| November 14, 2000
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Dear Brethren,
Greetings in the precious name of the Lord Jesus Christ. In recent years, India has earned a more prominent place on the world stage. In 1998 India demonstrated it's strength with several nuclear arms tests. This was primarily directed toward Pakistan. But the entire world took note. This ultimately led to the first diplomatic trip to India by a U.S. president in 22 years. Following President Clinton's visit diplomats observed a discernible shift in U.S. foreign policy toward India and away from Pakistan. I feel this will help the Indian government to honor its constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion to all citizens regardless of their faith. The faith of our brethren in India is under fire. They are being tested by all manner of persecution (cf. Acts 14:22). Brethren are suffering from denominational pressure to return to their former positions with them. Many have left Hinduism and radical members of that pagan religion are seeking to reconvert them. They face ridicule, loss of government and private jobs under Hindu and Muslim employers, and some have been forced to pay tuition in order for their children to attend the Hindu public schools for which they are tax payers! On September 24th one of our preachers, brother Shantaiah, was beaten by Hindu radicals who then slit his throat. He had preached to four congregations that day and was walking home when the Hindus surrounded him. They did not want anyone preaching the gospel in Karimnagar District, therefore they were going to make an example of him. Brother Shantaiah was a faithful preacher to whom Revelation 2:10 and 14:13 apply. When one looks at India it is obvious that we must speak in superlatives. India, with the birth of little Aastha who was born in New Delhi on May 11th , now has one billion people. Some would view this as one billion problems. But we must remember that one soul is more precious to God than all the world. What some would view as a problem becomes a field that is white unto harvest for the Lord. Pray that the Lord of harvest will sent forth more reapers into the ripe fields. We praise God and give Him all the glory for a great harvest of souls during this year. There have been over 157,000 souls baptized during the first year of this 21st century. This should not surprise us when we stop and consider that we have about 9,000 native Indian preachers leading the evangelistic work in their country. There are now over 1,200,000 brethren in India in over 38,000 congregations. While we may speak of such large numbers, in India everything is exaggerated. This is so whether we talk about its poverty, pollution or the lack of proper management of its natural resources. But, sadly, at least one thing is not huge. As a percentage of the total population Christianity is not growing. The January--March India Church Growth Quarterly reports that Christians --people of faith in Christ -- went from 2.6 percent of the population in 1971 to 2.34 percent in 1991. This means that while the church has grown in an incredible manner during the last 22 years we have not kept pace with India's birth rate. In terms of unreached people there is more to do than when we first began our work in 1978. Pray that the Lord of harvest will send forth reapers into this field that is white unto harvest.
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shah be saved. How then shah they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shah they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shah they Preach, except they be sent ? --Romans 10:13-15
We appreciate all that is being done to assist us in preaching the gospel in India. So many wonderful brethren are involved with us. As you know our job involves constant fund raising. We must raise a minimum of $160,000 dollars for the work in 2001. Your help is needed. Please consider the following article, written to encourage contributions for our work, which appeared in the St. Mary's County Church of Christ bulletin authored by Brother LeRoy Finto, who serves both as preacher and one of that congregation's elders.
Please accept our thanks and that of the Manassas elders for your help. Our poor brethren's needs are heart-rending. Help us give them the "tools" to reach the lost. Enclosed is an envelope for your convenience. Additional congregations and individuals are needed to help in the work financially. Please consider helping us on a regular monthly basis. Our next campaign is scheduled to begin in January.
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In July, Stafford and Jo Anne North accompanied us to India. They did
an excellent job of teaching and the church in India benefited from their
efforts. Our next mission is scheduled for January 16, 2001 when Brothers
Steve Sexson and Jan Swenson will be our co-workers.
Thanks for your prayers, contributions, letters and expressions of love and appreciation. Our health is by the grace of God ok at this time. Please continue to pray for us. Grace and Peace, Jerris N. Bullard, Missionary
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© 1997-2000 John Murphy for the Manassas Church of Christ |
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