News from Indian Reformed Fellowship

NEWS AND PRAYER NOTES

February - April 2014

Golden Temple in Amritsar - Punjub

IRFA News and Prayer Notes

February 2014

Ann and I extend our greetings to you and trust that this will find you well or at least doing well. We have enjoyed these last several months immensely and we are now gearing up for the First Season of Ministry in India for 2014. I will be revisiting all our fields of ministry over the next three months. Ann remains home keeping the home fires going. She continues to work at Lowe's at Mt Ommony, Brisbane.

We have our son Scott and his wife Stacy with the two grandchildren continuing with us as they get themselves established here in Australia. Things continue to be quite busy here at home as you can imagine but we really count it as a great privilege to be real grandparents.

Please continue your prayers for us as this period of three months away will be felt especially by both of us.

In His all sufficient grace

Richard and Ann Wilson

Delhi Gate

If we take any notice of the unofficial media, 2014 is going to be a defining year. Some are predicting that war will escalate; others that persecution of Christians will be dramatically accelerated; and still others, that the world monetary system will probably collapse. But one thing that is clear in India is that, by the end of May, India will probably have a new Federal Government that will be extremely hostile to the Christian Church. Our good friend, Elizabeth Kendal has published an excellent statement on the state of play in India which I include as our opening article.

INDIA: BJP PURSUES VOTES IN UTTAR PRADESH

by Elizabeth Kendal

Though 74 percent Hindu, India is officially a secular nation. High-caste Hindus are challenging this and are determined to preserve the power and privilege guaranteed them through the systematic racism of the Hindu 'caste' system. They are striving to secure majority power at the federal level so they can change the constitution and declare India a Hindu State. Traditionally they have created fear-mongering by demonising Muslims and Christians as threats to national security. They aim to dragnet the Hindu vote by offering Hindu nationalism as the solution to the existential dangers within -separatism and terrorism - and without - cultural invasion. They persuade traditionally-animist, indigenous tribal Indians to convert to Hinduism and join the 'Hindu mainstream' to help fight the enemy. India's 172.5 million, often reactionary Muslims (the largest Muslim minority in the world), are being wooed today for their vote and Christians alone are being demonised. During its two terms (10 years) in power, the Congress Party-led by the United Progressive Alliance government has done nothing at all to counter Hindu nationalist propaganda. Consequently, sectarianism and violent persecution have escalated on its watch.

On 13 September a Hindu nationalist mob in the south-western state of Karnataka ambushed Sannamma (50), a Christian woman. After beating her to the ground and kicking her, they dragged her to a nearby Hindu temple where they poured water over her, forcibly applied a red dot to her forehead and tried to coerce her to convert back to Hinduism. Under great duress, Sannamma (a believer for eight years) signed a document stating that she and her husband, Shidda Naik (members of The Glorious Church), would not spread the Christian message. In an attack that lasted six hours they then dragged her out of the temple and marched her around the village, slapping and abusing her continuously. Eventually her sister-in-law rescued her. Though hospitalised with internal injuries, Sannamma told Morning Star News, 'What I am suffering is nothing compared to what my Lord Jesus has suffered. I will love him forever for giving me a new life.' Appalling attacks like this are commonplace in India, occurring on a daily basis. If anyone is ever charged, it is usually the Christian.

India's next federal election will be held during April-May 2014. In mid-September the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) anointed Gujarat Chief Minister Nahendra Modi as its prime ministerial candidate. To shift attention away from his image as a sectarian figure and rabid Hindu nationalist, Modi is exploiting Gujarat's massive development and marketing himself as India's most successful pro-business administrator - an economic 'saviour' who will lift all Indians out of poverty. At a BJP rally in Gujarat on 17 September some 40,000 Muslims were persuaded to join the party. At a rally in New Delhi on Sunday 29 September the charismatic Modi spoke to a crowd of more than 200,000 who responded to his lofty promises with 'frenzied' excitement. 'It was,' writes Sanjay Singh, 'a public rally, the likes of which it had not seen in many decades.'

From 1 October to mid-November Modi will be campaigning in Uttar Pradesh, India's strategic heartland and the home of Hinduism. Nine mega-rallies are being planned. The population of this northern state is 80.6 percent Hindu, 18.5 percent Muslim and around 0.1 percent Christian. It is India's most populous state, accounting for a massive 80 parliamentary seats. Writing in The Australian (18 September) Amanda Hodge expresses the prevailing view: 'After the Congress Party-led government's disastrous second term - five years marred by corruption on a grand scale, parliamentary paralysis and sharp economic decline - the BJP should sail into power.'

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PLEASE PRAY SPECIFICALLY THAT GOD WILL:

Protect, bless and sustain his precious Church in the face of militant Hindu nationalism, praying especially for Christians in Uttar Pradesh as Nahendra Modi campaigns there over the next six weeks. 'Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings' (Psalm 17:8 ESV)
Expose lies and malicious intentions, so that Indians are not seduced by offers of economic advancement to vote for a party that will perpetuate the systematic racism of caste and enslave them as Second-Class citizens. 'The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it' (John 1:5 ESV)
Raise up honourable leaders who will lead India with integrity and wisdom, doing what God calls leaders to do: 'Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy'(Proverbs 31:8-9 NIV).

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FIRST SEASON OF MINISTRY TO THE INDIAN

Bible School Students Delhi

SUBCONTINENT COMMENCING

4 FEBRUARY 2014

After a good break and strengthened in every way we are looking forward to the First Season of Ministry to the Indian subcontinent commencing on 4 February in Delhi. We will then go on to West Bengal on 3 March and, after that to South India. I should like to return to Brisbane by 26 April 2014. Thank you for your prayers concerning my health issues. The doctors are satisfied with my stable condition. I am particularly excited because the Rev. James Playfoot from Broadford Presbyterian Church in Victoria and the Rev. Calvin Strip, Minister with the Free Presbyterian Church of Ireland, will be joining me for three weeks in Delhi, West Bengal and Sikkim. It will be wonderful to work side-by-side with these men and introduce them to the work of IRFA in India.

Northwest India and Nepal:

4 February to 3 March 2014

I will be joining up with Rev Hiralal Solanki who is now completely absorbed in his new role as Pastoral Coordinator of the new church-planting work of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of India. They are doing theological training for church planters in Delhi that takes up at least two days a week and covers a whole range of studies. I will be absorbed in teaching these pastors; but the subject matter is still yet to be settled upon. Hiralal briefly outlines his work as follows:

Christian greeting to you

2013 has been a good year to us, especially as I had the responsibility of coordination in the Presbytery. I visited all the mission fields on a regular basis and counselled and encouraged the pastor and the gathered believers. We have been encouraged by the occasions for baptism and regular opportunities to celebrate the Lord's Table with them.

2014 has brought more responsibilities and I am glad about this. First: the synod in October decided to appoint me as Ministry Coordinator for the whole synod RPCI. Second: Reformed Bible Presbytery under its jurisdiction decided to start a day bible school offering Diploma in Theology to train church planters. I serve its Dean. This is definitely my heart's desire come true to train people for church planting.

Please continue to pray for me and family in this year and new challenges. I am very grateful for your support and prayers in this ministry.

Hiralal Solanki

Faith Academy - Delhi: 6-12 February 2014

I will be taking an LEM Phonics seminar at a very large Christian school called Faith Academy in Delhi which is a very exciting first opportunity. Evelyn Garrard from LEM Phonics will not be able to join us in this Season of Ministry so I will need to do one or two seminars so that the commencement of the program at Faith Academy can get started and continuity for the work can continue in Sikkim.

Nepal Campus Church in Kathmandu, Nepal: 14-21 February 2014

Pastor Uma Sharma at prayer -

Open Air Ministry

I will be spending eight days with Pastor Uma Sharma of the Nepal Campus Church in Kathmandu. I will be expounding the Scriptures from the Apostle Paul's Letter to the Romans for young university students whom Uma has been working with during the last year. These students are relatively young converts.

Greetings from Kathmandu.

It is very cold in Kathmandu but no snow falling. There is sun shine in the afternoon but it is not hot. We are wearing lots of cloths but when I drive motorbike, I do feel so cold.

Days, months and years are running so fast. Now we are in 2014. It is now running into the 3rd year of my church ministry in Nepal. As I mentioned in my previous email Christmas 2013 was so blessed time in my life because I celebrated Christmas with my mother in my church. I do appreciate for your prayer for my spiritual life and my family life.

God is blessings in our church ministry. God is sending some young and educated people in our church. Two sisters took water baptism in 2013 and some are praying for it.

God is also providing us to serve little children in our pre-school or Day Care Centre. 17 children are regular attending and being familiar to pray with us and singing some Christian songs. We are also getting chances to share the gospel to their parents. It was such an encouragement to us that some guardians were attended in our Christmas program. If God opens the door, we want to serve minimum 20 children from April 2014 (starts new academic year). Many thanks for your prayer in 2013 for this work. I do request to pray for 2014 for this work.

God blessed in our translation work in 2013. (Christianity explored course into Nepali) I do appreciate your (Hawthorn Presbyterian Church, Victoria) great help for this work.

There is an engagement program on 9th December in our church of SUVAS & SAMITA. Few months ago Samita took baptism with us. Suvas also is attending in our church from one year and he is studying in Bachelor Level in Kathmandu. They are getting married on 16th January. Please pray for them and these programs.

I am very glad to know that you will be in Kathmandu from 14th -21st February. If you give me permission to make plan for these seven days of your Nepal mission, I do request to you to preach God's word on Saturday 15th February in Nepal Campus Church.

On Sunday 16th February I do request to my student to learn from you and we will be maximum 10 people on Sunday because all the offices and college open in Nepal on Sunday also.

There is public holiday on Wednesday 19th February so that this day also we will learn from you from morning 10 am to 4 pm. This day we will be more than 10 people.

There are some prayer requests from Nepal.

We want to do minimum two Christianity Explored course trainings in remote area of Nepal in 2014.
There are some students in our church who came from remote area of Nepal and are staying Kathmandu to study colleges and university. They don't have money to pay for room, food, stationary and college fees as well. If we provide them very small money as a scholarship, they would be very happy and committed in Christ. There are 10-15 Christian students in different ages, who are studying in school, college and university, in our church.
When we do evangelistic program in our church in different time, students asked Bibles with us. We can distribute minimum 500 Bibles in 2014 to young and educated people of university in different evangelistic program.

In different time different students shared these topics with me in prayer request so that I shared with you. I do request to pray in your board meeting and please feel free give advice to me in these prayer topic. I do appreciate your suggestions.

Again thank you very much and I do appreciate for your love, care and prayer to us.

Please convey my greetings to your family.

In Christ,
Uma

Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Dehra Dun: 26-28 February 2014

Rev James Playfoot, the PCV Minister at the Broadford Presbyterian Church, Victoria, will be arriving in Delhi on 25 February for three weeks. We, with Hiralal Solanki, will be spending two or three days in Dehra Dun with the students at the Presbyterian Theological Seminary. We are currently supporting two students at the Seminary so it will be good to make their acquaintance. I haven't been to Dehra Dun for many years and it will be good to catch up with old friends and have some opportunity for ministry among them.

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Prayer for the First Season of Ministry 2014

Pray that wisdom, understanding and sound teaching be had by all of us who will be ministering together, as well as for safety in travel. Pray for:

Richard Wilson that he be given joy in the work and patient endurance during this extensive season of ministry. Pray for Richard's wife Ann as she remains home in Brisbane
Pray for James Playfoot that his ministry will be effective and powerful. Also pray for his six children and wife at home in Broadford, Victoria over these three weeks
Pray for Calvin Strip and his denominational leader Dr McIlveen. Pray that Calvin would be given definite leading as to any future ministry in India as he searches out all possibilities. Pray for Calvin's family of six children and wife back in Liverpool UK.

Pray for the following resources requested by Pastor Uma Sharma, Nepal Campus Church, Kathmandu:

We want to do a minimum two Christianity Explored course trainings in remote areas of Nepal in 2014.
There are some students in our church who came from remote area of Nepal and are staying in Kathmandu to study colleges and university. They don't have money to pay for room, food, stationery and college fees as well. If we provide them very small money as a scholarship, they would be very happy and committed in Christ. There are 10-15 Christian students in different ages, who are studying in school, college and university, in our church.
When we do evangelistic program in our church in different time, students asked Bibles with us. We can distribute minimum 500 Bibles in 2014 to young and educated people of university in different evangelistic program.

GURC Kolkata village church

North-East India - 3 March to 4 April 2014

Grace United Reformed Churches, Kolkata - West Bengal 3-7 March 2014

We have the opportunity to revisit the Grace United Reformed Churches in Kolkata. Rev Dr Pallab Lima is making good ground amongst the West Bengalis, where William Carey only saw one convert in his entire ministry. In recent years there has been a steady stream of West Bengali people coming to the Lord Jesus Christ. This relatively new work is beginning to see new church-plants develop in the Kolkata (Calcutta) region. We will be staying with Pallab in his house.

Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Sikkim - 10-17 March 2014

Hopefully, after a rendezvous at the Bagdogra Airport, Rev. Calvin Strip, Minister at Liverpool UK and Dr McIlveen from Northern Ireland together with myself and James Playfoot will be travelling to Mirik to stay the night. After the Lord's Day we will be travelling the mountain roads from Mirik to Gangtok in Sikkim. It is planned to run an LEM Phonics seminar to train the new teachers in our schools in the LEM English phonics method that these schools have adopted.

The churches are planning further Bible and theological seminars in the regional areas which will make the program very tight. James will return to Calcutta on 14 March to take his flight home back to Melbourne. Calvin and Dr McIlveen will stay on until we travel together back to Mirik on 17 March.

Darjeeling Hills Bible School, Mirik: 17 March to 3 April 2014

The dedication service for the new Library and Resource Centre Project will be held as part of the opening of the new academic session.

In Mirik the new academic session for the theological and Bible students at the Darjeeling Hills Bible School will be commencing and I have been asked to give a series of 15 lectures on the subject of 'Christ in the Old Testament'.

Pray for the churches that are being visited this Season of Ministry

Pray that the contribution in terms of our ministry will further their ministry and outreach.

Reformed Presbyterian Church of India in the Delhi region and Dehra Dun. The Presbyterian Theological Seminary as they commence their new academic year. The Bible Theological Training School in Delhi to prepare church planters. Continue to pray for Hiralal and Luxmi Solanki and the other leaders of the Bible Presbyterian Churches in Delhi.
Grace United Reformed Churches in Kolkata under the leadership of Pastor Pallab Lima.
United Churches of North India, Himalayan Council and the Darjeeling Hills Bible School in Mirik as they commence their new academic year. Continue to pray for new students to enrol. Dr and Mrs Rai and the staff at DHBS.
Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Sikkim. This church continues to grow rapidly but they need competent elders who are able to preach, as well as freshly-trained theological students who can come in as pastors. Pray for those who are training at the Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Dehra Dun.
Presbyterian Church of South India and the Covenant Reformed Assemblies in Andhra Pradesh. Pray for Pastor Moses and his wife Hepzibah in Ramachandrapuram as he translates for me. Pray for the 70 or more pastors training at the Presbyterian Theological Institute with the PCSI on an in-service basis and their churches that are being established.
Reformed Presbyterian Church of Sri Lanka based in Colombo and led by Vijay and the Reformed Protestant Mission based in Vavuniya mid-north of Sri Lanka and led by Parthee

South India and Sri Lanka - 4-25 April 2014

Presbyterian Church of South India and Covenant Reformed Assemblies, Andhra Pradesh: 4-13 April 2014

Pastor and Hepzibar with Family

I will be travelling alone on 4 April from Mirik to Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh and I will be spending three days with PCS I within their Pastoral Training Institute delivering lectures that are to be announced. Pastor Moses from CRA will be my translator and I will be spending the rest of the time in Andhra Pradesh with CRA and following up the work that we have done previously.

This will be a very busy section of the season of ministry; and working in South India is strenuous. We believe that the Christians in Andhra Pradesh and other states in the area will be a particular focus for the Nationalists Hindutva neo-Nazi movement; and the pastors are bracing themselves for particular persecution.

Reformed Presbyterian Church of Sri Lanka: 15-25 April 2014

A busy programme is being planned for my time in Sri Lanka. I know we will be running the phonics training program for the evangelical outreach of the churches which will take at least five days. There is another series of seminars planned but we are still to settle on the subjects.

The political situation in Sri Lanka still remains very tense and the government is behaving like a single party state.

Urgent Prayer for INDIA

That Indians will reject Hindu nationalism ('Hindutva') and the perpetuation of caste privilege, recognising that these only bring sectarian conflict, racism and shame, while inhibiting growth and prosperity. We pray for a breakthrough with the upper castes, especially the seemingly impenetrable high caste Brahmin (priestly caste), for whom egalitarian (casteless) Christianity is nothing but a threat to their inherited power and privilege.
Intervene, Oh Lord, so that India will not elect a Hindu nationalist government. (Elections due before the end of May 2014.) May the lies and schemes of the Hindu nationalists be exposed and revealed as ugly, damaging, and dangerous. May Indians reject them.
Lord, grant Christian leaders great wisdom as they dialogue with the government over oppressive Hindu nationalist policies - including anti-conversion laws - and seek protection from Hindutva violence, forced conversions and impunity. Lord, protect the courageous pastors and evangelists who risk life and liberty to witness and lead worship and prayer, and to baptise new believers in this hostile, incendiary environment.
Sanctify your Church O Lord, ridding her of any ingrained caste discrimination. Bless every courageous act of witness, for the glory of the LORD in India.
Lord, sustain, protect and bless your church in Indian-administered Kashmir as fundamentalist Islam rises and persecution increases. Give your church boldness along with great wisdom in this increasingly dangerous environment, and bless all witness.

Contact Information

Richard Wilson

INDIAN REFORMED FELLOWSHIP - AUSTRALIA

Enchiridion Education Services Pvt Ltd

Darjeeling Hills Bible School, Deosey Dara, Mirik (India)

PO: DS, Mirik, Darjeeling, West Bengal 16 Cassatt Place, Forest Lake Qld 4078, Australia

Phone: +61 7 3271 4119 H/W

Mobile: 0411 090 398 (Australia)

+91 97 4921 4046 (West Bengal & North-east India)

+91 99 7184 8624 (Delhi & North-west India)

Skype: richard.wilson76

Website: www.irfa.org.au http://www.enchiridionindia.com

E-mail: [email protected]

alt: [email protected]

HOME SERVICE

It will be good to get back home after this very long season of ministry. Plans have been made for me to visit Victoria in the month of June, New South Wales in the month of July and I will returning to India in the month of August. I am planning to be in Northern Queensland for the month of November. If there are any churches that would like me to visit them or to preach for them, please do not hesitate to contact me by email.