JOSHUA, one of the greatest military strategists of the world in his time, was a man who acknowledged the supremacy of God in his life. Towards the end of his life, he called all the Israelites and gave them a farewell address. In Joshua 23, four times he reminded his people that it was the Lord who fought their battles. He also listed one of the first things that will make us trip in our walk with the Lord as: 1. Association with unbelievers “For if you turn back and cling to the remnant of these nations remaining among you and make marriages with them, so that you associate with them and they with you know for certain that the Lord your God will no longer drive out these nations before you, but they shall be a snare and a trap for you, a whip on your sides and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from off this good ground that the Lord your God has given you� (Joshua 23:12,13 ESV). God's Word is unchanging. Even today, this is a warning to believers all over the world. The warning to God's children is not to associate themselves with those that belong to the world. The people who we think will enlarge our circle of influence will end up being a doom to us. The Bible is clear that light has no association with darkness or believers with unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14). 2. All that we do outside His will If association with unbelievers can endanger our walk with the Lord, then we must also know what the work of our hands wrought outside of God's will and strength will do for us. In Isaiah 17: 10-11, we see the work of a diligent man who labored in his vineyard day and night coming to zilch. The day of harvest not only brings him zero yield, but also causes him grief and incurable pain. What was his crime? Though he was a skilled worker who knew the needs of his
plantation, he forgot to keep himself at the center of God's will. In John 15:15, Jesus said compared Himself to the vine and His disciples to the branches. To bear fruit, the branches have to be with the plant. We must always remember we can do nothing apart from Him. All the work that we do outside of His will, not only will be unfruitful but also bring us despair and shame. 3. An ungrateful heart Many times, once we experience salvation we go on an auto-pilot mode. That's a dangerous trip. As believers we need to take time off to thank God for our salvation. If we can make it part of our every day prayer, great! Only a grateful heart will take time to examine oneself and find one's deep-rooted prejudices and flaws. The great scientist of this century Albert Einstein once said: 'There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.' Ephesians 5:20 asks us to give thanks to God for everything and always in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. When Israelites wavered in their faith, God spoke to them through prophet Jeremiah and asked them to name the fault they found in Him (Jeremiah 2:5-6). A grateful heart would have helped them realize and worship the One that brought them out of Egypt and led them through wilderness, deserts, drought and darkness. Their ungrateful heart made them follow worthless idols and they became worthless themselves. 4. 5. & 6. Life's worries, riches and pleasures God knows worries can choke the Word out of man. That's why when Jesus Christ was explaining the parable of the sower in Luke 8, He took time to explain the condition of a man's heart. The seeds that fell among thorns grew like the seeds that fell on good soil. However, the thorns outgrew the seeds
(Continued on page 26)
TELEPHONE: 044-65145334 / 0-7299063345 / 7299063347 The purpose of the news magazine is to report newsworthy religious events and activities within the local community, nationwide and around the world, to increase the awareness and activism of believers regarding the moral issues of today, to provide thought-provoking commentary, and to provide an effective advertising vehicle for Christian ministries and organizations, events and businesses that want to reach the Christian community. - Editor
The Team Managing Editor: Robin Sam Editor & Publisher: Elsy Robin Editorial Advisor: P I Samuel Production & Sales: S Saravanan Website: www.christianmessenger.in | Email: christianmessengerindia@gmail.com
SUBSCRIPTION RATES Annual : Rs.120/3 years : Rs.360/5 years : Rs.500/Life : Rs.1,000/Owned and published by Elsy Robin from 329/4, Poonga Apartments, HIG Flats, II Avenue, Anna Nagar, Chennai 600 040. Printed by L Cyril Sagayaraj at VS Printograph Pvt Ltd., 1, Narasinghapuram Extn.., 1st Lane, Maduvankarai, Guindy, Chennai 600 032. Editor: Elsy Robin DECEMBER 2013 w THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER 3
10 14 16 20 24 26
ADVERTISEMENT TARIFF New Ad Tariff Effective Dec 1, 2012 COLOR PAGES BLACK & WHITE PAGES Centre Spread :Rs.16,000/- Full page :Rs.2,500/Back cover :Rs.8,000/- Half page :Rs.1,500/Inside Front Cover :Rs.7,200/- Quarter page :Rs.1,000/Inside Back Cover :Rs.7,000/- Mini Display :Rs. 500/-
Advertisements for the next issue should reach us before the 20th of this month along with the complete payment. Payment can be made by cash or demand draft in favor of ‘Messenger Communications Pvt. Ltd.’ and sent to our address below. You can also email the advertisement matter as jpg, gif or pdf to us at christianmessengerindia@gmail.com or ads@christianmessenger.in (Readers are advised to make thorough enquiries before acting on any advertisements. This magazine does not necessarily agree to the claims or representations made by any advertiser.)
Ph:044-65145334 / 0-7299063345 / 7299063347 ADDRESS FOR COMMUNICATION Use this address only for postal correspondence. Please call us before visiting us.
The Christian Messenger, 20/20, Bharathiar Street, Srinivasa Nagar, Padi, Chennai 50. Send your feedback to this issue at christianmessengerindia@gmail.com Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/christian.messenger Twitter: www.twitter.com/christmessenger
4 THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER w DECEMBER 2013
Website: www.christianmessenger.in | Email: christianmessengerindia@gmail.com
Website: www.christianmessenger.in | Email: christianmessengerindia@gmail.com
DECEMBER 2013 w THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER 5
THE number 1000 is a number of 'completion' and 'perfection' in the Bible. And what could be more perfect than paradise, right? You literally cannot imagine how utterly incredible heaven will be for all who go there. It is impossible to comprehend without being there. Simply impossible. It's like it's impossible for a grasshopper to comprehend astrophysics. You may think you know a little bit about heaven. You really don't, and neither do I. We understand paradise about as well as we understood college while we were still in kindergarten. It doesn't work that way. So picture heaven in your imagination, however you think it looks and feels. Now shatter that image in your mind, and simply believe in Him who actually created paradise. Trust Him to blow your mind when you arrive there. But I need to let you know something. You will need a special article of clothing to get into heaven. It's true. The article of clothing I am talking about cannot be purchased with cash, or even a credit card. The fact is that God already paid a huge price to make it available to you and me. The price? The life of the Messiah. Yeshua. Jesus. Immanuel, which means 'God with us.' And, what's the article of clothing? A white robe! (read: Rev. 3:4 and Rev. 7:9,13,14) It's your ticket to paradise, should you choose to accept it. In John's revelation of heaven, he wrote, “These in white robes – who are they, and where did they come from?” I answered, “Sir, you know.” And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” (Rev. 7:13,14) In the words of the famous hymn, “What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus; What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. Oh! Precious is the flow that makes me white as snow; No other fount I know, Nothing but the blood of Jesus.” You didn't really think the Son of God was going to spill His own blood, and then not have that sacrifice become the most important event in the history of the world, did you? His death and His resurrection guarantee eternal life for everyone who is wearing a white robe. Once again, try to picture heaven. Then shatter that image in your mind, and trust the One who shed His blood to earn a white robe for sinners like us. The whiteness of the robe represents the righteousness of Christ, which gets applied to the soul of a believer through faith, rather than through man's works and 6 THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER w DECEMBER 2013
religious deeds. (read: Romans 3:21-24). The apostle Paul was given an experience from the Lord where he was actually 'caught up to paradise. He heard inexpressible things, things that man is not permitted to tell.' (2 Cor. 12:4) Paul was given a glimpse. One day, all believers will be enjoying the full reality of paradise for themselves. Will you be there? “But Dan, why should I worry about heaven now? It is so far off.” Well, no one said you should 'worry' about it. But you would be wise to spend more time planning for your eternal existence than most people spend planning for their retirement. The reason heaven seems 'far off' is because you are still breathing. Once you stop breathing, your soul will cross that line from this world to the next. And then I assure you that it won't seem 'far off.' All you will care about from then on is how grateful you are to be in paradise, or how horrified you are to be in hell. God wants you in heaven. That is why He sent His only Son to die for you. Jesus was 'far off' before He came to this world. He was in the glory of heaven. But He left it all for you and for me. If that love, from our Creator no less, is not enough to get you to turn to Him, what will be enough? Heaven is 1,000 times better than expected for those who go there. Everyone else will only be able to wish they had taken it seriously before it was too late. And if you think people don't get surprised everyday by their sudden death, just watch the news today. It happens every single day of the year. And it happens to people who were considering heaven about as much as you are thinking about it. Once you cross that line, there is no coming back. And no more opportunities to accept the free gift of eternal life. Or do you think the Son of God gave His life and shed His blood for no good reason? You are going to have the opportunity to visit with Him about it one day whether you are wearing a white robe or not. (read: 1 Cor. 5:10) So the best thing you could do today is to begin a friendship with Jesus Christ. Trust Him as your Savior. Commit your life to Him as your Lord. Follow Him as the Messiah. And live for the One who died for you. That's the best advice I could ever give you. Because I know that without Him and His forgiveness, you will hate your existence on the other side of the grave. And what good will that do anyone. Hell is 1,000 times worse than expected, and heaven is 1,000 times better. Only Jesus can bring you to paradise. (read: John 14:1-6) So in the words of Paul and Silas in Acts 16:31, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.” Dan Delzell Website: www.christianmessenger.in | Email: christianmessengerindia@gmail.com
Website: www.christianmessenger.in | Email: christianmessengerindia@gmail.com
DECEMBER 2013 w THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER 7
8 THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER w DECEMBER 2013
Website: www.christianmessenger.in | Email: christianmessengerindia@gmail.com
Website: www.christianmessenger.in | Email: christianmessengerindia@gmail.com
DECEMBER 2013 w THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER 9
SAM CHILDERS is no stranger to Christians exposed to Christian films from the West. Machine Gun Preacher is a Hollywood biopic that was made on him in 2011. Childers' book, 'Another Man's War', where he wrote about his life and experience in Sudan and Uganda, was published by Thomas Nelson in 2009. For those who know very little about him, Sam Childers is a former outlaw biker and reformed drug addict who now dedicates his life and resources to rescuing child soldiers in Sudan. Childers and his wife Lynn founded the Angels of East Africa and operate Children's Village orphanage in Nimule, Sudan, which houses and educates numerous orphans. He has rescued hundreds of African children from the war zone in Sudan. He was recently in India to receive the Mother Teresa Memorial International Award for Social Justice organized by the Harmony Foundation. He was felicitated for being an angel of peace at the war zone. I met him at a hotel lobby in Mumbai where he was staying for the interview where he cordially treated me to breakfast. There were tattoos on his arms – the words 'Machine Gun Preacher' were etched on his upper arm. He has a muscular physique and sports salt and pepper hair. What impressed me most about his personality is his confident and straightforward nature. Despite the immense mark 10 THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER w DECEMBER 2013
he has made in the world, he is humble like his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Excerpts from an exclusive interview for THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER: Do you remember what happened at the Assembly of God Church revival meeting where you got saved? It was a Sunday night. I was raised in a Pentecostal church, so I already knew what God was but I just didn't want to accept Him at that time. As a child I was born again, but I walked away from it all. I knew at that time that something different had happened to me but I was just too afraid to get up from my seat. The pastor came walking right back to me and that night I gave my life to Christ. But I knew that I wanted more so I went back the next night and sat right in the front row of the church. That was in June, 1992. Your mother was also given the prophecy that her son would become a preacher‌ My mom was prophesized over before she even conceived me. She was told that she would have a child who would be a preacher and would travel the world. Then it happened again when I was in her belly. Then it happened again when I was a small child standing next to her and again when I was about five or six years old. She had the same prophecy for many years. I always joke that when I was about 17 Website: www.christianmessenger.in | Email: christianmessengerindia@gmail.com
or 18 years old, my mother thought that they were all liars. The truth is that she never gave up praying saying, “God, you told me that my son would become a preacher.” A pastor prophesied that you would go to Africa and serve. Yeah, the pastor's first name was Mike. He was a very hard pastor – what I exactly needed at that point of time. When he gave the prophecy I started getting angry and waited outside the church to beat him up. I felt that I was not born to Africa and nobody could insist that I was born to it. I started cursing him in front of the church. All he did was just smile and said, “We will see.” This prophecy came in June, 1992. In the fall of 1998, I found myself in Sudan in Africa. How did you meet your wife Lynn? What is her I met Lynn at a drug deal. She was a role in your ministry? She runs the entire church by herself now. I would stripper. She came to the Lord about two have been the Senior Pastor, but I am not around years before I did. I knew that God was anymore. So I cannot call myself a Senior Pastor real but I just kept running from Him. anymore. So, she runs the entire church there. She would go on asking me all the time, I met her at a drug deal. She was a stripper. She “Sam, why don't you go to church?” I came to the Lord about two years before I did. I knew that God was real but I just kept running from Him. would say, “Okay, okay I will go.” I think She would go on asking me all the time, “Sam, why that I more or less wanted to shut her up. don't you go to church?” I would say, “Okay, okay I will go.” I think that I more or less wanted to shut her years. If you ask children in the eight to 10-year-old up. Then, I went to church with her and everything age group in the US, “How many of you have experimented with or have been offered drugs,” changed from there. almost every hand goes up. At 11, I looked older – maybe 13 or 14. I wanted to As a boy you dabbled in drugs. Your father told look cool, for people to notice me and to fit in. you that if you decided to do drugs, you would Sometimes in America if you do drugs and drink have to leave home…. th alcohol at a young age, you think you will fit in with He told me that at age 15 just before my 16 the popular people. birthday. A lot of people have a problem with parents I started doing drugs and smoking marijuana at saying that. I think the best thing a parent can do with age eleven and twelve. At age 13, I was having more their kids is not compromise on drugs or alcohol. A drugs. At age 14, I was doing almost every drug that lot of time we compromise and we are the cause of there was. But at age 15, I didn't care how cool I their death. My parents wouldn't compromise. They looked anymore. I had a drug addiction. I was gave me a choice. My dad said, “Look, you got a putting a needle in my arm. Everything changed – I good home and a car. You have everything going for you. You make the choice- you want that lifestyle or wanted to look cool, but all of a sudden I had a drug the drugs? But if you choose drugs, you got to leave addiction. I just had to fulfill that addiction every the house.” I think it was the best choice that my dad day. ever gave me. But I chose to take the life on the street Please tell me about your daughter… and drugs. However, I always knew that I could go My daughter Paige will be turning 25. She is a home anytime I wished to but I couldn't take the born-again Christian. She has never done drugs and drugs with me. has always loved the Lord. Unfortunately, she is in You were doing drugs from age eleven. Isn't the middle of a divorce right now. She runs a lot of the US side of the non-profit in Africa. She will soon that too young to start drugs? be spending a lot more time in Africa. She has two The culture in the US is different from that in India. I have been speaking in schools for a few little kids. The only reason as to why she isn't in Website: www.christianmessenger.in | Email: christianmessengerindia@gmail.com
DECEMBER 2013 w THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER 11
Africa is because she has some passport issues with the children. But she will over this time be spending more time in Africa. Growing up she hated Africa and me as she thought that Africa had stolen her dad. But she later saw the purpose. Then when she graduated, she said, “Dad we need to talk. I want to join the non-profit.” That really shocked me. Then she reminded me of a few things. She said, “Dad do you remember that when we didn't have any money and we would go to the warehouse, you would go through the used clothing to get your clothes?” I replied, “Yes.” She enquired, “If you remember I was next to you getting mine. Do you remember that when we didn't have much money for food on the table?” There was a time in my life if my kids were having beans and rice, I ate the same. In the US, I made my family eat very cheap. She said, “If you really remember, I was at the same table with you eating. If anyone can run this non-profit and sacrifice, then I can.” I said, “Okay, you are hired.” She has been working for the nonprofit since then.
weekend partier. This is why I tell a lot of young kids that you do not have to be an addict to die. My son held a job. If you would see him on the street, he would look clean cut and was very athletic. He didn't seem likely to die of a drug overdose. He would go out and maybe have some beers during the week. He would never go for drug binges. He was a case of a very unfortunate drug overdose. Many young people say, “I just do a little bit of heroin.” What they don’t know is that they can also die the first time they try it.
You lost your son to heroin… He was my step son. Both of us became close for many years. Right before his death, we had become very close. He thought that I was probably the coolest step dad around. I won't say that I regret it but I probably should have talked to him a little bit more about drugs and their effects. But I didn't let his death go in vain. That is why I go to many high schools and universities now and speak on drugs and alcohol. My son was never a heroin addict. He was a
In Wikipedia it is written, “Some of Childer’s claims have been criticized as being untrue, unverified, or exaggerated by several different sources. Two separate generals from the Sudanese People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) have denied Childer’s claims that he ever worked side-by-side with the SPLA. It has also been reported that the children Childers takes care of live in poor conditions without sufficient food, hygiene, and
12 THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER w DECEMBER 2013
Let me ask you a question, “What did they say about Jesus?” Two thousand years later they said that he had a wife and a daughter. (Take) anybody from the beginning of time who has done good, what has been said about them? What did they say about Mother Teresa? Teresa was even disowned by her own church.
Website: www.christianmessenger.in | Email: christianmessengerindia@gmail.com
medical care.” What do you have to say to that? (He seemed to be slightly annoyed by this question. He showed his SPLM membership card. The expiration section out there stated, ‘Open’…. ) That is what I travel on in Sudan. That is an SPLM/ SPLA membership card. I wouldn't like to defend myself on any of these accusations but what I will ask is that in the pictures of me you see in the Internet, who is in the background? They are SPLA soldiers. I didn't Photoshop them inside the picture. So whether they are true or not, you will always have accusations. Regarding the second part of the question, what story are you talking about while citing what has been written in Wikipedia? If you read the Christianity Today story carefully you will see that they have written, “We sent a CT reporter in but they couldn’t find any evidence of any of this.” It was all accusations. Let me ask you a question, “What did they say about Jesus?” Two thousand years later they said that he had a wife and a daughter. (Take) anybody from the beginning of time who has done good, what has been said about them? What did they say about Mother Teresa? Teresa was even disowned by her own church. That is because she was willing to stand up and do something right. So, anybody doing something right, they are going to deny. What are your views on the church in America? I believe that my views on the church in America are the same around the world. I believe we have lost our true call. There are so many times that we believe that the church is for the religious people and Christians. It is not. The church is to be for the nonbelievers and sinners. We need to have a church
I lost my stepson to heroin. Both of us became close for many years. Right before his death, we had become very close. He thought that I was probably the coolest step dad around. I won’t say that I regret it but I probably should have talked to him a little bit more about drugs and their effects. But I didn’t let his death go in vain. That is why I go to many high schools and universities now and speak on drugs and alcohol. Website: www.christianmessenger.in | Email: christianmessengerindia@gmail.com
which isn’t condemning, open and loving. What are your views on the movie Machine Gun Preacher? I had some pretty harsh views at first. But, who are we to decide what that film is or if God is in that film, when total atheists got out of the theatre crying and weeping and seeking to find God? I feel that a lot of religious people have the wrong outlook on the movie. The movie has been able to bring hundreds and thousands of people into the Lord. That is what we need to be concerned about. What is your prayer life like? I am not some radical Christian who gets on his knees every day and prays for an hour in the morning. I am the kind of Christian who prays constantly in everything that I do. To have a relationship with God, you should be able to talk to Him and listen to Him. What are the upcoming projects? If you look at our work now, we don't have one orphanage. We have five working orphanages. We have built four schools in the past three years. We are building the sixth orphanage now. The orphanages we have are more into teaching and trade than into just taking care of little children. What the world needs to realize is that in most orphanages your kids will leave at 15 or 16. Most of the time those children will go into prostitution. So, I believe that we need to educate our kids well and teach them the trade. We have recently bought a farm where we are planning to teach them farming, ranching and irrigation. We teach auto mechanics and wood working. We feed around 4,000 meals a day. In the last several years we have drilled about 10 wells. I feel that all of the work we have done is just a beginning. We have plans to do a lot more. How does it feel on winning the Mother Teresa Award for Social Justice? I don’t even feel worthy enough (to receive the award). The one thing that I loved about this lady (Mother Teresa) is that she never stopped. She was hacked on very badly because of the work she did. But she never stopped. Would you like to do any work in India? I would not say 'no'. I can tell you this much, we are here, so I would say that God brought me here for a little bit more of a reason than just to accept the Mother Teresa Award. I have seen a lot of need. I will not limit what God will do in my life. So, I will not limit the work that I would do for Him. DECEMBER 2013 w THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER 13
CHRISTIANITY is the world's largest religion by a landslide. At over 2 billion adherents there is no religion or belief system even close. But the big guy is always an easy target. Write a book calling Jesus a zealot, point out an example of hypocrisy or just declare some biblical value as narrow-minded and you will have loads of mostly unchallenged media attention. The half-truths, lies and myths about Christianity seem to increase at the rate of social media growth. There are falsehoods about science and Christianity, the divinity of Christ and the veracity of the Bible. There are so many half-truths it would take volumes to dispel them. And there are the myths. These are five that warrant examination. Jesus Was Only A Teacher & Zealot Jesus claimed to be God. He claimed to forgive people’s sins, humanity would be accountable to Him and he was the Way, Truth and Life. He was much more than just a teacher. He was certainly not a revolutionary, in fact, large numbers of people stopped following Him when he did not preach an overthrow of the Roman occupation. Jesus has never been accused of being a liar nor did His followers lie about Him since the gospels were not written in a mythic style. He did not have a messiah complex, which involves incredible egotism, inability to love and no compassion for others, none of which remotely resembles Jesus. Maybe what really bothers some is Jesus’ claim as the only way to God. The religion of secular culture is 'equality' and Jesus message sounds scandalous. He preached equality amongst people but for Himself He made it clear He was the savior of the world. People Become Christians Through Social Conditioning Myths can mix a little truth with a lot of error. It is true that many people become Christ followers when they are young influenced by their family and upbringing. But the greatest social conditioning of any person happens when they attend a college or university. No one can honestly deny the significant changes that take place while a person is in the college environment. This social conditioning can change a person's morality, politics and faith. Lenin said, “Give me four years to teach the children and the seed I have sown will never be uprooted.” Far from Christianity conditioning people to faith, the academy does everything it can to condition them away from faith. 14 THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER w DECEMBER 2013
Christianity speaks to real life – work, finances, relationships, health, success, sex and more. Christianity Is A Crutch For The Weak A crutch presupposes a need and some type of aid. Those who dismiss Christianity as a crutch are denying their own weaknesses. What mentally healthy person says they have no needs? It is emotionally weak to deny your innate neediness. What relationship has any hope of longevity when one person denies they have needs? A person who has fears of vulnerability or dependency might not acknowledge her needs. Someone who has pride and wants to be self-sufficient (as if anyone really can be) might not state his needs. But healthy people know they have needs and Christ meets those needs. Jesus is not a crutch; He is a cure for the sin disease that plagues every one of us. Christianity Stifles Personal Freedom Researchers at Harvard, Duke and other universities have found that Christian faith and church attendance are associated with less social isolation, lower risk of substance abuse, lower rates of suicide, greater happiness and life satisfaction. This does not sound like people who are not free. Jesus’ truth sets us free from self-deception. False freedom can actually lead a person into behaviors that result in life controlling issues. Those who say their freedom is stifled really mean they don't want standards that place absolute claim on them. They want freedom to do whatever they want without being accountable to God. Jesus gives us freedom not to do whatever we want but to become all we were meant to be. Christianity Is Irrelevant to Modern Life Christianity speaks to real life – work, finances, relationships, health, success, sex and more. The Bible provides principles which help with life issues any person may face. Beyond church services the ways to access this information is more abundant than ever including podcasts, blogs, videos, apps and more. No group, institution or government does more for the social needs of people than the Church. Poverty alleviation, educating children, disaster relief are all being addressed by Christ followers in a stunning number of ways. Of course universal spiritual issues like the meaning of life, what happens when we die and purpose for living are all questions for which Christianity uniquely provides answers. Millions of transformed lives prove all these myths to be untrue. Rick McDaniel Website: www.christianmessenger.in | Email: christianmessengerindia@gmail.com
Website: www.christianmessenger.in | Email: christianmessengerindia@gmail.com
DECEMBER 2013 w THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER 15
Is it right for a Christian to demand dowry for his son or relative? Does it amount to covetousness, condemned by the Bible? Can the gifts given by wellmeaning parents to their daughters during marriage be called dowry? SHANTA KINGSTON spoke to a cross-section of people to know their views on the divisive and burning issue and came out unscathed. THIS is a real story. It took place in one of the family for fear it would be difficult to find another oldest and renowned churches in Chennai. An alliance for their daughter once the engagement is engagement ceremony was arranged for a boy and a called off. A majority of Christians, particularly in the South, girl in the parish hall of the church. The boy and the girl looked happy at the prospect of exchanging happily 'demand' dowry as if it's their birthright. The rings. A few more minutes and their wedding will be demands usually range from a two-wheeler to a car, fixed. The people who had been invited for the a few lakhs or an apartment, tons of jewelry, or all of ceremony were catching up on gossip when those. There's no shame, no guilt, no nothing. All's suddenly a hush fell over the crowd. The families of fair in marriages and cattle sales, they seem to think. Despite the fact the malaise is prevalent, there are the boy and the girl were talking animatedly among themselves. Soon, news spread that the boy's family a few who bucked the trend and have never regretted had demanded more money than the dowry they had their decision. Take the case of D T J Pandian. A agreed upon earlier. Enraged, the girl's family former Joint Director of Treasuries and Accounts trooped into the pastor's office. Moments later, they with the Tamil Nadu Government, he implemented emerged out of the room only to call off the the no-dowry rule in his family when he gave away his three daughters in marriage. engagement. “I educated them well and I never entertained Unfortunately, instances like this are not one-off. anyone who came with the idea of asking dowry for They are commonplace in non-Christian circles. my daughters. All three are happily married. My first They are not wholly absent from the Christian son-in-law lives abroad with his family. He is a families, either. However, not all parents display Procurement Officer at the UN. The second courage under fire. Some wilt under pressure and give in to the demands and threats of the groom's daughter married an engineer. The third son-in law is 16 THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER w DECEMBER 2013
Website: www.christianmessenger.in | Email: christianmessengerindia@gmail.com
What does the law say? Getting dowry is against law as it was prohibited in 1961 under Indian Civil Law and subsequently by sections 304 B and 498 of Indian Penal Code. IPC Section 304 B says, “when the death of a woman is caused otherwise than normal circumstances within 7 years of marriage, and if proved she was subjected to cruelty by husband or his relatives, such death shall be called a dowry death”. Imprisonment of not less than 7 years or for life. Penalty for giving dowry shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than 5 years and with a fine which shall not be less than Rs.15,000. marries your daughter for money is not going to keep her happy when the money is gone. I have three daughters and three sons. I educated them and placed them in good jobs. I neither asked for dowry for my boys nor did I give any for my daughters. All of them are happily settled. In fact, for my daughter, Prof. Ashok Jesuran Swarnalatha, who is a lecturer in Palayamcottai in an electronics engineer in Redington, Chennai. I the South, even the 'thali' was made by the groom's think when parents take a bold stand and say no to side because they were good people who never dowry, the evil system will die in due course,” expected anything from us. I can confess that it was Pandian says. But Ashok Jesuran, an Engineer and Architect, speaks in favor of giving dowry. According to him, there was a dignity in the social order initially and dowry was offered as an expression of value of the person. If you value somebody, you are willing to offer valuables out of your choice and the other person accepts them graciously. The person who receives the valuables will accept them with dignity. In the past, the value of the person or groom was decided by the bride's family. If my daughter is going into a big family to take charge of the household, the father thought, “Why don't I send her with gifts?” And they were accepted with dignity. When the social order became corrupted and values were eroded, 'gifts' began to be extracted; dowry became a burden and ultimately it led to sin, he feels. There are instances of the bride's family paying a huge amount as dowry to offset the girl's handicap even if she is qualified and employed. Conversely, a handicapped boy does not suffer much value erosion Selvam Masillamani if he is well-educated and employed in a reputed the sheer grace of God that helped us to get our firm. children married without dowry, at a time when it So, is the view dowry is a done-thing justified? was quite common to demand 50 sovereigns of gold “No” says Cecil Joseph, a retired professor from along with a few lakhs of rupees. To me, getting a Presidency College, Chennai. “When you are willing to pour out money to get dowry and expecting to settle your son down from your daughter married off, rather, get you what you the money extracted from a girl’s father is a matter of wanted, it becomes a kind of bribe. A boy who shame and dishonor. Dignified, God-fearing people Website: www.christianmessenger.in | Email: christianmessengerindia@gmail.com
DECEMBER 2013 w THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER 17
would never endorse it.” Like Joseph, 80-year-old Selvam Masillamani proudly declares how she and her husband never considered getting dowry for their only son or giving dowry for their two daughters. “In the sixties and seventies giving and taking dowry was just a way of life. If you don't demand dowry for your wellsettled, well-built, handsome son, our community would conclude the boy had a problem. My husband, E.R. Masillamani was an engineer, but we never thought of getting dowry for our son. Although we did not give any dowry to our daughters, we gave them jewels and shared the expenses according to our ability,” she says. However, it is easier said than done. If parents stick to their principles they also have to be ready to keep their daughters single for long is the general impression. Members of some Christian denominations that do not advocate jewels for women demand dowry by way of real estate or a vehicle. The Christian clergy is no exception. Where are we heading for? Is dowry a Biblical concept? Is it a tradition followed from time immemorial? Or is it a custom derived out of man's greed for riches? In the Old Testament days, when a man married, he was expected to give something to the woman's father. Remember, this was not considered a payment or a purchase price for a wife, but
1. Dowry amounts to coveting the other person’s property and material possessions. You break the fifth commandment of the Bible that says ‘Do not covet’' by asking for dowry. 2. Dowry amounts to exploiting women and parents of the bride. 3. It shows the greed of the groom and his parents. 4. Marriage becomes a business deal where one party always loses and the other gains. 5. A man should be ashamed to take the money from the old parents of his wife. It shows lack of kindness and does not express God’s love. 6. Dowry has been one of the reasons for families in India resorting to sex selection and has distorted sex ratio 940- 1000 males. It also has given rise to female feticide. 7. It shows your revengeful spirit. 8. It causes unhappiness in the families. 9. When you demand dowry, it shows the Holy Spirit is not within you. 10. You are setting a bad example for your children and children’s children to follow. 18 THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER w DECEMBER 2013
Satyarthi Sahu compensation for the loss of her help as a daughter. In those days, most people had land where they did harvesting and the girls helped (Gen 29:15-30). Sometimes the groom had to complete some assigned task before getting married (1 Samuel 18:25-27; Judges 1:12). Nowhere in the Bible do we find any instance of paying off a groom by way of money or gifts. So, is there a way the dowry system can be flushed out of the consciousness of the Christian community? Satyarthi Sahu, a Christian counselor, traces the evil to the early days of conversion when overseas missionaries came and preached Christ as the Savior. Although the locals believed and accepted Christ, they did not totally forsake their nonChristian traditions or culture. Dowry continues to be an accepted norm among Christians. “If we are true Christians, we should follow what the Apostle Paul said in Romans 12;1-2: ‘Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.’ But even after accepting Christ in our lives, we continue to follow customs that are usually selfish, harmful and corrupting. It is only when the Holy Spirit renews and redirects our minds, we are truly transformed. That will give us the courage not to conform to the customs and traditions of our communities where we live. As true Christians we should be able to come out of this undesirable practice and tradition,” he says. Website: www.christianmessenger.in | Email: christianmessengerindia@gmail.com
“If we are true Christians, we should follow what the Apostle Paul said in Romans 12;1-2: ‘Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.’ But even after accepting Christ in our lives, we continue to follow customs that are usually selfish, harmful and corrupting. It is only when the Holy Spirit renews and redirects our minds, we are truly transformed. That will give us the courage not to conform to the customs and traditions of our communities where we live. As true Christians, we must change for the better. Today, many girls remain unmarried as the middle-class and poor parents are unable to provide huge sums of money demanded as dowry. Many girls commit suicide as they are unable to find husbands who are willing to marry them without dowry. Many get burnt for not bringing in enough dowry and a few are divorced. What is the underlying problem? The problem lies because there is dichotomy in our preaching and practice. Says Sahu: “Many of us keep saying, Lord, Lord, with our mouths but our hearts are far away from Him as we truly do not love God. Money has become our God! Our values have changed. “According to the Word of God, we are to love the Lord and love our neighbors as we love ourselves. How can one soul extort another when both souls have promised to love each other till death does them part? If I obey God and love the girl whom I wish to marry, how can I demand the girl's father to give me 50 or 60 sovereigns of gold and a few lakhs of rupees? This is covetousness and extortion! Those who truly love God will not indulge in such practices. So, who will bell the cat? “The church can do much to get rid of this evil. Although we have thousands of churches across the country, not many condemn or even preach against Website: www.christianmessenger.in | Email: christianmessengerindia@gmail.com
this evil system,” he adds. Rev. Paul Pragasam, Christian counselor for the youth from Community Centre in Chennai, says: “The problem is much deeper than one thinks. It is not just the love for money. It's more than that. It is nothing other than the evil spirit which interferes in the lives of people. We have to accept another evil that exists among Christians. “Women are behind nine out of ten dowry cases. It is the evil spirit that wants to take revenge. Their thinking seems to be: 'I gave my daughter 3 lakhs as dowry. Why can't I get it for my son? My father gave my husband a house and a piece of land. Why don't I get it back through my son?' “There lurks the deep-rooted evil of taking revenge, though it looks like the need for material possession on the surface. 'I gave, so I should get. I suffered. So let them suffer' is not a thought a Christian should entertain. “If the Holy Spirit is alive and vibrant in us, we will not have this revengeful spirit; we will not opt for dowry. Instead of letting the Holy Spirit grow in us, we suppress the Spirit and the deep-rooted evil spirit takes hold of us. Only if the Lord pours out His Spirit and renews our thinking there will be an end to this bane.” A dowry-free society can be created if all the people of different castes, creed and communities cooperate to take strong action against the culprits. Christian clergy, evangelists and volunteers can take the lead by preaching against this evil practice in the church services. Christian publications can have forums and organize workshops to make the youngsters be aware of the problems. Girls need to be educated and assured it is better to be single than marrying a man who is after her money. Above all, as Sahu and Pragasam say we need to listen to the Holy Spirit in us and let Him convict us when our thoughts and approach in certain areas of our lives are not right. Zac Poonen, Bangalore-based Chrisitan preacher and writer, had this to say about Christians who demand dowry: “God will severely judge all those who make marriage a matter of striking a financial deal. This judgment will begin at the house of God, among those who claim to be born again. “It is because many believers have not spoken out against the evil practice of dowry that it is still so widely prevalent in Christendom in India today. It is a sad thing indeed when those who should be standing upright for God in a warped and crooked world, become warped and crooked themselves. No Christian who wants to please God should ever ask for, or receive a dowry.” DECEMBER 2013 w THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER 19
20 THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER w DECEMBER 2013
Website: www.christianmessenger.in | Email: christianmessengerindia@gmail.com
Website: www.christianmessenger.in | Email: christianmessengerindia@gmail.com
DECEMBER 2013 w THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER 21
It was December and Christmas was approaching. Don was looking forward to it. Today, it is our Christmas programme in school. I am really tensed as I am acting in a play.
All my friends act very well. But, I am not that good. They all have the abilility except me.
The play began with every character wearing masks. Hello children, I heard that someone special is born. I am going to see that baby. Guess what? I am taking a big bottle of milk as a gift for him.
Barky, the dog, thought of a plan. Aunty, though I do not have anything, I can be a watchdog and guard the place.That’ll be my gift. Please take me along.
In the evening, the programme began. The choir sang and the dancers jived.
Okay. Anyway, mine is the best. Come and join me.
22 THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER w DECEMBER 2013
Now, we have come to the important part of the evening. We are going to watch an interesting play with kids wearing masks.
On the way….
No way, Barky I am going to see a special baby who is born. You cannot come, as you do not have anything to give him.
Hello, cow aunty, where are you going? Can you please take me along with you?
Further down the way… Hi guys, where are you both going in such a hurry?
Please don’t disturb us, Sheepy. We are on our way to see a very special baby.
Please, can I join you both?
Website: www.christianmessenger.in | Email: christianmessengerindia@gmail.com
Sheepy wanted to go along with Cow aunty and Barky dog. I have a special blanket made out of my wool. I’ll give that to the baby.
But Sheepy, do you have anything to give the baby?
Then Buzzy became very sad. It’s true. I don’t have anything. But, I just want to come.
Okay, you can come along. But you have to see the baby from far and then leave immediately.
As they went near the place where the baby was born… Yes, but we can’t take you because you don’t have anything to give the baby.
Hey, you all. Where are you guys up to? You’re all going somewhere special, isn’t it?
They all reached the place and saw the baby. They all offered their gifts with excitement. I don’t have anything. I am also looking ugly and dark.
Oh, the baby is cute and he is sleeping. Let me go slowly and see him.
Definitely, I’ll do that. As Buzzy went near the baby, his fluttering wings touched him and suddenly… Wow! I am changing. I have started glowing. I am looking like a star.
I look awesome. Now, I can give light to the baby.
The play ended. All the kids enjoyed and Don was excited. Friends, do you know who the baby was? It was Jesus. I was feeling very low and when I came near Jesus, He changed me. He can change you also. He will make you shine like a star for God and others.
The Bible says in Ephesians 5:14, ‘Christ will give you light’. So, come near Jesus and shine this Christmas season.
To send story ideas that can be developed into cartoons, email: contact@christianmessenger.in If your cartoons or story ideas are selected, you will get a prize too! So, hurry! Website: www.christianmessenger.in | Email: christianmessengerindia@gmail.com
DECEMBER 2013 w THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER 23
WHILE it’s a good idea to take a look at your spiritual walk throughout the year, January 1st is often a time of renewal for Christian teens. A New Year, a New Start. So, instead of setting regular resolutions like losing weight, getting better grades, etc., why not try to set goals to improve your relationship with God? Here are 10 ways Christian teens can do just that: Improve Your Prayer Life Simple enough, right? Just get better at praying. It's not that easy. A lot of Christian teens make this resolution and soon fail, because they take too big a step at first. If you’re not used to praying often, jumping into an active prayer life can be a daunting task. Maybe start off praying each morning when you get up, or even while you brush your teeth. Start off giving five minutes to God. Then maybe try adding another five minutes. Soon you’ll find that you’ll start going to God more often and for more things. Don’t worry about what to talk to Him about, just talk. You’ll be amazed by the results. Read Your Bible in a Year Getting into the habit of reading the Word is also a common New Year’s resolution for many Christian teens. There are plenty of Bible reading plans out there that guide you through reading your Bible in a year. It just takes discipline to open up the book every night. You may not even want to read the entire Bible, but rather use a year to focus on a specific topic or area of your life that you want God to help you improve. Find a reading plan that works for you. Help Other People God calls on us throughout the Bible to do good works. Good works alone may not get you to heaven, but helping others is still a part of a Christian walk. Most churches have outreach activities or you can even find local volunteer opportunities through your school. There are so many people who just need a bit of assistance, and helping others is a great way to set a Christian example. Get Involved in Church Most churches have youth groups or Bible studies geared toward Christian teens. If not, why not be the one to get a group together? Start your own Bible study or put together an activity that some of the other Christian teens at church can enjoy. A lot of youth groups meet one day a week, and those meetings are a great way to meet new people who believe and can help you grow in your walk. Become a Better Steward 24 THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER w DECEMBER 2013
One of the most challenging issues for Christian teens is the idea of stewardship, which is the process of tithing. Most Christian teens don’t make a lot of money, so it becomes harder to give. Typical teen activities like shopping and eating out make it difficult to have money left over. However, God calls on all Christians to be good stewards. In fact, money is mentioned far more often in the Bible than a few other topics. Use a Devotional Reading your Bible is an essential part of anyone’s Christian walk, because it keeps your head in God’s Word. Still, using a devotional helps you take the concepts in the Bible and apply them to your everyday life. There are numerous devotionals available for Christian Teens, so you should be able to find one that fits your personality, interests, or your place in your spiritual growth. Plant Some Seeds of Faith How many times have you evangelized to friends or family? Make it your goal this year to talk to a certain number of people about your faith. While it would be great if someone converted or ‘got saved’ through your discussions, don’t get too caught up on that number. You’d be amazed how many people will end up believers from a discussion you have about what God has done in your life. It just may not happen while you know them. Plant many seeds of faith and let them grow. Get to Know Mom and Dad Better One of the most difficult relationships in a Christian teens’ life is with his or her parents. You’re at a time in your life when you are entering adulthood and want to start making your own decisions, but you will always be your parents’ child. Your different viewpoints make for some interesting conflict. Yet, God dictates that we honor our parents, so take some time to get to know mom and dad a little better. Do things with them. Share bits of your life with them. Even a small amount of quality time with your parents will go a long way in helping your relationship. Kelli Mahoney Website: www.christianmessenger.in | Email: christianmessengerindia@gmail.com
Pope Francis says he goes to confession every two weeks; says Pope is sinner too POPE Francis revealed that he goes to confession every two weeks because priests, bishops and even the pope are sinners who need f o rg i v e n e s s , j u s t l i k e everyone else. “Certainly, God forgives every repentant sinner, but the Christian is bound to Christ and Christ is united to his church,” the pope told the general audience at St. Peter’s Square last month, according to Catholic News Service. “God, in his sovereign mercy, forgives everyone, but he wanted those who belong to Christ and his church to receive forgiveness through the community’s ministers.” The leader of the Roman Catholic Church added that God never tires of forgiving those who repent, and argued that it is “better to turn red once than yellow a thousand times.” “Even the pope goes to confession every two weeks because the pope, too, is a sinner,” Francis continued. “My confessor hears what I say, offers me advice and forgives me. We all need this.” He clarified, however, that the church does not own the power to forgive sins.
Website: www.christianmessenger.in | Email: christianmessengerindia@gmail.com
DECEMBER 2013 w THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER 25
A group of young men, most of whom are employed in IT companies in Chennai, have been spreading the Gospel in and around Chennai and other areas of Tamil Nadu in their spare time. This report of a recent field trip was filed by Giftson Samuel. WE visited a few villages in Kumbakonam district in October and God enabled us to serve Him by singing in street corners and preaching about forgiveness and new life in villages. We partnered with a local pastor who has a vision of planting churches in remote villages of Kumbakonam. There were villages so remote that some of them lacked basic facilities like electricity. The pastor has been pioneering in the mission field for the past 6 years. In his first year, he was chased off by the villagers while some hit him with wooden logs. Mercifully, God protected him and things are relatively peaceful now. His vision is to impact the children of the villages. He hopes through the children their families will hear the good news. For details, call Giftson 0-9894351141.
C Peter, founder of Kingdom Marketplace Ministry based in Chennai, is a corporate trainer and counselor. He has been conducting training programmes and counselling sessions for families belonging to various denominations of Christian faith since 1993. He conducted a workshop for Christian professionals recently at ICSA centre, Chennai. The workshop was attended by close to 50 people drawn from various walks of life. Among them were employees of a leading Christian relief organization. At the workshop, Peter explained the fundamentals of workplace ministry. He helped the group understand that there is no difference between sacred and secular in God’s eyes. He views them all the same. Peter can be contacted at 0-9790734008. 26 THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER w DECEMBER 2013
and choked the plants. Life will offer many troubles to those who are ready to fret at the drop of a hat. Devotion to wealth, worries about worldly things and a life enslaved to the pleasures of the world will choke out the message of the kingdom. People who are gripped by these three things do not have time to read the Bible, walk with the Lord or consider the spread of the Gospel. Worry is today’s mouse eating tomorrow’s cheese. Neither will the mouse be fed nor will the cheese be diminished. Worry serves no purpose. That’s why Philippians 4:6 offers an excellent way to deal with life’s worries. Prayer and supplication with thanksgiving can do it for us. Proverbs 30:8 has a great prayer that is borne out of total dependence on God. ‘Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me lest I be full and deny you and say, “Who is the LORD?” or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God', it says. Riches will make us pamper ourselves and starve our souls. Pleasures make us forget our Maker. 7. Friendship with the world One of the greatest impediments to a Spirit-filled life is friendship with the world (James 4:4). What the phrase 'friendship with the world' means is desiring the company of worldly men and seeking their approval and recognition. No man, however resolute in his desire to please God and serve Him, can continue in his quest if he desires to be a friend of the world. That’s why Jesus said in Mt 6:24 and Lk 16:13 that no man can serve two masters. We cannot serve the Living God of Israel and the Baals of the world (I Kings 18:21). Friendship with the world can only make us become the enemy of God. What a great horror that is! If we have dedicated ourselves to be the servant of Jesus Christ, then we will not seek the approval of the world or be men-pleasers (Galatians 1:10). Website: www.christianmessenger.in | Email: christianmessengerindia@gmail.com