Interview
Technology
Movie Review
Questions?
issue 7 APRIL 2013
discovering talents for gods’ kingdom
Voice
based
Mobile Ministry
ALLEN Derksen Are you a leader? Zumba - My way of life Sadhu sundar singh movie- amazing love
Point of View
Premasis Satman, Executive Director
“Working in secular........ you are doing God’s will”
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nyone working in a “secular” job will be tempted to think of work as less significant or less God honoring than that of, say, a pastor. I have struggled here, and over the years I have met many others who struggle with a sense of purpose in their daily work — wondering if they need instead to give themselves to pastoral work or Christian ministry in order to truly “do God’s will.” Done rightly and in the fear of God, ministry is an excellent Godhonoring vocation, but ministry is not the only work that can be Godhonoring. So often businessmen like me think this way because we fail to really take hold of the doctrine of vocation. To put it simply, vocation is the specific work that God has called each of us to. And vocation is not limited to those who serve in Christian ministry. In fact, God calls the vast majority of Christians to “common” spheres of work such as business, or academia, or carpentry, or law, or healthcare, or homemaking. As we faithfully give ourselves to this calling, we are God’s agents to love others and to even accomplish his will on earth. Assuming your work is honorable and honest, assuming it is a means to serve the needs of others, that work is ministerial in nature. In that sense, your work is no different from that of a pastor or missionary.
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Here are three reasons that our work is ministerial. First, our work is ministerial when our labors are first and foremost an a venue of faith in God and worship of God, not in self-reliance and personal glory. Second, our work is ministerial when it serves other people rather than mere projects or profits. Third, our work is ministerial because we are ambassadors of Christ to the specific realm of work he’s called us to. You are not in your present career by accident. It may have felt like you landed there due to random circumstances, but God has been sovereignly guiding you. Your line of work is no accident. Your workplace is no accident. Your vocational ship has sailed to where it is thus far because God has been guiding you. He has placed you where you are because he has need of you — or, better, as Luther puts it — your neighbor has need of you. May we joyfully and faithfully pursue this high calling of God.
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Contents Allen Derksen 4 Innovator and Founder of
16 BMFI Event
7 International Event
Ministry 18 Featured Sharon Prayer Fellowship &
The Market Place Ministy
Voice based Mobile Ministry KE Conference 2013
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Ministry
Are you a Leader? by George Powell
20 Great Missionaries Sadhu Sunder Singh
10 Market Place Revolution 14 Jennifer Pinto Christian Business Event
22 Movie Review
Amazing Love: The Story of Hosea
Zumba - My Way of Life
5Talent Magazine is a digital magazine published monthly. MISSION: - Promote the Gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ - Impact the character of individuals in the ’Body of Christ’ based on the word of God - Advertise programs and ventures that fulfills ‘The Great Commission’ for the end time purposes ADVERTISING: To advertise in 5Talents Magazine, email us emag@5talents.in 5Talents Magazine grants permission for any original article to be quoted provied 5Talents Magazine is indicated to be the source. For use of an entire article permission must be granted. Please contact emag@5talents.in
PUBLISHER Deepakshi Kolia EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Premasis Satman EDITOR IN CHIEF Elveera Redwood CREATIVE DIRECTOR Elizabeth Clayton
5TALENTS MAGAZINE, LIGH-36, APHB Colony, Moulali, Hyderabad- 500 040 Phone: +91 9032690627 Canada: 416 502 3777
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ALLEN Derksen
Voice
based
Mobile Ministry Seeing a Person an Hour Come to Christ with Telemensahe 4
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Seven billion. That’s how many mobile phones exist in our world. 900 million mobile phones are owned by Indians: 71% of the population. Even the poorest of the poor have mobile phones. Allen Derksen is determined to reach India for Jesus Christ using mobile technology. He does it through audio messages because 6 out of 7 mobile phones are not smartphones. Yet every phone in the world is capable of sending and receiving voice messages. Allen’s talents lie in the areas of evangelism, church planting, and organizational development. Telemensahe is a ministry where talent and anointing converge with technology and opportunity. Little did he know in 1990 that the mobile phone would become what it is today; that technology would support a phone-based ministry to the point of global saturation. Allen was a missionary who started new churches and had seen success using traditional methods (e.g. visiting from home to home zipping around on his Kawasaki motorcycle). After being reassigned to Manila for a church planting effort at the strategic intersection of two of the largest highways passing through the city, he quickly found his previously effective methods were a poor fit in the booming metropolis. In 1990, while on a home ministry assignment, Allen attended a seminar where he met Ed, another missionary who was retiring from service in Caracas, Venezuela. Ed shared, in passing, that he had found a way to evangelize which resulted inseeing at least one person trust in Jesus per day during the preceding ten years. Ed had simply started recording a new Daily Bread devotional on a voice answering machine each day. He let people
know that they could receive a daily encouragement or word from the Lord by calling this phone number. Those who wanted to know more could call Ed’s personal line. Ed ended up praying a salvation prayer with at least one person each day. Wow, who would have ever thought that such a simple project could have such an eternal impact! Ed shared that his system could be multiplied and improved through the use of new DVA (Digital Voice Announcer) technology. With funding and technology in hand, Allen returned to the field to start Telemensahe (Spanish for “Telephone Message”). He started preparing to launch the ministry, using a ministry model that included two essential practices: a) new content to feed the soul every day; and b) good follow-up methods. A storehouse of messages was developed. While the Daily Bread devotionals provided some good resources, it was found that only about 30 percent of the devotionals were culturally relevant to the target population so Allen developed devotional recordings from scratch. As an integral part of the follow-up strategy, Telemensahe set up a counseling center, primarily for people in crisis. Callers who wanted follow-up were invited to call another number to speak to a counselor. Once the follow-up system was ready and a stockpile of audio recordings were in hand, a “hi-tech” marketing 5Talents Magazine
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strategy was implemented. Allen figured out where the target area’s paper boys gathered to collect their daily lot of newspapers. He persuaded them to include a little postcard-sized brochure for Telemensahe. The next week the line received 600 calls. The following week: 700. The response grew and grew until they were eventually receiving 7,000 thousand calls a day! Technological progress, including PBX and VOIP technologies, allowed the system to be expanded to field 8,000 to 10,000 calls a day. As well, callers now have access to five levels of service including: devotional messages, a salvation hotline, a new believers’ hotline, a personal follow-up line, and event listings from participating ministries. Allen and Telemensahe are now partnered with OneHundredFold, who provides the technological solutions that make this ministry possible.
the Lord’s call on their lives to follow up contacts and get them into churches. Maintainers also make sure new messages are put up on a daily basis. They are going to make the difference between a project being a success or a failure. Praise the Lord, Telemensahe been blessed with maintainers. Telemensahe’s outreach was recently
expanded in conjunction with Campus Crusade for Christ, MAF, Assemblies of God, FEBA, and Extol Radio. Now functional in four continents, they are rolling out voice-based ministries across India in seven Looking back at Telemensahe’s success, with tens of thou- languages. Inisands coming to faith and joining the church, Allen is firm in tial locations his belief that any media ministry is only as effective as its include Bangafollow-up strategy. lore, Chennai, Calcutta, and a Allen also makes a strong plea that any Gypsy movement in Andra Pradesh. If ministry or individual contemplating you find yourself inspired, contact Telesuch a project realize that it requires mensahe via email (allen_d@shaw.ca) “maintainers” much more than “vi- or Skype (allenderksen) to learn how sionaries”. A visionary can get a voice- they can assist your ministry in implebased mobile ministry going but the menting a voice messaging outreach. crucial part is the maintainers who see 6
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Pat Francis Ministries
“Changing Lives, Empowering Leaders, Creating Enterprise. (Enterprise includes the solutions we create for children, youth, etc (Ministry & Charity) and also business developments.” I take this opportunity to invite you as my honored guests to Kingdom Enforcers Conference 2013 in beautiful Toronto, Canada. This year I am excited that Drs Bill Winston, James Goll, Bill Hammon and a team of Dynamic Kingdom-minded Ministers will be ministering with me for the greatest conference yet. In addition we are launching “10 Courses in 10 days” Business & Leadership Module May 6-18, 2103 for Certification or degree in KCLI Business and Leadership (this will also include the Kingdom Enforcers Conference, May 15-18). Our annual KLN Business Forum will be again provide opportunities for business in Canada and globally. 2013 is the Year of Increase, “Ayin Gimel” God is sending Camels your way loaded with resources to increase you in every way spiritually, personally, financially and socially.
KE Conference Toronto Canada For Registration in India, contact Administrator Phone no:
09700822149
With Love and Chayil Blessings, Dr. Pat 5Talents Magazine
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Are you a leader? by George Powell
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ust a few weeks ago when I was teaching a seminar on leadership, I ask everyone to raise their hand if they thought they were a leader. Only about half of the hands in the room went up. The reality is, most people don’t see themselves as a leader. And the reason for that is because many have a misconception about what a leader is. Often people think leadership has to do with where an office is located,how many degrees are behind a person’s name, or the diplomas hanging on the wall. While these may certainly be an indication of a certain level of accomplishment, they do not necessarily qualify one as a leader. Why is that? Because leadership is not about titles and positions, it is about in- You may be in charge of a team in your fluence. As my mentor and friend, John company and have influence over emMaxwell teaches, Leadership is influence ployees. . . . nothing more, nothing less. If you are in a position where you exerSo back to the question: Are you a lead- cise influence over others, whether a few er? If you exercise influence over anoth- or many, then you are a leader. er then yes, you are numbered among those who are call themselves leaders. True leadership cannot be assigned, appointed, or awarded. At its essence, true You may be a stay at home mom who leadership is given. All a position, a plathas influence over her children. form, or a title can do for you is buy you a little time, to either gain or lose influence. You may be a teacher in a school who has influence over students. Harry Overstreet expressed it well when
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he said, “The very essence of all power to to listen with the intent of understanding, influence lies in getting the other person rather than with the intent of responding. Truly listen. to participate.” So how does one gain influence?
“The first duty of love is to listen.” ~ Paul Tillich
One of the courses I am certified to 5. Seek to Understand people. teach as a certified coach, teacher, and speaker with the John Maxwell Team is, Another great principle of good leadBecoming a Person of Influence. ership is to remember that people do not care how much you know until they So if you want to be a better leader, here know how much you care. So in order to are nine powerful steps you can take to grow in influence, seek first to understand increase your influence with those you before being understood. lead.
1. Have Integrity with people.
6. Determine to Enlarge people.
The late Zig Ziglar expressed it well: “You’ll “In order to be a leader a man must always have everything in life that you have followers. And to have followers, a want IF you help enough people get man must have their confidence. Hence what they want.” the supreme quality for a leader is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real 7. Navigate for people. successis possible, no matter whether it is on a sections gang, a football field, in an “A leader is one who knows the way, army, or in an office. If a man’s associ- goes the way, and shows the way.” ates find him guilty of phoniness, if they ~John Maxwell find that he lacks forthright integrity, he will fail. His teachings and actions must 8. Connect with people. square with each other. The first great need, therefore, is integrity and high pur- Connecting increases your influence in every situation, whether one-on-one, in pose.” ~Dwight D. Eisenhower a small group, or with a large audience. Leaders who have learned the art of 2. Nurture People. connection are able to communicate Ask yourself: Do I value my position more their ideas persuasively, establish buy-in, than my people or do I value my people and attract followers. more than my position? When you love your people more than your position and 9. Empower people. seek to lift them to a higher level, you will Great leaders don’t hold power over gain influence. others they empower others to get the job done. 3. Have Faith in people. By far, one of the greatest gifts you can Are you a leader? If you have influence give to another is to express belief in that over others you are. Can you increase your influence? Yes you can. And when person who doesn’t believe in himself. you do, you can achieve success at home, in the marketplace, and in every 4. Truly Listen to people. One important principle I’m learning in other area of your life. my quest to become a better leader is 5Talents Magazine
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MARKET PLACE REVOLUTION 2013, Hyderabad, India
Business as Ministry for a world without poverty
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or years, Christians involved in business thought their only usefulness was at church. Leaders now say most ministry will soon be happening on the job. Those who looked down at business as a worldly endeavor with no heavenly purpose should consider what Christians are doing in the Nations around the world today. The time has now come to remove barriers between the church and the business world. In fact, an explosive trend toward “marketplace ministry” is occurring all over the world today, empowering Christians in business who are realizing that God can use their careers and entrepreneurial skills to spread the gospel in innovative.
to redefine the connection between their occupations and God’s purposes in the world. Now the third stage is being recognized. It concerns the need to bridge the gulf between the traditional and “extended” church.” To a leading practitioner of marketplace ministry, those who resist are missing the obvious. Rich Marshall is a one-time charismatic pastor who left the pulpit five years ago to teach business people how they can be used by God.
The effusive speaker, who is also the author of the book God@Work, brims with enthusiasm whenever he addresses business groups. He often falls to his knees Christian leaders see it as a third stage. to apologize for the way pastors misuse In the second stage, Christians learned members of the business community 10
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and fail to appreciate their God-given gifts. “If you do business in the marketplace, even though the Lord’s enemies control it, and are successful, you gain authority over cities.
Doug Seebeck
Christians have typically perceived marketplace ministry to mean evangelizing co-workers. But he sees a new paradigm emerging that advocates bringing God’s kingdom into the marketplace to open nonbelievers’ eyes and whet their appetite for the gospel. The marketplace paradigm-shift is also sparking mercy ministry. In Minneapolis, real estate executive Dennis Doyle helped establish Hope for the City in an effort to match food, clothing and office supply businesses that have surplus with needy inner-city ministries. “People have achieved things in business and realized it hasn’t brought meaning to their lives,” Realtor Doyle says. “I get more meaning from shipping a container of blankets into Afghanistan and saving lives than doing another real estate deal. Marketplace participants also see the Lord breaking down barriers that have existed in the church, among them gender and denomination. We’ve all tried very hard to do prayer evangelism and bringing pastors together to bring revival, and it’s not worked out very well, “We need the whole body of Christ if we’re going to see revival in the U.S. I think God is saying it’s going to happen in the marketplace. “If the goals of marketplace ministry are realized, a new breed of Christianity is in the making--the kind that will change the spiritual climate of the 21st century workplace, conduct business in the power of the Holy Spirit 5Talents Magazine
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Hyderabad and Secunderabad. Business Seva has chapters in Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore, Cochin, Vizag and Darjeeling. By the end of 2013 we wish to add six new chapters in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Pune, Orissa and Coimbatore. March 18-27, 2013 saw a huge gathering of Christian business associates come together at the Taj Vivanta Hotel in Hyderabad to Encourage Equip and Connect to expand business and to give God the glory.
and generate tremendous financial resources for kingdom purposes. (Editorial taken from Charisma Magazine) The recently concluded Marketplace Revolution 13 was a classic example of Business Seva’s vision of what Market Ministry is all about. A group of Christian Business men and Women, affiliated to Partners Worldwide a dynamic global network of Business and Professional people, committed towards eradication of poverty. Business Seva is committed to build Kingdom Businesses in the market place to be a witness within the business community. It all started in the year 2008, with a desire as young entrepreneurs met to help one and another network share from their experiences, we realized that most of us were first generation entrepreneurs. Chapter members grew from six to sixty two representing all major segments of industries mostly with 12
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In his opening welcome message Doug Seebeck President, Partners Worldwide USA welcomed the business associates and shared the fact that it was time to Encourage, Equip and Connect. He also stated that Business professionals and entrepreneurs have a unique opportunity to daily live out the Gospel of Christ in the context of business - creating jobs with purpose and dignity as we walk along side with others. It’s now time to engage in global partnerships that grow business, create sustainable jobs, strengthen communities and transform the lives of everyone involved. It is our desire is that you will be deeply encouraged, better equipped and meaningfully connected in this business as ministry movement. The message was one of an encouragement to turn the page over and take the next steps in this growing movement and to look around at the incredible people that came together to journey with new partnerships. Other noted speakers were Dr. George Powell, Mats Tunehag, Sushil Mathew, Dr. Udaia Kumar, Dana Boals, Al Caperna, Jaya Abraham, .Greg and Abhineeta Matney and Rev. Robin Paul. w w w . 5 Ta l e n t s . i n
Shiloh Global Solutions is to enable individuals to pursue a global education that best meets their individual career aspirations in a good and conductive environment for study.
Learn English
Study in Canada
Canadian trained teachers (ESL) with a wide range of international experience in teaching English and training individuals, along with a well trained team will facilitate.
Canada has one of the best and most respected education systems in the world. Valuable Canadian hands-on work experience can be gained during and after completion of studies. It is economically sound and has a very multi-cultural society.
Personality Development The objective is to provide holistic approach to the concept of personality; this makes the individual gain perceptiveness, sound knowledge of body language, verbal and non-verbal communication and understanding of personal grooming in the workplace.
Job Search Skills Training will be provided for resume preparation, up-to-date resume writing tips, mock interviews, group feedback and frequently asked questions to search jobs in your field and to skillfully handle job interviews.
Resume Writing This is to train and prepare resumes based on current market trends to convey experiences, skills and education in a clear and precise manner producing powerful and effective resumes for local and international markets.
Contact Administrator Hyderabad, India: 903 272 3149 Overseas, Canada: 416 502 3777
Visit our website www.ShilohGlobal.com March 2013 5Talents Magazine April 2013
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Jennifer Pinto Zumba® Fitness Trainer
Zumba My Way of Life
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ome say, “Never have too much on your plate!” Others say, “You can pile on more!” I don’t know which one is true of me. But I do a whole lot of different things that give me personal satisfaction from reaching out and sharing my learning with others. I am a Licensed Zumba® Fitness Instructor, a Childbirth Educator and I conduct Parenting Seminars and Workshops. It all started at a spiritual retreat in 2010. A fateful meeting with a sister with the gift of knowledge changed my career life. When she prayed with us as a family, she gave us many points to ponder on and one of them was that God wanted me to exercise! I couldn’t believe my ears. I knew I had put on weight postdelivery and had no clue how to shed it. Various things that I had tried out failed to give me results. Until, I discovered Zumba® Fitness. Zumba® is a form 14
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of dance fitness that is aerobic in nature that uses the basics of South American dance forms like Salsa, Merengue, Cumbia and Reggaeton. It is a form of fitness that anyone from age 6-80 can do. I believe exercise is a very important aspect of our lives we tend to ignore till it is too late. I have seen the physical & emotional transformation in many of my students and it is extremely satisfying for me. As a Christian, I think it is vital to not only look after our spiritual well-being but physical too. We are the temple of the Holy Spirit and that is how we ought to look after our soul, spirit and body! In addition to this form of fitness, I am also a Childbirth Educator. I took up this line of work because of the traumatic experience I had at the time of my son’s birth. I realized that women are not treated the right way by many doctors who fail to fully inform their pregnant w w w . 5 Ta l e n t s . i n
patients of what to expect and offer them all the choices available to them at delivery. As a result, many of us go through terrible birth stories for no good reason. My work as a CBE involves offering informed choices to women and their spouses, letting them know what is available to them, how to relax during labor and choose natural birthing methods that are easier for them rather than easier for their caregivers! I am available to help mothers in labor and I’m also qualified to assist young mothers cope with the frequently ignored yet ever-soreal aspect of post natal depression.
have the ability to adapt to changes as fast as the world expects them to. More importantly, when faced with challenges, they need to be able to turn to parents as easily as to a friend. By these workshops we wish to help parents and children seeking to find solutions to help them cope with family challenges!
In the future, I would really like these three aspects to come together, especially my work as CBE and parenting! I feel there is a dearth of “helpers” in this world and if in some way we can help others find their way, find solutions and make life better for families, beginning Together along with my spouse as a with birth, would be a great opportunity family we conduct Parenting Work- to do what God calls us to! I will always shops to assist parents who are keen to believe that for each of us God has a know more about parenting styles and what works for them and their children. In today’s harsh and challenging world, it is crucial to acquire the needed skills to parent our children in a way which enables them to see their parents as both mentors and confidants. As parents, we have the God given responsibility to raise our children with His values, and that can be quite a daunt- plan and a purpose in our life. Let’s toing task. Today, often children are left to day begin to ask God and seek his plan. their own devices as both parents work. To summarize my thoughts, I will ask God This thwarts their emotional develop- to help me to See what he wants me ment to an extent that we would end up to See, to Say what he wants me to Say raising a generation of citizens that can- and to Do what he wants me to Do. not take responsibility for themselves nor Amen 5Talents Magazine
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Business Men’s Fellowship of India The Market Place Ministry
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Simply stated, we are you! and all rank and file engaged in some sort of business or profession. We are laymen ordinary people, serving an extraordinary God. Other than just networking to connect and develop business, the leaders of the BMF chapters extend invitations to people with whom they interact or deal within the marketplace, to the Business fellowship meeting and witness to them the love, the compassion and the reality of Jesus Christ. The true life experiences shared during these fellowship meetings offers the participants an opportunity to know The love
he BUSINESS MEN’S FELLOWSHIP of INDIA (BMFI) is a marketplace ministry for Christians in business and profession. The BMFI Ministry is a non-denominational body.
of Jesus Christ available for all mankind. A demonstration of God’s concern in the day to day affairs of every individual scores a point with all the participants who attend the meeting.
When we say Business Men’s Fellowship we mean All Men and Woman of the market place, entrepreneurs, executives, employers and employees, professionals, traders, civil servants, defense personnel, facility managers, insurance men, electricians, scientists, real estate agents, brokers, loan officers, restaurateurs, lawyers, construction workers, students, and executives. We are young, middle-aged, and senior citizens. We are from every race, ethnic background, and denomination. We are churched and un-churched.
A BMFI Chapter’s fellowship meeting takes place in a secular venue over a meal-type setting. This enables people from different walks of life and beliefs to meet without any bias or reservation. No preaching or doctrinal issues are discussed here but, only sharing of a testimony by a successful Christian businessman or professional is undertaken in these meetings.
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People from other faith have testified in the past how powerfully they were impacted with a Testimony over a Meal. w w w . 5 Ta l e n t s . i n
And as Christians in business, we know the pressures and realities of the marketplace. While our world goes through continual upheaval and tumult, we are all looking for the one constant that can make a difference in our lives and businesses. At Business Men’s Fellowship of India, that constant is a God who loves us and yearns to be intimately involved in our lives. Our goal is to reach our fellow workers and business contacts with the good news of Jesus Christ in a nonthreatening, one-on-one engagement of heart. In India BMFI runs its chapters in Mumbai, Hyderabad, Delhi, Kolkata, Vizag,
Chennai, Hosur, Bangalore, Coimbatore, Kochi, Trichy, Erode, Thanjavur, Salem , Pondicherry and Pune. Our Meetings are held once in a month in the above cities. Thinking to start a chapter in you city? Contact us for more information. Our Next Meeting at Hyderabad is on 13th April Saturday 2013 over Breakfast 7am sharp. The meeting closes at 9am. Venue: Hotel Time Square, Opposite Clock Tower, Secunderabad. We welcome you to join us at the above meeting or one of our many local meetings. It’s not just business - it’s a Business with God! Call Phillip Samuel 9392252963 for your reservation. March 2013
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Featured Ministry: Sharon Prayer Fellowship Founder: Pastor K. Stephen came to Andhra Pradesh from Orissa State with his wife (Naomi) and two kids as a missionary in the year 1993. Stephen was born and brought up in a traditional Brahmin Hindu family. Knowing all the Veda’s of Hindus literature he was yet struggling with his life to find peace. One day, he listened to the Gospel being preached by Graham Staines in his own village, he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal saviour. He was rejected by his family and the village community. So he left his house at the age of 14 and stayed under the guidance of Graham Staines. Till now his family and villagers do not accept him. Later he did his theological studies in Operation Mobilization and founded Sharon Prayer Fellowship and Ministries. The Ministry: In 2004, he started Sharon Prayer Fellowship with four street kids in a slum area sharing the love of Jesus. Presently the Church has grown to 50 families all worshiping Jesus. The youth choir of the church has sung on national TV and Gospel Crusades. How we do it: The ministry works in the slum community in Nacharam area of Hyderabad., helping and building the community by identifying and feeding need since 2004. It has creative programs for the Children, Youth, and Women. We regularly conduct Medical Camp for the slum people and food distribution to the street kids. Recently we distributed gift boxes to the children with the support of “Samaritan’s Purse”. News: This year we are conducting “GOSPEL CRUSADE 2013” on MAY 10-12, in Nacharam, Hyderabad, India. A venue has been booked for capacity of 3000 people. The program includes, praise & worship, choreographies, skits and message from the local anointed leaders. 18
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We welcome your presence to the public meetings. Please pray for the event and any financial support is welcome. For more info visit www.sharonchurchindia.org Contact Administrator @ +91 949 075 3061 Email: info@sharonchurchindia.org
Children’s Club
A Medical Camp
how to donate Bank transfer: Non-Indian passport holders (International) Account name : SHARON PRAYER FELLOWSHIP & MINISTRIES Account no : 30984647262 Bank name : STATE BANK OF INDIA Bank code : 7112 Swift code : SBININBB321 Kindly send us an email stating your name and address and the amount transferred so that we can track the credit and acknowledge receipt of the same.
Bank transfer: Indian passport holders Account name : SHARON PRAYER FELLOWSHIP & MINISTRIES Account no : 006901025937 Bank name : ICICI Bank, Habsiguda IFScode : ICIC0000069 Cheques can be made out in favour of: “SHARON PRAYER FELLOWSHIP & MINISTRIES”
Postal address: K. STEPHEN, 12-13-691/20, Nagarjuna Nagar, St No. 13. Lane 1, Tarnaka, Secunderabad – 500 017 A.P., INDIA w w w . 5 Ta l e n t s . i n
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Sadhu Sundar Singh was born in 1889 in Patiala which is in Punjab, India. His family was very religious and raised him up teaching Hinduism and visiting temples regularly. By the age of 7, he had memorized the Bhagvad Gita and by the age of 16, he had mastered the Vedas and also the Quran. Growing up Sunder attended a school conducted by the missionaries for some time but he was not at all interested in the Bible and resented it.
by ELIZABETH CLAYTON Ludhiana Express passes by his home. That night he prayed several hours. He said, “O God, if there is a God, reveal yourself to me tonight.” The train was about to come early the morning. Suddenly the room filled with a glow. It was not dawn yet and Sunder opened the room and peeped outside. It was sheer darkness. He closed the door and the light grew brighter. While he was watching this he suddenly saw a figure appeared before him and he heard a voice say, “How long will you deny me? I died for you; I have given my life for The Night that Changed Everything you.“ He saw the man’s hands, pierced It was a cold night of December in by nails. Sunder was astonished he 1903 when he decided he would throw was not at all hoping to see Jesus but himself under the train, when the train some of the traditional gods whom he At the age of 14, suddenly his mother passed away. Sunder was very close of his mother. He was shattered by the loss. He was undergoing a major faith crisis in his life. He was looking for peace and truth. He was very confused in his mind and was sad. He even thought about committing suicide. He was never convinced that Jesus and his teachings were completely wrong and so he tore the Bible and would throw stones at preachers.
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worshipped. Sunder realized the Jesus is still alive today and he fell down on his knees and prayed to him. He experienced amazing peace and joy in his heart which he has never experienced before. The vision disappeared but the joy and peace lingered in his heart. He was now changed forever. In 1905, on his birthday, he was baptized in an English church in Shimla. At that time, he decided to become a Christian Sadhu, so that he could dedicate himself to the Lord. As a Sadhu, he wore a yellow robe, lived on the charity of others, abandoned all possessions and maintained celibacy. He was convinced that this was the best way to introduce the Gospel of Jesus Christ to his people since it was the only way which his people were accustomed to. In addition, he also wanted to be free to devote himself to the Lord. His family ostracized him.
to repay evil with kindness and to win over his enemies by love. Towards the end of his life, he had many health issues due to excessive traveling. He wrote many books during these times. Finally in 1929, Sadhu Sundar Singh was on a trip to Tibet with some other traders. He had walked several miles beyond Badrinath on the snowy mountains. The road to Tibet is very steep and difficult mountainous trail. He was on this road and he never returned back. His friends went all the way to search him but never found him. Nobody knows exactly what happened to him.
Sadhu Sundar singh is called the “Apostle with bleeding feet”. He was a Christian monk, and his work and ministry to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ in India and South Asian region is matchless. He represented Christ and Christianity in a Indian form. He was truly a Sadhu, who found his Salvation, only through life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, He traveled extensively all over India his Guru. and Ceylon. He visited Malaysia, Japan and China between 1918-1919. Today, let us think about our Christian He also went to Western Europe, Aus- life. Are we following Jesus with all our tralia and Israel in between 1920-1922. heart, mind and strength? Let us learn He preached in many cities; Jerusalem, from the life story of Sadhu Sundhar Lima, Berlin and Amsterdam among Singh. As Apostle Paul says in Philippiothers. Despite his growing fame, Sadhu ans 5:21 “For to me to live is Christ, and Sundar singh retained a modest nature, to die is gain.” Let us live for Christ to desiring only to follow Jesus’ example: spread His gospel to the gentiles. 5Talents Magazine
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movie
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his is one of the best movies I have ever seen on unconditional love! The film uses a modern setting and features well-known actor Sean Astin as a youth leader named Stuart who shares the story of Hosea and his unconditional love for Gomer to illustrate God’s love for mankind. This is a powerful story of redemption. A troubled teen named Ashley joins the youth group on a camping trip and she is like a fish out of water. Although the youth group attempts to reach out to her she simply wants to be left alone. Yet one evening at the camp Stuart tells the story of Hosea and although some of the young adults can’t believe the patience and love of Hosea, Stuart proclaims it to be an amazing love and, in the end, the group agrees. They even see a dramatic change in Ashley. The movie also features a cameo by Sean Astin’s mother, Patty Duke, as well as a role played by Erin Bethea of “Fireproof”. She plays Stuart’s wife Beth. This one should not be missed! It’s a perfect film for a church night or youth group. In one scene Stuart asks each of the campers what their favorite book is in the Bible. He receives a different answer from each of them and declares that God made everyone different but loves each one. We are recommending the film for ages twelve plus due to a few sophisticated themes including Gomer being unfaithful to her husband but the point is made that Hosea displays unconditional love for his wife, redeeming her from the slave market; just as God displays the same love toward us. Don’t miss this one!
movie review We’re all different – God made us this way. We all need a dose of unconditional love. Great dramatization of Hosea and a story of the enduring love that God has for us. It made the Bible story of Hosea come alive and applicable to us today! Must Watch!!!
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“Escape” 5Talents Magazine
April 2013
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