KARNATAKA SHUBHASAMACHARA MANDALI ù<o~kù Bj"æljDjAjtÖoÚj Aj"0Ûjb PRAYING WITNESSING Post Box No.9550, Koramangala, Bangalore 560095 Phone / Fax: 080-25531214; 28465900 E-mail: immanuel_bd@yahoo.com DISCIPLING JANUARY / MARCH 2006 FOR PRIVATE CIRCULATION ONLY No.96 Although it seems like a short while ago, we have come a long way from our humble beginnings. 22 successful years have passed in the ministry of KSM and we praise God for His unfailing faithfulness and sustenance through these years. We also acknowledge with much gratitude your faithful support of our ministry. Thank you for all your encouragement. In celebration of our Anniversary, Special Gospel (Revival) Meetings were conducted at Motebennur village of Haveri district on 14th and 15th January 2006, at CSI Shanthi Church. There are 150 families who worship in this church. They and their ancestors who became Christians are the fruits of the Basel Mission missionaries. The first 3 Basel Mission (Below) Special guest Mr. S. Siddanna, IPS, the Superintendent of Police of Haveri district being received by Rev. David. R. Shirur and Rev. B. D. Immanuel. REVIVAL AND RENEWAL 2 Chronicles 7:14 22nd Anniversary Special Gospel Meetings at Motebennur of Haveri District. CSI Shanthi Church at Motebennur in Haveri district. Missionaries started their work in 1834 with their headquarters at Mangalore in South Karnataka. These missionaries had a passion for souls, as such they led many men to Christ irrespective of caste or creed. These missionaries, especially like Samuel Hebich who quickly picked up the local Kannada language, went about preaching the gospel in streets and in market places and also distributed tracts and Bible portions. Many gathered around the missionaries. While some ridiculing, others heard the gospel. Some took the tracts and burnt them before the missionaries. Some others took them and tore them. Missionaries were persecuted in many places. Yet they went about preaching the gospel peacefully. This aroused a sort of curiosity among the non- (Below) Kannada Gospel songs by KSM team with Anitha Immanuel at the keyboard and Kevin Immanuel playing base guitar.
Kolar Methodist Church youth presenting special gospel songs. Christians to know as to what sort of people they were. Why should the missionaries take pains to preach the gospel? Why should they spend their money for this cause? Why should they bear such persecutions patiently? These On 15th January 06 KSM provided lunch to all those attended the Revival meetings. A section of congregation having lunch. were the questions they were asking among themselves. The work of Basel Mission missionaries that began in Mangalore in 1834 soon spread in all directions. As a second sphere the North Karnataka areas was CSI Shanthi Church, Motebennur congregation. chosen in 1837. Then, Dharwad and Hubli were covered in 1837 and 1839. Later, other stations were opened in Guledgudda in Bijapur district in 1851, Gadag-Betgeri and Motebennur in Dharwad in 1853. Another aspect of their concentration was that of schools. They opened mission schools in Mangalore, Dharwad and Hubli. They opened Mission hospitals in Udupi, Gadag-Betgeri, Guledgudda, and a clinic in Motebennur. Through these agencies they tried to preach the gospel. As a result of their work, 8 churches in Bijapur district and 15 churches in Dharwad district, 12 to 15 churches in Mangalore district were established. Two technical training schools, one in Mangalore and one in Dharwad and a theological college in Mangalore were opened. Work was gradually progressing. Then there was a sudden fall in the growth of the church. In 1941 the World War I broke out causing a crisis in the mission because of lack of men and money. But later in 1953 Basel Mission missionaries gave their consent to join the Church of South India (CSI). As a result the Motebennur Basel Mission Church became CSI Shanthi Church. This is where KSM conducted the Revival and Renewal Meetings for two days. The success of these Revival Special guest Mr. S. Siddanna, IPS, SP and his wife being presented with gospel Meetings at Motebennur brought us great joy, as they were the culmination of months of planning, preparation and prayer. We are therefore extremely thankful to you for upholding these meetings in your prayers. We are also thankful to Rev. David Shirur, presbyter in-charge of CSI Shanthi Church, all pastorate committee members and KNH Warden and her team who helped to organize these meetings at CSI Shanthi Church, Motebennur. About 300 people from Haveri, Ranebennur, Budapanahalli, Sunakal Bidari, Kanavalli, Guttal, Negalur, Bannimatti, Hubli and Dharwad churches attended the two days Revival Meetings, which brought immense blessings. A number of them dedicated their lives to Jesus and for His glory. Both the days I had the privilege of bringing God s messages in the evening meetings and Sunday morning service. A 10-member team of Kolar Methodist Church youth along with KSM team ministered at the meetings through gospel lyrics and songs. Each member Contd.on page 6 Rev. B. D. Immanuel bringing God s Word. JANUARY/MARCH 2006 2
JOY SINGERS from Germany visit Bangalore, Mysore, Mandya, Tumkur, Kolar and KGF Prisons Joy singers, a 16-member team from Germany brought great blessings to many prisoners, church congregations, college, slum people and KSM Board members, staff, friends and their families during the month of February 2006. The team Joy singers, KSM team and volunteers at Bangalore Central Prison. (Above) A section of the 3500 prisoners gathered at Bangalore Central Prison. (Below) Edmund of Joy Singers sharing his testimony, Bro. Achim and Rev. B. D. Immanuel interpreting. was in Bangalore from 4th to 14th of February and ministered in 7 prisons, 6 churches, 1 college, a slum and a mission organization. Along with them, KSM also conducted a seminar on the subject of Understanding a Prisoner, How Christians are to reach the prisoners with the gospel and Biblical Truth, Counseling and Legal Aid for Prisoner and Integration and Rehabilitation. There were Gospel music, skit, testimonies and scripture messages. Each member of the team was a committed Christian and the leader of the team was Mr. Achim Halfmann. They all belonged to Crossroad Prison ministry. They interacted with the prisoners, prison officials, principals and students of colleges and pastors and leaders in churches and assemblies Joy singers presenting gospel songs in Kannada and Hindi at Bangalore Central Prison. bringing awareness among them as to how the grace of God can bring about forgiveness of sin leading to joy, happiness in one s life. We had obtained official permission from Mr. Dharampal Negi, IPS the Additional Director General of Police and Inspector General of Prisons with the help of Mr. L. Pachuau, IPS, the Additional Director General of Police, Karnataka Lokayukta, Bangalore and longstanding member of the KSM Board of Trustees to visit Bangalore Central Prison, Bangalore Open Air Prison and Central Prisons in Mysore, Mandya, Tumkur, Kolar and KGF and conduct gospel meetings along with Joy Singers. It was a great encouragement for the KSM staff and Board of Trustees during the 10 days of their ministry. Their singing and testimonies expressed deep devotion to God. Their clear and forceful presentations of the gospel appealed to people of all age groups and from all walks of life. Their singing in Kannada, Hindi, English and German languages was appropriate. After Joy singers presenting gospel songs in Kannada and Hindi to over 1000 prisoners gathered there. 3 JANUARY/MARCH 2006
their ministry, we could jointly distribute thousands of gospels, tracts and booklets in Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Hindi, Urdu and Marathi. We realized that God was at work and we were indeed happy that their visit has opened more opportunities to work in the area of ministering to thousands of prison inmates in Karnataka. Convicted prisoners, Ramesh, Puttappa Akki, Nagendra, Srinivas, Channappa, Gangadhara Gurappa in Bangalore and Mysore Central Prison confessed their sins to Jesus Christ and experienced the joy of forgiveness and salvation after hearing the gospel and testimony of an ex-prisoner from Joy Singers who confessed that he himself had been (Below) Joy singers, KSM team & volunteers distributing gospel tracts, booklets and Gospel packets to prisoners. (Left) Bro. Bernd presenting the gospel through a skit. (Right)Bro. Helmut and volunteers distributing the gospel tracts and booklets. saved and now is living for Jesus Christ. What a wonderful joy it was to see these prisoners turning to the Lord Jesus Christ. During the regular visits of our evangelists H. T. Mathai, K. Y. Kamble and volunteers, the inmates of the prisons have often expressed their strong desire to know more about Jesus Christ and to grow in the faith. We keep supplying some literature to help them spiritually. We feel encouraged by their response to the gospel. We are confident that our Lord will strengthen us in the ministry. Psychological and social services can speak about guilt and atonement but they cannot offer forgiveness. (Above) Joy singers team member Axel sharing the gospel to Kolar prisoners. Every one who is placed under detention needs a positive contact with somebody. To meet this need, KSM Crossroad Prison Ministry in Bangalore makes regular visits to 7 prisons with volunteers. (Below) Joy singers at Kristu Jayanthi College. (Below left) Mr. H. T. Matthew, KSM prison evangelist giving a gospel talk to prisoners. (Below right) KSM doctor Mary George examining prison patients. (Below) Dr. Susan from Kolar Methodist Hospital examining the prison patients. JANUARY/MARCH 2006 4
From the Executive Director s Desk Nurse distributing free medicines to prisoners. Karnataka has 96 prisons and jails where approximately 11000 prisoners are languishing. These are men, women and children separated from the rest of the society. They have none to love and care for them and with no hope whatsoever. When they come out of prison they will be rejected by society and even by their own families. In many cases their only option is to commit another crime and go back to the prison. Let us make every effort to reach these people with the lifechanging gospel of Jesus. When the only bread winner is imprisoned the family starves and the children either become beggars, or robbers once again adding to the crime rate. Prison does not change people but the gospel does. KSM Crossroad Prison Ministry would like to share the good news and also care for their social needs as well. A ministry of this nature has large financial needs. Our resources come from God through His church and His people like you. We are in a battle for the souls of criminals and we will win them in the name of Jesus Christ. Please pray for prison authorities, the inmates, prison ministry of KSM the follow-up work among the prisons and for the needed finances. Apart from your prayers, we need your financial help for the building project of KSM Ministry. Your contributions and gifts will be very much appreciated which may please be sent to The Treasurer KARNATAKA SHUBHASAMACHARA MANDALI No.265, 18th D Main, 6th Block, Koramangala, Bangalore 560095 Dearly beloved friends in Christ, A very warm and loving greetings to you in the precious and wonderful name of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ. We are grateful to you for your help and fellowship over 23 years of KSM ministry. The Lord s provision and your faithfulness has been the key factor for the growth of our ministry. The season has changed. Summer is back again and as the mercury level soars and people seek respite from the blistering summer heat, KSM outreach, evangelism and medical departments becomes a hot bed of activity. KSM outreach team would like to move during the summer months to northern part of K a r n a t a k a. Preparation is very much on. The Lord has blessed all our efforts in organizing the evangelistic ministry (Above) Denise and Maria with some of KSM team members at KSM Mission Centre. (Below) Some members of Joy singers enjoying a meal of Biriyani with KSM well wisher Mr. H. T. Sangliana and Mr. L. Pachuau, IPS, ADGP and KSM Trustee. itinerary for the Joy Singers from Crossroad Prison ministry organization from Germany. The programmes of Joy Singers were held in 7 prisons, 6 churches, 1 college, Koramangala slum and KSM Mission centre in Bangalore, Mysore, Mandya, Tumkur, Kolar and KGF from 5th to 13th February 2006. We are grateful to God for blessing their ministry to us and to many. Thank you for your prayers. Over 16 years ago in 1989, prison ministry was something very strange and a new concept for me. When Mr. Friedel Pfeiffer and Mr. Hans shared to me during my second visit to Germany the urgent need of reaching the Indian Andre Paseal of Joy singers and KSM evangelist M. Srinivas enjoying a drink of tender coconut from KSM Mission center s coconut tree. 5 JANUARY/MARCH 2006
prisons with the life changing message, I wondered why they chose prison ministry as against the regular ministry which was relatively comfortable. When Joy Singers had their ministry in Bangalore Central Prison for 3500 prison inmates, one prison Mr. Upendra from Shimoga area confessed his sins and experienced the joy of forgiveness and salvation, after hearing the gospel songs, testimony of an ex-prisoner from the team of Joy singers who had been saved and is living for the Lord Jesus Christ. Through this incident, I felt the Lord s call for the prison ministry. Secondly when these thought were fresh in my mind I came across a book called Born Again written by Charles Colson, in which he narrates his prison experiences. Being convicted in the Watergate scandal which had rocked the Presidency of Nixon in the United States, a proud and shrewd aide of President Nixon was thrown behind bars. It was in the prison that his pride was shattered and for a change he came face to face with the ugly side of his life. Sharp edges of his personality were smothered and he returned to the creator. Eventually he gave his life to Jesus and vowed to work for the spiritual upliftment of the prison inmates as much as he could. Initially, we did not know how to take up the challenge; but along with me, the JANUARY/MARCH 2006 Joy singers, KSM staff, Board Members, supporters at the fellowship dinner at KSM Mission Centre. KSM Board of Trustees and Indian Allianz Mission were led in prayer to think over it. And we decided to launch into the third ministry of KSM of reaching the prison inmates in Karnataka with the life changing gospel message. We thank God for enabling all of us to minister to the prison inmates and some of their families for the last sixteen years in 9 prisons of Karnataka. The Lord has sustained this ministry and we have marched forward trusting in the promises of our Lord and Saviour. In spite of lack of resources, we have moved along with His guidance to take up new challenges. The Lord is at work in our midst and we have much to praise Him. The KSM medical team along with our evangelists and volunteers are doing a good job. In one of the worst serial terrorist strikes in Utter Pradesh, the temple packed with Tuesday temple visitors on 7th March 2006 was rocked by a huge blast. Soon after, two bombs exploded at a nearby train station, leaving a total of 20 people dead and 50 injured. In newspapers and magazines we look in vain for joyful news. The headlines screem of bomb blast, murder, rape, corruption in the government and private business. Senseless violence and war that followed resulted in the destruction of many people in Iraq, Palestine and Israel, Cuba, Libya etc. We wonder if there is any joy in the world. Even in the Christian periodicals, the news is often gloomy. Reading about the fall of Christian ministers and leaders because of immorality and unethical deeds makes us sad. Truly this is sinful, wicked, joyless world. More than ever before, I realize afresh the sovereignty of God in the affairs of every nation. Denise of Crossroad Prison Ministry busy forming the vegetable garden at KSM Mission Centre. 6 God s remedy for human malady is His only Son. To a restless rebellious world God has offered His Son as the Saviour. As the KSM very soon completes twenty three years of its existence, we reaffirm our commitment to offer Jesus Christ the Saviour to the people of our land and to the world. May the Lord Jesus abundantly bless you, your family and work. We thank you for your involvement in this growing ministry of God through KSM. Yours in Christ s Ministry, Rev. B. D. Immanuel Revival & Renewal (from page 6) of this team is a deeply committed Christian. The singing of gospel songs was a powerful presentation of the gospel to the people of all age groups. These program appealed to all sections of the people, who could hardly wait for the evening. All of them came with a real spiritual hunger for Christ. Many village Christians made a fresh commitment to the Lord and to His mission, when the alter call was given. The highlight of the 14th evening program was the response to the gospel of Mr. S. Siddanna, IPS, the Superintendent of Police of Haveri district and his wife. They were presented with a New Testament and the book entitled Death of a Guru. As a result, he invited me and my family the next day to his official bungalow at Haveri where we continued the gospel talk He further said that so long as he is posted in Karnataka he would be involved in our meetings. We praise God for the great work of the Holy Spirit in these meetings. Please uphold Mr.S.Siddanna and his wife as well as those who made decision for Christ at our meetings in your prayers. We praise God for the mighty moving of His Spirit in these meetings. People came with hunger and thirst for God. We saw very good response for God s message. All this happened due to our great God who was in total control and moved the hearts of the people, preacher, the participants, the pastors, organizers alike. In spite of many obstacles the victory was the Lord s.
PRISON and REHABILITATION MINISTRIES A Seminar held on 12th February 2006 KSM and Joy Singers had the privilege of organizing a seminar on prison and Rehabilitation ministries on 12th February 2006 at Indiranagar Methodist Church, Indiranagar, Bangalore. About seventy participants attended this seminar and among them were pastors, lay people, KSM staff and a number of volunteers from Methodist, Baptist, CSI, Brethren other independent churches and mission organizations. Brother Achim Halfmann from Joy Singers and Mr. M. Mathai, an advocate, led this Seminar. It was very fruitful and profitable to all the participants and they were motivated to be involved in the prison ministry in Bangalore and surrounding places. The theme of this one-day seminar was Involvement of churches and Christian organizations in Prison and Rehabilitation,ministries. It was organized and sponsored by the KSM Seminar participants with Seminar leaders. and Joy Singers of Germany to address the challenges and issues that confront us in India as we venture into the prison and rehabilitation ministry. We look together to the Lord for His guidance and direction for our future involvement in the prison ministries. We are conscious of the impending return of our Lord and hence affirm the urgency of the task of preaching the gospel to all prisoners in Karnataka and India. We therefore rededicate our obedience to the Lord to be His instruments in His mission to the broken hearted and lonely prisoners in Karnataka. By meeting together and listening to one another in the presence of God and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we were able to identify the challenges and issues that needed to Mr. Prem Karl, from Indiranagar Methodist Church presiding over the seminar. Mr. Achim Halfmann presenting his paper at the seminar. be addressed. As we renew our commitment to His mission we do so with the desire that all the prisoners in Karnataka would come to affirm that Jesus Christ is Lord. The resource persons were Mr. Achim Halfmann from Joy Singers, Germany and Mr. M. Mathai, an advocate, who is a committed Christian. He spoke on the subjects of Understanding a prisoner How Christians are to reach the prisons with the gospel and Biblical truth, Counseling and Legal Aid for a prisoner and Integration and Rehabilitation particularly in Karnataka. The seminar was presided by Mr. Prem Karl, son of ex-csi Northern Diocese Bishop W. V. Karl, a member of Indiranagar Methodist Church and a leader of prison ministry volunteers. We look forward to the glorious day when a great multitude, including prisoners from every nation, will stand before the throne and in the presence of the Lord wearing white robes holding palm branches in their hands, and worshipping Him. (Rev. 7:9,10). Report by Prem and Mercy Karl (Above) Mr. M. Matthew, an advocate, presenting his paper at the Seminar. (Below) It is lunch time for participants with Joy Singers. 7 JANUARY/MARCH 2006
DEDICATION and INAUGURATION of KSM s Koramangala Slum Clinic and Community Development Centre The beginning, the development and expansion of KSM have been a miracle. The second milestone in the ministry of KSM is the new KSM s Koramangala Slum Clinic and Community Development Centre. Mr. Georg Fischer, IAM Board member and Joy Singers team member dedicating the new slum clinic building. Rain and drainage water flooding into KSM s slum clinic and Tailoring Training Centre will all be a thing of the past. We thank and praise God for the new building. As we had reported earlier, the torrential rain that lash the city every monsoon caused great concern at our clinic in view of the precarious condition of the building and the faulty drainage system in the area. On several occasions during the monsoon we experienced the sewage and rain water entering our clinic, often more than 3 feet and sometimes even up to 4 feet high! This had destroyed a lot of medicines, m e d i c a l instruments and furniture leaving the clinic stinking with stagnant rain w a t e r contaminated with sewage. Clinic staff have to struggle to remove this sewage water manually and mop the clinic. In spite of this during the last 14 years we have been running regular clinic, tailoring training programme for school drop-out girls and inemployed women and also evangelistic programs to the almost sixty thousand slum dwellers. We had kept this matter in prayer for the last 8 years. God in His own time so ordered the events Newly built KSM s Koramangala slum clinic, tailoring training centre and home for the caretaker. that we could purchase the property from three persons at Koramangala slum after much prayer and waiting upon the Lord. It was the desire kindled by God in the heart of Bro. Gerhard Frank, Germany who was one of the brain behind the development of KSM and IAM ministries over the last 22 years. Bro. Gerhard Frank poured his life into the Lord s ministry through IAM and KSM. He has been a great source of blessing and inspiration for the KSM Ministry. It is he who provided the entire fund for the rebuilding of slum clinic and tailoring Mr.L. Pachuau, IPS, ADGP Lokayuktha, Bangalore, Inaugurating the newly built KSM slum clinic & Community Development building on 11th February 2006. Some members of Joy singers and Mrs. Beulah Immanuel with Koramangala slum children in front of the new clinic building. JANUARY/MARCH 2006 8
(Above) Mr. Alok Kumar, IPS, the Deputy Commissioner of Police Bangalore cutting the ribbon. (Right) Mr. Berned Sieper, the IAM Board member and team member of Joy Singers opening the curtain over the picture of Esther and Gerhard Frank who had provided the entire funds to build the new slum clinic. training Centre. We thank Bro. Gerhard Frank and his wife Esther and each one of you who extended a helping hand in this project and KSM Ministry. As Paul wrote in I Thes. 2:20 that You are our Glory and Joy. 11th February was a memorable day for KSM/IAM and Joy Singers of Germany when at the Dedication and Inauguration Service of the new (Above) A section of the gathering at the inauguration service. (Below) Joy Singers presenting a special song in English. slum clinic and T a i l o r i n g Training Centre. It reminded all of us of the greatness of the God whom we serve. We were g r e a t l y privileged to have the 16- member team of Joy Singers especially Georg Fischer, the IAM founding Board Member to dedicate the new building in prayer. Mr. L. Pachuau, IPS, the Additional Director General of Police of Karnataka Lokayuktha, Bangalore and the KSM Board of Trustee and Mr. Dr. Prabhudas, KSM Board Chairman presiding over the dedication and inauguration service of new slum clinic building. Alok Kumar, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Bangalore who have distinguished themselves in the service of the people of Karnataka and who have involved themselves in the ministries of KSM, who honoured us by their presence inaugurated the new building. Dr. Prabhudas, MBBS; DTCD; KSM staff presenting a special song in Kannada. Anitha Immanuel is at the keyboard & Kevin Immanuel with base guitar. 9 JANUARY/MARCH 2006
(Above) Dr. Mary George, KSM doctor, reading the scripture portion. (Left) Mr. Alok Kumar, IPS, DCP, presenting the certificates to the tailoring trainees who completed their training. (Above) Mr. Achim Halfmann, leader of the Joy Singers, bringing God s message. (Below) Pastor Nelson D Cuna of Bethel Baptist Church, did the opening and closing of function with prayer. Another section of dinner fellowship after the dedication. A section of dinner fellowship after the dedication service. Government doctor and the Chairman of the KSM Board of Trustees and distinguished Christian leader in Karnataka, presided over the function. Mr. Achim Halfmann of Joy Singers and the distinguished leader of Crossroad Prison Ministry was used mightily by God to challenge us by God s Word and bless us at this special occasion. Opening and closing prayers were led by Pastor Nelson D Cuna, from Bethel Baptist Church where Rev. B. D. Immanuel and family worship. We were blessed by the melodies of Joy Singers and their testimonies. KSM Staff also gave a Kannada song. Later, all invitees and special guests along with Joy Singers, had a wonderful time of fellowship over dinner. Our sincere thanks to you, our partners in prayer and ministry. May each of you experience the blessing of the Lord God Almighty in the days to come. Report by Dr. Mary V. George, KSM Doctor, Slum Clinic. JANUARY/MARCH 2006 10
Healing of the Body and Soul KSM Evangelistic Medical Ministries During the early life of the Lord Jesus people around Him looked for signs and miracles in order to believe on Him (John.4:48). In this context, Jesus made it a point to heal a noble man s son. Ultimately the whole household believed in Jesus. We believe that God still performs miracles including physical healing. But (Right) KSM Medical & Evangelistic team with volunteers at the Bangalore Central Prison. (Below) Women prisoners gathered at Bangalore Central Prison. our prayer is that many of us will also be healed spiritually. The medical ministry has an important role to play in our work. The Lord burdened KSM/ IAM to start a health centre at Kothanur Narayanapura of Bangalore South taluk as a Dr. Mary George examining a woman prisoner s child in the KSM Ambulance with nurses Selvi and Sheela helping her. continuation of the medical work in Koramangala slum and mobile clinic in 6 villages with the help of Tempo Traveller Ambulance. KSM doctors, nurses and lab technicians find themselves engaged in medical services. Our medical teams in Koramangala slum clinic and KSM mission centre clinic at Kothanur Narayanapura and mobile clinics are moved when they see the poor suffering for want of medical aid and education. We recognize the problems of malnutrition and negligence of health of these under privileged. The patient load might increase in the newly built slum clinic. Evangelists visit the houses of the patients in all these areas and surrounding villages as well as in Bangalore, Tumkur, Kolar, and Mandya prisons. (Above) KSM team & volunteers presenting gospel songs for women prisoners (Below) Mr. H.T. Matthew praying for some women prisoners Tracts, booklets and sweets being distributed to women 11 JANUARY/MARCH 2006
Denise Stelkens and Maria Tows of Gefahrdetenhilfe, Scheidweg e.v., Germany at KSM Mission Centre I like to give a small report about my experience of the last few weeks especially about the prison ministry on Saturday the 11th March at the Bangalore Central Prison. We visited and had a gospel and mobile clinic program at the women s prisoners block. There we met about 150 women prisoners and some of their children. Dr. Mary George, Dr. Jayanthi, and two nurses kept busy examining the women prison patients, while I and Maria with KSM evangelists and 10 volunteers from Indiranagar Methodist Church conducted gospel meeting for women prisoners. It was a short program of 2 gospel songs and a gospel message presented by Bro. Naveen Chandar. Bro. H. T. Matthew concluded the meeting with prayer. After this we distributed gospel tracts and booklet to all prisoners in their own languages. A number of women prisoners were touched. Some of them were crying. I am very fortunate that after the program I had a chance to speak to a number of prisoners individually. After talking to them I noticed the extent of their need and hopelessness. KSM evangelists, volunteers, Maria and I kept talking with a number of women prisoners. Most of them took time to think about their life and the need for Jesus in their lives and prayed with us. I felt so happy to see that the prison ministry is a very good and rewarding means to share the gospel to the lost ones. It was good to know that the KSM visits regularly different prisons. Beside the prison ministry, I have also enough reasons to be happy for the opportunity to stay for a longer per of time with KSM. The past weeks at KSM Mission Centre and its different ministries have been interesting and I am blessed. I saw different sides of KSM work:. The clinic and the tailoring training program at Koramangala slum, the clinic and the tailoring training program at the KSM mission centre at Kothanur Narayanapura, the mobile clinic by Ambulance and the prison ministry. In all these things the main objective is to spread the good news of the gospel to the people who are lost. All KSM staff at Koramangala slum clinic and at KSM Mission Centre come together for a short time of prayer before starting their regular work, which I like. I am very thankful for the opportunity to help in this God s work and I am very anxious to continue in the KSM ministry in the months to come. How great is our Jesus Christ! Denise Stelkens ***** I am very thankful to our Lord Jesus Christ for the opportunity to spend my time with different KSM ministries. A few years back I finished my education as a Pharmacy assistant. As I work in the KSM clinics, it brings me a lot of new experiences. Most of the medicines that are used in KSM clinics are the same which we are familiar with in Germany. When I go with the mobile clinic and the Ambulance to villages or prisons and when Dr. Jayanthi examines the patients and gives prescriptions, she explains to me about the examination and the prescription which is very helpful to me to know and be involved. Every morning we have a staff prayer meeting at KSM mission centre clinic and Koramangala slum clinic. We pray to the Lord to bless the work during the day. This is very important which I like. As I was eagerly looking forward to go to the prison ministry, on Saturday the 11th March. We visited the Women Prisoners Block of Bangalore Central Prison. After the gospel program for women prisoners we had the opportunity to speak with individual women prisoners. I was very glad because I used to visit prisons in Germany twice a month; so also here in Bangalore I can visit Indian prisons twice a month and share the gospel. I could speak with some women prisoners in English who know the English. I told them that Jesus can give them hope and can change their lives if they place their trust in Him. They asked me pray for all of them. I assured them my prayers. I praise God for the opportunity to speak with the women prisoners and I am looking forward to meet them again. Maria Tows ***** Praise God For... Effective and successful ministry of Joy singers in 7 prisons, 6 churches, 1 college, 1 slum and mission organizations in Bangalore, Mysore, Mandya, Tumkur Kolar, and KGF and at a seminar in Bangalore The successful and fruitful dedication and inauguration service of new clinic and Community Development centre at Koramangala slum on 11th February 2006. The wonderful ministry of God s Word by Mr. Achim Halfmann, the leader of Joy Singers from Germany. His enabling grace to use the new slum building for medical and community development ministries. Successful KSM Board Meeting held on 26.01.2006. Non-Christians who have responded to the outreach, prison and medical ministry programmes. For Denise and Maria from Crossroads Prison ministry, Germany who are led by the Lord to stay one year with KSM to involve in its ministry. Pray and Share... For those who responded during the programmes of Joy singers in prisons, churches, college, slum and mission organizations. Work of the mobile clinic team evangelists, and volunteers for the prisoners in Bangalore, Mandya, Tumkur, Kolar and in the open air jail along with the 4 villages in Bangalore South taluks. God s wisdom to be granted to KSM and IAM leadership. For our nation and the church which stands as the mediator between God and the people. Eye Camp on 26th March 2006, and Pulse Polio Camp on 9th April 2006 at the new KSM slum clinic at Koramangala, Bangalore. Rev. B. D. Immanuel s passion week preaching from 9th to 12th April at CSI Shaeffer Memorial Church, Bangalore Published by:, Post Box No. 9550, Koramangala, Bangalore 560095 Typesetting and Layout: J F Soans +91-80-41207087 email: soansjf@gmail.com Print production: Shree Muthappan Offset Printers, Bangalore 560030 JANUARY/MARCH 2006 12