The PDF version of The Christian Messenger, India's evangelical newspaper. (August, 2009 edition)
8
Price: Rs.2/- Vol. 6, No. 4 AUGUST, 2009 Retail (Opp: Abhirami Mall) Phone : 044-26420816. Cell : 9444293893 Chennai. Purusawalkam High Rd., World’s largest Christian book distributors BOOK FAIR “PALACE REGENCY” Time: 9 am - 8 pm Lots of DISCOUNTED Lots of DISCOUNTED BIBLES & BOOKS BIBLES & BOOKS ON DISPLAY ON DISPLAY Open on both Sundays OM Books 3-16 August ‘09 3-16 August ‘09 CHENNAI INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN A Division of STL OM Books India Website: www.christianmessenger.in | Email: [email protected]INDIA’S EVANGELICAL NEWSPAPER THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER THEOLOGICAL DEGREES FROM ONLINE BIBLE COLLEGE IN UK C.Th., D.Th., B.Th. & M.Th. degrees available Enroll, submit thesis & get your accredited degree from Hebron Bible College, Manchester, UK. [email protected]Evangelism Through Journalism AGNES OLUBUNMI AMOS had everything going her way. She had a good job as the director of marketing and events for the Society for Biomolecular Sciences. In a career spanning nearly 20 years she had seen highs and lows as a business professional in the field of events/marketing. Agnes, who holds an executive MBA from the University of Hull, United Kingdom, currently lives in the United States. However, a gnawing thought in her kept telling her that her life had not been a testimony at least as far as her job search was concerned. She had hopped from one job to another with the ease of a trapeze artist never really knowing that Jesus Christ, savior and Lord of her life, wanted to be taken into confidence on that aspect of her life, too. She had been praying for a break, she wanted to move on to another job, a possible hop up the corporate ladder with a decent pay hike to boot. ‘In every wilderness journey, there’s a well of provision’ BY ROBIN SAM It wasn’t easy though; it took Agnes 15 months, over 1,000 resumes and six failed interviews to land another job. For 13 months, she looked around for a job while still holding on to her position at the Society for Biomolecular Sciences. When nothing materialized she quit in sheer desperation in October, 2008. A week after her resignation, the stock market in the US crashed leaving both employers and job seekers in a state of panic. Potential job offers were frozen. But our God is the God of the impossible, and nothing that that happens here on earth limits what He can do from his throne in heaven. Crashing world markets and economic turmoil mean nothing to Him, because He is the same, yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Agnes had learned that lesson. In February, 2009 she joined the National Tour Association management team in the US as senior vice president. ‘The Journey of a Christian Job Seeker’ written by Agnes Amos is the result of a remarkable discovery about God, life and herself. THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER spoke to her. Excerpts from an exclusive interview: Your job search, you say in the book, began in Sept, 2007 with a belief that God placed in your heart that you were to change jobs. Tell us how you responded to the belief initially and what prophetic messages you received that confirmed the belief as truly from God. A pastor friend of mine in Germany was praying for me over the phone one late evening in the fall of 2005 (though I had been silently praying to the Lord to change my job and promote me) and he shared with me that I will get another job soon – however, I will not stay too long in this job because a greater opportunity awaits me. A week later, I did get a new job with Society for Biomolecular Sciences as their Director of Meetings and Events. I was overjoyed and embarked on this new exciting role. I started with this company in December of 2005 and in the summer of 2007, the Lord reminded me of the prophetic message given to me in 2005 “You will not stay too long in this job because greater opportunity awaits you.” With this reminder, there was a force in me driving me to seek greatness, but I can’t quite explain it now. My friends and family thought I was crazy, because I had a good job and they didn’t understand why I should look further. After careful thought, I launched my job search in faith Agnes Amos, author of ‘The Journey of a Christian Job Seeker’ CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
Transcript
Price: Rs.2/-Vol. 6, No. 4 AUGUST, 2009
Retail
(Opp: Abhirami Mall)
Phone : 044-26420816. Cell : 9444293893Chennai.Purusawalkam High Rd.,
AGNES OLUBUNMI AMOShad everything going her way.She had a good job as the directorof marketing and events for theSociety for BiomolecularSciences.
In a career spanning nearly 20years she had seen highs and lowsas a business professional in thefield of events/marketing. Agnes,who holds an executive MBAfrom the University of Hull,United Kingdom, currently livesin the United States.
However, a gnawing thought inher kept telling her that her lifehad not been a testimony at leastas far as her job search wasconcerned. She had hopped fromone job to another with the easeof a trapeze artist never reallyknowing that Jesus Christ, saviorand Lord of her life, wanted tobe taken into confidence on that
aspect of her life, too. She hadbeen praying for a break, shewanted to move on to another job,a possible hop up the corporateladder with a decent pay hike toboot.
‘In every wilderness journey, there’s a well of provision’BY ROBIN SAM
It wasn’t easy though; it tookAgnes 15 months, over 1,000resumes and six failed interviewsto land another job. For 13months, she looked around for ajob while still holding on to herposition at the Society forBiomolecular Sciences. Whennothing materialized she quit insheer desperation in October,2008. A week after herresignation, the stock market inthe US crashed leaving bothemployers and job seekers in astate of panic. Potential job offerswere frozen.
But our God is the God of theimpossible, and nothing that thathappens here on earth limits whatHe can do from his throne in
heaven. Crashing world marketsand economic turmoil meannothing to Him, because He is thesame, yesterday, today, andforever (Hebrews 13:8). Agneshad learned that lesson. InFebruary, 2009 she joined theNational Tour Associationmanagement team in the US assenior vice president.
‘The Journey of a Christian JobSeeker’ written by Agnes Amosis the result of a remarkablediscovery about God, life andherself. THE CHRISTIANMESSENGER spoke to her.Excerpts from an exclusiveinterview:
Your job search, you say inthe book, began in Sept, 2007with a belief that God placed inyour heart that you were tochange jobs. Tell us how youresponded to the belief initiallyand what prophetic messagesyou received that confirmed thebelief as truly from God.
A pastor friend of mine inGermany was praying for me overthe phone one late evening in thefall of 2005 (though I had beensilently praying to the Lord tochange my job and promote me)and he shared with me that I willget another job soon – however,
I will not stay too long in this jobbecause a greater opportunityawaits me. A week later, I did geta new job with Society forBiomolecular Sciences as theirDirector of Meetings and Events.I was overjoyed and embarked onthis new exciting role. I startedwith this company in Decemberof 2005 and in the summer of2007, the Lord reminded me ofthe prophetic message given tome in 2005 “You will not stay toolong in this job because greateropportunity awaits you.” Withthis reminder, there was a forcein me driving me to seekgreatness, but I can’t quite explainit now. My friends and familythought I was crazy, because I hada good job and they didn’tunderstand why I should lookfurther. After careful thought, Ilaunched my job search in faith
Agnes Amos, author of‘The Journey of a
Christian Job Seeker’
CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
Page 2 | August, 2009 THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER Website: www.christianmessenger.in
For counsellingappointments, call
Satyarthi Sahu & SarahSahu at 044-26150605.
BY SATYARTHI SAHU &SARAH SAHU Per column centimeter: Rs.50/-
The purpose of the newspaper is toreport newsworthy religious eventsand activities within the localcommunity, nationwide and aroundthe world, to increase the awarenessand activism of believers regardingthe moral issues of today, toprovide thought-provokingcommentary, and to provide aneffective advertising vehicle forChristian ministries andorganisations, events andbusinesses that want to reach theChristian community. - Editor(Readers are advised to makethorough enquiries before acting onany advertisements. This newspaperdoes not necessarily agree to theclaims or representations made byany advertiser.)
Working hours: 10 am to 5 pm,Monday to Saturday
THE CHRISTIANMESSENGER
CLASSIFIED AD BOOKING FORM
Contact phone number
Advertiser’s name
I enclose Cheque / DD (payable to MessengerCommunications Pvt Ltd) for Rs.__________ Cheque /DD No._____________ dated _____________ Bank &
Branch __________________________
Type of advertisement(Please tick the correct box)
FREE PAIDTelephone number for publication
Send this completed form with your payment, if applicable, toThe Christian Messenger, Messenger Communications
Pvt Ltd., 20/20, Bharathiar Street, Srinivasa Nagar,Padi, Chennai 600 050.
Phone: 044-65145334 | 26247598
A free ad is theregular, classifiedad with maximumof 75 characters.
This ad grabs theattention of thereaders and helpsyou get a quickresponse.
ARROW ADRs.100Maximum 150characters
Readers are advised to make thoroughenquiries before acting on any
advertisements. This newspaper’smanagement does not necessarily agree
to the claims or representationsmade by any advertiser: Publisher
Postal address
Space for ad matter
FREE ADAbsolutelyFREE to alladvertisers;maximum 75characters
4
(Please mention your address and contact phone number.Your ad will not be published without them)
THE CHRISTIANMESSENGER
BOX ADRs.150Maximum 200characters
A box ad isdesigned to givethe ad matter anexclusive appeal.
TINTED ADRs.200Maximum 250characters
A tinted ad getsnoticed quiteeasily and helpsyou get a betterresponse.
Require land measuring1 ground to 2 groundsfor an orghanage onrent or lease basis,
anywhere in Chennai.
WANTED for office space inHyderabad or suburbs 200 sq. ft onrent or lease basis. Contact 044-65145334. [email protected]
SITUATION VACANT
REQUIRE OFFICE SPACEIN HYDERABAD
WANTED dedicated Christianwomen to work as space sellingexecutives for The ChristianMessenger. Minimum qualification:12th Standard. Age limit: 20 to 35.Attractive salary and incentives.Contact: 044-26247598
SITUATION REQUIRED
40-YEAR old Christian man,D.Pharm., seeks job in pharmaceuti-cal companies, hospitals in Chennai.Salary expected: Rs.8,000/- ContactShibu at 9884450588.
CHRISTIAN man, 44, seeksemployment as peon/attender inChristian organisations in Chennai.Contact Rajendran at 9840835943.
JOURNALIST with 20 years work-ing experience in print, TV andinternet media seeks suitable job inChennai, Pondicherry or Bangalore.Salary expected: Rs.20,000/- ContactS Varghese at 0-996088101. Email:[email protected]
23-YEAR-old Christian youth, B.Sc.(Nursing), with 6 months experience,seeks male nurse jobs in hospitals inChennai or Bangalore. Contact ArunP Thomas at 0-9747323225. Email:[email protected]
A woman wrote: “Myhusband died a long time ago. Istay alone in the property thatbelonged to my late husband.For more than a year now, somestrange things have beenhappening in my house. I hearknocks on the door; when I openit I do not find anyone.Sometimes, I feel as if someoneis in the room. There are loudnoises as the glass panes breakon their own and come crashingdown to the floor. At other times,small toys of cars, aeroplanesand stones come hurtling in theair. All the things in my house gettossed around as if a hurricanehad passed through the rooms. Ihave asked many pastors to comehome and pray for me. They haveprayed and sprinkled holy waterand applied prayer oil in myhouse to rid the evil spirits.Though the attacks stopped fora while, from the past one month,they have started all over again.I am a believer. Can you help meplease?”
STRANGE as this may sound,these things which are happeningto you are not caused by anyhuman element but the result ofwitchcraft. The things you havedescribed are done by evil spirits
and demons which have beensent to your house on assignment.They may have been dispatchedto strike fear into you so that youleave the place and go.
‘A curse without cause shall not alight’
Proverbs 26:2 says: “Like aflitting sparrow, like a flyingswallow, so a curse without causeshall not alight.” Therefore, youneed to look within yourself andsee if there is any cause for theseattacks to continue. Please checkif there are any doorways openin your life through which theseevil spirits are coming home totrouble you.
These could be from yourchildhood, when you may haveinherited curses through the sinsof your father, or any sexual sinsor involvement with the occult.If you think there is a reason, thendo the following:
1) Recommit your life to Jesusand ask Him to close alldoorways through which demonsenter.
2) Forgive all people who havewronged you from yourchildhood onwards. If there hadbeen any sexual sins orinvolvement with the occult, askfor God’s forgiveness. (Matthew6:14-15)
3) Confess, renounce all sinsand be washed in the blood ofJesus (1John1: 9,7)
4) Fill yourself with the Worddaily.
Put on the whole armor of Goddaily. Ephesians 6:10-17 reads:“Finally my brethren, be strongin the Lord and in the power ofHis might. Put on the wholearmor of God, that you may beable to stand against the wiles ofthe devil.
“For we do not wrestle againstflesh and blood, but againstprincipalities, against powers,against the rulers of the darknessof this age, against spiritual hostsof wickedness in the heavenlyplaces. Therefore take the wholearmor of God, that you may beable to withstand in the evil day,and having done all, to stand.Stand therefore, having girdedyour waist with truth, having puton the breastplate ofrighteousness, and having shodyour feet with the preparation ofthe gospel of peace; above all,taking the shield of faith withwhich you will be able to quenchall the fiery darts of the wickedone. And take the helmet ofsalvation, and the sword of theSpirit, which is the word of God.”
In Luke 10:19 Jesus said:“Behold, I give you the authorityto trample on serpents andscorpions, and over all the powerof the enemy, and nothing shallby any means hurt you.” Thisverse is significant as Jesus hasgiven us authority over alldemonic powers and nothing willharm us when we believe.Hebrews 4:12 says: “For theword of God is living andpowerful, and sharper than anytwo-edged sword, piercing evento the division of soul and spirit,and of joints and marrow, and isa discerner of thoughts andintents of the heart.”
When you get right with Godand put on the armor and takehold of the Word, there is nothingdemonic forces and the power ofwitchcraft can do. Numbers23:23 says: “For there is nosorcery against Jacob, nor is thereany divination against Israel.” Sowhen you have done what isrequired of you – no power onearth can touch you and theseattacks will cease altogether.
You will continue to stay inyour house and your property isgoing to be secure.
‘When you get rightwith God and put onthe armor and take
hold of the Word, thereis nothing demonic
forces and the power ofwitchcraft can do.’
1300 sq.feet, three-bedroomindependent house (ground floor),near Santhome, Chennai, with carparking for rent Rs.15000/-. Onlyfor Christians. Contact 9487482140.
Page 3 | August, 2009 Website: www.christianmessenger.inTHE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER
September 10, 2007. Because Itruly believe He spoke. I wasconvinced that I would get thefirst job I interviewed for - but Iwas wrong.
You say you sent out over athousand resumes during the15 months that you hunted fora job. Did you actually send outthat many resumes or is it justa fancy number?
This was not a fancy numberat all. America was entering intoa recession and the job marketwas beginning to slow down. Forthe most part I never even got anyresponses back from theseresumes and the employers whoresponded were just exploringand did not really have any jobopenings.
What kept you going throughthe ordeal of sending thoseresumes?
The grace of God, hope andtrust that God is not a man thatHe should lie, and the support ofmy families as well as my formerboss whom I confided in aboutmy job search.
A week after you resignedfrom your previous company,the US stock market crashed.Did you ever feel like picking
up the phone and calling upyour former boss with an offerto withdraw your resignationthen?
‘In every wilderness journey, there’s a well of provision’CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
The thought of getting my jobback certainly crossed my mind.However, in God’s own divineplan I did not go through with itbecause He wanted me to use my“waiting period”, as I call it, totrust Him for my provision andwrite this journal. If I had gottenback my job, this journal wouldnot have been published.
When rejection becameroutine did you ever think youhad perhaps reached the end ofyour career and may never landanother job?
I knew I would get some sortof a job – but doubt certainly setin that I would never land thatpromotion and greateropportunity that the Lord hadpromised.
Were you willing to take apay cut when you realized theglobal meltdown was real andhere to stay for some time?
Yes, I was willing to take a paycut and, in fact, at one point I waswilling to take any job out ofdesperation and self doubt.
I convinced myself that Godwould not come through for me– so I need to settle. Wrongmindset!
What should be theChristian’s response to the all-pervasive gloom and despair?
Hope. Someone once describehope as a built-in compass to helpus get to where we desire. I alsobelieve that in every wildernessjourney there is a well ofprovision.
What advice would you givethose who lost their jobs aroundthe world in the recenteconomic turmoil?
Never give up in the heat ofbattle because that is when yourmiracle is about to happen. Weserve a God who specializes inimpossible situations; nothingthat happens here on earth limitswhat God can do from His thronein heaven. Crashing worldmarkets and economic turmoilmean nothing to Him.
What important lesson doyou think God taught you in allthis?
God has taught me patiencethrough this journey. I amnaturally not a patient person. Iwant things to happen and happennow. However, God has made itclear through all thedisappointment I have endured inthe job search that, He will walkwith me at His own timetable, notmine.
The Journey of aChristian Job Seeker
BOOK EXCERPTS
September 10, 2007Today I officially launched my
job search, triggered by a passionthat I now believe the Lord laidon my heart. There is a force inme driving me to seek greatness,but I can’t explain it. My friendsand family think I am crazy,because I have a good job andthey don’t understand why Ishould look further. Lord, You arethe only one who understands myrestlessness.
I intend to keep my job whilesearching for a new one, and mystrategy will be to use myvacation time to interview. Father,faith is taking You at Your word,and I am choosing to have faitheven though I am not sure how
this search will end. The Biblesays in Hebrews 11:6, “Andwithout faith it is impossible toplease God, because anyone whocomes to him must believe thathe exists and that he rewardsthose who earnestly seek him.”
I sent out a few résumés todayto some executive-level jobs.Lord, how great it would be to geta call!
Let Us Reason TogetherAs Christians, is it unrealistic
or wrong for us to be ambitiousand seek greatness in any area oflife?
Drink from the FountainDid you know that everything
you own is a gift from God andthat He wants you to invest it forHim? When you invest what Hehas given you into His work, yourlife is bound to be full of increase.
Meditate on 2 Corinthians9:10: “Now he who supplies seedto the sower and bread for foodwill also supply and increase yourstore of seed and will enlarge theharvest of your righteousness.”As you confess the followingaffirmation, you will experienceyour heart’s desire.
AffirmationMy life will yield increase!
CCCC C
THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER LIFETIME SUBSCRIPTION FORMYes, I would like to subscribe to THE CHRTHE CHRTHE CHRTHE CHRTHE CHRISTISTISTISTIAN MEIAN MEIAN MEIAN MESSESSESSESSENGENGENGENGERRRR
Fill in this Subscription Form and mail it with your remittance to The Christian Messenger,Messenger Communications Pvt. Ltd., 20/20, Bharathiar Street, Srinivasa Nagar, Padi, Chennai 50.
Signature: Date: Please allow minimum three weeks for the FREE gift to reach you.
EVANGELISM THROUGH
JOURNALISM
SUBSCRIBE TO ‘THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER’Pick up a LIFE-TIME SUBSCRIPTION of
The Christian Messenger for only Rs.1,000/-Get a Video testimony DVD worth Rs.150/-
absolutely FREE!
IN HIS FOOTSTEPSVideo testimony of renowned worldwide evangelist
Rev. Victor Pandian,Campus Crusade Asia Ltd.
Subscribe to the most exciting & complete Christian newspaper inIndia & help us reach the unreached!
HURRY! LIMITED PERIOD OFFER!
CCCC C
U
A must-
see
CCCC
video
for th
ose
involve
d in
ministry!
C
Page 4 | August, 2009 Website: www.christianmessenger.inTHE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER
Swine flu: Pray for God’sprotection over our families
Swine flu is the new pandemic that’s sweeping across theworld. As of July 27, as many as 475 people in India weretested positive to the influenza A (H1N1). WHO said 816swine flu deaths world over had been reported till July 2009.As many as 160 countries had been hit by the new virus.Pray for the Lord’s protection over your family. Pray that no‘terror, wasting disease and fever shall consume us and causesorrow of heart’ (Leviticus 26:16).
August 1: Pray for Vani andVeena, conjoined twins aged fiveyears. They are joined at the head.They have separate brains but haveone common blood vessel.Neurosurgeon Dr Keith Yu-ChingGoh from Singapore, who willoperate on them this month, hasgiven them only a 60% chance ofsurvival. There’s a 30% chance ofdeath or disability post-surgery, hehas warned. Pray for the successfulconduct of the operation.
August 2: Fakes are taking overthe originals. Fake spare partsincluding automobile as well as forelectrical and electronics goodsspares are available at cheap pricesin Chennai. According to police,fake spares worth at least Rs 60 lakhwere seized in Tamil Nadu in the lastsix months. Pray that the menace ofthe counterfeit ends soon.
August 3: Pray for Chad today.The landlocked country in centralAfrica is referred to as the ‘DeadHeart of Africa’ due to its desertclimate. The 1993 census found that54% of Chadians were Muslim, 20%Roman Catholic, 14% Protestant,10% animist, and 3% atheist. Praythe Word of God is preached toChadians and there’s a great revivalin the country.
August 4: China is planning toestablish the country’s first sexthemed park. The park with nakedhuman sculptures and giant replicaof human genitals is due to open inOctober, 2009 in Chongqing, thecity on the Yangtze River. Pray thatwisdom prevails on the authoritiesto prevent such a thing fromhappening.
August 5: Researchers fromRajasthan university recently founda high level of organo-chlorinepesticides in lactating women inAnupgarh town of that state. Expertsattribute extensive tinkering withnature to produce more food grainsand cereals as the reason for this.
August 6: Pray for Sailee (11)and Gaurav (6), children of 38-year-old Rachana Ghag, a terminally illcancer patient on her death bed inBhaktivedanta Hospital in Mumbai.Her husband died a few years ago.She’s worried about her children’sfuture after her. Pray that God willraise support for the children’seducation and support.
August 7: With the newgovernment resolving to provide 25kg of rice or wheat at Rs.3 everymonth to those below poverty line,pray that poverty becomes a thingof the past in our country. Pray thatthe government’s resolve turns intoconcrete action on ground.
August 8: Pray for The ChristianMessenger media ministry. We bringout faith-building Christianliterature in English, Hindi andTamil among other languages. Prayfor more volunteers who can help usin news gathering, translation work,distribution of literature.
August 9: Pray for 24-year-oldJT. A juvenile diabetic patient, theyoung man is underweight and has
bouts of vomiting and stomach pain.Doctors have stated there’s nomedical remedy. Claim Isaiah 53:5for the young man.
August 10: Even as Pakistangovernment continues to dither overthe arrest and release of terrorist andleader of Laskar-e-Toiba HafizMohammed Sayeed, whomasterminded the Mumbai terrorattacks, pray that the perpetrators ofthe attacks are brought to justice.
August 11: Pray for the Indianstudent community in Australia.Several Indian students wereattacked in racial attacks that haveleft the world shocked. Pray that theAustralian government gets its acttogether in tackling the perpetratorsof violence.
August 12: Cyclonic storms havebeen on the rise in India since 1995,according to the IndianMeteorological Department. Aneffect of global warming, this hasbeen cited as the reason forincreasing flood and droughtconditions in India. Our God is stillin command. He controls the windand the oceans (Mark 4:39)
August 13: Pray for young boysindoctrinated by the Taliban inPakistan. In July ’09, as many as 200boys, some as young as six years,were rescued by Pakistani securityforces from Taliban camps in thelawless Swat valley. Reports saidthey were trained to become suicidebombers.
August 14: According to anestimate, one woman is raped inIndia every 30 minutes. Committhose women you know into theLord’s hands. Ask Lord Jesus tocover them with His blood.
August 15: Pray for India. As thenation celebrates Independence daytoday, pray that the countryexperiences true freedom in JesusChrist.
According to 2001 census,Christians constitute only 2.3% ofthe population. Pray ‘the Lord ofharvest to send out laborers into Hisharvest.’ (Matthew 9:38).
August 16: Pray for SJ. The 47-year-old man working abroad isaddicted liquor.
Pray that our Lord who makes allthings new (Rev. 21:5), turns himalso into a new creature in Christaccording to his Word found in 2Corinthians 5:17.
August 17: Pray for your church.Pray for the pastor, the worshipleaders or the choir, the Sundayschool teachers and the ushers. Praythat the Lord will add new believersto the church as it happened in Acts2:47.
August 18: Pray for your pastor.That God will give him more grace(James 4:6), spiritual revelationthrough the Holy Spirit (John14:26), anointing (Isaiah 10:27) andholiness (1 Peter 1:15,16).
August 19: Pray for KB. Thiswidow is fighting a court case overher land in Kerala. An enviousneighbor is intent on creating apathway through her land eventhough he has an approach road tohis field. Pray to the One who sitson the throne judging inrighteousness (Psalm 9:4).
August 20: According to a ChildRights and You (CRY) study, Indiais home to the largest number ofchild laborers in the world. Anestimated 17 million children areemployed in some form of work orthe other. Eighty-five percent ofthese children work in unorganizedsector, while 19% work as domestichelp. Pray for their deliverance.
August 21: Pray for Kannadaactress Maria Susairaj accused in theNeeraj Grover murder case. She isnow lodged in a Mumbai jail. At thejail, she is said to have turned a newleaf. A Catholic earlier, she now issaid to have had a salvificexperience. Pray that she remainsand grows in the Lord.
August 22: Pray for India’s peacewith her neighbors especially China,Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.Pakistan has started blaming Indiafor unrest in Balochistan and wantsthe international community to actagainst the country. Pray that theirevil designs do not bear fruit.
August 23: August 23:Archbishop of Orissa, RaphaelCheenath has made a call to observethis day as ‘Peace Day’. This daymarks the murder of SwamiLaxmananda Saraswati and theensuing violence that targeted theChristian community in Orissa. Praythat fundamentalist forces put thepast behind and work to build aharmonious society.
August 24: Prayer for JK. Aretired bank employee, his heart’sdesire is to build a house on a piece
of land. He has been claiming apromise given to him by God thathe will indeed build his ownhouse.Pray that God opens doors forhim this year.
August 25: Pray for BI and herfamily. She has a 23-year-old sonwho has discontinued studies andsits idle at home. BI and her husbandstruggle hard to make both endsmeet and give their children (a sonand daughter) a bright future. Praythat the family members accept theLord as their savior this year andexperience peace and prosperity.
August 26: Pray for theinstitution of marriage between manand woman. It was instituted by GodHimself. Pray for live-in couples,homosexuals and lesbians who tryto distort the holiness associatedwith marriage.
August 27: A recent Maoist attackon a police outpost in Kandhamalhas triggered tension. Orissa ChiefMinister Naveen Patnaik has alreadydemanded that central forces bedeployed in the state till September30. Pray that violence does not rockthe state again.
August 28: Pray for the halfmillion people displaced from theirhomes in the recent monsoon rainsin Assam. Pray their needs for food,
drinking water or purifying agents,animal fodder, tarpaulins, safe waterstorage vessels, hygiene kits,temporary toilets and mosquito netsare met.
August 29: Technology hasinvaded the pulpit. Webcasting ofSunday services, blogs by pastorsand tweets to the congregation areincreasingly becoming popular withthe Net-savvy in the church. Praythat these innovations do not mar thesanctity of worship and preaching.
August 30: Pray for Nigeria. In arecent spate of violence, churchesand government buildings have beentorched by groups of militantsdubbed as Nigeria’s Taliban. Thecurrent death toll, according toreports, has exceeded 150 as of July29. Pray peace prevails in thatcountry.
August 31: An exhibition inGlasgow, UK, where an open Biblewas kept witnessed intolerance ofthe LGBT community. Severalderogatory and obscene remarkswere found scribbled on the Biblekept for display at the gallery ofmodern art. Pray that the Word ofGod speaks to those behind thedefiling of the Bible.
lives moveup andd o w nconstantly.Sometimes,we ex-p e r i e n c e
great mood: swings fromexcitement to depression, fromjoy to sorrow, from inner harmonyto inner chaos. A little event, aword from someone, adisappointment in work, manythings can trigger such moodswings. Mostly we have littlecontrol over these changes. Itseems that they happen to usrather than being created by us.
Thus it is important to knowthat our emotional life is not thesame as our spiritual life. Ourspiritual life is the life of the Spiritof God within us. As we feel ouremotions shift we must connectour spirits with the Spirit of Godand remind ourselves that whatwe feel is not who we are. We areand remain, whatever our moods,God's beloved children.Courtesy: Henri Nouwen (1932-1996), Internationally renownedCatholic priest and author of 40books on spiritual life.
US President Barack Obama recently said heprayed all the time. In fact, he begins his day with adevotional that the director of his Faith-Based andNeighborhood Partnerships initiative, Pentecostalpastor Joshua DuBois, sends to his BlackBerryevery morning, he said.
Earlier, he was in the habit of praying every nightbefore going to bed. However, since becomingpresident of the US, Obama says he prays “all thetime now.”
“I've got a lot of stuff on my plate and I needguidance all the time,” he told ABC News' TerryMoran in an interview for ‘Nightline.’ “I think thatevery president who’s had [this job] is constantlyhumbled by the degree to which there are a lot ofissues out there and the notion that one person alonecan solve all these problems I think you're cured ofthat illusion very quickly,” Obama added. “This issomething where you just hope that you are aligningyour work with His purposes and that you're attunedto the needs of the people you're there to serve.”
Before winning the presidency, Obama had toldpeople that Christ “is a source of strength andsustenance on a daily basis” for him.
During his appearance last August at SaddlebackChurch in Lake Forest, California, he had said: “Iknow that I don’t walk alone, and I know that if Ican get myself out of the way, that I can maybe carryout in some small way what He intends.” Obamasaid he and his family have been attending servicesat Camp David’s nondenominational EvergreenChapel. His family withdrew its membership lastMay from Trinity United Church of Christ aftercontroversy arose over sermons that his long-timepastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, had preached in2001 and 2003.
Presidency has madeObama ‘pray all the time’
Page 6 | August, 2009 Website: www.christianmessenger.inTHE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER
DURING the last six months,I’ve lost count of the number ofpeople who have called, e-mailed,taken me to lunch, or met me atthe altar and asked, “Would youplease pray about the financialmess I’m in right now? I needGod’s help.”
A small-business owner called.“I’ve lost money for the last sixmonths,” he said. “Please pray.”
A set of parents came to see me:“We’re having trouble paying ourkids’ tuition. Please pray.”
A retired friend told me, “Myretirement account has lost about30 percent of its value. Pleasepray.”
That’s just a sample of whatI’ve heard recently.
The world is in a financialstorm. Alan Greenspan, formerFederal Reserve chairman, hassaid that we are facing a financialtsunami.
Is there a word from the Lordduring this financial storm? I’mglad I can say yes!
In 1 Kings 17, a terrible faminehad affected the entire nation.Riverbeds were dry, and the soilwas parched and cracked. Foodsupply was a genuine problem.
Elijah the prophet traveled farnorth to a city called Zarephath(right near the Lebanon border).He asked a widow for a cup ofwater and a slice of bread (vv.10,11). The woman respondedthat she and her son were aboutto make their last meal, and thenprepare to die (v. 12). I suspectthat none of our financial stormshave us in that desperate aposition.
Listen to how Elijah respondedto her: “Don’t be afraid. Go homeand do as you have said. But firstmake a small cake of bread forme from what you have and bringit to me, and then make somethingfor yourself and your son. For thisis what the Lord, the God ofIsrael, says: ‘The jar of flour willnot be used up and the jug of oilwill not run dry until the day theLord gives rain on the land’ ” (vv.13,14, NIV).
The widow did as the prophetasked, and God was faithful toprovide for her and her son andElijah as well.
Since God does not change,and since He cares for you asmuch as He did for that woman,it makes total sense to believe thatthe same God who supplied forher when she had nothing will seeyou through your financial storm.What’s the key? Consider thesedivinely inspired and time-testedprinciples for surviving financialstorms.
• First, stay focused on God.The Bible says, “Trust in your
Six steps to survive financial stormsBY THOMAS LINDBERG
money and down you go! But thegodly flourish like leaves inspring” (Proverbs 11:28, NLT).What’s God telling us? He’ssaying don’t be deceived. Moneyis not the bottom line of life.Don’t make money and thingsyour main focus. Stay focused onGod. He provides for His own.
I find there are three groups ofpeople in the world today: Thosewho are afraid; those who don’tknow enough to be afraid; andthose who know God and trust theBible. I want to be in the lastgroup. Want to join me?
• Second, work hard. The Bibleteaches, “Lazy people are soonpoor; hard workers get rich”(Proverbs 10:4). How clear! Godhas little sympathy for peoplewho are lazy and won’t work.Hear me, I cannot do what Goddoes and He will not do what I’mresponsible to do. Hard work isboth my responsibility and anoble calling. Let’s learn thatdivine principle and work hardduring financial storms.
• Third, pray often. The Biblesays, “Commit your actions to theLord, and your plans willsucceed” (Proverbs 16:3). Theword “commit” in that versemeans give to God in prayer.Then the verse has a promise —if you do, your plans will succeed.
One of the greatest problemsamong God’s people today is notunanswered prayer; it’s unofferedprayer. You ought to pray often,and include in your praying thefinancial situations you face.Remember, there are some thingsin your life that only God can fixand solve.
Last month I had lunch with acontractor. He told me of a jobon which he had won the bid. Thiscontractor had figured his costsaccurately, but as he began the jobhe discovered he was losing
money every month.“You know what I did?” he
asked me. “One afternoon I cameto our church building. I went tothe altar and laid the entire messbefore God. I spent about 30minutes praying. The next weekthings turned around. I mademoney on that project from thatprayer meeting on.”
Remember, God does businesswith people who mean business.
• Fourth, don’t gamble. TheBible says, “Greedy people try toget rich quick but don’t realizethey’re headed for poverty”(Proverbs 28:22).
During financial storms, therewill always be that slickinvestment offer, that get-rich-quick scheme. Don’t buy it!Remember what you learned as akid: If it sounds too good to betrue, it probably is. God gave youbrains. Then He gave you theHoly Spirit who provideswisdom. And God givessanctified common sense.
• Fifth, avoid debt. The Bibleteaches, “Just as the rich rule thepoor, so the borrower is servantto the lender” (Proverbs 22:7).You could summarize that versein two simple words: Avoid debt.That’s easy to say, but how do youdo it?
Consider this true story. Someyears ago a great man of Godcame to America from anunderdeveloped country. In hishomeland this man leadsthousands of believers as theirpastor. A friend of mine pickedhim up at the airport and took himto a huge shopping mall.
After having lunch and walkingaround for an hour, my friendasked, “Well, what do you thinkof an American mall?”
The man of God replied, “I sawa lot of things I don’t need.”
During this financial storm
we’re in, ask God for wisdom.“Lord, show me the differencebetween what I need and what Iwant.” You can be sure God willanswer a prayer like that.
• Finally, give first. The Biblesays, “Honor the Lord with yourwealth, with the firstfruits of allyour crops; then your barns willbe filled to overflowing, and yourvats will brim over with newwine” (Proverbs 3:9,10, NIV).Various money magazines willtell you to put yourself first oryour family first. The Bibleteaches you to put God first. Youhave a choice: Which are yougoing to believe? Whom are yougoing to trust? What are yougoing to do?
Let me talk to you personally.During financial storms, the deviltempts me to cut back on mygiving to God. Satan whispers,“Look at the money you’ll saveif you don’t give.” You know whatI do? I increase my giving, andI’ll tell you why. Because Ibelieve what the Bible says inProverbs 3:9,10.
On Fifth Avenue in New YorkCity at the main entrance toRockefeller Plaza is a statue ofAtlas, a Titan of Greekmythology. He strains to supportthe world on his shoulders.Across the street is St. Patrick’sCathedral. One of its stained-glass windows depicts the BoyJesus effortlessly holding theworld in the palm of His hand.
That’s the choice you havetoday. You can carry the weightof the world as you strain to getyourself through this financialstorm, or you can say, “Lord, helpme. I don’t want to go alone.”Which will it be for you? TrustHim — He will never fail you.The Pentecostal Evangel. (Thewriter is the pastor of FirstAssembly of God of Memphisin Cordova, Tennesse, US. )
‘One of the greatest problems among God’speople today is not unanswered prayer; it’s
unoffered prayer. You ought to pray often, andinclude in your praying the financial situationsyou face. Remember, there are some things in
your life that only God can fix and solve.’
CLAIMING that they murdered VHP leader Swami LaxmanandaSaraswati, a young Maoist couple surrendered before the police inOrissa on July 22.
Superintendent of Police AK Singh told media that a rebel coupleidentified as Surendra Vekwara (19) and his wife Ruby (18) fromRayagada district surrendered before the police after divulging thatthey murdered Saraswati last year.
The 84-year-old Hindu monk and four of his aides were allegedlymurdered by the Maoists at Jaleshpata Ashram in Kandhamal August23, 2008. Despite Christian groups condemning the murder of Swamiand sternly denying any involvement in the slaying, Hindu extremistsaccused Christians and indulged in barbarous violence against thecommunity.
The couple after their surrender told the police that they have givenup violence and wants to lead a normal life, responding to the stategovernment call urging naxalites to ‘lay down arms and join themainstream.’ Surendra and Ruby belong to the Bansadhara divisionof the banned Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist).
The rebel couple has also admitted their involvement in variousother naxal attacks in the southern region of the state.
Maoist couple surrender, say theykilled Swami Laxmananda Saraswati
THE Hindustan Bible Institute(HBI), based in Chennai,organised a pastoral seminar inNagaland where church leaderswere trained on subjects relatingto mission on July 24.
The seminar was titled‘Growing a Great CommissionChurch’. As many as 50 churchleaders, mission directors andpastors attended the seminar atthe Indigenous Cultural SocietyCentre in Dimapur.
Rev Dr Bobby Gupta,president and director of HBIMinistries of India, spoke abouttackling the challenges thatconfront mission leaders in India.
On the occasion, HBI,Dimpaur branch also launchedthe Doctor of Ministry, a ministryleadership and skills developmentprogramme. The programme willseek to provide comprehensiveunderstanding of Biblicaltheology, church history,philosophy and religion.
IT was a programme that waslaunched with much fanfare butnow it has run into rough weather.Government-allocated travelsubsidy for Christian pilgrims toIsrael was halted by the HighCourt in that State on July 22.
The Andhra Pradesh HCdirected a stay on the GO thatprovided partial funding forChristian pilgrims yearning tovisit biblical sites associated withthe life of Jesus Christ. A divisionbench headed by Chief Justice AR Dave ruled that the governmentcouldn’t spend public money forany pilgrimage tours. The firstbatch of 51 pilgrims had visitedIsrael last November.
AP High Courtstays funding of
Christian pilgrims
HBI launchesDoctorate in
Ministry
Page 7 | August, 2009 Website: www.christianmessenger.inTHE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER
WHEN God calls you tospread the Gospel, you neverknow how He will start usingyou. It could be inunconventional albeit creativeways. After all, our God thecreator is the Father of allcreativity. JC’s Café andBookstore (JC for Jesus Christ),is one such innovative initiative.The café, tucked in a nice littlenook in Nungambakkam inChennai, provides sumptuousfood to chew on and loads ofGod’s Word to watch, read, andshare. THE CHRISTIAN
MESSENGER met up PhilipVaseekaran, who runs the coffeehouse, to get the story behind theinitiative. Excerpts from afreewheeling chat:
What is JC’s Café?It’s a coffee house with a
difference. You get good food toeat and take away soul food forfree. What’s special about thiscoffee house is that it has goodquality and tasty food and as youcan see, there are so many waysGod’s Word gets sown here.There’s Southern Gospel musicplaying softly in the background,loads of books including pictureBibles and other newsmagazines, and tracts spread out.
As people sit waiting for theirfood, they pick up these booksto read while others listen andnotice the lyrics of the songs thatwe play on the TV. We sow theWord of God, in every waypossible through these means.That’s our motive – to sow theseeds of God’s Word.
How did JC’s Café comeabout?
I was a skeptic myself. Thoughborn in a Christian family andbrought up with good Christianvalues, I always wondered aboutthe authenticity of the Bible.Quite often, I would argue andquestion the Biblical facts. Then,I researched and found for myselfthat every word in the Bible istrue. It was during a sermon, onthe blood of Christ, that I realizedI was lost trying to find themeaning and facts to validateGod’s love for us. It was then thatI had the conviction to dosomething for God. I had an urgeto take the Gospel to everyone insome way and thought of a café.That was a concept that Chennaiwasn’t used to, then. JC’s caféwas launched in 2008 aftercrossing over a few hurdles.
Tell us about the themes thatyou’ve given the rooms.
The café has three rooms withthree different themes; the Holy
Land room, the Creation room,and the Billy Graham room. TheHoly Land room, as the namesuggests, has pictures of the HolyLand and is usually taken up byfellowship groups from ITcompanies. You can’t miss theCreation room: it is the first roomas you enter the café. It has factsheets on the evidence ofcreation. And the smaller roomwith the comfortable couches isthe Billy Graham room,dedicated to the great evangelistof our times.
Get your free soul food @ JC’s caféBY SHEBA DEVARAJ
There are picture Bibles onevery table. What’s the idea?
These picture Bibles areprinted in our own publicationcalled Emmaus Publishing. Westarted the publishing house in2005, basically to print thesepicture Bibles. It’s a set of 5books and covers all the storiesof the Bible in pictures. Withsharing the gospel and makingthe Bible available to all as themain goals, the picture Biblereally worked wonders. We’ve sofar given away free picture Biblesto 3,000 people. I keep a fewBibles even at my office and givethem away when people ask forthem.
It’s amazing how people cometo know of free Bibles and comeall the way to take them from me.Some of them are very sick, poor,and old. Those that we leave onthe food tables can be taken awayfor free by non-Christians, whilewe encourage the Christians topay a small donation to buy them.Apart from picture Bibles, wehave materials on hell,testimonies, interesting ‘quick-read’ tracts and books on factsversus Biblical truth. And forthose who are interested inbuying stuff, our bookstore sells
and family crowd comes here.Though the food is the mainattraction here, we’re happy thatit brings them to tasting God’sWord as a supplement. Inaddition, many IT companieshave their fellowship groupshere.
How’s the business doing?I wouldn’t say it’s great, but
God has been sustaining us. Weneed more Christians to supportus by visiting our café. We needto keep this going. It’s ourresponsibility to keep the flameon. It’s a lot of money, time, andeffort and we hope that peoplewill spread the word about thecafé and bring in more people.The more people we get, thebetter is the opportunity to sowGod’s Word. I’m also planningto talk to pastors and encouragetheir congregation to visit us andsupport us.
Tell us about the menu.We have a whole range of food
from pastas, steaks, Chinesecombo meals, to spicy, curlyfries, French fries, chickennuggets, cheese chilly toast,soups, and beverages. We haveinteresting combo meals like the‘Power Breakfast’ priced atRs.140, ‘Short and SimpleBreakfast’ combo for Rs.110, theChinese vegetarian combo atRs.150, and non-vegetarian forRs.180. We also have a specialStuffed Swiss omelet for Rs.50.Our range of burgers andsandwiches come with Frenchfries & vegetables and rangefrom Rs.70 for the vegetarianburger and Rs.120 for theChicken Club Sandwich. Ourpopular sandwiches are theGrilled Chicken Sandwich forRs.100 and the Sausage or
Salami Sandwich for Rs.120.Combo meals (lunch and dinner)come with a choice of soups,fresh juice and ice cream.
Which item is the toast ofyour customers?
The most popular item is theChicken Lasagna that costs justRs.130. Another popular item onthe menu is the Chicken Steakwhich is chicken breast grilled inEnglish herbs with brown sauceaccompanied by Hash brownpotato and Garlic bread forRs.180. We also have a widerange for cold coffees, iced teas,ice-creams, brownies, milkshakes, fruit sundaes along withSouth Indian coffee and flavoredteas.
So, how much does a typicalmeal for two cost?
It will cost about Rs.360.
How appealing is JC’s caféto the youth?
We have customers of all agegroups. But we do have manyyoungsters visiting us with theirfriends. The ambience is cozyand peaceful so they tend to chataway for a long time while theyenjoy their meal. We have youthgroups from different churchesoften visiting us. Apart from thethemed-rooms that attractyoungsters, we have lined up aseries of programming onIntelligent Design that will belaunched soon. We hope thatthese initiatives will bring inmore young crowd.
How many staff does JC’sCafé have? Who are the chefs?
Our main chef is Mr. PaulGomes. He has two assistantchefs to help him.
Do you entertain customersto hold events/parties at JC’s?
Sure we do. We have a specialevent room that holds up to 25people, where you can host smallmeetings and birthday parties.The cost of hiring would varybased on the food ordered.
JC’s Café is located at NewNo.10, Jaganathan Street (OffJaganathan Road nearSignoraa Sarees and oppositeLister Labs), Nungambakkam,Chennai 600034. The café isopen from 11 am to 11 pm fromMonday to Saturday and from9 am to 11 pm on Sundays.
Quick BytesMeal for two: Rs.360.Most popular items:
Chicken Lasagna(Rs.130)
Chicken Steak (chickenbreast grilled in Englishherbs with brown sauce
accompanied by Hash brownpotato and garlic bread)
(Rs.180)
a very interesting mix of Bibles,CDs, books, and imported tracts.
How often have youwitnessed the power God’sWord as a miracle in your café?
Everyday! It happens everyday in some way. For instance,once we held a small marketingpresentation here with a few ofmy friends. It was a productpresentation and had nothing towith God. A Hindu friend,seemed quite caught up withsomething behind me even whilethe discussion was on. He wasglued to a song that was playedon the TV behind me - a SouthernGospel with sub-titles. Readingthat, he stopped us mid-way andasked me if the blood of Jesuswould cover his future sins. Aseed had been sowed. Similarly,I’ve had arguments with many onthe factual authenticity of theBible. I’ve always felt that thebest way to take the Gospel is totalk about the Bible. I know forsure that they’ll come back toknow more about Jesus.
Do non-Christians come tothe cafe?
Yes they do. Almost 50 percentof the visitors are non-Christians.A fairly good mix of young, old,
Do you know a businessrun on Biblical principlesthat can be featured here?
Registrar of Newspapers in India No. TNBIL/2004/15307Postal Registration No. TN/CCN/271/07-09
Licensed to Post Without Pre-payment WPP No. TN/PMG (CCR)/WPP-77/08-10
THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER
Page 8 | August, 2009 | Published on 2nd / 3rd of every month
Website: www.christianmessenger.in
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
AS a child Stacie RuthStoelting was a precocious girl.At 15 she wrote her first book,‘Still Holding Hands’, ‘a romanceand faith-filled story of courage,faith, and hope in the face ofAlzheimer’s that had afflicted hergrandfather whom she fondlycalled ‘Papa Ray’. The book stillsells and is being used as aministry tool to provide hope tofamilies that face Alzheimer’s.Stacie is also a singer of reputein the US. A first soprano, she istrained to sing multiple styles ofmusic. She has sung for formerUS president George W Bush andrecently released a worshipalbum, ‘Heavenly’, which wasrecorded with and produced byGrammy Award winners.
Along with her sister, CarrieBeth Stoelting, 25-year-old Stacieruns Bright Light Ministry inIowa, US. THE CHRISTIANMESSENGER spoke to Stacierecently. Excerpts from anexclusive interview:
You seem to have had a verytough childhood. You talkabout going through a roughpatch in your life at a youngage. What kept you going
through all the trials?One fact: Although life
changes, God remainsunchanging. I learned to rely onfaith – not feelings. I submit toHim – not my emotions. He lovesme. He loves you. He will makethings right in the end. I trust Him– not my five senses alone. Jesusstill reigns on the throne.
Tell us something about howyou came about to write ‘StillHolding Hands’.
I wrote Still Holding Hands inresponse to my family’s heartacheover Alzheimer’s disease, whichtormented my grandpa whom Ifondly called, ‘Papa Ray.’ I wrotethe book in a novel-like style: Itis not a journal. Rather, it is aromance and faith-filled story ofcourage, faith, and hope in theface of Alzheimer’s. It captures aChristian romance, mygrandparents’ life adventures, andunstoppable hope in Jesus. Yes,it was cathartic for me. But, atfifteen, I felt it was important toreach out to other families andhelp them feel less alone, feelcomforted by Jesus Christ, andshare tips on how to cope andhope in the face of Alzheimer’s.So I simply obeyed what I feltGod called me to do. Today, Still
Holding Hands continues to selland help families. It is a ministrytool that includes tips forcaregivers and families, a briefmedical description ofAlzheimer’s, and ways to hopeagain.
You have sung before a USPresident, First Lady, SenateMajority Leader and otherdignitaries. What did you reallyfeel like when you were askedto sing before these mightypeople?
I felt surprised! I also feltenormous gratitude to share Jesusin such a way. I knelt before theLord and praised Him foropportunities to give Him gloryand share His story. My personalmission statement for suchsituations is this: I desire to giveHim glory and share His story.
Tell us a little about yourfamily.
My family, though small,possesses large amounts of love!My immediate family includesmy grandma, my aunt, myparents, and my sister. That’s all.But that’s a lot because of ourcloseness and love!
What message do you havefor the people of India?
My message for India beamsgreat hope, love, and joy! Why?It’s a message that Jesus trulyloves each and every humanbeing living in India. Jesus lovesthe poorest people and the richestpeople. He loves everyoneequally. To condense it, Jesusloves you. Please listen andaccept Him while you are able todo so. Life is short…unless youknow Jesus. Will you ask Him torule your life, fill your heart, andgive you a spot in Heaven? He
Read the full text of thisinterview on our website
I’d love to sing for Jesus’ glory in India: Stacie RuthBY ROBIN SAM will. Remember: “Jesus Christ
remains the same yesterday,today, and forever.” (Hebrews13:8.) The same Healer, hopeGiver, and loving Lord describedin the Bible speaks to each soulin India as He did in Mark 5:36:‘Don't be afraid; just believe.’This message is also conveyedthroughout our CD, Heavenly.Grammy-winners believed in ourmission to share Jesus’ love andhope with the world. Therefore,they recorded with us. The albumcontains a lot of hope, joy, love,and peace thru Jesus. Weworshipped and desired listenersto worship Jesus along with us.He is so loving, kind, and true!He is the one, true God. He alonedeserves our praise.
Any plans to perform for theChristian community in India?
Yes! Yes, I would love to sing,share Jesus’ love, and enjoy beingwith my brothers and sisters inIndia. I hope the Lord opensdoors for this to happen. Don’thesitate to contact my websitewww.brightlightministry.com.The Christian Messenger readerscan also send their prayer requestsand our ministry will pray.
Stacie Ruth Stoelting,founder, Bright Light
Ministry, USA
IT takes enormous grit tosurmount challenges anddifficulties thrown at one by lifeand still emerge unscathed. Whilemost wilt under testingconditions, some blossom andspread hope and cheer around.Carrie Beth Stoelting facedseveral family heartachesincluding depression,Alzheimer’s and severe illnesses.However, she understood early inlife that she is an ambassador ofChrist on earth. No matter howdifficult life is, she says, faith inGod ‘drives us to work hard andmake a difference.’
As a child, she was aghast atthe rot that Hollywood filmsoffered. At 16, she began her fightto improve the quality of contentin Hollywood films. She foundedUnited for Movie Action andcontacted the Senate JudiciaryCommittee about forming a billto allow people to buy movieswhere obscene content is editedout. She won a major battle, whenin April 2005 former USPresident George W Bush signedthe Family Entertainment and
Christian film-makers in India can make a difference: Carrie BethBY ROBIN SAM Copyright Act. Carrie, who’s
almost 23, continues to work hardto help people become aware ofhow they can make a differencein Hollywood. She, along withStacie Ruth Stoelting runs BrightLight Ministry in Iowa, US. THECHRISTIAN MESSENGERspoke to Carrie recently. Excerptsfrom an exclusive interview:
The Stoelting kids seem to beearly achievers. At 16, youbegan the fight to improve thequality of Hollywood filmswhile your sister wrote a bookwhen she was only 15. Wheredoes all this passion to do thingscome from?
First of all, thank you for yournice compliment and question.Stacie and I understand thebrevity of life. Life is like a vapor.So, while we are here on earth, Ibelieve that we should live life tothe fullest for Christ. We areambassadors for the Lord and thatis what drives us to work hard andmake a difference.
Without Jesus, nothing wouldbe meaningful. In essence, it isour faith in Jesus that encouragesStacie and me to be active in our
pursuits to help others.
How effective has been yourbattle against the bad guys inHollywood? How much of a‘cleansing’ of films hashappened as a result of Unitedfor Movie Action’s efforts?
That’s a great question! Unitedfor Movie Action has definitely
made a difference in Hollywood.It encourages others to take actionin Hollywood to make theindustry products more familyfriendly. United for Movie Actionhas had direct contact with moviemakers and encourages them toproduce better films. Onemonumental achievement waswhen former (US) PresidentGeorge W Bush signed theFamily Entertainment andCopyright Act. That proved to usthat, yes, it is possible to make adifference in Hollywood!
There’s a general feelingamong people that ‘clean films’are ‘boring films’. How do youconvince scriptwriters,directors and producers thatclean entertainment indeedmeans good business?
It puzzles me that people havethe impression that clean films areboring. Many of America’s mostloved movies are both clean andentertaining such as ‘The Soundof Music’, ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’,‘The Wizard of Oz’, ‘Mr. SmithGoes to Washington’,‘Casablanca’, the John Waynefilms, and so many more. Let me
add here that John Wayne is stillone of America’s top stars. Inaddition, modern clean moviesusually do very well at the boxoffice. Disney’s Pixar films (i.e‘Up’) are clean, entertaining, andvery popular. FoxFaith is alsomaking clean films such as‘Amazing Grace’ – anotherexcellent, clean film. When clean,quality movies are released,people flock to theaters.
The Indian film industry,particularly Bollywood (Hindicinema), is one of the largest inthe world. How do you thinkChristian brethren in India canreplicate your attempts atcleaning up the industry?
I am a person who believes that‘where there’s a will, there’s away.’ I believe that Christian filmmakers in India can replicateAmerican attempts to makecleaner films. Without question,it will be a difficult, uphill battle,but it can be done. Perseveranceand trust in the Lord are keyelements to make an impact.
Read the full text of thisinterview on our website
