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Through Flames and Flood

templetonre1 — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 05:50:41 +0000

Life is hazardous for “Dhakir” and other members of thetiny Christian minority in Pakistan. Anti-blasphemy lawsthreaten the death penalty for dishonoring Muhammad orthe Quran, but mobs often take “justice” in their ownhands. Two years ago, the mere rumor that a man burneda page from the Quran led to the burning of 250 Christianhomes in Gojra and Koriyan, near Dhakir’s home. Lastyear, thousands of extremists rioted after three boys wereaccused of blasphemy against Muhammad. Many Christianslost their jobs and were violently attacked, and two of theaccused boys were murdered.

Dhakir counters religious hatred by showing Christ’s loveto people of all faiths. After the devastating flood lastsummer, Christians and other minorities were oftenoverlooked in the distribution of aid. Dhakir organizedrelief efforts that brought help to unreached flood victimsof all faiths. On a small scale, this built friendships wherethere was previously animosity. (Romans 12:21)

Extremists follow a radically different strategy. In Januarythe Taliban claimed responsibility for assassinating thegovernor of Punjab because he spoke in favor of religioustolerance. In March, the Federal Minister for Minorities,Shahbaz Bhatti, was murdered for helping a Christianwoman facing a charge of blasphemy. Extremists hopethese murders will stifle progress toward religious freedomby intimidating moderate voices. After much prayer,Dhakir organized a peaceful march to commemorateBhatti’s death and to express support for religiousfreedom. Before leaving for the march, he asked hisfriends to pray fervently and to watch over his wife andchildren if he did not return. Fortunately, the march waseverything he hoped. It was well-publicized and peaceful,and some moderate Muslims joined them in this publicdemonstration that extremists cannot win throughintimidation. (1 Peter 4:12-19).

The Taylor’s Gift

templetonre1 — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 05:49:13 +0000

Prabha lives to help thepoor discover new ways tobecome self-sufficient. Lastmonth, she taught tribalpeople at Urappakkam howto make and sell brooms.This was a very popularand successful endeavor.

Prabha also arranged for a woman tailor named Sabeena toteach women at Sholingnallur how to make hand bags. Although the women learned quickly and enjoyed theproject, we discovered that this project wasn’t feasiblebecause the women, who live in shabby tents with dirtfloors, are unable to keep the fabric dry and clean.

When we told Sabeena that we would be unable to continuethe project, she proposed an idea of her own. She offeredto train five women for three months, and then give thempermanent jobs in her growing business that would enablethe women to fully support their families! We are sograteful that God brings good from our imperfect effortsand “mistakes.” (Romans 8:28).

With Your Help:

Impoverished people are finding work,
Abandoned children have a home,
Unreached people groups are hearing the gospel,
Persecuted Christians are encouraged,
Indigenous churches are equipped for service,
The Lord is praised

Thank you for being part of Christ’s work in South Asia! “Give generously to the poor, not grudgingly, for the LORD your God will bless you in everything you do.”Deuteronomy 15:10 (New Living Translation)

Equipping Leaders

templetonre1 — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 05:44:56 +0000

2011 Pastor Conference

In January, we held a conference for pastors from across India. Morning sessions covered the new book by EFI’s Dr.Campbell on the moral principles of the Ten Commandments, which is being printed in Tamil and translated intoHindi. Afternoon sessions focused on how pastors can be catalysts for progress in impoverished communities. Weare now writing a handbook for pastors on this topic.

Teaching Christians to serve in tribal areas

Our gypsy and tribal ministry is being reorganized under Prabha’sleadership under the name GATE (Gypsy And Tribal Empowerment).In addition to working directly with the poor, GATE has conducted twoprograms already in 2011 to train pastors how to help gypsy and tribalcommunities,March 2011NewsBaptism in Bangladesh

The Song of the Santal

templetonre1 — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 05:44:18 +0000

One of our partners in Bangladesh works with the Santal ethnic group. He literally started this ministry on a song!Here is his story: “I came to a tribal village one evening after people returned from their work as farmers and daylaborers. Some people were busy doing housework; others were cooking or resting. Children were caring for thecattle. I greeted all the people I met. Finally an old man gave me a mat and invited me to sit. As I spoke to this man,others gathered around to hear what we were discussing. I thought about what I could do for all these people.After a few minutes, I called all the children and adults to me and suggested that we sing together. We started theevening with prayer and then sang Christian songs I learned as a child. First I would teach a song in Bengali, and thenthey would teach me to sing it in Santal. This continued for four hours, giving us much joy in the Lord! By the Lord’sleading this was the beginning of a good church. God’s songs touched the hearts of these village people and theyhave continued in Christ. Praise the Lord for His blessing on that village!” (Ephesians 5:19-20)

Ask, Seek Knock

templetonre1 — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 05:43:35 +0000

EFI Identifies Quality Ministries

In addition to our own work in India, EFI has been helping other USorganizations find worthy ministries throughout South Asia. Already 60indigenous ministries in three countries receive regular help because ofour efforts. Leading this effort, Pastor James recently embarked on factfinding trips to Myanmar and Bangladesh. He visited 70 indigenousmissionaries and is helping to open new doors for these deserving people.We are now organizing a trip to come alongside Pakistani Christians.