TruthAlive:: August 2015 by Sathyam Publications

Volume 5

Issue 8 August 2015

A TRUTH FOUNDATION PUBLICATION

The “Missile Man” of India passes away (1931-2015) Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, former President of India, aerospace scientist, professor, motivational speaker and author passed away on July 27, 2015.

Love for Christ!!! Our beautiful country, India, is a vast nation. It’s a nation full of varieties in terms of colour, language, people, faiths, climate, etc. India, a country where Kashmir is called “the Heaven” and Kerala, “the God’s own country” for its beauty and exquisiteness, has always been a great attraction for the outside world.

“But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” (Matthew 5:44,45, NASB)

However, there’s something we truly lack and that is ‘love’ within ourselves. Recently I was going through a newspaper and came across a particular Christian boy. He was a 7-year-old, whose body was retrieved from a pond, revealing horrific details of torture before he was brutally murdered because of his Christian belief. On the other day I again came across news about a nun who was raped and left to die. And then the news of burning down churches and torturing Christians kept following. It was really hard to see, read and deal with the fact that so many of our Christian brothers, sisters and children are suffering for their faith. But their reward in heaven will be great. It is high time to recognize the turbulence which seems to be increasing in these days. The resistance to the Kingdom of God is intensifying, and it will not be long before being a Christian in our culture will be heavily opposed. So what do we do to prepare for what’s ahead? Face your fears instead of avoiding them or justifying them; quit being so easily offended and forgive daily; and most importantly, learn to love people like you have never loved them before. I believe, God is calling the church to walk in a higher level of love than it ever had. This has nothing to do with watering any message down, but loving people with an intensity that demonstrates the goodness of God. We never have to water down truth or compromise core values of the Kingdom of God. Our ability to love people, truly as Christ demonstrated, needs an upgrade. For as they hated Him, the world will hate us. But may we carry a love that is so tangible and potent, that our very identity as Christians would be marked with it.

Dr. C.V. Vadavana

BOARD OF TRUSTEES A.V. JOHN JOJI A. MATHEWS SAM C. VADAVANA DR C.V. VADAVANA FENCY A. JOHNSON EDITORIAL BOARD DR THOMAS KULANJIYIL DR SUNNY EZHUMATTOOR

Steps to Prayer...............................................4 Dr. Billy Graham

CHIEF EDITOR DR. C.V. VADAVANA

Are Your Blessings from God?.....................5

PUBLISHED BY MARYKUTTY P J

The Impact of Social Media in Our Era!....8

MANAGING EDITOR ISSAC C VADAVANA PUBLIC RELATIONS SONIA RACHEL ABRAHAM OPERATIONS MANAGER ANNIE GEORGE DESIGN SATHYAM DTP TEAM CORPORATE OFFICE: TRUTH ALIVE NEAR CHRISTIAN COLLEGE AGARA-HORAMAVU MAIN ROAD BENGALURU-560043 PH# 080 69999125, CELL# 9731051360

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John Stanek

Sonia Rachel Abraham

Bible Translators Develop Indian Languages......................................................11 Dr. Babu K. Verghese

Things Broke People Do..............................19 Caryn Rivadeneira

GOD the Father............................................25 Albert Daniel

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hese are excellent encouragements and guiding observations by Billy Graham, whose ministry has been so effective and long-lasting because, as he says, consistent, strenuous prayer for every meeting by himself and his staff and supporters have made it so. He gives the credit for any fruitfulness of ministry to the prayer support. Names such as his are very impressive, but we must remind ourselves, though, that nobody is the world’s expert on prayer, though some people are more effective than others, undeniably.

“Steps to Prayer” Dr. Billy Graham

Disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to prayer, and he didn’t admonish them for their ignorance but showed them how, through praying what is called “The Lord’s Prayer.” The World has no power greater than prayer. Here are some practical steps to encourage you in praying. 1. DESIRE THE WILL OF GOD Jesus taught us to pray, “Your will be done.” The key is not the words, but your attitude. Seek God’s will and God’s best for whatever you are praying about. he may respond in unexpected ways that please and will delight you. “You will be done on earth August 2015 as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). 4

2. SEARCH YOUR HEART God may not respond when you allow sin to remain in your life. If so, don’t stop praying. Rather, confess your sins or wrong motives to God. He already knows your heart. God has promised always to respond to that prayer (see I John 1: 9). “If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened” (Psalm 66:18). 3. PRAY IN FAITH Express your requests freely to God in childlike faith. As a child who trusts a wise and loving parent, ask in complete faith that He is able to do whatever you ask and that He will know what is best. “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops” (James 5:16-18). 4. PRAY EVERYDAY God wants to hear from you regularly. He wants a relationship. Take time to talk to God daily and throughout the day, not just when you face a crisis and not only with a list of wants and needs. “Pray continually” (I Thessalonians 5: 17)

5. PRAY FOR GOD’S GLORY Pray for things to happen in such a way as to provide God with the credit, and to give God the glory. He is powerful, magnificent, and majestic. And He is still our closest, most intimate Friend. Praise Him and ask for things that matter to Him. “To the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen” (Romans 16: 27). m m

ARE YOUR BLESSINGS FROM GOD? By John Stanek

ell are they? How do you determine if the blessings you are receiving are godly blessings? After all, don’t ungodly people experience blessings too? The bible states that the Lord allows the rain to fall on the just as well as the unjust. Does that mean that God provides only the availability of necessities to the just and the unjust equally? Actually, we know that is not even true, because we have all witnessed the starvation of many in Africa. But wait, may be that still shows the impartiality of God, because famine falls on both the just and the unjust. It gets confusing, because we see poor people who do not experience plenty, but maybe that is because they are lazy or that they are not smart enough to earn what others earn, or that they have no role models that are successful that they can emulate. Some would say they do not have the opportunity to earn a good living, but in this country that is not true, unless a person believes the lie that they can not get ahead. So far we have only been talking about physical blessings. It’s true that many of our blessings are physical for we are physical beings. But what standard must we use to judge whether our blessing are godly ones or not? I believe we must judge them by spiritual standards, such as, Do they make me a stronger Christian or make me able to perform my Christian service in an efficient way? If we invest in the stock market or in real estate and are successful, is it a blessing from God or just the product of our God given talents or the result of just being in the right place at the right time? If we believe that God supplies all of our money and success and that we are His stewards here on earth, then what right do we have to store up those blessings for ourselves or our families? Wouldn’t that be embezzlement? Wouldn’t that be stealing? If it

is from Him and for His work, why do we only give ten percent to the church or for missions? I know it is hard for us to give up the excess over and above our needs, because it is nice to indulge in our pleasures and build up our prestige, but if we handle our profits that way, how do we differ from unbelievers? Aren’t we just like the man who wanted to tear down his barns because they were already filled to capacity and build bigger ones so he could keep it all for himself and his family? (Luke 12:16-21) And didn’t the Lord call him a fool and take his life right on the spot? Notice that God did not even give him time to defend his actions, because God already knew his heart and that it was not going to change so, He was not going to waste His time listening to rationalizations. So, reject all of your rationalizations and really ponder over what you are doing with the overflow of your blessings. I believe that we must examine the blessings that come into our life. O, I know some of you will say, “I don’t have enough blessings to question any of them.” Well, that may be true, but wouldn’t it be a better thing to have a pure heart than a lot of money in the bank? Wouldn’t it be better to be the ‘apple of God’s eye,’ because you are a man after God’s heart, than use God’s blessings for the wrong purposes? Haven’t you experienced blessings that later you realized were temptations from Satan, and wished you had never received them with such joy and accepted them with such foolishness? Learn to be able to discern between worldly and spiritual blessings or they will get so inextricably mixed in your mind that you will not be able to discern August 2015 one from the other. m m 5

August 2015

DYING TESTIMONIES Polycarp, the Sainted Christian Father POLYCARP, an eminent Christian father, was born in the reign of Nero. Ignatius recommended the church of Antioch to the care and superintendence of this zealous father, who appears to have been unwearied in his endeavours to preserve the peace of the church, and to promote piety and virtue amongst men. During the persecution which raged at Smyrna, in the year 167, the distinguished character of Polycarp attracted the attention of the enemies of Christianity. The general outcry was, “Let Polycarp be sought for.” When he was taken before the proconsul, he was solicited to reproach Christ, and save his life: but with a holy indignation, he nobly replied: “Eighty and six years have I served Christ, who has never done me any injury: how then can I blaspheme my King and Savior?” When he was brought to the stake, the executioner offered, as usual, to nail him to it;

but he said, “Let me alone as I am: He who has given me strength to come to the fire, will also give me patience to abide in it, without being fastened with nails.” Part of his last prayer, at his death, was as follows: “O God, the Father of Thy beloved son, Jesus Christ, by whom we have received the knowledge of Thyself; O God of angels and powers, of every creature, and of all the just who live in Thy presence; I thank Thee that Thou hast graciously vouchsafed, this day and this hour, to allot me a portion amongst the number of martyrs. O Lord, receive me; and make me a companion of saints in the resurrection, through the merits of our great High Priest, the Lord Jesus Christ. I praise and adore Thee, through thy beloved Son, to whom, with Thee, and Thy Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory, both now and forever. Amen.” -Power of Religion.

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The Impact of Social Using social media Web sites is among the most common Media in Our Era! activity of today’s children and adolescents. It has a big impact on our world especially with today’s youth. The first generation of kids and teens are growing up with social media as an integral part of their life. It is changing the way they interact with peers, parents and how they use technology. Are We Letting Sites like Facebook and Twitter to Become too Prominent in Our Lives? Technology such as social media websites have become prominent parts of life for many young people today, but what is it really? What are the negative effects? And the positives? Are we as a society becoming people who are more concerned with Facebook than our daily lives? When it comes to these sites there are many positive aspects but there are equally as many dangers that come with the use of sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace. In order to be aware of all the sides of social media sites we must dig in and research this topic thoroughly before we or our children become over indulged in it. First, What are the Good Parts? Social media sites such as Facebook and MySpace can also act as a great tool for professionals, both helping to market skills of small business owners and also find business opportunities, “you can also use these sites to network professionally. You might be able to help someone else out. For instance, one friend might mention on his profile that he needs a carpenter to come to his house. You might know someone who’s perfect for the job; all you have to do is send a couple of messages and you’ve helped two friends out at the same time! August 2015

Now the Hard Part, the Negatives... On the negative side there

Sonia Rachel Abraham

are many risks involved with the social media and the internet in general. One of the risks that is most highlighted by today’s media is cyber bullying; over the internet, which mostly occurs on social media sites, such as Facebook. Cyber bullying is defined as the use of electronic communication to bully a person, typically by sending messages of an intimidating or threatening nature.

Another scary fact about young people and the internet is that they are too open and public with personal information, most youth do not read websites’ privacy policies or may be unaware that their information is at risk of disclosure to third parties like advertisers. Though concerned about talking to people they don’t know online, teens appear to be less worried about posting information about themselves. Most teens say it is safe to post personal information, including photos, online to a public profile. When teens, young adults, and anybody else for that matter use the internet without reading all disclaimers and policies it opens them up to having their person information divulged. This is a serious issue due to the rising rates of cyber crimes like identity theft. Social networking sites can be very harmful to the well being of your computer if you’re not careful, many hackers can get access to your (continued on page 10...)

Dear, “In a loud voice they sang: ‘Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!’” Revelation 5:12 In heaven, not only will our sufferings win us merit, the sufferings of Jesus will have an eternal perspective, too. Our Lord will be honored as the slain Lamb. His sufferings will never be forgotten. Unlike us, He will always visibly bare His wounds to the universe, and for that, God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit will enjoy praise as never before! If any dark demon in the corner of the universe ever doubted the righteousness of God in stooping to rescue debased sinners, he’ll be set straight. No evil spirit will dare accuse God of having defiled His purity in order to redeem wicked men. No one will question God’s righteous reputation for having condescended to save sinners. God’s righteousness will be beyond question! In fact, the sacrifice and suffering of Jesus was of such massive worth and supreme value, that God’s righteousness

will shine even brighter. For it will be shown that God in His wisdom was able to rescue sinners, redeem suffering, crush the rebellion, restore all things, vindicate His holy name, and provide restitution...and come out all the more glorious for it! Heaven will show this. And we will praise Him for it for all of eternity. You have something eternally precious in common with Christ-suffering! No angel or archangel will ever fully grasp the sweet union which affliction has refined between you and your Savior. In heaven you won’t praise the suffering, but you will praise the wisdom and the power of God in using it to drive you to the cross, as well as showcase His righteousness and mercy for all of eternity. How unsearchable is Your wisdom, O God! I praise You for Your awesome plan of salvation and the way You use affliction to showcase Your mercy and grace. I look forward to heaven where it will all be made plain! Blessings, Joni and Friends www.joniandfriends.org

August 2015

LET THE PEOPLE RENEW THEIR STRENGTH By Jacob Mathew

“They that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength”--Isaiah 40:31 All things on earth need to be renewed. No created thing continueth by itself. “Thou reneweth the face of the year,’’ was the Psalmist’s utterance. Even wear not themselves with care, not shorten their lives with labor, must drink of the rain of heaven and suck from the hidden treasures of the soil. The cedars of Lebanon, which God has planted, only live because day they are full of sap fresh drawn the earth. Neither can man’s life be sustained without renewal from God. As it is necessary to repair the waste of the body by the frequent meal, so we must repair the waste of the soul by feeding upon the Book of God, or by listening of the preached Word, or by soul-fattening table of the ordinances. How depressed are our graces when means are neglected! What poor starvelings some saints are who live without the diligent use of the Word of God and secret prayer! If our piety can live without God, it is not of divine creating, it is but a dream, for if God had begotten it, it would wait upon Him as the flowers wait upon the dew. Without constant restoration we are not ready for the perpetual assaults of hell, or the stern afflictions of heaven, or even for the strives within. When the whirlwind shall be loosed, woe to the tree that hath not sucked up fresh sap, and grasped the rock with many inter twisted roots. When tempest arise, woe to the mariners that have not strengthened their mast, not cast their anchor, nor sought the heaven. If we suffer the good to grow weakened, the evil will surely gather strength and struggle desperately for the mastery over us; and so, may hap, a painful desolation, and a lamentable disgrace may follow. Let us draw near to the footstool of divine mercy of divine mercy in humble entreaty, and we shall realize the fulfillment of the promise, “They that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength.’’

The Impact of Social Media in Our Era! continued from page 8

information very easily by using tactics such as social engineering. Social engineering plays on human nature to get results. Basically, the hacker goes into a friends account or creates a false account for a friend and gets you to click a link to a video or another site and when you click, your computer becomes infected with a virus of some kind. How much Influence do we Give This Part of Our Life? August 2015 In many cases it is clear that social media has 10

become not only part of people’s lives but the thing their life revolves around. We see people on smart-phones every two minutes looking for the newest Tweet or status updates from friends. We find that being “Facebook official” brings validity to things in our lives and the list of examples goes on. It’s important to realize that this great tool is just that, a tool, not a lifestyle.

We sometimes share too much with too many people and we have to also be cautious of that. Overall, we have to be careful and cautious when approaching these things. m m

Bible Translators Develop Indian Languages (contd...)

By Dr. Babu K. Verghese

The Power of the Press The history of printing in India is the story of the re-awakening of a nation. And it was Bible translators and Christian missionaries who triggered it. Fifty nine years after the landing of Vasco da Gama in India, the printing press opened its account at Goa, a few decades after the beginning of the 16th century. Within a hundred years of the printing of Gutenbergâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bible in Germany, India initiated its groping towards fashioning of types for the many Indian languages. The introduction of printing and the consequent development of the vernacular languages of India had tremendous sociopolitical and cultural impact on the country. The th second half of the 19 century began to witness a change from the old to the new, from the medieval to the modern. A scientific new educational system had been launched. Barbarous institutions like that of Sati (widow burning) and infanticide had been abolished. The printing press had come to India and Christian missionaries had commenced their sacrificial work in the country. In the realm of literature, the foundations of prose had already been laid. By the end of the century, the change which had been going on at a slow pace was greatly accelerated and unmistakably India had arrived at the threshold of modern life and literature. Voice of the People After the establishment of the printing press, newspapers appeared in various parts of the country, in many local languages. These

journals and newspapers proved themselves a medium through which people could voice their thoughts and assert their rights. The printed newspaper, even more than the printed book, has been a source of mass enlightenment. Enlightenment and Empowerment The study has been shown that, as pioneers who triggered a national renaissance, there are two vital contributions the Bible translators and Christian missionaries did for India: Enlightenment and Empowerment. Development of vernacular languages of India, by reducing many into writing, and by producing grammars, dictionaries and literature, promotion of prose, launching of journals and newspapers, establishment of schools, promotion of literacy and setting up of printing presses, challenged the country to come out of its insular traditions. Secondly, they empowered the people, especially the untouchables, the lower castes, the slaves, the oppressed, the exploited, cast-out women, widows and children, the lepers, the Dalits and Bahujan by offering them equal opportunities for education and growth. They also challenged the agents of exploitation, by demanding self-respect and self-rule for the exploited. They argued for the dignity of humanity, the value and worth of every citizen of India. They taught fundamental human rights of liberty, equality and fraternity. They promoted civil liberties, and human brotherhood. Indeed, history is witness to the impact of Bible translators on India. The linguists and Bible translators strived with their toil, sweat August 2015 and blood, and India thrived. m m 11

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God Works in Mysterious Ways (contd...)

hen Daniel’s story began to unfold. He had seen rough times early in life. He’d made some wrong choices and reaped the consequences. Fourteen years earlier, while backpacking across the country, he had stopped on the beach in Daytona. He tried to hire on with some men who were putting up a large tent and some equipment. A concert, he thought. He was hired, but the tent would not house a concert but revival services, and in those services he saw life more clearly. He gave his life over to God. “Nothing’s been the same since,” he said, “I felt the Lord telling me to keep walking, and so I did, some 14 years now.” “Ever think of stopping?” I asked. “Oh, once in a while, when it seems to get the best of me. But God has given me this calling. I give out Bibles. That’s what’s in my sack. I work to buy food and Bibles, and I give them out when His Spirit leads.” I sat amazed. My homeless friend was not homeless. He was on a mission and lived this way by choice. The question burned inside for a moment and then I asked: “What’s it like?” “What?” “To walk into a town carrying all your things on your back and to show your sign?” “Oh, it was humiliating at first. People would stare and make comments. Once someone tossed a piece of half-eaten bread and made a gesture that certainly didn’t make me feel welcome. But then it became humbling to

realize that God was using me to touch lives and change people’s concepts of other folks like me.” My concept was changing, too. We finished our dessert and gathered his things. Just outside the door, he paused. He turned to me and said, “Come, Ye blessed of my Father, and inherit the kingdom I’ve prepared for you. For when I was hungry you gave me food, when I was thirsty you gave me drink, a stranger and you took me in.” I felt as if we were on holy ground. “Could you use another Bible?” I asked. He said he preferred a certain translation. It traveled well and was not too heavy. It was also his personal favorite. “I’ve read through it 14 times,” he said. “I’m not sure we’ve got one of those, but let’s stop by our church and see.” I was able to find my new friend a Bible that would do well, and he seemed very grateful. “Where you headed from here?” “Well, I found this little map on the back of this amusement park August 2015 coupon.” (to be contd...) 13

temples, mosques and gurdwaras. “They (police) have done a commendable job by providing safety to churches. But efforts should be made to protect other religious places also,” Soni argued.

s Snippet

Christian youth in Pakistan team up to defend churches Pakistan: After the church attacks in March, a group of 16 Christian men in Lahore banded together to form a security team to defend local churches. The team began by offering its services at the Shalom Presbyterian Church in Bahar Colony, Lahore, the cultural capital of the country. The team’s goal is not to point out the government’s failings, but to defend churches. Another Church Vandalised in Nadia District West Bengal: Unidentified people vandalised a Catholic church in West Bengal’s Nadia district, police said on Friday, barely 25km from another Christian institution where a nun was gangraped a couple of months ago. The vandalism of the St Thomas Catholic Church at Taherpur on Thursday night was the latest in a string of attacks on minority-run institutions across the country which opposition parties and activists attribute to fringe right-wing groups. Ensure safety of all religious places: Centre to HC New Delhi: The central government on Wednesday questioned the Delhi Police move to provide safety to churches only and asked Delhi High Court that efforts should be made to protect other religious places also. A division bench of Chief Justice G. Rohini and Justice Jayant Nath was informed by advocate Anil Soni, appearing for the Centre, and churches and minority-r un institutions, that police August 2015 should ensure safety of other religious places like 14

Pope’s Encyclical on Christian Persecution?

Rome: Pope Francis recently released a new encyclical. Portions of it deal with environmentalism, global warming, and climate change. Naturally, this has prompted controversy. It’s noteworthy that Francis didn’t merely make a passing comment on global warming during this or that sermon, but that he issued a papal encyclical on the matter. Encyclicals are much more formal and significant than remarks made during mass. They are letters written by a pope and sent to bishops all around the world. In turn, the bishops are meant to disseminate the encyclical’s ideas to all the priests and churches in their jurisdiction, so that the pope’s teaching reaches every church-attending Catholic. Two security guards found murdered in Indian Christian school New Delhi: Two security guards have been found murdered in the compound of a Christian school in India’s capital New Delhi. School authorities suspect the July 15 killings could be the latest in a string of sectarian attacks on the Christian community. The bodies of Sunil Kumar, 36, and Anil Kumar, 32, who were brothers, were discovered tied up in a building of the United Christian school in the early hours of July 15 with multiple head injuries.

A cupboard in the school principal’s office was broken into and over 20,000 rupees (US$315) were missing, school officials said.

broke into her room, drugged and tied her up in the early hours of June 20 in Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh state.

Franklin Graham says lGBT rainbowcolored white house is ‘slap in the face’ of ‘millions of Americans;’ white house calls it ‘victory’

Ukrainian Nun and Priest Murdered in Separate Attacks Ukrain: A nun was found dead in Kiev on Wednesday (July 29), according to Christian Today. Sister Alevtina, 62, served as a nun at the Florivsky Convent in Kiev. The nun appears to have been tortured before she was killed. In a separate incident Wednesday, a Ukrainian priest died and after being shot in the head on Sunday (July 26). Father Roman Nikolayev was found by a neighbor nearby his home in Kiev’s Obolon district. Police do not believe the killings are related.

U.S.A: Evangelical leader Rev. Franklin Graham has said that President Barack Obama’s decision to light up the White House with rainbow colors celebrating the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on same-sex marriage is a “slap in the face” of “millions of Americans” who did not agree with the decision. “This is outrageous - a real slap in the face to the millions of Americans who do not support same-sex marriage and whose voice is being ignored. God is the one who gave the rainbow, and it was associated with His judgment. He added. Catholics call for swift arrest of men who raped nun Chhattisgarh: Christians in the western Indian state of Chhattisgarh and the capital Delhi staged protests Tuesday against what they called the lax attitude of police, who have yet to name any suspects in the rape of a nun late last month. “We are investigating all kinds of suspects but we cannot say we are any closer to solving the case,” Neeraj Chandrakkar, additional superintendent of police who is handling the investigation, told ucanews.com Wednesday. The nun, who belongs to the Salesian Missionaries was raped when two masked men

The cold-blooded killing of a Christian “Maoist” couple brings back fears in Kandhamal Odisha: A Christian couple from the village of Pangalipdar, in Kandhamal (Odisha), has been missing for three days, probably killed by members of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), the country’s largest paramilitary force. Around four in the afternoon on Sunday, after the prayer service, the pair set out with three people to a local hilltop to call their children who work in Kerala. After they finished their call, the others - Sukant Challanset, his wife and jibed Challanset – went home, leaving Dhubaleswar and his wife. On the way back, the three met two CRPF officers. About half an hour later, the three heard gunfire coming from the hill. This morning, villagers found bloodstains, a man’s vest and two pairs of slippers at the place where the missing couple were last seen. Dhubaleswar and his wife were ordinary Christians, not Maoist militants”. The seven Christians sentenced to life in connection with the murder of Swami Laxmanananda August 2015 Saraswati from the same village. 15

August 2015

YOUTH Y o u t h

Encounter the job offer

hat would you do if someone gave you a really, really cool job that allowed you to travel all over the world? One with lots of risk, but even greater reward. One that would have you literally “living life on the edge.” A job that came with the perfect balance of thrills and excitement and joy and fulfillment and reward.

a staff-no bread, no bag, no money in their belts- but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics. | Mark 6:7-9

Okay, so let’s review what they were allowed to take with them: the shirt on their backs, the shoes on their feet, and a staff. They weren’t even allowed an undershirt… or food or money or a blanket or a pillow. All Becky things we would probably consider “necessary” for a traveling job… or for just life Sounds pretty perfect, doesn’t it? I’d jump on itself. If it was me, I would have complained, that offer. But what if the job had a disclaimer panicked, backed out, or done some attached to it: combination of the three. But not these men. In “PAYMENT UPON COMPLETION. NO fact, we don’t read anything about them HEALTH INSURANCE, NO DENTAL complaining or even questioning Jesus’ INSURANCE, NO LUGGAGE, NO FOOD, stipulations. What we do read is this: NO MONETARY PROVISIONS, NO ACCOMMODATIONS. WORK AT YOUR OWN RISK.”

Would you still be so inclined to accept the offer? Probably not. Well, maybe some of you adrenaline junkies out there would still consider it, but I certainly wouldn’t. While I would be extremely hesitant to accept this job offer, twelve brave, young, somewhatcrazy souls actually did. They’re widely known as “The Twelve Disciples of Jesus Christ.” I know, pretty great name, huh? And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He charged them to take nothing for their journey except

So they went out and proclaimed that people should repent. And they cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them. | Mark 6:12-13 They just did their job. Which, I’m sure, they thoroughly enjoyed. They got to do things only JESUS had done before, because He gave them His authority to perform them. That’s crazy! I’m sure the fact that they had no food, no luggage, no money was the last thing on their minds during all of this. By the power of God, in the name August 2015 of Jesus, they were performing miracles left 17

and right. In the midst of experiencing the mind-blowing power and provision of God, how could anyone doubt that all their needs would be met? Yeah, It’s easy to say this when we don’t know the ending, right? Well guess what? We do! And he said to them, ”When I sent you out with no moneybag or knapsack or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “Nothing.” | Luke 22:35 Nothing. They lacked nothing. The whole time they were out fulfilling the tasks He had given them, every single need of theirs was fully met. The Twelve may have left with nothing but they undoubtedly returned with much! Y’all, we’ve got a crazy job offer awaiting our response. The risk is great, but the reward is greater. The job is hard, but the payment is so worth it. It’ll be dangerous, exhausting, lonely, and painful. But it’ll also be exhilarating, joyous, and comforting. As we work, we’ll come to know who we are and along the journey, who we are will be radically redefined. THIS IS NOT YOUR TYPICAL JOB OFFER. BUT THAT’S WHAT MAKES IT SO GREAT.

Sociologists have theorized that humans make decisions based on a simple cost-benefit analysis (no really, my textbook says so). Whatever costs us the least and benefits us the most is what we tend to lean towards. Friends, you will never find something that costs you so little but profits you so much. YES, and that is with the understanding that this will most likely hurt you, break you, rip your heart apart, leave you broke, broken, and maybe even dead. The reward outweighs the cost. What you’ll gain is LIFE. Not just life like you’ve experienced here, but ETERNAL LIFE. Life in January2015 August 2015 vivid color. But that’s not all. No, you’ll get rewards 18

too. Not a blue participation ribbon like you got on Field Day in elementary school. You’ll get crowns. Crowns upon crowns. But that’sstill not all. No, eternal life and a plethora of crowns mean nothing without this final, most precious reward: Jesus Christ. DON’T MISS THIS: HEAVEN ISN’T HEAVEN WITHOUT JESUS.

You’ve got a job offer awaiting your response. It’ll cost you. But not nearly as much as it’ll reward you. And in comparison to how much it cost the One who’s offering you the job, it’s nothing. You don’t get to take much with you… in fact, you’ll have to leave everything you know, everything you have, everything you love behind. But you will never be lacking all that you need. Just as The Twelve lacked nothing in their servitude to Christ, neither will you lack anything in your obedience to His commission. You will have all that you need to survive, in Him. He is the Bread of Life. He is the Living Water. He is your Shelter, your Deliverer, your Provider, your faithful Friend. Above all, He is the Messiah, the Son of God, your Savior, your Redeemer, the Lover of your soul.

YOUR MISSION, SHOULD YOU CHOOSE TO ACCEPT: KNOW JESUS AND MAKE HIM KNOWN. AT WHATEVER COST. WITH UNWAVERING BOLDNESS. SO. WHAT DO YOU SAY? m

or the longest time I wondered why God allowed me - and my family - to go broke. After so many cries for rescue, after so many laments, after so many opportunities where God could’ve “fixed” our financial crisis easily, but didn’t, I wondered what he was up to. Wondered why he wasn’t “blessing” us with financial abundance the way he had in the past. At long last, I figured maybe God was actually blessing us with a time in relative poverty. That maybe, God allowed us to linger in financial desperation so that we might learn something life-changing through a time of total and utter dependence on him. That maybe learning what it is to lean on God and God’s people, to fully understand the beauty of asking for and receiving daily bread would be a bigger blessing than some zeroes on a savings account. But I was wrong. At least, according to a post on Christian financial guru Dave Ramsey’s site. Based on that advice, we went broke - from rich to poor - because I wasn’t forcing my children to read at least two non-fiction books a month… or following those 19 other things Rich People Do Every Day that Poor People Don’t. If this is true, it makes total sense why I’m no longer rich: I may have spent two hours last night in bed with Jane Eyre, but since I did not spend 30 minutes reading something careerrelated, I have no hope. It doesn’t help that I

Things Broke People Do By Caryn Rivadeneira

choose NPR over audio books or that I usually speak what’s on my mind. You know, like we broke people do. But of course, I jest. This list’s truthiness isn’t its biggest problem. The problem is the prevalence with which so many Christians seem to think lists like this are helpful. After all, why should Christians be so concerned with what the rich do - how they become so or how they act? According to Jesus, they are not the blessed ones. They have the harder time finding the Kingdom.

While some of the items on the list make common sense (reading more of anything is always a good thing), if in my most desperate financial need someone handed me this list and told me to hop to it, I’d never seen Jesus poking through these words. Not like I saw him peek out when friends handed us stacks of grocery store gift cards or family members sent checks with no repayment expectation. There, I saw love. There, I saw grace, There, I saw Jesus. In the gifts, not the lists. m m

Words of Martin Luther (1483-1546) The Kingdom is to be in the midst of your enemies. And he who will not suffer this does not

want to be of the Kingdom of Christ; he wants to be among friends, to sit among roses and lilies, not with the bad people but the devout people. O you blasphemers and betrayers of Christ! If Christ had done what you are doing, who would ever have been spared? I have held many things, and have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God’s hands, that I still possess. The whole being of any Christian is faith and love... Faith brings the man to

August 2015

God, love brings him to men. 19

His One Mistake He brushed his teeth TWICE a day... with a nationally advertised toothpaste. The doctors examined him twice a year. He got at least eight hours’ sleep every night. He never smoked, drank or lost his temper. He did his “daily dozen’’ daily. He was all set to live to be a hundred. The funeral will be held August 2015 Wednesday. He forgot God. 20

Things To Remember The improvement of talent The value of time The success of perseverance The pleasure of working The dignity of simplicity The worth of character The power of kindness The influence of example

August 2015

Assurance Let us rise into blest assurance that everywhere and forever we are enfolded, penetrated, guarded, guided, kept by the power of the Father and Friend, who can never forsake us; and that all spirits who have begun to seek, now, love, and serve the All-Perfect One on earth shall be reunited in a celestial home, and be welcomed together into the freedom of the universe and the perpetual light of His presence. - Channing There are believers who by God’s grace, have climbed the mountains of full assurance and near communion, their place is with the eagle in his eyrie, high aloft; they are like the strong mountaineer, who has trodden the virgin snow, who has breathed the fresh, free air of the Alpine regions, and therefore his sinews are braced and his limbs are vigorous; these are they who do great exploits, being mighty men, men of renown. - Spurgeon True assurance makes a man more humble and self-denied, but presumptuous confidence puffs up with spiritual pride and self-conceit; the one excites to the practice of every commanded duty, but the other encourages sloth and indolence. - Fisher’s Catechism Assurance and intrepidity, under the white banner of seeming modesty, clear the way to merit that would otherwise be discouraged by difficulties. - Chesterfield Assurance of Hope is more than life. It is health, strength, power, vigor, activity, energy, manliness, and beauty. - Ryle

When Wesley’s Carriage Stuck In Mud Wesley, when traveling in a carriage one day along a narrow road filled with ruts, became stuck in the mud. The delay especially disturbed him because he was eager to preach at the next town. while some helpers tried to get the vehicle moving, another Christian came by. Wesley talked with him a moment and perceived that the poor fellow was deeply troubled. Asking why he was so distressed, he learned that because of a crop failure, the man was almost destitute. “I haven’t been able to get the money together to pay the rent,” he said despairingly. “The landlord is ready to turn us out, and I don’t know where to go with my wife and children.” “How much do you owe?” Wesley inquired - “Well,” said Wesley, “I believe we can handle that. The Lord evidently wanted me to meet you.” Taking the money from his wallet, he handed it to the man and said, “Here, go and be happy!” Then turning to his companions, he exclaimed, “Now I see why our carriage had to August 2015 get stuck in the mud. Our steps were halted so that we might help that needy family.” - Henry G. Bosch 22

The man who transformed dreams into action Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam - A Tribute vul Pakir Jainulabdeen “A.P.J.” Abdul scientist first and politician second. Though he Kalam (15 October 1931 - 27 July rose from humble beginnings to become India’s th 2015) was the 11 President of India head of state, Abdul Kalam’s initial calling was from 2002 to 2007. A career scientist turned elsewhere. reluctant politician, Kalam was born and raised in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, and studied For 40 years before he entered public life, Abdul Physics and aerospace engineering. He spent Kalam was a scientist, working first in defence the next four decaresearch before des as scientist and moving on to With the demise of Dr. Kalam, many inspiring messages science administIndia’s space progrator mainly at the have been circulated on his life and accomplishments. Dr. Kalam ramme. He was Defence Research does deserve all these tributes but did you know that in the popularly known and Development background of this great scientist and leader is a small school as the father of the O r g a n i s a t i o n where Dr. Kalam did not just get education but self confidence. country’s missile (DRDO) and Indi The Schwartz High School, Ramanathapuram where Dr. programme, but an Space Research Kalam studied is one of the oldest schools in India and the first Abdul Kalam also O r g a n i s a t i o n school in India where English was the medium of instruction. made breakthrou(ISRO) and was The school was founded by Rev. Schwartz, a missionary to South ghs in other areas – Intimately involved India often called the Apostle to South India. Rev. Billing, notably using what in India’s civilian another missionary who developed the school immensely, he learnt from space program and established the Billings Hostel, where Dr. Kalam stayed and rocket technology militar y missile pursued his education. In Dr. Kalam’s words, ‘By the time I to create a low-cost development effor completed my education at Schwartz, I was a self confident boy, coronary stent. ts. He thus came to determined to succeed.’ (...taken from “Wings of Fire”... Dr. be known as the Kalam’s book). The toils of missionaries like Rev. Schwartz and Dr. Abdul Kalam Rev. Billing are responsible for the makings of one of India’s “Missile Man” of liked to boast that India for his work most loved and admired personality. It is a mission school which he was “made in on the developm- sparked off Dr. Kalam’s dreams!! India”, because he ent of Ballistic received all his Missile and Launch vehicle technology. He was scientific training in the country. And he was an a recipient of several awards including the inspiration in many ways: what Abdul Kalam Bharat Ratna. represented was the best of what India is and

can be. Dr. Abdul Kalam passed away on Monday. In the flurry of tributes that followed, it was relevant that he was most often described as a

For starters, he was a scientist fascinated by

August 2015

classical poetry and traditional Indian music. He was a Muslim in a country that too often today celebrates only one of its many religious traditions, and he was a fierce patriot who contributed to Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s security. He was a self-made, ascetic politician at a time when too many Indians believe their political class is corrupt and hereditary. Most of all, he was a patrician from humble beginnings who never forgot his own past, nor the grand history of his country. Abdul Kalamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life, then, gave the lie to many myths that have been allowed to grow up about India, not least by a political class to whom he was an outsider. The idea that India belongs to

only one religious tradition, that politics is the domain only of an elite or career politicians, that those who reach high status strive only for themselves. These are pernicious myths about a great country, and Abdul Kalam embodied their rejection. He died giving a lecture, still tirelessly talking at 83. He will be missed by many Indians because of who he was; he will be missed by many more because of what he represented.

10 Memorable Quotes From Late Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam 1. You have to dream before your dreams can come true. 2. Excellence is a continuous process and not an accident. 3. Life is a difficult game. You can win it only by retaining your birthright to be a person. 4. Man needs his difficulties because they are necessary to enjoy success. 5. We will be remembered only if we give to our younger generation a prosperous and safe India, resulting out of economic prosperity coupled with civilizational heritage. 6. Those who cannot work with their hearts achieve but a hollow, half-hearted success that breeds bitterness all around. 7. Educationists should build the capacities of the spirit of inquiry, creativity, entrepreneurial and moral leadership among students and become their role model. 8. Look at the sky. We are not alone. The whole universe is friendly to us and conspires only to give the best to those who dream and work. 9. If a country is to be corruption free and become a nation of beautiful minds, I strongly feel there are three key societal members who can make a difference. They are the father, the mother and the teacher. 10. My message, especially to young people is to have courage to think differently, courage to invent, to travel the unexplored path, courage to discover the impossible and to conquer the problems and succeed. These are great qualities that they August 2015 must work towards. This is my message to the young people. 24

GOD the FATHER By Albert Daniel

God the Father is “The Mastermind Planner” Ø Jesus said,

1. “...I am He, and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things. And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.

John 8:28-29

2. “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.”

John 14:26

3.“No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught by God.’ Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me.”

John 6:44, 45

Ø God the Father designed the redemption plan for humanity, through Jesus Ø “But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son,

Gal 4:4-5

born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.” Ø There is one God and Father of all, who is above all

Eph 4:6

“The LORD our GOD is ONE” (Deut 6:4) Ø Jesus is the exact representation of God the Father

Heb 1:3

Ø Jesus is the image of the invisible God

Col 1:15 2 Cor 4:4

Ø No one has ever seen God but God the Father was revealed through Jesus

John 1:18

Ø Jesus said, “He who has seen Me has seen the Father” Ø Jesus said “ I and My Father are ONE”

John 14:9 John 10:30

August 2015

m m 25

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