingston of Indiranagar Methodist Church sharing Christmas message through a puppet show. (Below) Mr. S. Muniswamy, the Supdt. of Police, Tumkur inaugurating the medical camp and Dr. Mary George with him. (Above) Bible and a couple of gospel literature being presented to Mr. S. Muniswamy, Supdt. of Police, Tumkur. (Below) Mrs. Mary Karl from Indiranagar Methodist Church and S. Kumar, KSM evangelist and volunteers distributing sweets and fruits packets to each prisoner.

3 Dr. Mary George examining women prisoners in Tumkur District Prison and Miss Shantha Kumari assisting. prisoners and began speaking to them and our personal evangelization brought an oasis of life into their sorrowed hearts. As a token of having accepted our invitation to this Christmas programme, the special guest, Mr. S. Muniswami, was presented with a Holy Bible by Rev. Immanuel. Then a (Below) IMC volunteer praying for a prisoner. (Above) Prisoners at Bangalore Open Air Jail. (Below) Dr. Anuradha examining a prisoner and Mrs. Selvi Rufus assists her. few ladies along with me went to the women s cell. The sight that we saw there was something that we had never expected. We expected them to be down and depressed like the last time. But the smiling faces that we saw there came as a pleasant surprise. Since most of them were liberated they were very enthusiastic to learn the gospel through song. We began singing and they soon took our cue and joined with us, clapping their hands and rejoicing in the presence of the Lord. Then, testimonies began to flow out from every heart. After this wonderful time of ministry it was time for us to leave, and we could see that they were a little sad that we had to leave soon and many of them with tearful eyes requested us to come more often. Seeing all this our hearts went out for them. Outside the women s prison the medical team had finished the work and was packing up. Glowing faces were seen everywhere and we knew without a doubt that our task of planting the seed of the word of God in their hearts was accomplished. Back in the bus again, we were tired in the hot humid air but spiritually rejuvenated. It was truly an awe-inspiring visit. Later on at a small restaurant 24 of us had our lunch, talking about the great work that God had just accomplished at the Tumkur prison. We were ever so grateful to God for making this visit a success, that we joined hands in prayer to thank God and give glory to His name for the mighty move of the Holy Spirit at the prison. On the way back songs of praise bubbled out of our mouths till we reached Bangalore. This experience had a lot to teach us. It will always remain etched on our minds forever. Report by Mrs. Mercy Karl Volunteer from Indiranagar Methodist Church. (Above) Dr. Cherian examining prisoners. Praise God For The successful outreach programme held in 51 villages in Guttal area of Haveri and Ranebennur taluk in Dharwad District. 2. Many non-christians who have responded to the gospel to know more about Jesus Christ and are undergoing follow-up lessons. 3. Hundreds of outpatients being treated at both the KSM clinics at Kothanur Narayanapura, Koramangala slum, mobile clinics in 4 villages and in 5 prisons. 4. Lord s provision and guidance to rebuild the Koramangala Slum Clinic and Tailoring Training Centre. 5. Faithful Lord s people who continue to pray and support His ministry. 6. Continued ministry in Bangalore, Mandya, Tumkur, Bidar and Kolar prisons. Pray and Share For those whom we have reached in villages, slums and prisons with the gospel so far in the state of Karnataka. 2. For the evangelistic medical ministry in the slum, villages in 4-5 surrounding villages of KSM mission centre at Kothanur Narayanapura. 3. Outreach programme in Davanagere district in the month of February. 4. Funds needed for the rebuilding project of KSM clinic and tailoring training centre at Koramangala slum. 5. KSM staff to be used by the Lord to reach the un-reached and served the poorest of the poor. 6. Good health for the KSM staff and children. 7. For the victims tsunami disaster and for the rebuilding of lives of the survivors. 3 JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2005

4 KSM Outreach in 51 villages of Haveri Taluk in Dharwad District On the 3rd of January 2005, the KSM jeep set out with our evangelists, volunteers, gospel literatures, musical instruments, public address system etc., to the rural evangelistic programme in Haveri and Guttal area of Dharwad district. Pastor Sumanth from the Gospel for Asia, who was well acquainted with our ministry, invited us to have an outreach ministry in his Guttal area. However the KSM team reached in the evening of the same day. During the two-week outreach programme two KSM evangelists, four members from the Gospel for Asia Church including their pastor Sumanth carried out a concentrated evangelistic outreach in the 51 villages in Haveri, Ranebennur and Shiratti taluks. In all these villages, our team found only idol worshippers and no Christians at all. KSM driver and Mr. L. Pachuau performing ground-breaking ceremony for the rebuilding of KSM clinic at Koramangala Slum. KSM staff, friends, contractor Raju applaud. (Left) Rev. B. D. Immanuel and KSM outreach team with the 35 new believers from Lamadi community and locals from Guttal village with Pastor Sumanth in front of the Gospel for Asia Church building. (Below) Pastor Aroop Kumar leading the gathering in prayer at the rebuilding site of KSM clinic at Koramangala Slum. evangelist P. Thomas filled with zeal for the Lord declared with much enthusiasm I sense a real openness amongst the people in the villages. Pastor Sumanth and Mrs. Sujatha Malagi played an active role in the arrangements for the outreach programme. Each day the team visited as many as 8 villages. P. Thomas, S. Kumar KSM evangelists and Pastor Sumanth preached the gospel. The villages responded with much enthusiasm and there were no objections raised and many villagers carried home, gospel cassettes, new testaments, gospel packets that they had bought. Hundreds of gospel tracts were also distributed in all these villages. The task of catering spiritually to all those hundreds and thousands who are on a desperate search for peace seems great. Although there is so much to accomplish, our God is with us in the battlefront. The battle is not ours, but the Lord s!! Let us stand together for the cause of Christ. Report by Outreach team KSM outreach team covered the following villages with the gospel: 1. Basavana Katti 2. Yelagachu 3. Hosarithi 4. Halerithi 5. Kanavalli 6. Somanakatte 7. Basapura 8. Budugatt 9. Thimmenahalli 10. Kattenahalli 11. Kengonda 12. Kalledevaru 13. Baradi 14. Kurgunda 15. Hosa Kancharagatti 16. Hale Kancharagatti 17. Hallalli 18. Hosa Galaganatha 19. Hale Galaganatha 20. Belarigi 21. Neeralagi 22. Hulyal 23. Havanur 24. Bhudanur 25. Giriyapura 26. Kathebennur 27. Bannimatti 28. Hamshi 29. Holalu 30. Negalur 31. Marul 32. Halagi 33. Maradura 34. Hosa Kithur 35. Hale Kithur 36. Koradur 37. Bommanakatti 38. Thimanapura 39. Choudadanpura 40. Nukapura 41. Nukapura Thanda 42. Gudihonnathi 43. Kerimallapura 44. Yellapura 45. Yellapura thanda 46. Handigunur 47. Hale Melmary 48. Chikka Mallalli 49. Hire Mallalli 50. Mylar 51. Guttal KSM Medical Ministry KSM medical ministry is being strengthened immensely by the prayerful and financial support rendered by many friends and wellwishers. This ministry and the help rendered to the poor slum dwellers in Koramangala slum, prisons in Bangalore, Mandya, Tumkur and Kolar, the poor and needy people in the 5 village and at the KSM mission centre clinic at Kothanur Narayanapura could well run into pages. We praise and thank God for using doctor Mary George, Dr. Anuradha Shankar, nurses, paramedical staff, evangelists and community workers in the various medial outreach programmes. The medical team visits Hegdenagar, Bellahalli, Billishivalla, Bellahalli Bande and Rachanahalli to hold mobile clinics. Patients are regularly treated at Koramangala Slum and Kothanur Clinics, mobile clinics in 5 villages around Kothanur and in five prisons. These mobile clinics in villages, Muslim hostels and contd. on last page JANUARY / FEBRUARY

5 From the Executive Director s Desk Dearly beloved friends, prayer partners and supporters! Hearty new-year greetings to you in the most precious name of our Lord Jesus Christ. My heartfelt thanks to you for upholding the KSM ministry with your unceasing prayers and sacrificial giving. I wish and pray that in this year you would prosper in your family life, progress in your spiritual walk and extend the Kingdom of Christ. "Be not afraid, I am with you, be not dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you and uphold you by the right had of righteousness" Isaiah 41:10. As we enter the new year 2005, we are aware that we are in uncertain and troubled by tsunami horror on 26th December. Indonesia, Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Tamilnadu, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh went through much turmoil upheaval, early that Sunday morning. The southern and eastern coasts of India were hit by massive sea waves reaching up to 30 feet high, gigantic walls of water smashed into the coast line washing away everything in their path. The backwash dragged thousands of people into the sea. People perished and several lakhs were rendered homeless. Does the compassion of Christ compel and drive us to deny everything and take up the cross? Do we invest all the five loaves and the two fishes and whatever resources we have to feed tsunami victims and the spiritually hungry people? There is limited time on hand. Unless man submits himself to Christ there is no hope, be it a nation or an individual. Let us therefore continue to pray for the tsunami victims and their rehabilitation and for our beloved land so that the power of darkness will be defeated and the light of the word will shine forth with power and glory. In spite of all types of hurdles in evangelistic ministry, God Almighty by the enabling strength and guidance, enabled the work of KSM to continue unhindered. We praise Him for this. We praise God for the blessings we are going to enjoy in this New Year. The Lord will provide all your needs and bless you abundantly as you walk with Him in true obedience and with the will of God in your life. He will never fail to bless those who obey Him and accept His will in their lives. May the Lord Jesus bless you abundantly and make you a blessing to others by giving you the special grace of being in true obedience to Him in your life and work. During the time of our outreach programme in 51 villages in Guttal area of Haveri taluk of Dharwad district, people gathered in fairly big numbers and enquired whether we brought some news about tsunami tidal wave disaster. We explained to them that we have brought you a living gospel message to the dying world. KSM team with the GFA volunteers had a pleasant time in every village sharing testimony and words from the Bible. The team reports that some 51 villages have been covered in Haveri taluk in Dharwad District. Hundreds of tracts and booklets were distributed. Over 2000 gospel packets and 200 new testaments. 150 gospel cassettes were bought by non-christians. Do you know that you are partners with God in His mission that seeks to reach out to the least among them and to make His compassion and love known to the most neglected in our land today? Indeed, you have prayed and you have sacrificially shared. Your prayers and support are reaping rich dividends; hence you have become a part of all what the Lord has done during the last 22 years. There are some who have not yet involved with us or stopped supporting God's mission through KSM. It is possible that we can be so preoccupied in meeting our own needs, building our own nets with little or no concern for those whom nothing is prepared. No wonder Peter, James and John, even the Apostle Paul, exhorted us never to lose sight of the poor. All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very things I was eager to do." Galatians 2:10. I praise God that many God's people have a burden to share the blessings the Lord has given them with others. God's people are always looking for opportunities to share what the Lord has given to them, for His ministry. To give for the cause of the Master is a real blessing. which a Christian can enjoy. Giving is the result of commitment, generosity and sacrifice. Commitment to the Lord is something that compels a person to give for His ministry. Giving needs generosity without which we will never be able to give. We praise God that they have never withheld anything, which was required for the Lord's work because their commitment to the Lord was greater than anything else. I humbly request all God's people, please extend your helping had in rebuilding KSM slum clinic and in building God's kingdom. We count on your prayers for us as well as for our ministry that we may be kept in perfect will of God and the mind of Christ may be seen in our lives. We pray for you. Yours in Christ's Mission, Rev. B. D. Immanuel. 5 JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2005

6 KSM Christmas Get-together Christmas was in the air and it painted its joy in every heart, as it overflowed in song, laughter and giving. It was truly the best time of the year. The true spirit of Christmas cannot be felt more dearly than in the fellowship of green sight that met our eyes which was in stark contrast against the dusty atmosphere outside. As we entered the campus our hearts were overwhelmed at the beautiful sight of colour lights that adorned the buildings and the beautiful garden with the fountain and all the bushes glimmering with twinkling lights. At the far right end of the Rev. B. D. Immanuel, KSM director welcoming the special guests and invitees. also their graduation day. Pastor Aroop Kumar opened the programme with a word of prayer and led us for a time of praise and worship. The Chairman of K.S.M., Some of the KSM friends from Bangalore gathered at the function. friends and family. So we as a K.S.M. family decided to spend a lovely evening at the Karnataka Shubhasamachara Mandali, Mission Centre on December 11, More (Above) Another section of KSM friends. (Below) A Mizo girl on keyboard and a Mizo boy with guitar directing the choir. Bangalore Mizo Christian Fellowship Choir presenting special Christmas songs. than 200 people, KSM evangelistic medical staff, board members, well wishers, friends and their families enjoyed the warmth of Christmas 2004 on a cold chilly night of December 11th at KSM Mission Centre in Kothanur Narayanapura. On entering the campus we were pleasantly surprised by the lush KSM staff presenting a Christmas song. JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2005 Dr. Mary George reading the Bible portion. campus a bright shamiana was set up with a stage. Colourful chairs were arranged in front of this stage. Already many of the invitees from the nearby Narayananpura village were seated dressed in their best. Young girls who had just completed their tailoring training courses were gleaming with joy since this day was 6 Dr. Prabhudas leading the programme. Dr. Prabhu Das welcomed all the guests on this happy and joyous day. A 40 member strong choir of young Mizo boys and girls of the Mizo Christian Fellowship sang a few Christmas songs and carols, which brought in the spirit of Christmas. This was followed by the Christmas message by Mr. Ron Penny, the former OM leader, Asia Director for United Bible Society. He shared many of his experiences in India and stressed upon us to lead Anitha Immanuel on keyboard, Kevin Immanuel with guitar and Mr. Mathew with Thabla accompanied singing by KSM staff.

7 children presented a beautiful candlelight dance. It was such a joy to see these girls with beautiful smiles on their faces, perform their dance Koramangala Bethel Baptist Church group presenting Christmas songs. people from their blind faith into the full knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. All the staff of K.S.M. in their colourful and best attire presented two Kannada Christmas songs with (Above) Mr. Ron Penny bringing Christmas message. (Left and below) Special guest Mrs. L. Pachuau presenting certificates and awards to tailoring trainees. Mr. L. Pachuau, IPS, the Additional Director General of Police presenting awards and certificates to a tailoring student (below). with such confidence and ease. The audience was touched and there was spontaneous applause. The yuletide spirit was graced by the Special Guests for this Christmas programme by KSM patrons and board member, Mr. L. Pachuau, IPS Good Shepherd Boarding Home children presenting an item of choreography. (Above) Boarding home girls with their warden at the Christmas dinner. Two of the tailoring students at the KSM tailoring training building. musical accompaniment, which was well appreciated by the audience. Among the gathering there were a few orphan children from the Good Shepherd Church boarding home. They formed a part of Operation Mobilization ministries. These and Mrs. Pachuau. Mrs. Pachuau distributed the tailoring school certificates to all those who had successfully completed their 6- month tailoring training course. The tailoring school held a fancy dress competition and prizes were also distributed to the winners. Rev. B. D. Immanuel gave the vote of thanks. The programme concluded with Tailoring trainees at Christmas fellowship dinner time. Special guest with former Bishop W. Karl (with spectacles), next to him his wife at the Christmas fellowship dinner. (Left) Successful tailoring students with the special guest 7 JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2005

8 Special guest with Rev. B. D. Immanuel having Christmas dinner. a word of prayer by Dr. Prabhu Das, the KSM Chairman. Subsequently, Rev. B. D. Immanuel extended a warm welcome for all the guests and participants of this grand Christmas get-together function for a fellowship dinner. We thank and praise God for His love that binds us together to serve His purpose of bringing the lost into His kingdom. Report by Mr. Prem Karl, KSM Well-wisher from Indiranagar Methodist Church. Christmas function at Koramangala Slum (Left) Special Guest Mr. Ram Subha, IPS, speaking at the KSM Christmas function in Koramangala Slum. (Right) Rev. B. D. Immanuel welcoming the special guest Mr. Ram Subha, IPS. Next to him are Dr. Mary George and Pastor Stephen. (Left) Pastor Stephen of Calvary Chapel praying. (Below) Tailoring trainees with their family members in the Christmas function. Mr. Ram Subha, IPS, presenting the awards and certificates to tailoring students. (Below left) Tailoring trainees with the special guest and KSM officials. (Below right) Fruit and sweet packets being distributed to the participants by the Area Sub-Inspector, Mr. Shivanna and KSM driver-cum-evangelist Mr. Kamble assisting him. Medical Ministry (from page 4) prisons have brought a great relief to the patients because the nearest government primary medical facility is about kilometers away and is virtually impossible to reach it in an emergency. In these clinics patients are generally treated for scabies, malnutrition, hypertension, diabetes, respiratory ailments, gastroenteritis, gynae problems, family planning etc. Report by Medical Department Tailoring Training KSM Tailoring Training Department is proud at the completion of the 6- month tailoring training course to 48 school dropout girls and unemployed women from the Kothanur, Narayanapura, Naganahalli, Thanksandra and Bairathi Bande villages and 22 from the Koramangala slum. All of them were happy at the completion of their training on 11th of December They were recognized at the Christmas function at the KSM Mission Centre and on 18th December in front of the KSM clinic at Koramangala slum. Mr. L. Pachuau, IPS the Additional Director General of Police, Executive Director of Karnataka Police Housing Corporation, KSM board members and Mr. Ram Subha, IPS, the Deputy Commissioner of Police were the special guests who gave away the certificates to the tailoring training students who were present with their family members were very happy. A number of these women have already secured jobs in garment factories. The KSM tailoring training teachers, medical team and evangelists play an important role in improving the lives of these poor people in Koramangala Slum and from the different villages steadily leading them to experience Jesus in their lives. Please stand by our ministry and us in your prayers. Report by Mrs. Metilda Prabha Tailoring Teacher Published by:, Post Box No. 9550, Koramangala, Bangalore Typesetting and Layout: J F Soans soansjf@touchtelindia.net Printed at: Shree Muthappan Offset Printers, Bangalore JANUARY / FEBRUARY