Stained glass at St John the Baptist’s Anglican Church http://www.stjohnsashfield.org.au, Ashfield, New South Wales. Illustrates Jesus’ description of himself “I am the Good Shepherd” (from the Gospel of John, chapter 10, verse 11). This version of the image shows the detail of his face. The memorial window is also captioned: “To the Glory of God and in Loving Memory of William Wright. Died 6th November, 1932. Aged 70 Yrs.” (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Your prayers are being answered in the villages!! Much more prayers needed!!
Below is a list of church plaques, we just got list today, to go on churches that we gave for in Feb-March.
We gave 59 Prayer Sheds and churches. We took offerings you gave and in some cases added to them with money that was given as a matching contribution of $25,000.
So many villages churches are being planted and growing! It is joy especially as we are teaching those in India to tithe and give and we join beside them to build and drill…
Thank you all so so much! These are just some of the 59 churches given. Please, now pray that churches be complete and we go in Oct to dedicate!
Prayer works and we count on your prayers!
Thank you all so so much for encouraging and standing beside us with investment! It is such a joy to work together and touch lives for Christ!! Urgency!!
Kerry and Melody Mauldin
PO Box 140402
Broken Arrow, Ok 74014
Dear Kerry sir
these are the information of plaques for Feb 2013. one church from Atipamula you told that you will send the plaque information for that you also said it is some Baptist Church so please send the information.
i thank you for all your prayers and encouragement
convey my greetings to Melody Madam.
with much of regards and prayers.
CHERLAGOURARAM
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
ALTUS AG & SNYDER AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
PITTALAGUDEM
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
STIGLER AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
GORENKALAPALI
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY ABUNDANT LIFE CHURCH & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
Z.V.GUDEM
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
PICKENS AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
DHERAVAT THANDA
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
PANAMA ASSEMBLY OF GOD & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
INDLURU
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
SOULS HARBOUR CHURCH & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
HALIYA
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
IN MEMORY OF PASTOR NOTCHIE TWIST & SHULTER AG& MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
SANTOSH NAGAR
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
HASKELL AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
MANDARAJAPALLI
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
BROKEN BOW AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
PALAVARAM THANDA
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
SPRIT LIFE CHURCH & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
NEREDCHERLA COLONY
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
MEEKER AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
VENGANAGUDEM
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
OOLAGAH AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
SALARJUNGPET
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
GROVE AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
ALAGNUR CHURCH
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
ROUND UP COW BOY CHURCH & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
NARAYANGUDEM
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
ROUND UP COW BOY CHURCH & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
KODAD X ROAD
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
OKEMA AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
DAIDA
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
WINSLOW AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
KESHVAPURAM
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
JUDY HENRY FAMILY& MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
NEREDCHERLA
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
MIAMI APOSTOLIC CHURCH & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
BOTHALAPALEM CHURCH
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
HOME STYLE ASSISTED LIVING & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
SAVALAGUDEM
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
THOMAS CHURCH & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
GUDIBANDA
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
TULA ROSA AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
NARSAPURAM CHURCH
BUILT FOR THE GOD
BY
TULA ROSA AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
ANTAGIRI CHURCH
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
POTEAU AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
UTHLAPALLY
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
VANITA AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
ENABAMULA CHURCH
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
FAITH AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
KOTHATHANDA CHURCH
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
MT. SHERMAN AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
DASARI NEMALLIPURAM
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
STIGLER AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
UPHALAPHAD
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
FAIR VIEW AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
MIDTANPALLI
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
CANYON DELORO AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
ARVAPALLY
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
RED OAK AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
ALFANAGAR
DRILL FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
MOUNTAIN HOME AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIE
THRIPPRARAM
DRILL FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
IN HONOUR OF HEROLD AND ROSE HULL 50TH ANNIVERSARY & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
SRINIVASA NAGAR
DRILL FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
IN MEMORY OF OLEN TAYLOR & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
HAMU THANDA
DRILL FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
IN MEMORY CF & OLLIE MAULDIN & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
AMBADKER NAGAR
DRILL FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
BROKEN BOW AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
SAGAR
DRILL FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
WEBBERS FALLS AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herid’s steward, reminds me of many women in the church today. These are the women that don’t have time to get out and actively minister but they minister in many other ways. Luke 8:1-3 tells us:
8 And it came to pass afterward that He went throughout every city and village, preaching and showing the glad tidings of the Kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him,
2 and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,
3 and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others who ministered unto Him from their substance.
So many women today spend so much of their time taking care of their children, working so that they may provide for the household, taking care of the physical aspects of the house, and yet still find time to minister in their church, either by teaching Sunday School, or helping in the Women’s Ministry, volunteering when their is a death to provide meals or support for the family, and in so many other ways. Even when they can not provide in any other way, they are often the ones that find the extra money to add to the offering when there are missionaries, or even provide them with a place to stay when they visit.
These are women that take the time to come in on days when they might rather be at home, often when they themselves are hurting, to organize for the choir, for benefits, for children’s projects or to greet visitors. Look around your own church and I am sure that you will find that there are many women who spend much more time taking care of the needs of the church than you realize.
We feed around a hundred to a hundred and fifty children at our church on Wed. nights, and we have a wonderful husband and wife team that is in charge of it. Both these people have regular jobs, and yet they find time to come in early, we start serving at 6pm, so they have to be there by 5pm at the latest, they fix the meal, feed the children, and then clean up afterwards. Usually we have other volunteer’s to help them but sometimes it is a challenge. There are also people who watch the children while they eat, check them in, watch them before and after the meal when they are on the playground and in the gym. And then there are the wonderful teachers who take the time to teach all of these children during the church service. Many of these are women who miss out on the lesson from the Pastor and from visiting missionaries. And most of them are Mother’s, or even Grandmother’s.
I would like to take this moment and say thank you to all of these who volunteer behind the scenes doing jobs that we often take for granted. If you have time, and are not already doing it, why not look around your church. There are always needs to be met. Perhaps this is something that God has in mind for you. A Minister is not just a formal job, but it is also an outreach to all who they come in contact with.
I am so thankful for the many hearts that are coming to Christ in the villages of India. Thank you all for praying and standing with us to strengthen the men and women’s hands that daily reach out to lives, by travelling rough roads and daily looking for hearts to share Christ’s love with those who have not heard.Below is a daily report from Govinda Reddy and Isaiah, sharing some of their daily journey for Christ. Several of these days we were walking beside them to plant churches, and lead people to Christ!! These are some of the 59 villages we gave new churches in Feb-March this year…That we would all have an urgency and share Christ with someone every day…
Thank you all each for praying…literally, God moves only when we pray…
With love, thanks and prayers,
Kerry and Melody
PO Box 140402, Broken Arrow, Ok 74014
PRAISE THE LORD
Please Note ::- With the Lord’s Blessings we had ” Gospel Awareness Program ” in many villages by Rev.Kerry Sir & team during 11th to 16th of March , 2013 … we convey our heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you for the encouragement given through words and Prayers – we also convey our thanks to Jaya Prabhakar Sir & Bro.Harin for their initiative – the 6 days spent with your team have been a Blessings to us all …
Sir, here below am submitting the report for the 1st to 16th March , 2013 – I request you to observe the 11th to 16th March , 2013 as the combined update reported by Ch.Isaiah & KC Govind Reddy , as we together followed you to the villages in the ” Gospel Awareness Program …
1. Mar. ‘ 13 ( Friday ) :- Veerapuram village – visited Subba Raiudu family,Ravanamma family, Manikyamma family and Lakshmanna’s family – they are idol worshipers taught them to realize the difference between lifeless idols and the Everlasting God – the men of these families are drunkards , Preached to them to change their behavior and turn from their bad addictions … please Pray for them and their families..
2. Mar. ‘ 13 ( Saturday ) :- Erramatta village – Along with Evangelist K.C.Govind Reddy went to Preach Gospel – few believers here have took Baptism but there’s no Church in this place , Prayed for these believers and encouraged them to continue and be strengthen in their Faith – a non believer has shared his Testimony of leaving his alcohol addiction , his name is Raju - Please Pray for the believers here …
3. Mar. ‘ 13 ( Sunday ) :- Lingapuram - Conducted Sunday General Service – in the evening visited few members who had stopped coming to the Prayer Services , reprimanded them and Prayed for their stability in Faith … God has been utilizing me in His Ministry greatly , I feel Blessed to be a part of His Ministry and Preach Him to the unbelievers …
4. Mar. ‘ 13 ( Monday ) :- Mahadevapuram village - Nagaraju’s wife was suffering , as an unclean spirit took control of her mind and body , while we were Praying for her the evil spirit in her threw her on the floor and made her scream out of pain , we kept Praying for her until she got relieved from the pain – Please Pray for this lady..
5. Mar. ‘ 13 ( Tuesday ) :- Karrimadela - Few women gathered atNarayanama’s house to hear the Word - on their request I answered all the questions they put forth regarding the Word and its importance …
6. Mar. ‘ 13 ( Wednesday ) :- Allamaru village – believers here are working hard for the Church construction and thank Rev. Kerry Sir for his motivation and help – many new believers have taken Baptism , please Pray for the people here …
7. Mar. ‘ 13 ( Thursday ) :- Vitalapuram village – after a long time I visited this place , people here expressed there wish to have a Pastor or Evangelist in their village who shall be near to them to teach them Word – gathered the congregation at Subbamma’s house and Prayed for them…
8. Mar. ‘ 13 ( Friday ) :- Madhurru village – got introduced to Pastor. Bhaskarand invited him to visit my village – along with him visited few houses there and Preached Gospel to them – Preached about Christ and His Love – the people here have no Church but they conduct Prayer Services and Prayer meetings at Pastor. Bhaskar’s residence here..
9. Mar. ‘ 13 ( Saturday ) :- Karrimadela - Conducted Prayer meeting atMaryamma’s place – her husband Sunaddu isn’t well , Prayed for his health and their family – Preached to them referring to Psalms = 23 , ” The Lord is my Shepherd ” – explained them to depend upon the Lord and follow His ways to stay Blessed …
10. Mar. ‘ 13 ( Sunday ) :- Lingapuram village – Conducted Sunday General Service – offered special Prayers for Bali Reddy’s children as we were informed about their illness – In the evening , along with Evangelist K.C. Govind Reddywelcome Rev.Kerry Sir & team to the house prepared for their arrival – discussed about visiting various places during the ” Gospel awareness Program ” and about its related schedule ..
11. Mar. ‘ 13 ( Monday ) :- Along with Evangelist KC Govind Reddy followed Rev. Kerry Sir & Team for Preaching in the villages - First place we visited isPanyam village , before beginning our journey we Prayed and meditated over ” The Lord is my Shepherd ” from Psalms 23 – we began from Panyam village – [1] along with Pastor John went to a believer’s house who is a doctor by profession , Rev. Kerry Sir Preached Gospel while Jaya Prabhakar Sir translated his words to the people listening – the doctor has breathing trouble and have no children , Prayed for his health and children [2] many people gathered under a tree nearbyNageshullu’s house – people gladly heard to the Word Preached about the Salvation bracelet – Prayed for everyone present [3] Visited Srinu , Sheraf ,Krupamma , Maabuny , K.Samuel , Sagar houses – Rev.Kerry Sir taught and Preached the Word effectively in these places without any discomfort or tiredness , Jaya Prabhakar Sir helped with translation at almost every place where as Sulochanna helped in translating the message Preached at Sagar’splace [4] Visited Bench Colony , gathered non believers under a tree and Rev.Kerry Sir Preached to them about Salvation bracelet - Jayamma is childless, Prayed for her and Prayed for Lakshmi Devi & family …
From Panyam went to Cement Nagar - non believers of Muslim community have invited us into their home , they names were Bebe , Aashiya , Meedal ,Ooli - they arranged lunch for us all , we Prayed for everyone present there and for their families [2] Later Preached bout Salvation bracelet and the importance of the beads in the bracelet , people were amazed to hear Rev. Kerry Sir’s teachings [3] people there requested for a Church in their place , Sir was amazed to know how did the people both children and elderly are collecting and saving funds for the Church construction purpose – seeing their interest Rev. Kerry Sir agreed to help them .. Praise God…!!
Later visited Ruth Home at Bandathmakorru village - Rev Kerry Sir & team met the elderly widows and also visited the farm – they Prayed for the farm and for the widows living there ..
Later in the evening went to Lingapuram - arranged a meeting at the Church for discussing the construction matter , Prayed for the gathered members .. as it was already dark , Rev. Kerry Sir & team decided to rest for the day – we all Prayed before leaving the Church…
12. Mar. ‘ 13 ( Tuesday ) :- On the second day of the ‘ Gospel awareness program ‘ we began our journey from Thammarajupally village - visited few non believers houses – At Yakob’s house Rev.Kerry Sir Preached about Salvation and Prabhakar Sir helped in translating it into the regional language to the people listening , many among them were washer-men , Prayed for everyone present – one of them have bought a new auto rickshaw , Prayed for the vehicle -Subanna & Venkatamma invited us to their home , Preached Gospel and answered many questions they asked – they expressed their will to offer animal sacrifice , Kerry Sir Preached referring to the parables in the Scriptures has taught about the meaning of the Real Sacrifice doesn’t mean bloodshed , he advised to sell the animal and offer its earned amount to the Church , they agreed ..
Rev. Kerry Sir Preached and Prayed at Maddelette & Nagamma’s houses – AtRamanayya’s house his mother Venkatalakshmi’s house – after listening to Sir’s Preaching they removed idols from their homes – visited Ravanamma , Venkataswami , Hanumantu & Saramma’s houses to Preach Gospel & Pray for them – people here are asking for a Church , Prayed for their request ..
Later we proceeded to Bethamcharlla village , despite of being hungry Rev. Kerry Sir & Team have conducted Holy Baptism ceremony for the believers waiting there - Maddelette , Rangaswami , Chittamma . Saramma &Subbalakshmi - conducted new Church inauguration ceremony and Prayed for the members – Prayed at a baby’s birthday party at Yohan’s house …
From Bethamcharlla went to Bhuganipally village - with the help of Rev.Kerry Sir , people here have managed to build up a Church , they were waiting for Rev.Kerry Sir’s arrival to held the inauguration ceremony , Sir Prayed at the occasion – read the Scriptures and Prayed for everyone present - Prayed for Lakshmi Devi for her Healing as she have fractured her legs , Prayed forMaramma husband’s Salvation – Prayed for all the needy believers gathered …
13. Mar. ‘ 13 ( Wednesday ) :- Went to Kurukunda village following Rev. Kerry Sir & team - At Raghav Reddy’s house Preached Gospel and explained the story of the Salvation beads – answered questions and cleared many doubts raised in the minds of non believers regarding the Word Preached – few non believers are still dodging to prepare themselves to take Holy Baptism , Preached to them and Prayed for their Salvation – visited Yellamma’s house,Lingaswami’s house and Dayakar’s house – Preached about the Salvation beads and Prayed for their Salvation , answered the questions asked ..
Next we proceeded to Dudiyala village - Rev.Kerry Sir & Bro. Harin ReddyPreached about Salvation and Prabhakar Sir helped in translation , many among them were washer-men , many have willingly invited us into their homes and requested to Pray for them …
Later went to Weluggu mandal and Boyyarevulla villages - few people gathered at Nagarju’s house to listen to the Word – Rev.Kerry Sir Preaching was Faith Strengthening for the believers here who wished for a Church – everyone present requested to Pray for them ..
14. Mar. ‘ 13 ( Thursday ) :- On the third day of our journey we began from Rudrawaram village - along with Pastor Samuel visited many houses in the village – At Telugu Sujathamma’s house Rev.Kerry Sir & his wife Preached and explained about Salvation bracelet - Obulamma refused to listed to the Preaching and pleaded with us to not to enter their house – we Prayed for her Salvation and left their house – Prayed for Pamuletta and Venkatadri as they both were sick , they asked for a Bible …
Next we went to Pastor Samuel’s Church - members and believers were present to listen to the Word , we spent a good time at the Church listening to Rev.Kerry Sir’s Preaching , got to learn many new things about the Gospel , Rev. Kerry Sir Prayed for the Church and agreed to help this Church with its requirements , all the members rejoiced in the Lord’s name … Praise the Lord..!!
Next we went to Kondamayya pally village - At Kamalamma’s house Rev.Kerry Sir Preached about Salvation and about the importance of taking Holy Baptism , he agreed to help them build a Church and Prayed for everyone…
Later we have come to YS Nagar - conducted Baptism ceremony for Munayi, Venkata Subamma , Pushenamma , Mariyamma , Shanti Rani , Daniel ,Naveen Kumar , Rebeccamma , – Rev.Kerry Sir Preached & Prayed for the people there , he help them in their Church requirements..
15. Mar. ‘ 13 ( Friday ) :- On the fourth day , we started our journey fromMahadevapuram village - we all took place under a tree and Rev.Kerry Sir Preached about the Heavenly Kingdom and Eternal Life through Salvation – monkeys created some disturbance in between but we Prayed and continued – few people here are preparing themselves for Baptism , Rev.Kerry Sir Preached and Prayed for them – he also agreed to help in building a Church in this place.. Praise God..!!
Next we went to Aarlagadda - Sudharani welcomed us into her home and arranged lunch for us , Rev. Kerry Sir Preached and Prayed for them – laterVenkat Ramullu , his wife & his mother have come to Rev.Kerry Sir to get Prayed – when we left their house a Muslim person had come forward and invited us to his home , he gave us fruits and requested to Preach Gospel , whereas his wife stubbornly refused to accept the teachings Rev.Kerry Sir Prayed for the family and for their Salvation …
Next we went to Chagallamarri village - many gathered at Sundarayya’shouse to listen to Rev.Kerry Sir’s Preaching – Sir Preached about redemption of sins through Salvation and about the Talents – Sir answered all the questions raised regarding the Word but none could answer Sir’s questions , so Sir Preached and taught them many things regarding the Word and Prayed for everyone present
Later we went to Bureddypalem - many gathered at Bhaskar’s house , many of them were daily wage workers – Rev.Kerry Sir Preached to them about Salvation bracelet – they listened to Sir’s Preaching attentively – they informed Sir about the number of believers in their village and their difficulties of not having a proper place of Worship , Sir Prayed for their Church construction – before leaving we attended Gyanamma daughter’s Christening ceremony – they named the baby as Esther , blessed and Prayed for the little girl …
16. Mar. ‘ 13 ( Saturday ) :-On the fifth day we started our journey fromPeddattakuru village of Kurnool district - Pastor Devaraju along with his Church members and other non believers set up a tent for the Preaching – many gathered under the tent to listen to the Word – Preached them about the Salvation bracelet – the people here don’t have a Church but have a plot site for the construction purpose , Rev. Kerry Sir agreed to help them in the Church construction …
Later went to Allampuram village which is 50 kilometers away fromPeddattakuru village - Ragavendra has made arrangements to set up a tent , many gathered to listen to the Word , even school children were present in the congregation – Rev. Kerry Sir Preached about Salvation – later we had lunch prepared for us .. the people don’t have a Church , Sir Prayed and agreed to help them build Church …
Stained glass at St John the Baptist’s Anglican Church http://www.stjohnsashfield.org.au, Ashfield, New South Wales. Illustrates Jesus’ description of himself “I am the Good Shepherd” (from the Gospel of John, chapter 10, verse 11). This version of the image shows the detail of his face. The memorial window is also captioned: “To the Glory of God and in Loving Memory of William Wright. Died 6th November, 1932. Aged 70 Yrs.” (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
First day in the villages!!
We went to Ramnagar to see construction on church by Fairlland
Assembly of God. Church is coming up well, and plaque looks nice, but
in Oct. when we shared and gave for church, a villager gave double the
land and so instead of a small church, this is coming up much
bigger–seat 150-200. Pray they have enough to complete it. A joy
was the woman, Elishamma that came to Christ and we were there when
she held hands with her husband and he also accepted Christ.
Both are in church and growing stronger!
Cherlagoraram Village- We sit in front of simple home of people who
break stones for 4 rs each and the whole village is stone breakers.
The first believer in the village is Inkula, now 60 and has 6
children. They have all come to Christ and are now about 30 believers
of 1000 in village, but growing and good spirit!!
They spoke up quickly that 1 of 10 stones broken belong to God. All
children have come and “Naga Raju”, “snake King, now called Daniel, 25
was the last to come 2 years ago.
It was blessing to hear and see a large family sitting on the mat in
front of the house sharing how God has changed their life since coming
to know Him. The debts and misery are gone since they have learned to
tithe and give… Daily, the whole family sits and reads the Word of
God together. The younger ones whoa can read, read to all.
We look where they have been building a stone church the past 5 years,
but have no more money. Publicly we stood and committed among
themselves, one by one to give 24,000Rupees, then we matched it and a
nice church will be complete.
The joy is this pastor, Paul, who came 9 years ago was only 20, but
has led them and 3 other villages to Christ. These are the only
churches in the villages.
Paul, we helped with his first village church in RA Nagar in 2011.
Dr. Mast and I pulled up early AM in Feb 2011 and no one met us and
small concrete stone church. Today, we visit and the church regularly
has 80 members that totally overflow the church and is growing so so
much!!
6 took baptism today. One woman who was Laxmmama and is now “Saramma”
stepped in for baptism. She is about 26 and the power of God hit her
and she shook and cried as she went under. Then she shared how 1
month ago, she worshipped hannamun, the monkey. She got a tumor and
had no hope, but a brilliant light filled the room she was in and a
man stood there that she came to know was Jesus. She said “all I
could do was shout HALLALEUJAH and shake”. Jesus healed her last
month and now she follows in baptism.
She stood with her 2 small 2 year old boys, tears streaming down her
face and thanking the Lord for all He is doing in her life!! We named
her Sarramma.
Christ is revealing himself to many in this way. Miracles are
happening and so many are coming to Christ!
Another man, Ramalu, 28, rode motorcycle, wanted baptism. After he
took baptism, his name is now Phillip. He shared this one year since
accepting Christ, everything he does is prospering, even as Phillip
kept being blessed and prospering everywhere he went…
We had an easier day today. JUst 4 villages after the drive from Hyderabad.!! Our team of Jeff Oaks, Melody, “superwoman” Mauldin and
myself!! We are blessed and so so thankful for your prayers!!
With so much thanks, prayers and joy to serve the Lord,
Just a note in case anyone would like to hear Pastor Mauldin and is in the Coal Hill, Ar. area on this coming Sunday, Feb. 10th, he will be giving us an update in person. God bless you!
Kerry Mauldin
February 19-March 19, Melody, and I will be in the villages in AP India. Jeff Oakes from Stigler will join us the first 2 weeks. We have so much anticipation as we have seen God‘s blessing poured out these 17 years in increasing measure! The people truly have open hearts and so so many are coming to Christ and following in baptism!!
This will be a packed month! We have 45 churches and 7 wells to dedicate and the following list is the first of 2 lists of churches and bore wells and talents applied for by pastors in the villages! Most of these are the first and only church in a village. Pastors have graduated Bible training schools, go to a village and get a land and start building a group of believers….our joy is to come and see the hearts of these new believers, teach them and stand beside them and strengthen their hands with tools to bless and serve the Lord like a well or church. We also want to bless the widows with a “Talent” like in Matthew 25–to make a living…
Please help us pray for wisdom as we go and “Inspect and not just expect”.
1) Pray that we miss nothing we are supposed to accomplish or give.
2) Pray many souls come to know Christ and have the Eternal Hope!
3) Pray we walk in health, strength and safety and have God’s favor…
4) Pray incredible doors will open to accomplish more than we imagine.
5) Pray we will have everything we need to accomplish what God puts before us.
6) Pray signs and wonders will follow us as we believe and people will be healed, delivered and eternally changed!
Thank you all so so much for giving and holding us in prayer!
Christ the Saviour (Pantokrator), a 6th-century encaustic icon from Saint Catherine’s Monastery, Mount Sinai. NB – slightly cut down – for full size see here (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
I enjoy the peace that comes to have a day that is not so pressed…
We only went to two villages today and wrapped up decisions on wells and churches from previous villages!! All wells given for are now committed to a village and we have many good churches committed to build!!
Kathapalli Village–”Banjara Fields”– a village that we had to translate English to Telegu, then to Banjara… Pastor Rajuratnam has been here b15 years and has done a good work. Fifty adult believers in this remote hill village and many are seeking! Today most all adults are in cotton fields and all children 10 and up are in fields also.
Children get 70 rs and adults 100rs for all day work.
We share Christ as many children, older adults and the wife of hindu priest set between the well and new church site. One woman, 25, Kruppamma (Grace) comes with her tiny baby. She has already picked her 25kg bag of cotton–you can tell she would be a good worker–and with her baby sits to listen. A few women gather and in humble, hard working country way share how they need a church and all will help build it.
Krupamma has not named her baby and she gives to Melody and says, “Will you give a name to my baby girl?”
Melody named her Elizebeth. (John Baptists Mom). The twinkle and smile of joy from that Mom….
We share Christ and all accept, except the Hindu priests wife. She is dressed as Lombadie woman and refuses to pray. I call out to her and she accepts the challenge in front of all: To ask God to speak to her heart… She shook hands in agreement that she would pray! She wants this eternal life, just is not sure about this Jesus.
God will reveal Himself and give peace!!
Just yards away is the temple to the monkey god–hanamun, that her husband is village priest.
Pastor shared, the priest comes and sits at the church and is now seeking!! He and his wife will come!! His name in Nari (human).
Dindi Village–We dedicate well from Eureka Springs AG in honor of My good friend, Bro and Sis Gilmore, who are now with the Lord!!
We helped this church with first tiny prayer shed 2 years ago. Now has moved into larger nice church and used roofing from prayer shed. It has grown to 80 adults and needs flooring and plaster. Only 2 of 80 pay tithes, so instead of giving for that, we gave for chickens to “test” God like in Malachi 3:8-10. The people heard and many said they do not want to be under financial curse, but walk in blessing. “We will pay the tithe”
we gave chickens to those who wanted to pay tithe and learn. We ask who wanted to learn, and when hands of the sincere went up, we put a tithe chicken in the hand. Then others wanted to learn… tooo late…. for this test…
Pastor shared he normally gets 300rs tithe per month. ($6). Today his salary multiplied and he was with such joy!!
Even as I write, we came to Ishka Village where we have stayed these past 2 weeks. It is nice breeze and a blessing in the simplicity of the village life.
Melody and Debbie have gone for prayer teaching in a town. 200-300 are expected… I know they will be physically drained…
Always pouring out and touching lives. People stand inque and wait so long for prayer! People are spiritually desperate and willing to do all they can to find answers and peace!!
We had a long drive this AM in a packed car with anticipation of great things…8 in a 7 passenger jeep…
Went to Devarakonda (god of the hills) town and surrounding…
Our vision is to go to villages that have no church and need a boost after a few years of a pastor working hard and needs a roof or walls on a church.
Ananiya is a young man that has been helped with a bore well and a church in 2 villages he works. He was going to guide us as our faithful Emmanuel, had a wedding to perform in his village.
Ananiya began by taking us to the town, and despite clear instruction and 4 places listed where we were supposed to visit…he guided!! Lord help us!!
He guided us to 3 places that were all established and good churches, wells, compound walls but had a need…
For instance, one place has 80 families, a big nice church built in 2004, bore well and a nice wall around the place with many cocionut and trees and looks so good!
The pastor and his son were there. We began to get to know them and find their need. The pastors house roof was metal, but a big house and it was needing replaced. They had no money saved to do it.
Out of 80 families, only 2 pay tithe. I’m not sure where they got money for the nice place, but these requestss trouble me deeply. He wants money from me and for 12 years he has not taught his people to give, or saved and wants someone else to provide!
God blesses us when we are faithful learning to begin with small things.
We went to hindu home nearby and shared Christ and several accept and 2 want baptism. We gave!!
I offered pastor money for 120 chickens and shred teaching on Malachi 3 and for him to teach the tithing…
He turned his back on me. “Why should I put chickens in their hands? If they don’t take care of them, I will be to blame.” He would not take the 2000rs from my hand. We went away If he pass the test and send a good report, we may help him….
That was the way the morning went!! So challenging being taken to places that don’t meet our purpose or vision…
We went late afternoon to area near Nagar Juna Sager. This is large lake and looks like a sea. we drove on roads along lake and it is so so beautiful with huge fields along shore and big hills with rocky outcrops surrounding the whole area.
After a long long drive, we could see in the distance on the hillside a large nice beige church–looked great!! Green Forrest AG gave for this and it is so impressive at the head of that Sea village on the sid e of the big hill!
These people have round fishing boats by most every house and are people totally dependant on fishing. We had to climb up the big hill, like all the goats that were feeding the hill around the church. Fresh dirst and stones from construction and that steep climb was a challenge on my 4 legs…Ha!!
At first no one came but 3 women and a few kids But they put the big loud speaker at the door of the church which is over the village. As the drums pounded and tamborines rang and people wailed–sang,, Here they came!! About half the village is now Christian and excited with about 100 families!!
We celebrated with them and gave for a well as there is none in whole village and used lake water!
When we come again, we will try to go early, spend the day in the homes of villagers and maybe learn fishing with a net! It so makes me think of exactly what it would be like for the disciples and kind of like Capernaum–reminds me…
They promise us a fish dinner and then they waved as long as we could see them as we drove away….
We gave 2 prayer sheds, one big church roof in Kimballapalli–”Felt Cloth” village–which is so remote but 1200 families and first church in village will be awesome!!!
So many frustrations led to a blessing. We had long drive, flat tire and our guide was very questionable. We were to be at a meeting in MiryalaGudem at 7pm for service where Debbie Dewan was going to speak. With all the challenge, flat etc. we got there at 1030pm. The church was still packed WAITING with 200-300 people sitting since before 7pm. INCREDIBLE hunger for the Word and Gods presence!!
Lord help us stir that hunger!!
Love and so appreciate each! We are so thankful that so many read these and pray…
If anyone wants to be removed from getting these notes, please just let me know!! We appreciate everyones prayers!!
One of my favorite pictures in scripture is Jesus on the shore of the sea of Galillee with the disciples coming back after going 2 by 2 into every village and sharing with the people in preparation for Jesus coming that way. As the disciples told all that happened in those villages: demons cast out, healings, peoples lives touched for His glory, Jesus REJOICED IN SPIRIT–I can see Him dancing for joy!!
Yesterday we went to 6 villages, gave 5 Prayer Sheds and churches, Dedicated a nice church given by Fern AG in Mountainburg, AR, gave several baptisms and was a full day!!
A joy is going to Sithya Thanda to house of Kishen, 19, the boy with polio that when he was 14, we met on the dark roadside along with many villagers. We were going to help him, but all said he could do nothing because he had a polio leg. We finally gave him a pair of goats. Now his goats have multiplied, he got his degree to teach school, he is local Sunday School teacher and he starts Bible School in 2 weeks. We went to his parents home–thatch small house, but right next door they are building nice brick house and when we come up, his Momma comes and grabs my legs as a sign of thanks…. Of course you grab her hands to get her to stand, but you can see their heart of thanks!!! In the tank in front of the house others take baptism!!
When God works, it is a joy to look back and see how Gods blessing so flows and so many lives changed!!
At Tunga Thurthi we dedicate well from Dubai City Church and dedicate a prayer shed beside it.
Many miracles since 2 years since we first came to thius village:
One couple had come for prayer after 10 years of marriage and no children. They have a beautiful baby boy in thier arms, 1 year old!!
A 35 year old man had a brain tumor and in 2002 had brain surgery. 10 years later, he is alive and sits on front row playing cymbals to add to beat of the drums in Prayer Shed worship. He is blind since, and has cotton on his forehead as he still has puss from the surgery wound on his head these 10 years later. We pray for him…
The most joy for me in villages is to go in the night to the last village… Often it is tempting to miss this village as we are tired, long drive and worn out…
But we came to Nagaram and sit on a packed front porch with 40 people… they have worked all day in the cotton fields and it is a little after 7, they are tired, but bright eyed and excitement. You sit and look in those huge brown eyes of incredibly hospitable people who have eached worked to filla 25kg bag with cotton bowls -for a days work. The cotton cuts the skin so all wear long sleeve shirts and toil for 100 rupee.
Men and women make up 10 member teams that the land owners pick for their fields…
We begin to share and these are such hungry hearts!! The first believer came to Christ 2 years ago and now about 40 and have church walls up and need a roof.
Do the teaching on salvation and ask how many want to be blessed. OIf course every hand shoots up as they want to follow Christ in every detail. I ask if I can ask one really hard question first? They say yes!!
Are there any thieves here? I ask. There is smiles and eyes glancing one to another…”No sir, we are not thieves.” After reading Malachi 3:8, they began to say, “No sir, We did not know that we were thieves we will all begin to give.”
We sat at length in that heart to heart time with them sharing about work. I shared about Ruth and Naomi and how Ruth went to the field to work and how land owner would leave Handfuls of grain on purpose to bless the widows…
“No sir, land owners let us leave nothing”. They share what it is like to work with some land owners, kind, giving water etc… how some land owners areso tough,
how after working all day in the fields, they face the 2 km walk home…
When hearts are open and you see the challenges and life of work and struggle, but share how we can have victory!! I am so so so thankful for Gods hand of blessing to sit with such people who I know one day will spend eternity with!!
These people gave 10,200 rs and we matched 20,400rs to build a beautiful little church as the first church in this village with incredible hearts!!
Joy !!!
Thank you so so much for praying and notes of encouragement!! We have few more days in villages…
Detail – Glory of the New Born Christ in presence of God Father and the Holy Spirit (Annakirche, Vienna) Adam and Eva are represented bellow Jesus-Christ Ceiling painting made by Daniel Gran (1694-1757). Post-processing: perspective and fade correction. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Today we got back to “home” of village Ishkababvagudem at 630 pm. So unusual and nice. Gets dark before 6.
This morning, we were headed 60 km to the first village about 830 AM and we passed a large group of people on highway. They surrounded a lady who was on her hands and knees crawling 200 kn (120) miles to the temple of her god. These people would lay mats out in front of her and she crawled to show her committment and devotion to her god and to get an answer to her prayer.
We were gone till 530 pm when we passed back thru that section of country and that lady was still crawling the milees. Women were ariund her, agony on her face and they were wiping and prodding her on. I snapped a picture from jeep widow as we passed 10 feet from her. They all started yelling and whistling. That grim dertermination for their “god” is incredible to me!! These gods can not hear or answer prayers, –trees, rocks, rivers, animals, but they are worshipped in grim determination…
Today was dedicating churches and hearing of miracles and God‘s blessing!!
I will share only the last church.
We came to Sri Nagar Colony and pulled up to a 35′ long thatch jute shed built 12 years ago. Since then,nicer houses have come up as the 120 or so church members have been blessed as they serve the Lord!!
Next door is a new church under construction, 25x 5o and good big church. It is so needed as the people could not all get in the jute house.
The pastor Jacob that startede the church, died Oct 2010 when kidneysv failed. Now pastor Ravi has taken.
We shared salvation bracelets, but these are all believers who know the Word and are well versed in the Word!
Then I asked how much they love Christ? Yes, with all our hearts!!
Do you want to take4 a test? “?” “ok”
How many thieves are here?” None, they said with wonderment at the question.”
I asked them to look at Malachi 3:8 and who robs God. Only 12 paid tithe so after teaching all saidv they want to pay tithe and break the curse and be blessed…
I then asked about the church next door. 300,000 rs needed for completing the roof. They already had given for walls but much work still…
We prepared our hearts and asked people to share what God put bin the heart. For 20 minutes we slowly got 46,000rs. Then prayed again. 2000more rs.
We prayed again and hurt and anger engulfed me. It wasn;t me, but God’s spirit rising in me and I began to weep. I wept deep and sobbed. It just broke my heart and I think it was the Holy Spirit in me, it came kind of like a message in tongues and it hit me…….
“For 12 years you have served God in this jute thatch house while you are blessed with nice houses. I do not want to come from USA and beg you to give to build your own church for God and have a nice house for him.
They began to give up to 70,000 and as they stood it was written down.
God was stretching me and finally I shared, “for every rs to 100,000 we will match it… Within 5 minutes people popped up all over and when finished 281,000 rs were had. People all began to clap loud and in rythmic unison, on and on… Shouting praise to God!!!
One last note… In first village Dadanacherla, we gathered in new Prayer Shed to dedicate. About 50 came and one Grandma in 50′s came who was muslim and woman of middle means. After we shared the Gospel and gave opportunity to accept, she was only one when I asked face to face, she said no to Gospel.
She started to leave and I called to her, interrupting the message and she stopped…I gave her the challenge to ask God to speak to her heart and if she felt peace that this was the way to the Eternal Life, to pray the prayer.
She thanked me with a wry smile and left.
20 minutes later she called across lot from her house to the Prayer Shed and beckoned a young woman who soon returned carrying a heaping pot of rice pudding as a thank you to us…
Do I we have that determination for Christ to go the extra and be willing to fulfill His plan in our life, even if we are supposed to crawl 120 miles on our knees?
Its early morning here in the village of Ishkababavgudem. Roiosters are sounding the morning call and village is beginning to stir. It is cool and had good night rest!!!!
Yesterday we had 5 villages, 5 Prayer sheds given for and 5 baptisms!! A really enjoyable day!!
Early, we sat in village of Bottlapaleru and over 100 people sitting under big canopy of trees in front of us! No church in this village, but beside us was a ruined heap of an old house that is given for a church. Pastor is blind, but here 3 years and working hard and teaching!! People’s hearts are open and all eagerly want a salvation bracelet and run to get other friends to come!!
We share and all listen and almost all sincerely pray the Salvation prayer! All are in agreement to begin to give to God‘s house and this week all will begin work on the ruined heap–to build a Prayer Shed. We gave to help!
As we are sharing, at the back of the large group, 2 houses down, 2 neighbors begin to shout and scream about their field. Several people got involved as this man and next door neighbor woman fought… Finally, we began to sing and clap and the shouts of praise drowned out the fight and people got focused on the Lord! It was joy!! 5 people stepped up for baptism and the church has grown much here today!! They took baptism in a concrete water trough that they could sit in and bend over forward for submersion… PTL powerful witness to many!!
Went to Pallekedu to dedicate a small church by pastor Samuel. When we arrived, the small church is built, but has a garden around it, cook fire in front and clothes on the line. The pastorsfamily had moved in the church to live. This hurt so much and is one of most disappointing encounters in many years!! Pastor was not there and his wife was in confusion…
Next to the church was a mission field. At least 20 families living in cardboard, plastic huts live for over a year. We crutched over and sat in front of a smasll hut where Laxmi let me sit on her cot. Children and chickens around, sun shining down, many people gatherted around this hut where Laxmi makes a living selling plastic containers–all in a mesh bag.
We share Christ and many people with joy and so in need of hope, respond!!
It was such a joy and relief to find something so good even in the disappointment … I’m trying to imagine Samuels challenge. Forced out of hindu rented house and moves into the church and now is not a church…what would I do? Lord give wisdom!!
At Ellapuram Village, we go to dedicate a simple prayer shed that has turned out awesome. The people are being taught and are giving. All 30 members carried
blocks and built the church. As we got there, they were plastering the outside and inside was done!! ALL PAY TITHE AND GIVE!! It was joy to give more for steps and paint. Rare to give more after they are already in the church, but these are givers and suych a blessing to step up beside them!
As we are preparing for dedication, the drums and musical instruments begin to sound all in the village. This is festival to Mysamma, “My Mother” goddess. hindus all bring huge flowers and women all wearing best saree get in big circle and dance and sing love songs to “My Mother” goddess. Men all stand back and watch…
As Melody and I start across village road, the dance is going on a hundred yards up the road. Suddenly,sound of pounding hooves fill the air. Some buffalo have broken loose near the dance, frightened by something–demon spirit… They are pounding right toward us. People lung toward us and Melody runs one way and I crutch the other and those wide eyed buffalo’s go tearing by!!!
To see so many villages and all the parades after dark as people walk by candle light–many many people–with huge mounds of flowers on the head….to throw in village water supply as a gift for fertility and blessing….
Today, many will be drunk as we go to the villages…God guide us!!
The sounds of a village…but the greatest is the praise that goes to the Living God as they know they have Eternal Life and have joy in the heart!!
Thanks so much for praying and the encouragement! Sorry we have so limited reception and email is tough…
The Long Drive from Kerry Mauldin
This is a day we will not soon forget! We were tested…
6AM we left for “165″ km journey to near Guntur. We drove 6 plus hours to Krina Dist near the coast on Indian Ocean.
A young woman 18, had come to Miryalagudem last Oct requesting help finishing a church her father started. Young, but very strong and I so admired her grit and determinstion to come so far and want to honor God and at same time, honor her Mother and Father.
We came to know, her father passed 10 years ago while pastoring 5 small churches, all in rented houses. Her Mother is blind, but carried on the work.
They still pastored 2 churches but had no building!
We arrived in the rain and raining 3 days. We had at least 1/4 mile walk (more) along rice fields to the church. It was deep mud every step!! Crutches buried into sucking mud every step. At church, a man Srinu, tall and strong young man helped by builing 8 steps of piled dirt and stones and helped me tediously climb the 6 feet in elevation up crude muddy steps.
25 women and 3 men worship with all their hearts. Cooking dinner of prawn–shrimp in small room behind sanctuary, the whole place filled with smoke. The presented Melody with a saree and each of us garlands of flowers. This is to much as I so want them to put flower money into the church… They want to honor us, but should go to God!!
We taught, encouraged, gave many chickens to teach tithing, did salvation bracelets and encouraged and strengthened.
It was pouring rain and at end, Srinu almost carried me on one shoulder as he and I plowed thru the mud… Mud squishing up thru his toes…
I so needed a restroom and no place, just mud and rain… Wow!! –enough of that writing….
We got to a dry place and got Sukanya and her widowed sister and blind Mother together and gave a buffalo to help provide for their daily needs…
You search your heart if the long drive helped… We only began…
4 hours to next village in Prakassam Dist to go to village of Prakash Rao, a pastor that pastor Mizelle connected to us–Lincoln, Ar.
Got there almost 8pm and little church was so full. they were all so easy to teach!! No tithers, but ALL agreed to start tithing, share Christ with others! They were full of excitement, took notes and were so blessed and a blessing. 6 took baptism, 3 other pastors needed help and we helped them in Prayer Sheds, talents etc…
After meal at 10 pm, prayers we started our drive back to nalgonda Dist. We reached 4120AM…. too much…
No complaints from Anusha and Roja, both 21 and last year at the Happy Home. They help translate, carry bags, do salvation bracelets…
Prakash drove the whole way, no complaint, Emmanuel scheduled but was determined to reach these villages!!
Lord help us use wisdom, reach village, touch lives and not complain… Learn lessons (don’t take word on how far a drive…Ha!!)
Longest drive at one stretch on Indian highways which is not a thrill with all the challenges.
It is almost 10 AM and time to start to villages again…
Thanks so much for praying!!
Love and prayers,
Kerry and Melody and India team!!
We left early and went to Guttapalli Village for first time in 4 years. Yaddamma home helps children and young adults with various challenges.
For instance, Leah, as beautiful 5 year old girl was found on the side of the road, abandonede by her parents when she cwas 3 days old. These years she has grown at yaddamma House. When we first went, they had 5 acres, no water and 1 building! Fayetteville Northside Rotary drilled a well and it is great water!!
We gave a buffalo and sheep. They have 4 buffalo, 7 sheep and 2 rams along with Emu, turkey, all kinds of fowls and oxen etc… They had a big crop of millet!
we were fed breakfast setting around the open fire. Two wanted baptism.
It was a joy to see the progress! They are selling livestock as the “talents” double!! One Emu egg, huge things, bring over $100 when hatched!!
About 30 come to the church. One, Paddma weaves silk sarees on simple wooden loom. It takes 4-5 days to weave a 6 meter saree and she makes 600 rupees ($12)
Great spirit… India village people do not complain. It is a blessing to be with such warm hearted people!!
At Miryalagudem we dedicate church given by Pawhuska AG. It is built on roof of a home as second floor. Not finished, but 3 and half walls and roof are done! They were all so thankful to have a place to worship, but dry!!
At Penchakilladinna, we dedicate church given by Westville AG. Yesaratnaum pastor, lost toes to diabetes, but did great job on this church.
We shared on using tool of salvation bracelet to share Christ. They were truly excited and 10 stood promising to share with at least 5 people the Gospel. One lady Sujatha,Wearing a bright green saree, had the most alive face and eyes as she prayed with tears over the souls that would come!!! We gave her 10 more bracelets!!
About 70 attend and were wanting floor… They meet in church, but need stones! Challenged the people on learning to tithe and break the curse of poverty. 8 women were widows with no income. We gave chickens as tool to pay tithes and use to buy stones. 10 work and said the would faithfully pay tithes. We are all in agreement that these caught the message and are excited!!
Appannapeta Village, a church built by West Memphis, Ar AG, we dedicated a nice small church!! Pastor Zacharias was hit by a lorry, truck and has broken foot and hurt back. We gave him a buffalo to provide income…
This small church built with concrete blocks, looks good and has a good roof. 50 people packed inside. We were to dedicate in Janruary, but had no time…
It is now full and need bigger church! The people were in unity and when they began to sing, the power of God filled the place. Tears and annointing flowed!!
We taught the people, challenged their hearts and then gave candy and tooth brushes!!
It was a joy to see all 3 dedication churches with strong believers, excitement and hearts open to the Word!!
Last, in the night we went to SC Colony and pastor Peter has a small church of 40 and a roof that leaks much thru thatch roof. We committed for roof to this pastor who graduated from YWAM and now pastors this village church!!
We have so so much the next few days with long drive tomorrow–160 km to one church…
For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain.
But even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict.
But our exhortation did not come from deceit or uncleanness, nor was it in guile.
But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts.
For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness— God is witness.
Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ.
But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children.
So affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.
For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God.
You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe;
as you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children,
that you would have a walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.
For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.
For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus. For you also suffered the same things from your own countrymen, just as they did from the Jews,
who killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they do not please God and are contrary to all men,
forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they may be saved, so as always to fill up the measure of their sins; but wrath has come upon them to the uttermost.
And Jesus answered and spoke to them again by parables and said:
“The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son,
“and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding and they were not willing to come.
“Again, he sent out other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, “See, I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and fatted cattle are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the wedding.” ‘
“But they made light of it and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his business.
“And the rest seized his servants, treated them spitefully, and killed them.
“But when the king heard about it, he was furious. And he sent out his armies, destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.
“Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy.
“Therefore go into the highways, and as many as you can find, invite to the wedding.’
“So those servants went out into the highways and gathered together all whom they found, both bad and good. And the wedding hall was filled with guests.
“But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who did not have on a wedding garment.
“So he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless.
“Then the king said to the servants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
Saints and Elders around the Lamb (Photo credit: Lawrence OP)
The Loveless Church
Revelations 2:1-7
“To the angel of the church of Ephesus write,
‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands:
“I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars;
“and you have perservered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary.
“Nevertheless, I have this against you, that you have left your first love.
“Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place— unless you repent.
“But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.”
The Last Supper of Jesus Christ (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God,
who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began,
but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,
to which I was appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.
For this reason I also suffer these things, nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.
Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.
That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.
This you know, that all those in Asia have turned away from me, among whom are Phygellus and Hermongenes.
The Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiporus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain;
but when he arrived in Rome, he sought me out very diligently and found me.
The Lord grant to him that he may find mercy from the Lord in that Day— and you know very well how many ways he ministered to me at Ephesus.
Stained glass windows at Notre-Dame, Geneva, Switzerland. Top: God the Father; middle: Dove of Holy Spirit in trefoil; lower: Annunciation scene. Français : Vitraux de la basilique Notre-Dame, Genève, Suisse. Deutsch: Fenster in der Liebfrauenbasilika, Genf, Schweiz. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
What can cause a church to lose the grace of the Holy Spirit? I was reminded of one of those very things when augustinehippo1 commented on my post Doctrine of False Teachers in part, with Galatians 1:6-9 I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.
This is a very stern warning on what happens if a false gospel is taught, it is a serious departure from grace.
Read on a little further Galatians 1:10 For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Unfortunately this is exactly what is happening in many churches today, they have forgotten their reason for existence. They spend their time trying to please man instead of God. In doing this they are bringing damnation on the very souls that they are professing to save.
Luke 16:13 “No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.
And yet that is what churches that are attempting to please man are doing isn’t it? In trying not to offend those of earth, instead they are offending the Holy Father and His Anointed Son Jesus.
Matthew 7:15-20 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.
Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles?
“Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.
“Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown in the fire.
“Therefore by their fruits you will know them.”
A church that is teaching the true gospel and doctrine of Christ will have good fruit. It’s people will have changed their lives and put on the new man and the old man will have died.
Ephesians 2:1-3 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.
The evidence as to whether a church is teaching the gospel, the doctrine of Christ, is in it’s people. I am not telling you to judge, that is up the Jesus when He returns and there are many that He has already told us that when they knock He will tell them He doesn’t know them.
What I am telling you to do is use your eyes. If you believe in God the Father and accept His Son, Jesus as your Savior, He will open your eyes to the false teachings and you can move on to a church that does preach the gospel. If any church were acceptable to Him, He would not have given us the Word to teach from and He would not have sent the Holy Spirit in order that we might have the grace to see what the truth is.
Stained glass at St John the Baptist's Anglican Church http://www.stjohnsashfield.org.au, Ashfield, New South Wales. Illustrates Jesus' description of himself "I am the Good Shepherd" (from the Gospel of John, chapter 10, verse 11). This version of the image shows the detail of his face. The memorial window is also captioned: "To the Glory of God and in Loving Memory of William Wright. Died 6th November, 1932. Aged 70 Yrs." (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christas coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.
Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward.
Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son.
Avoid the False Teachers 2 John 10-11
If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him;
Then Peter said, “Se we have left all and followed You.”
So He said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or parents or brothers or wife or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God,
“who shall not receive many times more in this present time, and in the age to come everlasting life.”
the first page of the Gospel of Luke (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Luke 14:7-14
So He told a parable to those who were invited, when He noted how they chose the best places, saying to them:
“When you are invited by anyone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in the best place, lest one more honorable than you be invited by him;
“and he who invited you and him come up to you and say to you, ‘Give place to this man,’ and then you begin with shame to take the lowest place.
“But when you are invited, go and sit down in the lowest place, so that when he who invited you comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, go up higher.’ Then you will have glory in the presence of those who sit at the table with you.
“For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Then He also said to him who invited Him, “When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friend, your brothers, your relative, nor rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid.
“But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind.
“And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just.”
