Obituary

Grace Mathews was born in Ranni, Kerala, on December 23, 1939. Pastor Cherian and Grace Mathews served the people of Gujarat, India, and other parts of the world for nearly 60 years.  She birthed seven children, but was a spiritual mother to countless others. Her life’s purpose was to share and demonstrate Jesus’ love boldly.  She was a visionary who always attempted and achieved great things for the Kingdom of God.  Her faith, conviction, care, and cheerful hospitality were some of her greatest traits that impacted thousands across generations and continents.  Grace was a powerhouse who helped and inspired people to do great things.
 
In 1965, God called Pastor Mathews and Grace to minister in Gujarat, India.  While expecting her second child and her firstborn son in tow, she boarded the train from Kerala to join her husband who was already on the mission field.  God miraculously provided tickets and food for the four day trip to northern India. On that day, and until her last breath, her faith and prayer were her leading assets. Pastor Mathews and Grace suffered extreme hardships, persecution, hunger and even the death of a child.  Nevertheless, Grace’s firm foundation in Christ held the family together through her relentless faith, prayers, and hard work, while serving the Lord cheerfully.  Her greatest desire was for her children and grandchildren to become men and women of faith, who would serve God faithfully and become world changers.
 
She served God with unwavering faith along with Pastor Mathews and their six children.  The loss of her daughter due to a lack of funds for medical care was among her most difficult challenges, but she used it to help and encourage the childless and those who suffered like she had.  She valued life and was outspoken for the rights of unborn children.  She spent her birthdays gifting sarees and feeding the widows and orphans.  She shared hope and encouragement with foreigners who felt out of place, and visitors from various places always stopped at her home because they were sure they would never leave hungry.  She was an amazing evangelist who never lost an opportunity to witness to anyone that crossed her path.  Her
heartbeat was to make Jesus known to the least of these through word and deed.
 
Grace is survived by five sons and one daughter and their spouses: Benny and Lina Mathews, Finny and Bindu Mathews, Denny and Bella Mathews, Davis and Anila Mathews, Jimmy and Susan Mathews, and Lovely and Denny Koshy.  She was blessed with 21 grandchildren: Faith-Hannah and her husband LJ, Ben-Israel and his wife Elizabeth, Joy-Ruth, Debbie and her husband Trevor, Charles, Abel, Jude, Abigail, Hannah, Jonah, Bethany, Anna, Asha, Nathan, Micah, Selah, Jonathan, David, Ruth, Jerusalem, and Timothy. She was also blessed with a great grandchild, Haven.  She is also survived by her siblings: Moni Varghese, Thankachan George, Cherian George, and Thomas George as well as many nieces and nephews. 
 
She was known as “Ammachi” to her grandchildren.  And she was known endearingly as Mummy by all. Her legacy continues through her children, grandchildren, and the countless others whom she touched with her caring heart and hands by serving, praying, witnessing, discipling and speaking life to the hopeless.

South Asia Needs The Gospel Of Christ… Doorway To Bring Help, Hope & Healing

About a month ago I returned from a month’s long trip to South Asia. Three of our pastors were held in prison for over a month. Praise the Lord, they were granted bail, but the case remains open. Pray that this case will be closed, and our people released from charges.

My 82-year-old mother had a fall and fractured her back. She was on bedrest for over a month. Praise the Lord, she is now able to get up and walk. Thank you for praying and uplifting her during this difficult time.

While preparing to leave for the USA on March 10th, I received news that one of our pioneer pastors, V. M. Samuel, was rushed to emergency surgery. He was 67 years old. He had a stroke and died at the hospital. The next day we received more sad news. One of the fellow pioneer pastors who came with Pastor V.M. to serve in that region, Pastor John Quadros, died in his sleep on March 11th. Both pastors were the same age and were dear friends. I extended my stay to visit the grieving families and attend funeral services. Finally, I was set to leave for the airport, however I became very ill. I had some sort of food poisoning and I had to cancel my return flight twice. By the grace of God I have recovered and am now home.

Yes, it has been an eventful beginning to 2021. The nation of Burma (Myanmar) is under martial law situation. The security forces have killed hundreds of people since the recent military coup began. The death toll in Burma has been steadily rising as authorities grow more forceful with their suppression of opposition.

The unrest emerging in India, however, is of a different breed. Several states in India approved ‘Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Bill 2021’. According to this law, individuals seeking to change their religion for any reason must ask government permission. The law also criminalizes religious conversions through marriage. Persons could face a prison sentence of three to ten years and a fine of $400. Everyone is under constant surveillance and fears rise among religious minorities, especially Christians, as violence spikes following this controversial new law.

South Asia needs the Gospel of Christ, as I saw the gripping reality firsthand and the Lord impressed the need for action. In developing countries, poverty is perpetuated by lack of education and skills. Poorer children cannot attend school due to fees, sickness from unclean water, or the necessity of having to work to help the family with income.
MATCHING CHALLENGE
Through our project, Vocational Instruction Transforms-A-Life (V.I.T.A.L.), Alpha Ministries is breaking cycle of deprived education
through vocational training for skills such as sewing and embroidery. The empowerment of self-sufficiency can break many bonds that the enemy uses to discourage and suppress. A small tailoring business can support an entire family, creating self-sufficiency that will lead to more needs has proven to be an effective means of evangelism.

For April, we have another unique opportunity to give and have our gifts matched. I am pleased to tell you that a friend of the ministry has offered a $50,000 matching challenge, which means every gift we receive by April 31 will effectively be DOUBLED to do twice as much. The Lord has inspired them to help young women and girls out of despairing situation. Prize, any gift you give to V.I.T.A.L. this month will be doubled up to $50,000.

To a struggling woman or girl in Burma or Bangladesh, the sewing machine you provide can be the doorway to a better life. You will help a single mother, orphaned teen, or widow feel the dignity of providing for herself and her family. By providing a family with a sewing machine, you offer them an opportunity to earn a decent living for the first time.

In Myanmar, Nepal & Bangladesh and regions beyond our efforts have been successful. Thanks be to God for His mercy in transforming lives. With your gifts and the generous $50,000, we can reach many more. And thanks to the Matching Challenge, can we count on your help to make the most of this fantastic opportunity? Rejoice with us over these testimonies of work already begun.

TESTIMONIES: The Civil War in Myanmar impacted the Binoo family farm. Because of the unrest, they could not plant. With no planting, there is no harvest. Kim is seventeen, has three brothers and a sister. She heard the Gospel message from a local pastor and now believes in Jesus. She has zeal for the Lord and would like to go to Bible School so she can help suffering people. Now that she has sewing skills through V.I.T.A.L., she wants to help others and minister to suffering people.

The Vinyai family was in a village where two armed groups were fighting, and the road was shut down so that no food or supplies could enter the village. Eighteen-year-old Pathan is one of the seven siblings in the Vinyai family. She came to the training camp and is now a believer in Jesus. She would like to run her own sewing shop.

Like Pathan, Sindu and Mantan are both eighteen and come from large families. They were also driven from their villages because of the war. Both are believers and want to become clothing designers.

Many of the current V.I.T.A.L. graduates from the training have similar testimonies. Lives insecure from war, lack of education and poverty are now stable and peaceful. These souls now know the love of Christ, and many are dedicating themselves in service to others.

Please pray for V.I.T.A.L ministry, the families impacted and give a practical gift in the Name of Jesus to people who need it most. I am humbled and grateful. All additional gifts this month will go towards the challenge. Thank you!

For Such A Time As This…

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18

COVID: New variants of the COVID virus are rapidly spreading across South Asia. Several of our workers are ill with what has been nicknamed, COVID 20. Pray for Pastor K, as his wife, mother-in-law and father are terribly ill, as are many from his church.
We have reports of at least 30 Christian leaders who have died. Pray for a dear one that has tested negative for COVID, as others have, yet his lungs are infected and needs treatment.
The governments are mandating lockdowns again. Pastors are going back to online services because everything is closed, even some of our ministry offices.  A news reports shares that the 450 million migrant workers, especially those that labor inter-state, are fearful they will need to beg once again as a total shutdown threatens. 
A report from the field states: “We have reports of death all around and people are living in fear.” Hospitals are overwhelmed and people are dying in ambulances, waiting for treatments they never receive. In one state, their two hospitals reported more than 300 deaths in one week.Although this is the reality, still millions are gathering for Kumbh Mela at the Ganges River. National Public Radio called it ‘The World’s Largest Gathering of Humans’. They think the Ganges will ‘wash away COVID’. Pray that God awakens hearts to His Truth.  
COURT CASE:  A new hearing date has been set for Pastor Nathan, Chatter and Nag.  Through prayer and efforts of Alpha Ministries’ legal team, the Pastors were finally granted bail and on February 24th all three Pastors were released. There are still many challenges—the Government’s new Freedom of Religion laws have emboldened the authorities to make an example of this case. Please pray that God will redeem this situation for His glory. The false charges fill 49 pages. We plan to hire a new lawyer. Ask God that He grant us favor and that He appoint the right one. The hearing date is May 7th.
Mother Grace: My mother is now walking after the debilitating fall last month, but she is still in need of prayer. Ask God to heal her bones and protect her from COVID, since her health is weak.
MYANMAR:  A military coup d’état in Myanmar removed democratically elected Aung San Suu Kyi from office in early February. Nationwide protests have been met by escalating crackdowns. As you can imagine, this has impacted Alpha Ministries’ work there. Unknown numbers of people died. Our team says, “We Burmese citizens feel unsafe because the police are shooting in the day and kidnapping at night…please remember us in your prayers.” Besides the fear of violence, there is a great need for food and supplies that cause the Burmese to be panicked and hopeless. Our team continues to work to share what they have and praying for souls. Please agree in prayer with them.
RAMADAN: The month-long observance of Ramadan begins April 13th. This time of fasting and reflection for Muslims around the world is a perfect opportunity for them to meet the true and living God. There are 1.8 billion Muslims around the world. Pray that the power of the enemy no longer reigns in their lives and they come to the saving knowledge of Christ as God reveals truth to them.


Thank you so much for your prayers as they are a continual encouragement to those serving on the frontline to bring help, hope and healing to the nations.

SOARING ABOVE UNCERTAINTY

The verses from the old hymn, “On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand,” come to mind when reflecting on events of this year and praying about what is yet to come. The uncertainty of these times can be utterly overwhelming—but when we feel overwhelmed we must keep in mind the truth of the next verse: “All other ground is shifting sand.”

There is nothing on this earth we can trust more than God. No person, no job, no economy, no government. In the midst of such uncertainty, we must keep our eyes on Him, and continually renew our faith in His promises . . .

But those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

Scripture calls us to live completely reliant on our Lord. That’s not a Sunday-only lifestyle, but rather, an every hour of every day lifestyle that looks entirely different from the ways of this world.

I remember my father and mother modeling this lifestyle my entire life when other ways would have been much easier. Things like hardships, hunger, and beatings do not sound like a plan for success but rather for failure. Remember that there is nothing we can go through that Jesus is not familiar. We are told He was, “acquainted with grief” (Is 53:3). As an adult, Jesus knew hard work, sleepless nights, and hunger. He was homeless and a man of sorrows yet always rejoicing. He was poor yet made many rich. As Jesus told the young man on the road to Jerusalem, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head” (Luke 9:58).

Let us keep things in perspective:

But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fastings; by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love, by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as chastened, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
2 Corinthians 6:4-10

So I encourage you to press in and seek our King! He will give you what you need to stand strong, to rise above the mayhem, to soar above the uncertainty. Continually meditate on the promises of God rather than on the headlines and social media wars. I have included some scripture verses below to help you keep your focus on the only thing that truly matters. Keep soaring!

1. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear. Psalm 46:1-2

2. But those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

3. So do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God, I will strengthen you and help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

4. The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him. Nahum 1:7

5. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things…and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9

6. “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27

7. He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, ‘My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!’ Psalm 91:1-2

8. Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken, nor my covenant of peace be removed, says the Lord, who has compassion on you. Isaiah 54:10

9. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

10. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Poor Foreigners?

“When you reap the harvest of your land,
do not reap to the very edges of your field
or gather the gleanings of your harvest.
Do not go over your vineyard a second time
or pick up the grapes that have fallen. Leave
them for the poor and the foreigner. I am
the Lord your God.”
(Leviticus 19:9-10 NIV)

As Christians, we can sometimes become detached from the suffering and struggles around us. Going through our daily routines, we don’t always see and hear about the difficulty others may be going through. This is especially true in times like these when each day seems to bring a new challenge.

I am so thankful for our dedicated frontline messengers who serve throughout South Asia. They keep us updated on the needs and struggles they encounter so that we can pray and respond. In all of the regions we serve, thousands have lost what meager livelihood they could earn because of nationwide shutdowns. Street vendors and day laborers are some of the hardest hit. These are men and women with families who rely on that income to survive.

In one region, our team was made aware of a slum where the conditions were particularly desperate. It is inhabited by a group of stranded street vendors who have no work, no way to get back to their families and no food. That same slum had also become home to a large group of transgenders. Being outcast by society and without income due to the travel restrictions that have all but ended tourism in the area, they are lost and barely surviving. They need more than food. They need the Light of God’s Love to set them free. The Psalmist tells us to, “Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked,” (Psalm 82:3-4NIV). Our team has begun to provide food and other staples to those living in this slum and they are ministering to them as well. Please pray for breakthrough!

My friend, revival is breaking out in the most unusual places. We are hearing reports from all over the world that God showing up in the midst of all this chaos – breaking chains and setting the captives free.

We must not rest in days like this, but rather, continue to pray…to be light in the darkness…and to speak life where there is death.

By remembering the poor in our giving, we also open doors that may otherwise never have opened to share the love of God with them. Thank you for standing with Alpha Ministries in this great work! God bless you!



“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim
good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the
brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners.”
(Isaiah 61:1)

Breaking the Chains of Opposition

OVERCOMING STRONG OPPOSITION IN THE LORD

Our frontline messengers across South Asia are always looking for ways to share the good news with those who have not heard. In that pursuit however, they encounter fierce opposition at times. But as Solomon wrote, there is “nothing new under the sun.” Consider the opposition Nehemiah encountered – including the daily taunting by the enemy – as he worked to rebuild the wall.

Pastor Ramesh has experienced similar struggles. Desiring to minister among the unreached Gond people groups, he moved to the heavily wooded region where they live. The people are deeply devoted to their own beliefs and idols, and are extremely superstitious. They are also bound by generations of occultic practices and rampant alcoholism.

Though it was difficult from the very beginning, Ramesh persisted, and in time a few became believers. Unfortunately, that made the opposition increase. The new believers’ families and the community aggressively resist them to force them to denounce Jesus and turn back.

As a result, Ramesh had difficulty gathering more than a few people at a time for prayer and Bible teaching and had to move to different homes for safety. Once, when pastor Ramesh was going to one such house church in a distant village with his two sons, more than 30 very intoxicated men surrounded pastor Ramesh and his boys. The men began to say vile and wicked things to them and the chaos drew more people. Thankfully, Pastor Ramesh and his children were able to slip from the midst of them to safety.

As word of Pastor Ramesh’s work in the community began to spread, more villagers turned on him. Some began spreading slander saying, “Do not join the Christians,” and “Christians don’t wear ornaments and don’t shave their head to respect the dead,” and “Christians will make you cow eaters,” and worse. The threats and rumors have caused more than 35 people to leave the fledgling fellowship who have not returned. Even though they saw the miracles that God did in their midst, they were not able to stand firm through persecution.

Ramesh was not deterred and eventually acquired a small piece of land on which he built a mud structure for himself and his family. Very soon, worship began to take place with a few people gathered at a time. Some who have become followers of Jesus gathered there for prayer, and some of the most faithful intercede day and night for their kin to be saved.

Since the atmosphere in the village is filled with violence and suspicion, Ramesh felt strongly that a safe structure was needed so the people could gather for worship. He reached out to us with this need and in a short time, God had used faithful partners like you to meet the need!

The growing number of new believers there feel tremendously blessed to be able to meet in a safe building now, no longer needing to go from village to village and meet in different homes. It has a become a testimony among people about the miracle of what God provided.

Though the atmosphere had become filled with hate against Christians, Ramesh shared, “The witchcraft workers and other occultists who despise us and threaten us to not continue in our faith are now quiet having seen the amazing provision of God. Thank you for helping create a place where many can meet, pray, train and worship without fear.”

Several hundred miles away lies Ambaji, named after the mother goddess, “Amba,” and revered as her place of residence. It is one of the chief pilgrimage sites in the entire state of Gujarat. Every full moon, thousands line up in the small town to climb the hill where the deity resides. Millions of dollars in currency, gold and silver is offered to this deity each year. It is also the town where the Lord sent our Pastor Vinod to share the gospel.

At first the people he ministered to were opposed to him. Their livelihood depended on the “Amba maata” – the mother goddess. But the people began to see the power of God at work as many who were sick and bound by Satan were set free.

Pastor Vinod purchased some land just a couple of miles from the famous temple to build a home and a place of worship. Vinod has faced oppression from tantrics and occultists who are eager to cast a spell on him, but he has no fear because he knows he is authorized by the Name that’s above all names. Though he receives frequent death threats from the zealots of Amba, Vinod is steadfast because of the faithful who testify of how the Lord healed and blessed them. He is convinced that in spite of opposition he will set up a worship place for Jesus in the same land where the demonic forces have prevailed for so long.

We praise and thank God for the work that has progressed there, breaking ground on the first church building in the region, thanks to faithful partners like you. It is amazing that even in a place where a deity supposedly dwells, where witchcraft and demonic powers abound, and where opposition to the gospel is intense—many people are coming to faith in Christ. Pastor Vinod shared, “Now we are looking at the completion of the place of worship despite all the threats and opposition and for that we are grateful. Please pray that the word of God will spread rapidly and more and more territory will be claimed for the Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

My friend, if you feel hindered and chained by heavy opposition to something God has called you to do, take heart! He has overcome! He is the chain breaker and the way maker. Stay steadfast in your faith and pray for breakthrough. Thank you for standing with us and with our frontline messengers all over South Asia. God bless you!

Who Has the Victory?

While the CoVid19 pandemic shakes every nation on earth, I’m sure you have felt the impact of it in one way or another. This global crisis reminds us that things in life can change very quickly and that nothing is certain except for the Word of God. But that very certainty is why we do not lose hope or live in fear. We know Jesus Christ is Lord, He is on the throne and He is the One who has the victory. Amen!

As a friend of Alpha Ministries, I want you to know that we have been praying for you in the midst of all the turmoil. Like Paul wrote, “I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” that you might be filled with all the fulness of God—praying the will of God to be completed in you. “According to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Eph.3:11).

We pray that all of us will emerge from this crisis with our lives and families intact and with our faith and trust in God stronger than ever. We are praying earnestly for the protection and healing of our community as we seek the welfare of our city and country.

As scary as this illness is for those of us living in the United States, it can be even more costly for Christians in other countries who regularly experience harsh persecution for their faith. We receive regular updates about increased threats and attacks against believers throughout South Asia since this began.

Can you imagine how hard it is for fellow believers who are grappling with coronavirus, lockdowns and shortages on top of persecution? Please continue to lift them in your prayers.

This lockdown has created what amounts to a refugee class of people—roughly 300 million in India and millions more in Myanmar and Nepal—who live below poverty level and survive hand-to-mouth based on daily earnings. These workers have been trapped away from their families and their homes without resources or means enough to even buy food.

We have a God given responsibility to pray and show His love in the midst of their fear, hunger and confusion—by providing for their basic needs. During these difficult times, our Frontline Messengers continue to be a light unto the nations by delivering food, praying and helping those in need.

Your prayers and support are making a difference for those suffering in the midst of this crisis. On behalf of frontline messengers, pastors, children, youth, churches, and families we represent worldwide, thank you so much for your prayers and partnership!

[To help Alpha Ministries provide essential, emergency food and supplies, please make a secure online donation today. Thank you!]

In the Shadow of the Statue

The Gospel is taking root in Zand Village

Zand village in Gujarat, India is famous throughout the region as a pilgrimage site because of the 30-foot tall statue of the popular god, named Hanuman, that is located there. For the last ten years, Alpha Ministries has served the people of Zand through various outreaches including medical camps and children’s programs, however, we have not had a church there.

Last year, the Lord put it in the hearts of some of our church members from neighboring villages to begin visiting the people of Zand weekly to hold prayer meetings and eventually plant a new church. What began as a small house prayer service with 10 people in attendance has since become a growing church with many coming to faith in Christ. The first church in Zand village has been established within a stone’s throw of the Hanuman  statue.

At Christmastime, the members of the church wanted to host a Christmas program, so they sent out 300 invitation cards to relatives and friends in five neighboring villages. Out of that number, 150 adults and 160 children gathered together for the celebration. It was an amazing program that kept all in attendance in rapt attention. The Gospel was presented through song and dance, and ultimately preached with great boldness. At the end of the program, 45 people indicated their decision to follow Christ as their Savior and 11 people obeyed Christ in water baptism.

Until now, the villages all around Zand have been without a gospel witness. Now, through the Christmas programs, our church planters have established contacts in 5 villages and ministry has already launched 3 new churches.

We praise God for the glorious opportunity! Even in very difficult circumstances, there are ample opportunities to share Christ.

Please join us as we pray that the seeds sown will produce much fruit for the glory of God in the days ahead, and that churches will be established in the villages and surrounding Zand. Thank you for standing with us in the gap.

When the Way Seems Hard

The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs
in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring
whose waters never fail. (Isaiah 58:11 niv)

 

Though our family encountered many challenges last year, through them all, God faithfully guided and provided grace, mercy and peace. He is our good Shepherd, leading and guiding even when the path seems treacherous, when the land seems barren, when your burden is heavy and the way is dark and gloomy.

I want to encourage you that whenever you face challenges in life—and you will—always remember that God will use those challenges to mature you in your walk as you trust in Him. He is Faithful and He will strengthen your faith for the journey. His Holy Spirit will comfort you as you lay your burdens at the foot of the cross.

Similarly, when you encounter opportunities, pray and seek God’s counsel as to how He wants to expand your borders and your vision. You will not be disappointed! My father and mother have made it their life-long practice to always seek the Lord before moving forward or expanding into new fields of ministry.

During the holidays, our teams across south Asia were confronted with many obstacles that prevented them from publicly acknowledging the birth of Jesus or celebrating Christmas in any way. However, through prayer and determination, the Lord made a way in many situations.

When the district police in the city of Lanni denied our Alpha Church permission to celebrate Christmas publicly, the pastor went to the regional police for assistance. When it seemed that his efforts would be in vain, permission was granted at the very last minute and a police squad was assigned duty at the venue for protection.

The Lanni church members printed 1700 invitation cards for the Christmas celebration and nearly 1500 people showed up—half of whom had never heard the gospel! It was a firecracker of a celebration with hundreds dancing and praising the Lord, and our Alpha Ministries pastor (MN) preached for an hour declaring Christ as the Savior of the world.

The entire crowd was fed a sumptuous meal, and the police officers even enjoyed the program and were each given a New Testament. The next day, the local paper carried the news that the Lanni Alpha Church organized a Christmas celebration and that there was much joy as the gospel was shared—complete with pictures. God is on the move in the world today!

God is also moving in Saakasa Village, where pastor RB and his team launched a public Christmas rally. They went through the streets singing about the Savior who was born on Christmas day and nearly 450 people attended the public Christmas program in the main city square.

A well-known evangelist preached and a music team led special songs. Many bystanders said they had never seen a public rally go so peacefully and without trash littering the streets. The church had maintained the cleanliness of the city streets and received praise from community leaders. Many have asked to know more about Christ as a result.

The Alpha Church in Gujarat hosted the annual Christmas Day pageant in the University auditorium where 650 people gathered. The youth and children presented the entire gospel to the audience through skits and songs. In the end, Jesus was preached. Over 150 in attendance heard the Gospel for the first time.

A number of public schools gave us permission to do Christmas programs where we shared the Christmas message through singing carols. The youth did an event in the college women’s hostel where 150 college students stay. It was remarkable to see the songs and testimonies impact the hearts of the people. Most of the women commented on their surprise that it was possible to have a relationship with God. They had never heard of anything like that.

There are many more stories I could share about the many ways God opened doors for us and your partnership made it possible for us to proclaim the Good News!

Remember that many of these victories were achieved in a country that the organization Open Doors ranks as the 10th most dangerous place in the world to be a Christian, where “violence and injustice against Christians is on a deadly rise by more than 400 percent in recent years.” I can’t stress enough how important your prayers are as we continue.

I can tell you on behalf of the church planters, pastors, children, youth, churches and families we represent worldwide—your prayers and generosity are a lifeline for which we are all tremendously grateful. Please continue to pray for our teams as we labor to serve the persecuted church in South Asia and make disciples by training and equipping the frontline workers of the harvest. The Gospel is still vehemently resisted in some of the regions we reach, but we continue to press on, proclaiming the love of God.

Thank you for partnering with Alpha Ministries as we eagerly look for more ways to serve God and meet the needs around us in 2020! I believe God has tremendous opportunities ahead for us this year, and I am very glad to know that you are part of this work as we move forward.

I Am With You Always

I Am With You Always

Shining brightly in the midst of persecution

When Yogendra Nishad was a young boy, his home was filled with turmoil. His father and uncles were alcoholics and what little money they earned quickly went to buy more booze. Their families were struggling financially and emotionally.

During the worst of it, one of our pastors visited the family and shared the Gospel with them. As they prayed together, strongholds were broken and the Lord mightily touched their lives. Yogendra accepted Jesus as his Savior, and so did his father and uncles. They were set free from drinking and the entire family began attending church. As they grew in faith, they began to see the blessings of the Lord.

But their new faith began to be tested right away.

The rest of the villagers and the village leaders soon heard of the family’s conversion. Leaving traditional faiths to follow Jesus is not allowed. The villagers organized against Yogendra’s family and began to threaten and persecute them, insisting that they renounce their faith in Jesus or face the consequences.

As Yogendra’s family continued to grow stronger in their Christian faith, the persecution increased. The villagers ordered the shopkeepers to refuse to sell them any food or necessities. The family had to walk about 5 miles to the nearest shop that would allow them to purchase what they needed. The wives were harassed in the streets. In school, Yogendra was teased mercilessly by his classmates for his decision to follow Jesus. The villagers encouraged their children to bully and harass him.

For a boy in 5th grade, Yogendra’s world was becoming very lonely. His parents encouraged him to remember the promise of Jesus, that He was with Yogendra always, even when he was being teased and harassed, and that the Lord would make a way for him. Yogendra also looked forward to the Pastor’s visits because he would encourage the family from God’s Word and they would pray together.

They began to see the Lord helping them in every situation . . . and so did the villagers. They began to recognize that Jesus was protecting the family from all their threats. They saw that the family remained strong in their faith and not even witchcraft was affecting them.

God has been glorified in their home and in their lives in the midst of persecution. The children have excelled in their studies and the family is prospering in spite of the opposition they have faced. Little by little, the villagers are beginning to speak to them again. Yogendra is happy and wants to become a pastor when he is older.

Please continue to pray for families like Yogendra’s who are caught in the crossfire of persecution, that they would have the grace to love those who persecute them and truly be salt and light for the world. Families are suffering physical violence and much worse for following Jesus. Your prayers and practical support truly make a difference for our persecuted brothers and sisters!

 

 

*Representative names and images used for safety.