C.Sekar Bangalore

RENAL FAILUER

2012-01-31T08:30:00.000-08:00

DearFriends,

My goodFriend, Pastor Francis Richard hasrenal failure, he needs transplant. His wife is also not

Well withmany complications. They have two daughters in school.

Please prayfor God’s hand upon them in this critical moment.

There yetanother Pastor Noksong from Manipurwho shared his her kidney with his wifelast year , but now her kidney is not functional. She needs to replace thekidney.

Another missionary who is on dialysis waiting in Vellore fortransplant of kidney.

Please dopray for these and your support and encouragements are welcome.

2012-01-25T08:11:00.000-08:00

2012-01-25T06:27:00.000-08:00

This a clip of a person giving his testimony.

Fusion Excel

2012-01-22T21:28:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

We have a business meeting on the 28th 5 pm at Hottel Infentary behind St. Andrews Church, near Bowring Hospital. Bangalore. Please do come for couple of hours to see the demonstarion of Scalar Energy products.
Hight Tea will be served.

PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE

Dear Friends,

We live in a progressive and glamorous world, we enjoythe modern gadgets and we enjoy the benefits but seldom have we realized thatthese gadgets emit Electro Magnetic Frequencies (EMF) that causes stressrelated problems.

We are surrounded with ‘electro polluted smog’ thatwhich causes undesired health problems. We find more of Insomnia(sleep Disturbance) Fatigue, Depression, Forgetfulness, Difficulty infinding words, Frequent infections,Sinusitis, Lymph node swellings, Jointpains, Numbness, Tingling, Allergies, Impaired balance, Visualdisturbances, Dry eyes, Weight increase, Loss of appetite, Skin complaints EpisodicHypertension, Night sweats are some of the ill effects due toelectromagnetic smog. (According to Dr. K.B. Jacob, Environmental Scientist)What are the gadgets that affect us THE MOST? Mobile Phone : It's estimated that 2 billionpeople will have brain cancer by 2020 from cell phones. That's virtuallyeveryone who has one, since the other 4 billion people are probably children orpeople who can't afford them. Indiahas the world'ssecond-largest mobile phone users with over 881 million asof October 2011.^[1] Ithas the world's fourth-largestInternet users with over 100 million as of December 2010.^[2]India has come to be regarded as the world's most competitive and one of thefastest growing telecom market.

Themajor health hazards of radiation from cell phones and cell towers are as givenbelow:
A 400% increase in the risk of braincancer among for teenagers using cell phones. Children are more vulnerableto cell phone radiation. The younger the child, the deeper is the penetrationof electromagnetic radiation as children's skulls are thinner.
Excessive use of mobile phones canalso cause cancer in anyone. Use of cell phones for more than 30 minutes perday for 10 years increases the risk of brain cancer and acoustic neuroma.

Cell phone radiation causes irreversibledamage to male fertility. Studies have found 30% lower sperm count in intensiveusers of mobile phones.

Cell phonefrequenciescan cause damage to the DNA of the body's cells. Radiation causes 'free radicalformation' inside the body's cells; the free radicals are known to becarcinogenic.

Cell phonefrequencies interferewith the functioning of other life-saving gadgets, including implantedpace-makers, and may, therefore, cause sudden death.

The stress response in human and animal cells which causes production of stressproteins. This is proof enough that the body recognises radiations from cellphones as potentially harmful.

Computers and Electronic Devices

Computers also emitElectromagnetic waves (EMFs) High level exposure to ELFmagnetic fields has the potential to do the following:

• Affect the growth of developing tissue

• Contribute to miscarriage or birth defects

• Promote the growth of cancer cells

• Interfere with the cell processes and functions

• Alter neurological functions

• Alter the production of neurohormones

• Influence the dopamine, opiate, and pineal

systems, which in turn interact.

There is noscientific proof that these biological effects will happen to people using acomputer in everyday situations. Computers are just one of the many sources ofelectromagnetic fields that we are exposed to everyday. However, you should take stepsto reduce your exposure whenever possible.

ExecutivePendants

Microwave:

what is microwave?

Microwaves are radio waves with wavelengths ranging from as long as one meter to as short as onemillimeter, or equivalently, with frequencies between 300 MHz (0.3 GHz) and300 GHz.^[1] This broad definition includes both UHF and EHF (millimeter waves), and various sources use different boundaries.^[2] In all cases, microwave includes the entire SHF band (3 to 30 GHz, or 10 to 1 cm) atminimum, with RFengineering oftenputting the lower boundary at 1 GHz (30 cm), and the upper around 100 GHz… Theword "radiation" refers to the fact that energy can radiate. The termin this context is not to be confused with radioactivity. It has not been shown conclusively thatmicrowaves (or other nonionizing electromagnetic radiation) have significantadverse biological effects at low levels. Some, but not all, studies suggestthat long-term exposure may have a carcinogenic effect.^[12] This is separate from the risks associatedwith very high intensity exposure, which can cause heating and burns like anyheat source, and not a unique property of microwaves specifically(3 mm). [BySue Gardner-Wikipedia]

Electro pollution Dangerous to reckon with:

TELEVISIONS:

This does not appear to be too stressful electromagneticallyunless people are watching, say over 6 hours a day. However, television putspeople into a hypnotic trance within a minute - as measured by theirbrainwaves. IN ADDITION, your brain needs to dip into the lower frequencies ofalpha many times a minutes. The television prevents you from doing this!Therefore, watching television adds reduces your peace of mind and adds to yourstress. [www.Relfe.com]

WHAT Do we Do?

Should we stop using all these modern gadgets? Was thequestion asked to Fusion Excel personal who was interviewed by Mr. Larry King,on his show. Fusion Excel is a company with vision to promote SCALAR ENERGYTECHNOLODGY PRODUCTS It is most advance technology to address the above issuesby using the products of Scalar energy on one self and on the Electrical orElectronic gadgets, it help reduces the Electro-magnetic Fields (EMF) orElectronic Radiations (EMR). This Scalar Energy from the Quantum Shield willstrengthen the body’s bio-field preventing electro-electro-magnetic waves fromaffecting one’s health. Quantum Shield is the ultimate first-line defenseagainst electro pollution.

THE BENEFITS OF SCALAR ENERGY

Health Benefits of Scalar Energy products:

Increases Body energy

Has ability to destroy virus and Bacteria

Reduces inflammation and promotes un-clumpingof cells

Increases Oxygen Supply to blood stream andenhances circulation.

Strengthens our DNA and protect it fromdamage and helps retard the aging process.

Decreases water surface Tension that leads toAbsorption and Assimilation of Nutrients and removal of toxins from the cells.

improve Mental Focus and Balances EnhancesEnergy by changing our cells to the right frequencies up 70-90 mille volts.

Protects us from radiations

Helps from Insomnia and works as Anti depressant.

FORFURTHER INFORMATION

last week

2012-01-22T20:32:00.000-08:00

Last week has been good as God lead us through. Every day we experience His grace and providance.
We still are in cross roads on how to go about our future ministry. We feel that 19 years of ministry to the blind has come to stagnant, and feel that God would like to use us in some other means, but we are not sure wher and when.

We have trained some, motivated many and accomplished what God intended! We further would like to
do the same in Combodia and Vietname, but which is costly afair need support spirtual and physical support that we look for.

Why away from India? is the quetion asked by many! well, the world has no boundries it has become a global villege. Therefore when Christ commanded His diciples to "go into all the world" he ment the same. He forswa the world of communication, He saw the people in every continent needs the Gospel.

He prepared a few but the multiplication became huge. Thouh it is not the number who claim to be 'Christians' but the number of people who become sincere followers.

Are we cabable of making diciples? well, if we allow the Spirit of God work in and through us, suerly we can, but the eventual work is of God.

We are available to play the role that God allows us to.

cs

Jauary-2012

2012-01-15T18:34:00.000-08:00

Well, we have entered into another year. Some say this year we willexperience disaster, and there is speculation on recession. Whatever happens weare not sure. but one thing we ought to be sure is that we are living in thevery last days of this world. For whatever Christ communicated to us in Mat.24:is coming to be true.

So let us live each day experiencing the grace and mercy of God.

May The Love of God and His Word become our source of guidance.

Spoke in two different churches

2011-12-27T23:46:00.000-08:00

here are some more picture.

One church has ministry to a nomadic tribe who now have accepted Christ and it is joy to see that ministry. Many children are there and we need to channalize them, may be in 2012 we will train someof the young people in children ministry.

Christmas Day-11

2011-12-27T23:33:00.000-08:00

Our Church fellowship was good we had potluck lunch and shared some useful gifts to the families.

Deaf and Dumb Church

2011-12-27T23:25:00.000-08:00

Just before Christmas I went to Coimbatore to visit a deaff church with another friend who knows the sign language. It was trully amazing to experience silent songs and worship but the message was noisy because I spoke! bellow are some pictures.

Church and the Minister

2011-12-27T23:06:00.000-08:00

By: C. Sekar

Aminister can also be referred to as Reverend, Pastor, Preacher, Priest etc.This esteemed vocation is chosen with a sense of God’s calling to serve Him byleading people into spiritual truths. A minister’s role in the society shouldbe highly accountable. It is imperative that a minister ought to be qualifiedto play multiple roles in his office that he holds. It is presumed that thepastoral job ends with spiritual impartation; but it should be much more thanthat. Leading a church congregation in spiritual activities is primary, butfurther the minister is obligated to oversee and fulfil the social obligations;such as marriage, birth, death, etc. furthermore, the minister needs to developholistic approaches towards its members so as to perceive the ripple effect inthe society at large impacting lives which indeed should lead them towardsgodly values. Most of all a minister also develops into spiritual competency byadopting righteousness of God as to mirror the same.

Preparation of the priest:

In2Chr 19:8-11, [NET] we read when Jehoshaphat appointed Levites, Priests,and family leaders to settle disputes, he commanded them: “Carry out your duties with respect for theLORD,with Honesty,and with puremotives.”… “Warn them that they mustnot sin against the LORD.”... Confidently carry out yourduties! May the LORD be with those who do well”! We can perceive four important conditionslaid out here to be adhered to by the ministers of God.

Duty with respect to the Lord:

Letus consider what duty demands; it demands knowledge, commitment, and consciouseffort in doing what one supposes to do. Contractual obligation does implyrespect to the employer who is our God. Respecting God means reverential fear,love, and obedience. Respect demands certain ethical and emotional behaviour.When such commitment is disguised it shall result in fruitless service.

Honesty:

Thisword has many roots to its ‘trunk’, truthfulness, integrity, openness, etc. butmany ministers have lost their sanctity in the service of God. Accountabilitytowards God or the fellow men disregarded and never desire to prioritizetransparency. Accountability does not only refer to monetary aspects it refersto all spheres of life. When Jesus said you are light He meant you are atransparent being! And when He said you are salt, he meant you are anintegrated being in this world, a special flavouring agent.

Pure Motives:

WhenGod’s plan or will is not our primary concern we act and indulge in a selfishmanner. Motives of men seem to be mere selfish, even in the ministry level.Jesus in His discourse in the Sermon on the Mount said;

“The eye is thelamp of the body. If then your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full oflight. But if your eye is diseased, your whole body will be full of darkness.If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! Mat6:22, 23. May oureyes as ministers of the living God be pure and dispel the darkness to bringabout light.

Warn them:

Contemporaryministries seem more compromising and pronounce blessings, no matter whateveryou do you are child of God and He will bless and prosper you. Strong warningsagainst sin are not pronounced for fear of losing the members or hurting theirfeelings. Sin is condoned, but the Word of God is clear to us that as priestsof God we need to hear God’s voice and speak the same.

Harvestingsouls is good but at the same time harvesting has a process of not justplucking the grains from the field, but there is a process to make sure thatthe grains are separated from its stem and then it is dried in the sun light,then it is cleaned. Such should be our desire, to make sure that the souls are ‘processed’!

Warningthem is an essential part towards spiritual maturity. We as ministers arecalled to be disciple makers, the one who is a disciple maker should be wellversed in the dogma besides being practitioner.

Itis ‘tragically’ sad that ‘Shepherds’ at large have becomecomplacent and have turned their spiritual impartation to mere ‘service’ of the office they hold. Mostcontemporary church is ‘functional’ based on the sensitivity and demands of thecongregation who desire moderate or ‘hyper’spirituality; practical application of the Word of God does not become primaryconcern. Social, ethical and ‘mild’ moral disquiet is the order of today’schurch.

Itis important to entail Christ methods of proclamation, it was a Holistic approach,and His primary focus was spiritual transformation then, the practical,physical solutions, healing, feeding, even entertaining was His ways.

Thefollowing are three “P” which will enhance our commitment towards proclamationof the Gospel.

Purify our selves-1-John 3:2, 3. Thegoal is purification; we are not yet and can’t be until we see our blessedSaviour! But our focus should be to purify our selves. In 2Chr 7:14,15, [NET]we read: “if my people, who belong to me, humble themselves, pray, seek toplease me, and repudiate their sinful practices, then I will respond fromheaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land…Now I will be attentive andresponsive to the prayers offered in this place.” We as servants of God belongto Him, he is our owner and we need to do certain following things in order forthe ‘owner’ God to forgive us; humbleour selves, seek and please Him, and renounce your sinful practices. Whichimplies that we are into practice, not only sins of omission and commission.

Pray without ceasing-Lk 21:36, “But stay alert at all times, praying thatyou may have strength to escape all these things that must happen, and to standbefore the Son of Man.” Constant communication with the loving Father isessential for us to experience His spiritual blessings.

Proclaim the Gospel – Mat.24:14, “And this gospel of the kingdom will bepreached throughout the whole inhabited earth as a testimony to all thenations, and then the end will come.” We need to be the ‘proclaimers’may we add practical preachers of the Gospel? Our lives should become theproclamation of the Gospel.

Maythe Lord of Mercy and Love become our source of blessing to become effectivewitnesses in the years to come.

Prayer points:

· Godof mercy help us to introspect our motives of our shepherding responsibilitiesthat you have entrusted to us.

· Helpus to repent of our past and look forward to sincere ministry as to build theKingdom values in the hearts of people who are hurting without Salvation.

· Giveus the needed grace to experience the spiritual qualities that ought to beadorned by us

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Parental consultation

2011-11-29T09:10:00.000-08:00

We had wonderful time on 26th Novemebr 2011 with almost 20 couples and 15 children.
the purpose was to find out the struggles and how parents deal with their children.
The resource people were too good.
Thanks for those prayed with us. here are some pictures.

Friday 25th

2011-11-24T17:36:00.000-08:00

Friends,
Do please pray for the family consultation we from CFCD have on 26th. pray for God's presense to lead us as we focus on parent-children issues. we have restrected the numbers and trust that it will be blessed.
Key note will be given by Mrs. Susan Ninan, There will be gorup discussions. Children will be taken care seperatly.

2011-11-22T17:51:00.000-08:00

Sekar's News

Dear Friends,

We again express our thanks to each of youwho have been praying for us.

March2011,I accompanied my daughter and the grand children to reach them safe and to be withthem for a couple of month, I returned in June 2011, got back into ministerialaction. In my absence Ammini (Elizabeth) enjoyed the rest which was much needed.

Afteralmost 19 years of having a fellowship for the visually challenged inBangalore, we feel that it is time for a change and we would like to move outof church ministry for a season; therefore we have trained and motivated Pastor Micah, a young man who takes care ofthe fellowship since 3 years on Sundays. We will continue our holistic ministryfor the under privileged. Support the children’s education as they are thefuture generation. We have joyfully seen many grow and becoming young adults,and spiritually nourished. Our deep gratitude to friends who sincerely haveprayed and supported. May the Lord bless them and multiply their portion.

The childrenwhom we sponsor were promoted to their next classes and now they have finishedtheir mid-term exams. Two young girls who have studied in state language mediumare not able to cope with their studies so they are working in garmentsmanufacturing factories, thus helping the family income.
In Julywe had a day skill and leadership building program with the under privilegedchildren; there were 14 of them. Fishermen trust helped in this program.
We havehelped Mr. Durai partially sighted for his eye operation at Modi Eye Hospital,now he is able to see better, praise God for that and for Mr. V. and Mr. & Mrs.C. Who stood with us.

With helpof some friends, we were able to partially assist Shivannah to re- build hishouse in the village. He will be given some funds from the government which isnot sufficient with our contribution he will be able do a little better job. Heis the only believer in that village and we have been sponsoring his childrenand few years ago helped him to get some goats which is multiplied now.

We haveprogressed in making a new Motorized Tricycle, which is almost being completedat the workshop. The old one was given in 1998, the frames were coming apart. Iam sure Mr. Gopi is happy to have something steady. Thanks to “AA”.

We wereable to connect Peter and Dot from “OnEagles Wing to Asia”, to couple of De-addiction centers in Bangalore wherethey taught and counseled the people in need.

CFCD-India, (another hat I wear).We have planned forour 4^th National gathering, we henceforth will call it as“Consultations”. As our focus is on issues of children, as in the past we wouldcontinue to publish relevant publications. Our deliberation at his consultation will beon contemporary issues faced by both parents and children. The title given forthis consultation is “Shepherding child’s heart”. We hope to bring out abooklet from this consultation, which will indeed benefit families.

Decemberis important season! We would like to make it more meaningful for ourfellowship. A time of togetherness and sharing the goodness of God. Pray thatGod will become the centre of our worship.

We as asmall prayer group in Bangalore have completed 8 years. Every Thursday 6 am wemeet for couple of hours to pray for the nation and for our city as well forour ministries. God placed a burden on our hearts to minister to selected few whohave been in the ministry and now “not in the lime light”, many have beenforgotten, and some go through intense struggles, sickness. We felt it isappropriate for us to honor them, fellowship and pray with them on 3^rdDecember 2011. Further we would like to understand how we can relate and beavailable for them. As of now we have Identified 12 of them.

OurCounseling and practically helping the aged and the sick is some time demandingbut we so stand with them and encourage, pray as to draw them out of emotionaland psychological stress.

We desireyour prayers as we pray and wait for Gods perfect will and time for our shorttime ministerial trips to Combodia and Vietnam. We did send out 145NT this yearand sample of two picture charts- on story of man’s heart, which is veryrelevant and powerful tool, which communicates the evil heart and transformedheart. We would like to send some more of the above charts during the comingyear. Please do let us know if anyone wants to be part of this program. Thedoor is open for us to minister and to teach, but God had to open the windowsof Heaven to pour His blessings, for us to go.

As for the family members are concerned; Ammini’s mother is getting oldand she is diabetics, and has mild neurological disorder. Please pray for herand that she will continue her faith in Christ Jesus. Pray also for all herbrothers and sisters and “In-laws” to come to the knowledge of Salvation, theyall are Jacobites.

My Family; my niece and her marital problem to be solved. My sister’sfamily to be strong in the Lord. Brother who is a pastor for his health andministry in Coimabatore. Elders sister’s family to know the Lord.

Camillo, Shamini and Sarah, Aarush are doing well. Itis joy to see them grow!

May the Good Lord bless each of you and may you meaningfully celebrateour Saviour’s coming to this world to save us and to give us eternal life. Ialways like this verse in 1 John 3: 1,2. (NET)

“See what sort of love the Father has given to us: that we shouldbe called God’s children – and indeed we are! For this reason the world does notknow us: because it did not know him. Dear friends, we are God’s children now, and what we will be hasnot yet been revealed. We know that whenever it is revealed we will be likehim, because we will see him just as he is.”

Please do continue to pray with us and please do keepin touch.

You are welcome to see our Blog: www.csekarbangalore.blogspot.com and FB Chinnaswamy Sekar and Skype: sekar.chinnaswamy.

Sincerely in Christ

Sekar, Ammini, Camillo, Shamini, Sarah and Aarush

We live in wirless age!

2011-11-07T20:21:00.000-08:00

We live in most polluted world and are being affected by the micro waves, Electromagneticwaves. God created this world and said it is good! But now we can’t attribute thegoodness to this environmental pollution that in turn penetrates our body.Cancer, Kidney and heart problems have become common as cold and cough.

We can prevent such polluted air waves by using scientifically designed scalar energy shields, or products.This quantum science Scalar Energy isfused and structurally bonded together at a molecular level in variousproducts, which can be used externally and for internal use.

Please do look into www.FusinExcel.com

Please also be careful of fake products.

CHURCH AND ME?

2011-10-05T17:01:00.000-07:00

By: C. Sekar

Theword ‘church’ when mentioned, denotesa structure with a pinnacle or a special place of worship. Some might say it is a place for those whofollow an alien religion, for some others it is a place of social gathering. Churchhas become a monument rather than a place of true worship. Multidenominational churches are experiencing rapid numerical growth; such growth demands place ofworship therefore efforts are taken to build huge or multipurpose structures asto accommodate their followers, and spillovers from such also meet in housestoo.

Responsiblechurch in action is rather limited but priority is given to the structures or agroup of people, who in turn become manipulative and political in nature. Inconsistency in leadership, internal strife, propertyissues, misappropriation, or immoral downfalls has become the order of the day.Many churches mimic social clubs; it can be termed as‘socio-spiritual’ clubs rather than asplaces of worship! Churchrelated socio-economic programs are now designed to gain revenue which indeedis good, but it has forgotten the primary call to spread the Love and Light ofChrist. Compromising to the standard of the world it has adopted ‘hurt not others’ policy, obsessed withtemporal benefits rather than eternal values which is sure to lead its followers to eternaldamnation than to posses eternal life.

Churchin the larger context are the followers of Christ; St. Paul refers thatbelievers are “… the temple of the LivingGod”. Primary reason for the believers coming together is to reflect “Kingdom” values and to fellowship, thusleading to be integrated in the society with special message of Love and Peace.

In most congregational setup intimatefellowship is less developed but has adopted ‘Hi-Bye’ culture. Spiritual care givers might say; “let us notinterfere in their personal zone.” Somegather to worship, others to meet with friends and may be to ‘feel good’ or even to confess theirsins to God or mediators. Numerous Churches are biblically illiterate, its focus have become more oftemporal superficiality to uplift human emotions instead of implantingspiritual values. Most churches have lost the savor ofbeing living examples; attention is given to the selected few which may dependon ‘caste theology’ or ‘cash theology’ very few are followingthe ‘care theology’! We must learn to relate and to make discipleskeeping the Bible as the measuring rod for any relationship.

Whatis the attitude of the clergy towards the church? As in the past, even in thepresent there are saintly, dedicated clergy who served and who are serving thechurch. The attitude of the present clergy seems to desire for numerical growthwhich has positive and negative implication, many boast on mega church, prosperityand perfect health is yet a another ‘mantra’key to hold the congregation mesmerized. Many play on the ‘emotions’ of the congregation; as like the non believers whodepend on their ritualistic ceremonies and emotional frenzy!

Whois to blame in regards to the lacking in the church? Is it the problem of theclergy or of the congregation? We can point the finger on both sides; theclergy will express that we are statesmen of God, theologically trained and wecommunicate and implement the dogma that we stand for. The followers may say;we don’t find faithful leaders, some others would say; as long as they don’tpreach against our wrong or right doings we are happy to be part of the crowdand we shall willingly help the church and its functions.

Followersof Christ as we still have not learned to live the Sermon on the Mount [Mat5:6, 8, 23, 24] nor do we adapt to the teachingsof St. Paul to exhibit the fruit of the Spirit! [Gal5: 22, 23.]We are yet to become child like asdesired by Jesus Himself to inherit the Kingdom of God.[Mt 18:3.]

Clergy:Shall we put on the “garment of Righteousness”! May we reflect the Christlikeness and have His attitude towards the Shepherd’s’ calling? Perhaps it willbecome relevant if we can indulge in knowing the Word in depth thus we couldimpart with confidence and authority to others and it shall become seed that isplanted in the right soil.

Followersof Christ: Shall we be sincere in our faith and willing to know Jesus as a trueSaviour. Let us not be mislead by the temporal benefits or blessings, but oneternal sanctification may our desire be! May our life be exemplary like thatof Christ and His disciples; above all let the Word of God permeate through ourliving, so that we could be true “salt and light” to the world.

In general: May we turn around and revamp our spirituality, be a ‘Bridal church’ adorned with all preparation to receive the Bride groom who is to come soon!

Special prayer:

Teach me to live to the beat of your heart, Teach me to love with your heart of compassion,

Teach me to trust in the word of your promise, Teach me to walk in the light of your presence,

Teach me to hope in the day of your coming, Teach me to move in the power of your spirit,

{Graham Kendrick & Steve Thomson}

Lord, help me to be a faithful follower always reflecting the true light and love of Jesus

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MISSION Or church?

2011-08-06T19:25:00.000-07:00

By:C. Sekar

The word ‘Missions’ has several thesaurus meanings;Assignment, Delegation, Undertaking, task, Duty, etc. If we take each of theabove words and make a mission statement it shall be; “Anassignment delegated by God, for usto undertake the task as a given duty toestablish the Kingdom values in the hearts of people whom God so loves.”[cs] Among the evangelicals, the word ‘missions’and ‘missionaries’ are commonly used to point out evangelization and theirendeavor to uplift the poor. “Mission [is] understood as beingderived from the very nature of God. It [is] thus put in the context of thedoctrine of the Trinity, not of ecclesiology or soteriology. The classicaldoctrine of the ‘missio Dei’ as God the Father sending the Son, and God the Father and the Sonsending the Spirit [is] expanded to include yet another “movement”: Father,Son, and Holy Spirit sending the church into the world.”1. The Church is primarily responsible to actas a mission body to endeavor the “sending” to reach, teach and make disciples.“Mission was, in the early stages, more than a mere function; it was afundamental expression of the life of the church.”2 We who are concerned about missions and itsactivities recognize and have a deep appreciation for the missions of the pastand vex over the contemporary.

If we examine God’s choice and the call givento people to accomplish His purpose, it is intriguing. Abraham was selected for a mission and heproved his credibility. He called Moses for a mission accomplishment andlikewise several other leaders, prophets and evangelists were given tasks tocomplete and most did extraordinarily and set an exemplary road map formissions. It is unfortunate that the mission mandate has been diluted and itsexpression is merely task and accomplishment orientated and not about Kingdomvalues. Most have segregated the ‘soulbeings’ into ‘head count’ rather thansoul transformation. Most take much pride in their religious origin or socialbackground rather than as a person coming to acknowledge Christ.

We need to understand that Godpredestined people to know Him and we as the church or mission are mereinstruments in His hands to harvest the souls with the simple procedure ofpreaching and living the Gospel. It is not glamour or our deeds that bringssouls to Christ!

Mission mandate is holistic be it social upliftment orcommunity development the process is to impart eternal values. “Christians, spiritually transformed into theimage of God, carry out God’s ministry in God’s way.3 We in the missions are tobe transformed people not job oriented or mere function as “result” achievers.It is not possible for any mission to be successful in ‘harvesting souls’ justbecause of the investment of funds and programs. We ought to be mirrors of theGospel and reflectors of the image of God.

It is imperative for the church (not the building) to become proactiveand narrow the gap between Para church and vice versa, and motivate followersof Christ to get down to the business of investing their lives in “Kingdomplanting”. Missional strategies must be complementary to the church and thechurch needs to co-labour thus exhibiting perfect harmony in expressing theLOVE of God to the world. “For God soloved the world that gave His only Son and whoever believes in Him shall notperish but have eternal life.”

Shall we as followers of Christ, be it in missions or the church, justbe “followers” with all simplicity and Live for Him who is COMING SOON!

Prayer Points:

v Lord bemerciful to us that we may not commercialize the Gospel rather may we live theGospel to an infectious level so that others will have that everlasting love.

v Lord makeus worthy of your love so as to experience UNITY in our diversity, let the mindof Christ be in us.

v Lord helpus to trust you and make you our partner in all our missional endeavor; be itin spiritual emancipation or in our social action.

v Guide me o thou great Jehovah pilgrim through this barren land; I amweak, but thou art mighty, guide me with thy powerful hand.

Skera's News

2011-07-23T03:51:00.000-07:00

SEKAR’S NEWS

Dear Friends,

Since our last news letter to you, we have truly experienced God’s blessings and guidance in our lives.

This year did not begin very well for us as our grand kids, who were with us from January to March, were sick almost throughout their whole stay and it was their first visit to India. We thought it would be joyful times of holiday for our son-in-law, daughter and kids, but it turned out otherwise. Yet we did enjoy their company. I accompanied my daughter and grand kids, relieving and leaving my wife behind in Bangalore, for two and half months to "baby sit"! It was a joy and as well as a challenge to embark on the new responsibility and successfully completed the course though with little apprehension of my daughter and son-in-law, but they did reward me with a HD video camera and a DC3000 Nikon! Thanks to them!

While there I was able to fellowship with Vision Family Church and Glebe Road Uniting Church, as well as with good loving friends who care and pray for us. I did minister in Vision Family church, and Albion Baptist Church. I did do some personal evangelism; witnessed to a Pilipino lady owner of a fish& chips shop, encouraged a Chinese believer, and prayed with a catholic man on the streets. Encouraged and counseled some others. Above all just being with the family was great!

Our house church for the "challenged" continues with the help of young pastor Micah, we feel that we need a change in our ministry it has been more than 18 years that we have been ministering to the "challenged". Many duplicated this kind of ministry now and our congregation has become thin.

We have been supporting the children of "challenged" families for these many years and it is encouraging and a great joy to see some of them go on to college and live out their faith. We are truly grateful to Martin and Mary Powell and their church who have been major sponsors for many years and other friends who have also helped from time to time and some others who sponsor individual children. It is the Love of God that compels us to care for the children.

Four years ago we started another trust called

Christian Forum for Child Development (CFCD). The focus is advocacy and producing course materials for Theological colleges at the M.A. M.Th, Ph.D levels on issues regarding "Children at Risk". We would like to see theologians become aware and be practical in addressing the issue of children in the churches and society. We will endeavor to produce relevant books on critical issues of children. We have plans to publish at-least two books this year for the same. We have had Faculty orientations for theological colleges in the north, south and west of India and there two colleges who now offer M.A., M.Th., courses on Holistic Child Development. We are thankful to all those stood with us for this cause. (Office bearers: Chairman- Rev. Dr. J.B. Jeyaraj, Secretary- Pastor C. Sekar and Treasurer- Pastor Patterson S.L.)

Our counseling and prayer ministry continues to progress. We are awakened to the need of experiencing the GRACE of God which is made available. In order to enjoy this grace we need to

acknowledge and admire the sovereignty of God, this happens as we wait upon Him, exercise faith, accept His verdict and continue the journey as He instructs us and says “My grace is sufficient” to you!
Our house church for the visually challenged continues but members have dropped in numbers. Pastor Micah a young man whom we trained since 2003 is taking care of the house church for the visually challenged.
Mr. Durai, who is partially sighted, will go through a cataract operation and hopefully he will retain the small percentage of sight that he has.

About One Hundred people and thirty five children attend Pastor Nathan’s church. He is Visually Challenged whom we trained. He continues to take up challenges. God has helped his children’s educational support. We plan to conduct a short youth camp during July/August in this area with the help of The Fishermen Trust. VBS was conducted in May where over hundred children who enjoyed learning songs, scripture and Bible stories. Our hope is that these children will know God and follow Him, which will lead them to be good citizens. In July ten obeyed in water baptism.

We plan to teach quilting in the near future and we have procured a relevant sewing machine. We are thankful to friends who initiated this project.
We need prayers for family friends who are going through critical illness. Pray that God will undertake and provide the needs and above all His healing touch over their lives.
We were able to send 140 New Testaments in the Khmer language to a prison in Cambodia, as it was a request from the Khmer Baptist church who visits this prison on a regular basis. I was there last year (2010) and ministered in that very prison. There is a need for scriptures to be given. We do want to thank Alongside Asia who helped in this.

Please do continue to uphold IMA in your prayers especially for the upcoming National conference in September-2011. IMA plays an important role in bringing missions together to strengthen the leaders, imparting values and strengthening their strategic vision. Our New GS is Rev. Sushanta Pathra.
Do please pray for our burden to teach and disciple people in Cambodia and Vietnam, the door is open for us but we need support for short term visits.
We as a family would like to thank each of you for your prayers and support.
Sekar, Ammini, Camillo, Shamini, Sarah, Aarush

Are you aware

2011-07-04T18:39:00.000-07:00

ARE YOU AWARE?

A PRAYER CONCERNJUNE/JULY-11

ByC. Sekar

True followers ofChrist for long have and do pray as like Apostle John, “Even so, come, LordJesus.” Seemingly there were no signs of Jesus’ coming. But suddenly our day ischarged with an air of expectancy. This expectancy is based on our Lord’s GreatProphecy recorded in Mark 13, Luke 17 and 21. Mat 24:3-14. “Watch out that no onemisleads you. For many willcome in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will mislead many. You will hear of wars and rumours ofwars…. For nation will rise upin arms against nation,… And there will be famines andearthquakes in various places… “Then they will hand you over to be persecutedand will kill you. You will be hated by allthe nations because of my name.Then many will be led into sin, and they will betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will appear and deceive many,and becauselawlessness will increase so much, the love of many willgrow cold. But the person who endures to the end will be saved….”

Here below is some information:

A man named Alan John Miller- WHO CLAIMS TO BE THERE-INCARNATED JESUS CHRIST has said; “A series of catastrophic “earth changes”will wipe out parts of Australia’s East and West coasts as early as next year.”(2012) He claims wilskesideale will be safe. This is the 240 Hectare property,located 250 km from Brisbane, which was bought by his group in 2009 for $40, 000.Now 24 hectares is cleared to plant fruit trees. This area is established as a KoalaHabitat. Miller was a south Australian-born IT expert and property developerwho was married with two children. Essentially A.J. Miller and Karen who now claim to be jesus and Mary Magdalene,claim to have spent the last 2000 years in the spirit world talking to figureslike Gandhi and have now returned to the earth to teach people how to connectwith God before an imminent closure of the heaven. He was also a Jehovah’sWitness but cut off from the faith when he walked out on his wife for a woman10 years junior known only as Karen. Now he claims that Karen was MaryMagdalene, alias Mary Suzanne Luck, who also claims that she is Mary Magdalene.She says that she was pregnant with a daughter at the time Jesus was crucified.

The mother of Miller was appalled by his sudden claimsto be the son of god and wanted her son to be committed to a mental healthfacility. The psychologist examined miller and declared that he was found to besane. Luck’s mother and family blame miller for influencing her and does notwant to comment.

Central to their teachings is the concept of soulmates, but many claim that this group is responsible for breaking up offamilies. One of his friends said that he reads a lot of books, in fact hestudies them, he was also reading DaVinci Code and in his teachings you canfind the influence of the book. Miller has companies under the name of DivineTruth Pvt Ltd and God’s Way of Love Ltd.

The department of environment and resource managementof Australia will conduct an investigation into the alleged claims. This was announced by Randall Hart who is theregional service director. (The Sunday Mail; 22^nd May 2011. P3. EMail: thesundaymail.com.au)

“…and many false prophetswill appear and deceive many,”

Jesus failed to return to earth on the 21^stof May 2011 despite predictions by Harold Camping aged 89 years. He runs aradio station in Colorado U.S.A. and initiated a worldwide campaign to warnpeople of the Judgment day. Manychurches around the world took his warning seriously and even put up billboardsand announced in their churches. Sadly Jesus didnot come on the predicted day! Camping said; “rapture wouldbegin with earth quakes in each region, after which the good will be taken to heaven…thenot so good will suffer hell on earth until October 21^st, 2011, whenGod will pull the plug on the planet once and for all. He predicted some yearsago that in 1994 New Zealand will be the first place that would be thebeginning for the end of the world but nothing happened. (Internet search)

YET ANOTHER CLAIM:

Jose Luis deJesus Miranda who when asked said; “I am Jesus Christ-Man” and I am the one whohas come and fulfilled the scripture; “Then I said, ‘HereI am: I have come – it is written ofme in the scroll of the book – to do your will, O God.’” then he says, “HereI am: I have come to do your will.” Heb10:7-9. …I am the second coming. LuisMiranda is a 60 year old former heroin addict and convict. He operates what hecalls “God’s Government on Earth” from a warehouse in South Florida. Like anyhead of state, he is protected by a security detail that mimics the SecretService. “I will be the President of the biggest government that this Earth hasever experienced,” Miranda said. [...] Miranda tells his followers they arefree to indulge, to have it all. According to this modern messiah, there is nosin, no devil, and no hell to pay. Miranda says “the devil is destroyed, helldoesn’t exist, no condemnation for the chosen ones”. (Internet search)

What do weunderstand by such atrocious claims of jesus being on the earth and their actof sin and shamelessness? In fact it is a blasphemous claim!

ACCORDINGTO SIR ISAAC NEWTON, THE NEXT APOCALYPSE DATE IS IN 2060, but many skepticsaren’t convinced. (The Sunday Times 22^ndMay 2011.AU)

(Matt 24:36 -42,[NET])

“But as for that day and hour no one knows it – not even theangels in heaven – except the Father alone. For just like the days of Noah were, so the coming of the Son ofMan will be. For inthose days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying andgiving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark. And they knew nothing until the floodcame and took them all away. It will be the same at the coming of the Son ofMan. Thenthere will be two men in the field; one will be taken and one left. There will be two women grinding grainwith a mill; one will be taken and one left. “Therefore stay alert, because youdo not know on what day your Lord will come.

Many believe that:

The nearness ofChrist’s return is indicated by such signs as the following: Israel restored(Matt. 24:32; Jer. 16:13-18); knowledge and travel increased (Dan. 12:40); evils exposed asnever before (Luke 12:2; 1 Cor. 4:5); infidelity rampant from university topulpit (Luke 18:8; 2 Tim. 4:1-4); men seeking pleasure, morality rotting(2 Tim. 3:1-5, 13); strikes, walkouts (James 5:1-4); racial strife,riots (Zeph. 1:7-9); juvenile delinquency (2 Tim.3:2); wars and warpreparations intensified (Joel 3:9-11); men crying fearfully for peace(1 Thess. 5:3, Luke 21:26); trouble everywhere (Matt. 24:21,22).

(Zech 14:9[NET]) The LORD willthen be king over all the earth. In that day the LORD will be seen as one witha single name.

Prayer Points:

Lord keep usLOOKING upward so that our desire for earthly will grow dim

Leads us notinto SIN (Mat 24:10) but deliver us from temptation

Let our eyes,ears, and our mind be vigilant to your WORD rather than what we hear of others.

Let there beRESTORATION of our souls resulting in REVIVAL.

AMEN

**************************************

SATAN’S INVASION

2011-05-10T06:14:00.000-07:00

By C. Sekar

“The best way to find your self is to
loose yourself in the service of others.”

Mahathma Gandhi.

Indian missions have progressed and we have the most competent
leaders at present in the missions and churches. Incidentally, we perceive in
any leadership role there are self-centered attitudes but amidst Christian
leaders…? It shouldn’t be! Human nature coupled with Satan’s invasion into
lives formulates self-centeredness, thus leaders are entrapped into such a snare.

Most often leaders may have no time to introspect or
retrospect their lives or performance. The more comfortable one may be in one’s
surrounding, they are sure to become short-sighted. When funds flow in,
activities predominate. When our minds are composed of plans, reports,
seminars, conferences, inviting dignitaries, travel and much more, the original
vision of leader/s eventually diminishes.

Why introspect/retrospect?
For a leader to evaluate his or her endeavour, it is
crucial to look within to understand his/her effectiveness. It is not the
activities that are important but the lasting impact made in the lives of
people as a result of excellence in leadership. It is suggested that there should
be a diagnostic introspection. Such an exercise
is healthy and helps us to look forward to incubate second line leaders. In
the absence of such leadership there could be a negative impact, as one may
become too ‘stale’ to influence the followers in the missions and churches.
Most effective leaders are those with an attitude of servant leadership and who
influences others with God’s vision.

Leadership is God’s choice
God chose David to become the future King of Israel and
instructed Samuel the prophet to anoint him as one. As for King Saul, who could
not accept this act of God, he became intensely jealous of David and tried
to kill him; therefore we could
suggest that insecurity, emotional and psychological imbalance was found
in Saul. Such is the contemporary scenario of Christian leadership. One
does not want another to take his or her place; “What will be my
future?” Is the most haunted question that makes them dislike upcoming leaders.
Future King David was gripped with fear as King Saul sought to kill him he
chose to lead a nomadic life for many years. But God made him what he ought to be!

Contemporary Leadership
Is the above picture, of young genuine leaders called by
God having no place in Missions/churches, relevant? For there are ‘King Sauls’ who ‘threateningly’ protect
themselves? Or are there ‘King Sauls’
who chase ‘David’ into wilderness, or
over the mountains, so as to ‘kill’ his/her qualities of leadership. Thus
making the young leaders finally surrender to say; “this is not my cup”! Such
is the action and attitude of many seasoned contemporary leaders.
”…and the priestsand the Leviteswere ashamed, and sanctifiedthemselves, and brought inthe burnt offeringsinto
the houseof the LORD.” (2Chr 30:15 [KJV])

It is pivotal for leaders to introspect and be convicted of their
inabilities and failures, and to sanctify themselves. May the Lord be our
guide.

“God sometimes whispers in our souls and speaks to our
hearts. Most often we don’t tune our ears to listen, nor have the time. God
sometimes has to throw a brick at us. It's our choice to listen or not.” cs

PRAYER POINTS

1. POWERS
OF DARKNESS WHICH PREVAILS AGAINST LEADERS TO BE BOUND AND BROKEN.

2. LEADERS
TO HAVE GENUINE CONCERN TO INFULENCE AND PRACTICE SERVANT LEADERSHIP IN OUR
MISSIONS AND CHURCHES.

3. CONDUSIVE ATTITUDE TOWARDS THE YOUNGER
LEADERSHIP

4. TO PRECIEVE
AND ACCEPT GOD’S VERDICT IN THEIR LIVES

5. JESUS’ REVOLUTIONARY LEADERSHIP TO BECOME
THE RULE IN THEIR LEADERSHIP

***************************

Down Under

2011-04-20T02:06:00.000-07:00

It is a month now since I cam along with my daughter and children. Enjoying the changing charecter's in the children day after day. Sarah the older one speaks quiet well now, Aarush crawls faster and recognizes people, begain to make noices. Well, God is amazing and His creations are truly amazing too.

I have spoken in vision christian family church in north Booval on 10th. the link is www.visionchristianfamily.com you can hear the message.

ATTACKS ON HIS SERVANTS

2011-04-14T01:30:00.000-07:00

C. Sekar

“Your adversary, the Devil, like a roaring lion, is
prowling about, eager to devour you.” 1 Pet 5:8.

Satan’s strategy
is to systematically destroy and distract those involved in building God’s Kingdom.
They could be missionaries, pastors, evangelists and others who are extending
kingdom values, those who speak of the Gospel, church goers or other
individuals too. The following are some of Satan’s darts used to destroy God’s
servants: complacency, fear, disunity, family related problems, moral
impurity, over working and sickness.
Many in missions or elsewhere have fallen into one or all of the
above.

Complacency is a word used to describe lazinessor self gratification and also
means; compromising time, methods and
quality of work. Many who are in the mission field do become complacent
after years of serving as their excitement wears off. The work of God becomes a
routine function therefore a ‘stale’ feeling sets in and is followed by Laziness
which is the result of
ineffective labour. Consequently Satan aims at God’s servants and entraps them
into insipidness, none can deny this fact. The devil makes one works hard and
another hardly, one has more time another doesn’t; such situations can hamper one
either to listen to the voice of God or to ignore it; for one servant of God
spends time working for Him while
the other has no inclination to do so; both lack time to spend with God so they
can’t listen to Him or His instructions. Self gratification implies
that one is satisfied with accomplishment, little or more, in his own sight
rather than measuring it in God’s scale. Compromise is yet another dart
of Satan. Our disciplined time for the work of God and the quality of our work
seems to be hampered with our attitude as well as lack of time spent in worship
and the Word. The author of “Imitation of
Christ” rightly says; “When a man
stands upon himself, he easily falls off to human consolation. But a true lover
of Christ and diligent follower after virtue does not fall back on
consolations, nor seek such sensible sweetnesses, but is rather willing to bear
strong trails and hard labours for Christ.”

Fears of failure and the future are most common which indeed crumples the
effectiveness of Kingdom building.

Disunity has been ubiquitous amidst Christians for centuries and it is obvious
today. Ironically, it is based on doctrines, personified personalities, selfish
ambitions and self centeredness. We as
followers of Christ need to focus on Him, when we let Him be the master of our
lives, then we shall see unity in diversity and solidarity which will help us
defeat Satan and lift the Name of Christ on high.

Moral and
family related problems are rampant as Satan wishes
crumbling down of families. God instituted the family; for that reason Satan
certainly wants to defeat God’s purpose in families. Immorality, negligence of children,
family altar being put on the back burner, even improper time management for family
responsibilities and God’s work can bring dishonor to God. Satan certainly
rejoices over such failures.

Sickness is yet another arrow that is darted by Satan on committed
visionaries and the faithful to bring ineffectiveness, tension and financial
burden which in turn causes peacelessness; thus it affects the mission of God. Christian workers should care for their bodies
and have nutritious food, not give in to worries and cares but casting all our
cares upon Him who cares. Let not Satan defeat us or trample us down. We are conquerors
through Christ!

Let our prayers be:

For God to intervene
and fight against Satan, it ought to be a conscious effort made allowing God to
take control of us. “The devil sleeps
not, neither is the flesh yet dead; therefore thou must not cease to prepare theyself
for battle, for on the right hand and on the left are enemies that never rest.”[1] Therefore we must continually defend our
selves with spiritual weapons as mentioned in Eph 6: 10-18. “Refuse
to be average. Let your heart soar as high as it will.” ~A.W.Tozer

Prayer
points:

Help us God to recognize the
attacks of the evil one and defend our selves

Helps us to consciously put
on the armor and use your word the two edged sword to defeat Satan

Help us not to depend on our
intellect or theology but on you. you alone be our confidence

Help us to accept each other
and to love as you have taught us to

Let not our emotions and our
faith grow faint but help us to abide in You and You alone.

"Plan your progress carefully; hour-by hour,
day-by-day, month-by-month. Organized activity and maintained enthusiasm are
the well springs of your power."

Paul J. Meyer

********************************

[1] Imitation of Christ

Down Under

2011-03-30T04:38:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,
It has been two weeks since I am away and nothing much to do in the sense of'active ministry' as such.
One ministry asignment is fixed and hope to get few more god willing. But the very purpose of coming over is to "Baby sit" and I enjoy being with the grand kids. I will try to upload some pictures. Our first grand daughter turned two on 29th March.

I am in down under

2011-03-18T04:55:00.000-07:00

Hi Friends,After almost two years I am in Australia. I came along with my daughter and grand children. They visited us in India but the visit was relly bad for the childre were sick all the time they were there.We really got furstrated buit God in Grace was our strength.My wife Ammini is back in India alon and she would catch up with rest.Well, We are reminded of Christ's coming in some way and we as followers of Christ need to become more vegelant in living our lives as SALT and LIGHT.Preparing our selves as living Sacrifice and emiting the light of Christ to others.

WOMEN WHO is SHE?

2011-03-13T22:52:00.000-07:00

It was on March 19th 1911 the first International Women’s Day was declared [IWD], and this year is the one hundredth year! IWD is celebrated around the world. President of India Mrs. Prethiba Patil said on this day: “Support and Respect to women is the essence and this will surely balance the prosperity equation of the country for long…Women have to face many kinds of challenges and discrimination because of prevalent social prejudices and ills…” It is not the ‘Day’ or ‘Declaration’ of freedom in gender equality which will bring any change but understanding principles and the purposes of God for both gender that would help bring about mutual respect towards each other. Women are unique creation of God indeed and they play a pivotal role in the society and particularly in the family as mothers, sisters, wives; they are home makers, educators and nursing care givers.Biblical view“For just as woman came from man, so man comes through woman. But all things come from God.” (1Cor 11:12 [NET]) Compulsory orthopedic surgery was preformed by the “Master surgeon” to re-create akin to Adam this creation was an artistic masterpiece, who was brought before Adam to be accepted and named. Captivating compulsion drew him to name her “Eve” {mother of all living} God’s intention for man and woman was and is to be partners in replenishing the earth and to fulfill His will and purpose for this world. Quality of women now and thanWomen have been influencing factor in many ways through the history. However, culturally in many society women are suppressed and are considered to be as like commodity of pleasant pleasure givers, house keepers, child bearers and in the modern society they have become advertising commodity for any thing and every thing. It is tragic to know that every 26 minuets a woman in India is molested…59 house wives commit suicide every day in India…17 crimes committed against women every hour [NCRB]. Around the world, at least one in every three women has been beaten, coerced into sex, or abused in some other way — most often by someone she knows, including by her husband or another male family member; one woman in four has been abused during pregnancy. Therefore in the recent era compulsive conflicting attitudes towards gender equality seem to be evident; one should realize neither gender is superior or inferior. King Solomon who experienced all pleasure of women mirrors her in both negative and positive manner but his final portrayal seem to be the most worthy exhortation of women. In Proverbs 31, the character of a woman is described as follows; she builds confidence with her own and with others and gain respect, she is honoured, when she speaks, she does so with words of wisdom, she an entrepreneur, Hard worker. She is a social worker; she takes care of her house hold who calls her blessed. Prov. 31: 10 “Who can find a woman of worth? for her price is far above rubies.” Can we find some with the above treats in the modern world? The Modern WomenThough the modern women are competitive entrepreneurs, most can’t seem to determine the priorities between socio-cultural demands, family values have dipped but demand for equality is high. The qualities that King Solomon mentions appear to have lost in modernity. Women can’t be in self governance for they are a reciprocal creation; their uniqueness affects the whole world. Her beauty, tender care, love, ability to procreate and to decipher critical issues should not be underestimated. Women cannot replace men nor men the women.Two Words that are most misunderstoodLove and FreedomThe word Love is often said in reference to Sex; Love is not sex neither is sex love. Love is a pure expression of a relationship that which based on understanding, care giving, cooperating and sharing. Sex should happen only between man and woman who are committed to each other in a nuptial bond! But today it is considered as recreational, no longer can love or commitment be implicated because they like each other.Freedom should not be considered as total independence, freedom is conditional, freedom does not mean that a person jumps into well, nor that he can walk through a wall. Freedom has boundaries that are respected and experience the same in that boundary. Freedom also implies interdependence with nature, people, society, spirituality, emotions as such. Freedom does not mean uncontrollable indulgence in any obsession that will affect the very nature of human emotions and societal norms. Therefore God in His wisdom has given all good things; He has given us love that is everlasting, immense Joy and freedom if we abide in Him. Woman is gift from God therefore they need to continue in the responsibilities with diligence; priority is to love the Lord, set an example, over come allurement, build the character as in proverbs thirty one. Suggestion for men and womenArchbishop Desmond Tutu, the South African Nobel Peace Laureate, said: “You are a weak man if you use your physical superiority to assault and brutalize women.” Respect and understanding will become unique only when we accept God centered practical living. Prayer PointsFor womanhood to have a deeper understanding of God and be like Mary mother of Jesus to be willing and was available. To continue in commitment to the family and childrenTo expose their inner beauty and encourage like EstherTo pray like HannahPray that gracefulness and godly characters will become evident in every womanModernity should not be confused with independence but “in-dependence” on God.

PREDICAMENT OF CHRISTIAN WORKERS

2011-02-17T22:30:00.001-08:00

By: C. SekarChristians understand the meaning of “Christian workers” but most don’t understand the predicament of faithful servants of God who serve and have served the Lord through churches and organizations. WHO ARE CHRISTIAN WORKERS?In a theological context, they were disciples/followers of Christ who were commissioned to fulfil the great commission. In simple terms they were to preach and teach the Gospel. Now we call them Pastors, Evangelists, missionaries or those who work in mission offices as administrative workers; many are independent, some others are attached to organizations or churches, but all play a pivotal part in achieving the great commission (Mt 28: 19-20).IS IT AN EMPLOYMENT OR VOCATION?The first missionaries took the command of Christ as a vocation and laboured with utmost sincerity, travelling great distances and facing harsh situations with the vision of preaching the Kingdom of God and the Gospel of deliverance to all, without any expectation to gain wealth. The contemporary missionaries have ‘toned’ down in practicing the call of God; rather the call has become a mere employment or entrepreneurship. IS THERE SECURITY AND FUTURE IN SUCH A VOCATION?The early missionaries, though they are labelled conservative, were true to the Word of God and with singleness of heart practiced the same. Their dependence was first on God, though technically relating to the church/mission or friends who sent them. The modern perception of church and missions has considerably changed; its functions seem more a business or family venture for many. Fragmented churches and missions in need of employees advertise to seek proper candidates as pastors, CEOs and evangelists. Interviews are conducted, salaries are fixed, perks are discussed, but the “calling” is not confirmed by either employer or employee. We also notice that mission agencies exploit personals in the name of God and say “it is God’s work” and therefore we don’t have funds, come and serve the Lord with a bare minimum or raise your own funds and survive with us. In other words the hidden meaning is; we are not responsible for any of your family or physical needs, all we want you to do is to “work for us in the name of god” and we will survive on you and thereafter if we are not satisfied with your services we may terminate you.There is nothing wrong to be employed or consider the preaching of the Gospel like any other vocation, people are employed and paid for their labour. Though Jesus taught His disciples to “go” without any expectations, having understood the changed panorama of the churches and missions one needs to consider the fellow labourers’ needs be it missionary or otherwise, for the labourer is worthy of his wages. Despite the fact that it is service to God yet the employer needs to pay the rightful dues to the employee.THE PROBLEMS FACEDMany who work at the grass root level, are sincerely committed to God and their vocation, others in the urban or semi urban areas seem to be burdened with cares and are constantly reminded of their immense needs therefore they invariably work hard to gain ‘friends’ who can support them. Several go astray and manipulate their loyalty for gain. Thus they concentrate on serving ‘mammon’ rather than serving God in the process becoming a stumbling block and setting a bad precedence to God’s Name. On account of their survival many do neglect families, their children are not able to cope with the society around; fall prey to ill habits and have become a disgrace to the servants of God. Yet some other servants of God struggle with no proper shelter, their children cannot afford a decent education. Many who have stepped in to serve ‘god’ with the wrong intention suffer and others with the right intention but wrong attitude suffer too. Therefore it is imperative that the call of God be understood and taken seriously.Jonah was called but his wrong decision took him into mid sea where he was taught a precious lesson by God thereafter Jonah’s commitment became effective. Let this be our example and learn to make right decision.WHAT IS THE SOLUTION?If a solution can be found within our words it will not suffice, we ought to seek God and His intervention in the lives of His people and especially those working for His Name sake. “He will act like a refiner and purifier of silver and will cleanse the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then they will offer the LORD a proper offering.” (Mal 3:3 [NET]) We need to see revival in our hearts, we need to let God purify us…“I will attack you; (in the sense of turning His hand it is used of gleaning grapes) I will purify your metal with flux. I will remove all your slag.” (Isa 1:25 [NET])We need a deeper consciousness of God and His guidance. We need to take heed to the Word of God and apply it in our lives. PRAYER POINTS: Ever present God of all knowledge may you help us to understand you and your will in our lives. May we be subjected to you and let our lives become radiant and wholesome in Christ likeness. May our commitment to serve you become true to our calling and may we with all humility serve to bring Christ’s light to the lost world. ***************************

Money that matters!

2011-02-12T06:50:00.000-08:00

By: C. SekarMoney and its significanceMoney is an object which has become an integral part of human race for the very existence and contentment of the economy. “The word "money" is believed to have originated from a temple of Hera, located on Capitoline, one of Rome's seven hills. In the ancient world Hera was often associated with money.” Money evolved progressively as a form of exchange for commodities with gold, silver and various other metals with the seal and signatory of kings for the purpose of trade. Present day money is in the form of paper and plastic cards, past and present transactions seem to be beyond our understanding. Money is being transacted for good and bad, consumerism has gripped people even to the extent of death! We are obsessed with money and inclined to possess it by hard work or otherwise. Human trafficking, drugs and arms dealings, contract killing all involve money. Monitory inflow becomes imperative even in noble philanthropical activities. Globalization, recognized as modernity, has boosted the world economy. Christian missions and the church require money based transactions too. Role of money in the missions and churchesWhen Jesus commanded His disciples to “Go”, He said “Do not take gold, silver or copper in your belts, no bag for the journey, or an extra tunic, or sandals or staff, for the worker deserves his provisions.” (Matt 10: 9,10 [NET]) but today we desire a bank balance even before we conceive the idea of a mission or church organization, we plead with people to support the good cause more than God’s will or purpose. Desiring for money is not a crime! But when the desire turns into “love of money” then it becomes the root of all evil or it could turn one away from faith in God (who is the provider to depend on the contributors) (1Tim 6:10). Having money for personal or corporate use is good but if we don’t become stewards of the same it can become a curse.Today we hear of ministers and big time evangelists on news fronts for the wrong reasons, they do not seem to be accountable to any one. Instead of building “Kingdom values” in the hearts of people, it is unfortunate that most missions and churches build their empire on this world. Not realizing that all wealth will be left behind (Mat:6:25-32). We cannot but mention a few evils that evidently reveal the unethical side of missions and churches; under utilization of funds received for specific purposes, diversion of the funds for personal or family benefits. Funds received towards non existing projects. This discussion is not to portray depressing accounts but to stimulate our consciousness towards God given resources and its utilization. When St. Peter and St. John ministered healing to the lame man at the temple gate (Act 3), they said “Silver and Gold we have none”. When Faith in Jesus became evident in the lame man’s life, the whole perspective of life changed, praises to God brought about healing and transformation in him.Christian Families and money:We as followers of Christ are accountable for all our resources in the form of money or wealth. The Bible is clear in teaching us that we ought to be stewards of the ‘talents’ given to us. Jesus was clear when it came to paying taxes (Lk 20:20-25). When Jesus dined with Zaccheaus the tax collector, He taught him to take responsibility and be accountable to the people whom he had cheated. In one of Jesus’ parable “Talents” Jesus taught the principles of business and accountability; and at the temple He overthrew business enterprises to teach us the sanctity between business and worship (Mk 11:15-17) in another incident He pointed out to a widow’s giving of two small copper coins (Lk 21: 1-4) such should be our attitude towards giving to God with all sincerity. Judas was entrapped in the desire for money which led him to his own death (Mk14:10-11). Conclusion:Faith in God is essential to practice His teachings; accountability to Him in all that we have and earn is an indispensable facet of worship. May we in the missions and churches become responsible in exhibiting the “Kingdom values” may God our provider be our blessing. We as followers of God should become good stewards and glorify our creator.Prayer Points: God our shepherd be our guide in all our endeavour May our earning and all our wealth belong to you Help us to earn in a truthful manner May our tithes be given in honesty May our charity bring glory to you alone In all this help us oh God to be humble **************************

Hi

2011-02-12T06:37:00.001-08:00

I have been trying to upload my prayer concern since two months it has not uploaded but now I am just trying to post this note and see if it happens to come up.Blessings

journy ends

2010-11-20T09:17:00.000-08:00

Well six weeks have passed and I in the begning was bit aprehensive and asked what am I doing here but the last three weeks have been good not just to audit and revise but as well learn some new methods and application of Biblical philosophy in to my life.

I am leaving in two days time back to India and will have to travel again to Madurai for our CFCD anual conferece. Do please pray as I have to present a paper.

here are some more pictures

8th Nov 2010

2010-11-07T11:20:00.000-08:00

Week end was very quiet for me as most of the course attenders left for the week end on friday to some beach place 2 hours drive from here. I enjoyed some fellowship with Zambian friends Moses and Brain who stayed in my room, they are FCE leaders. I spent time trying to write the paper for the conference in Madurain on Role of "Families and praying for children".
The picture of friends on Table Top Mountain.

Sunday there was prayer for FCE and I joined them it was good time of praying.

Here is some more pictures

4th Nov-2010

2010-11-03T22:50:00.000-07:00

Friends,
This week has been good and it was good to rnew my memories over freedom in Christ.
I was able to commune with God more and giving thanks for Who He is and who I am in Christ.
This morning when I read Spurgen's writing one thing that caught my eyes is "thoes who serve God must serve Him according to His will...for then will the service be accepted by Him!" are we in th will even in His service?

here are some picture of SA

Update from SA

2010-10-30T03:09:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,
I have been enjoying the time here in South Africa. It has been refreshing to go through all the courses which I have done in OM or otherwise.

here are some pictures of this beautiful land, I may not be there but friends are there.

LISTEN & TAKE SERIOUSLY

2010-10-29T07:53:00.000-07:00

By: C. Sekar

Mal 2: 1, 2 [NET] “Now, you priests, this commandment is for you. If you do not listen and take seriously the need to honor my name,” says the LORD who rules over all, “I will send judgment on you and turn your blessings into curses – indeed, I have already done so because you are not taking it to heart.”

The Priestly calling is the highest and most credit worthy calling to serve the most praiseworthy God. The verses above are a strong warning to the ministers or those in the pastoral vocation as well as ‘Christian Celebrities’. Priests (i.e. all those involved in God’s work) have in time, past or present, erred and brought shame to God’s Name and even His people (the church).

Let us recollect priest Eli. He was a godly man, the one who blessed Hannah. Hannah was blessed with a lad, Samuel, whom she willingly dedicated to the temple of God for His service. Priest Eli trained young Samuel in the ways of God. We observe that “In his old age Eli appointed his sons as judges over Israel. And then we notice... But his sons did not follow his ways. Instead, they made money dishonestly, accepted bribes and perverted justice. “ (1Sam 8:1,3) He was not able to have a hold over his own children. God’s communication to Samuel was…“On that day I will carry out against Eli everything that I spoke about his house – from start to finish! You should tell him that I am about to judge his house forever because of the sin that he knew about. For his sons were cursing God, and he did not rebuke them. Therefore I swore an oath to the house of Eli, ‘The sin of the house of Eli can never be forgiven by sacrifice or by grain offering.’” (1Sam 3:12-14 [NET])

Today we are more than aware of ‘priestly families’ or those in the service of God, who have become arrogant and compromising with no regard for the calling; many continue to exhibit pride and their self in what they do or have accomplished but have they really accomplished anything? Is the eternal purpose seen in their/our ministries? Many are not in the ways of God and are in danger of God’s wrath. Their prosperity is not of blessing but of curse, not from the Lord but from their own fleshly desires. Integrity and accountability is not found in them, many put on a mere show in the ‘ministries’. It is all based on external and emotional appeal rather than internal convictions; teaching God’s word has become a missiological exercise or ecclesiastical practice.

It is dreadful to think of God’s punishment over His servants; God said “ the sins of the house of Eli can never be forgiven…” Dear servants of God where do we stand in our commitment towards the work of the Lord? Is it just a vocation? Or is it a heartfelt service rendered unto Him? Are we honest and accountable? St. Paul’s instruction to the servants of the most High God is clear to us in 1Tim 3:1-13. They must be above reproach, Morally sound, Emotionally toned, Socially acceptable, a Hospitable person, filled with the Fruit of the spirit, who is also able to control his house hold not in the sense of being authoritarian but as a godly influencer. He further suggests that their wives must also be wise and dignified.
These are powerful directive instructions that need to be taken note of in the present scenario by the church and the missions.
Though the communication was pointed towards the servants of God, such instructions can be applied to any followers of Christ who are to be reflectors of Christ, therefore every one is equally responsible to keep the Name of God above reproach.
Shall we search our hearts and see if we are in the frame work of God? the following prayer is also mine (ours) for the saints of God;
“As far as I am concerned, far be it from me to sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you! I will instruct you in the way that is good and upright. However, fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart. Just look at the great things he has done for you!” (1Sam 12:23-24. [NET])

PRAYER POINTS:
Merciful Father may you help us to renounce our unfaithfulness and forgive us
Help us to be truthful servants and serve you with all dignity and honour
Keep us humble and be clothed with the character of Christ.

************************

South Africa

2010-10-19T07:58:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,
God let me to be in South Africa for few weeks of studies.
Enjoying the Word and reflections.

CRITICAL view “S” & “S”

2010-10-05T19:37:00.000-07:00

1 Tim 1: 5-16. By C. Sekar

The allegory of sheep and the shepherd indicates the church and the Pastor. Shepherds are called to take care of the sheep and it is indeed a unique call of God. Hence the responsibility of a shepherd is undoubtedly to feed spiritual food and to nourish the sheep. But modern day shepherds seem to have shifted their priorities from ‘spiritual economical security’ they would rather consider ‘economical security’ as the essence of their shepherding; considering remuneration and other benefits. Such a diluted spiritual standard is advantageous for the evil one who is out to destroy the church at large.

The same does also apply to the missionaries who are seeking to ‘serve’ God. It is not wrong to seek for economical security as one has to live and care for self and his /her family but it is the attitude that needs to be considered. It has been noted that many churches take advantage of the shepherd either for good or even for not so good matters. Some may even feel that the shepherd is our servant and treat him as one.
Such behaviour does not comply with spiritual standards in accordance with the Word.

Most important quality of a called-out shepherd is that he seeks after the sheep; motivates them to follow him as he represents Christ who is the true Shepherd. Therefore it is important that he assures the believers that he cares, by showing genuine concern holistically along with his appointed elders. Pastoral role can’t be singled out, it is also collective effort. For such collective strength is relevant for wisdom and as well for spiritual benefits.

Three pivotal designations for a shepherd are; one he is a preceder the one who can pilot them into spiritual maturity, and not to seek personal benefits. Secondly he is a provider he must provide them with spiritual substance and it should not become intellectual exercise, rather heartfelt service. Finally he is a protector he protects them from wrong doctrines and is ever ready to guide them in to the truth of God’s Word. The shepherd should not become pre-occupied with attractive programs or the physical structure of the church but strive to make disciples which indicates the true church.

Concerning the sheep
In today’s ‘churchianty’ the sheep seeks after a shepherd and stipulates what kind of shepherd they would want to have and they seek for eloquence, degrees, status, etc. In most church set up the shepherd is taken on contract for a stipulated period and he is supposed to step down and make way for another shepherd. The sheep then would seek for another, who can be employed by their specifications. What then will be the fate of the shepherd and his family? They become “church nomads” seeking to shepherd other churches thus leading them into frustration and to suffer wants till one finds another assignment. Should a shepherd seek after the sheep or should the sheep seek after the shepherd?

The primary focus of the sheep is to know if the shepherd is worthy to feed them and care for them. There are people who seek after genuine spirituality and they aspire to be fed. But there are others who don’t seek after spiritual concerns but rather they just want to maintain their appearance as ‘good sheep’ therefore they would like a shepherd who will help them, obey them, and do what they instruct him. Such sheep can also be from another fold, many jump one place to another either with genuine concern or with frustrated feelings or it could also be a genuine search for spiritual nourishment.

The Bible refers to sheep as God’s people and Shepherd as God/Christ. (John 10:11 [NET]) “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The focus here is that shepherd is willing to lay his life for the sheep, he needs to project himself as good and he should be able to guide and become the preceder, provider, and protector. But regretfully we notice the sheep having disadvantageous attitude towards the shepherd and manipulate him to be subjected to their wishes and will.
If every church and mission be focused on the TRUE SHEPHERD as we learn in John 10: we could have been instrumental in reaching the nations with peace and spirituality. It is really baffling situation of modern day sheep and the shepherd. Is shepherding a call or employment and should the sheep choose the shepherd or how does this work? We need sincere prayers and seek after the true shepherd who will guide.

The sheep knows the shepherd and the shepherd knows the sheep
Sheep recognizes the voice and will follow
Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep but a false shepherd will run away when in danger.
He calls them by name
He goes ahead of them

Prayer Points:
Lord the Shepherd of our life help us to know you and your will for our lives
We as sheep surrender to your will and seek after your guidance
Lord as a shepherd on this earth let me follow your examples
Above all let not the “wolf” destroys the sheep stock, keep us protected and let your Word become light unto our paths.
Shepherd of our life be in full control!

************************************************

‘MISSED MISION TO THE NATIONS

2010-09-17T22:04:00.000-07:00

Since past twenty years or more we are witnessing enormous growth in missionary endeavour. The inception of missions is cross cultural in nature. Jesus’ Disciples were the first ones to step out as commanded by Jesus and went in to the world to make disciples. Thereafter we learn from history the endeavour of the western missionaries. Therefore there is no geographical boundary that prevents us from being witnesses across the globe.

If we observe the way God used men of His choice from other nations to be a blessing to His people and through them even others in fact were blessed. For example God calling out Abram and naming him Abraham, brought him out of his land to bless Israel. Moses an Israelite was sent to Egypt to prove who God is. Joseph yet again a slave in foreign country but became the ruler as to bring about God’s blessings. Daniel and his friends in a strange land, they too were used to prove their faith and bring God’s fear and the nations acknowledged the creator. God called Jonah for cross cultural mission, Jonah, fearing repercussion of the people of Nineveh, chose his own destination, which turned disastrous, but when he repented and turned to God’s will, people in repentance turned to the Living God.

We perceive the ‘global shrink’ as people migrate and trans-migrate from one place to another. What does all this mean for the mission and the church? We need to become soul conscious and train our missional aspiration to reach the lost where ever they are and who ever they may be. God’s desire is that all will know Jesus Christ the Saviour and none should perish but have eternal life!

It is mandatory for any missionary to secure God’s calling in order to step out in the direction of His leading and to obey God in His calling for blessed ministry. Wrong intentions, manipulation or mission program for self glory will result in frustration and in lacking.

Saul turned Paul made difficult missionary journeys into several countries and established churches and encouraged believers, why not we? West brought the Gospel to East but now most western countries are in spiritual crises; in England and Europe many churches have turned into bars and dance halls, mosques. In other countries church building are lying vacant. In USA they have turned down God’s principles not even to teach the goodness of Jesus in public. Many seek after spirituality in forms of pleasure, meditation and in wealth. We see enormous church growth in Asian countries. There is a greater opportunity for Asians to reach out the world with the Gospel.

There is significant missionary movement from within Asia, the Korean missionaries having made in roads in many countries and are successful. It is time for Indian and Asian churches to awaken and send missionaries across Asia and even to the western countries, where there are desperate needs not only among the western communities but amidst Diaspora as well.

How does the church get motivated? It is individuals who are committed who need to influence others to pray, get information and motivate each other and expect God to raise many to become witnesses. Sincere prayers, selfless actions, sacrificial giving towards the missions is pivotal. May the Lord of the harvest motivate us to recognize the word (Matt 9:37 [NET]) “Then he said to his disciples, the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.”

What is your commitment as a called out one to be salt and light? Are you willing to integrate in the society at large? Or are you willing to shine in the darkness? There are so many crusades and prophecies to inform us about the open door in front of us. But why is there no change in our attitude and action towards the bountiful harvest for which we have been commissioned? God only wants us to have the right attitude to serve Him and the rest He will provide. We have been given the greatest commandment ever to “go into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature” (Mk.16:15). The one who called us has also equipped us to do His command.

Prayer Points:
God of grace and mercy make me an instrument of peace to the hurting world
Help me to fit into your perfect will even while I labour for my living that I may labour for you.
Grant to me the burden and concern to identify groups of people or individuals who need you, so that I can witness through even my own exemplary life.

2010-09-08T02:50:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

Thank you for praying for my trip to Cambodia but I also visited Vietnam for a week.
God blessed my trip and used me to teach in a Bible College in Sihana Vill and also teach English for a month. later I was able to minister in a Baptist Church and a Methodist Church. I also ministered to prisoner in the Central prison in the above place.

Then I went to Ho Chi Minh City as well a place calle Magudu, ministred to leaders and church people.

On my trip I was able to minister to many individuals, some just encouraging to trust in Jesus. Som others had serious talks, Budist,Muslim,Punjabi and Christinas were witnessed to. Praise God.

here are some pictures:

WHAT IS THE REAL PRAYER CONCERN?

2010-08-04T00:19:00.000-07:00

C.Sekar

We hear catastrophic news such as Pakistan flooding affecting more than 2.5 million and thousands of lives have been lost. Greek truckers go on strike, stalling their economy. The Oil leak in Mexico and its repercussions. In India we hear of bribery and corruption as well religious intolerance, issues of Kashmir, inflation and political pressure on the ruling party. The economic slowdown in China. Do these really stir us to be motivated enough to pray?

One of the most important prayer requests is for the children of the world. Statistics show us that 2.2 billion of the world's people are under 18 years old, with 2 billion from developing countries, according to UN University Vice Rector Ramesh Thakur. We all have come through childhood and may have gone through good or difficult times, pleasant or unpleasant memories, abused or orphaned. Some may have had good religious upbringing while others may not have had such privileges.

Today adults are becoming more perverted and are not embedded with ethical or moral values. They lust not only for wealth or money but for sex not with equals but amidst children who may have not even reached their puberty. Such is the condition of this perverted world.

Who is responsible for such perversion? It is the adult who does not see children as they are but look at them as an object of sexual pleasure. Why such perversion? There are several components in answer to this question: Wealth, aimless living, unsatisfied family life, women’s emancipation, and opportunities for travel with intention to indulge. What about the victims and why are they in offer? South Asia was once known as the paradise for child sex, primarily it was the sailors who exploited the locals luring them with money and made them sex slaves, thus at a later stage became an economic revenue for families as well the governments, sex tourism become inevitable for the countries in South Asia.

Recent statistics by BBC points to Brazil as the most notorious place for child prostitution. Children from an age as low as seven years and upward are forced into prostitution even by their own parents and pimps who demand money to be brought home. Many have become drug addicts following the footsteps of their mothers or fathers. Child prostitution in India; 30% of 900,000 prostitutes in India are believed to be children. For most people Mumbai remains a city of dreams but for some, it has become a place full of nightmares. In recent years, the financial capital of the country has emerged as one of the leading markets for trafficked minors who engage in prostitution or in other words conduct the commercial sexual abuse of a minor. Sri Lanka- Sri Lanka has nearly 40,000 child prostitutes in the country while 5,000 to 30,000 Sri Lankan boys are used by Western paedophile sex tourists.
In South Africa- “Just 14, she is one of around 10,000 child prostitutes working in the shadow of Johannesburg's awesome Soccer City stadium” Russia Sky News reported that girls and sex slaves were being sold by trafficking mafias at several street markets on the outskirts of Moscow.” America “Carissa Phelps was only 12 years old when she ran away from the Fresno County group home where her mother had left her. Hungry and alone, the runaway was befriended by a man three times her age. And the price of a hot dog and Pepsi was all it cost the man to get her to a seedy motel.” You name the country and we have exploited children. Humiliation and are faced with emotional and physical predicament and therefore cheated of their childhood.

Have we become ruthless?
Jesus said “the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these” meaning children are innocent and they are worthy to be in the Kingdom, but we see the world pushing them down to hell and not letting them live their childhood the way they should. It is not only in the area of sexuality that they are subjugated but also we enforce our ambitions to be fulfilled by them, forcing them to be achievers more of an adult sooner than they ought to be thus leading them to lose their childhood.

As believers and followers of God what role do we play in influencing the children for the Kingdom? Are we equipped to deal with kids who are affected? Do our churches consider children and design programs that will teach and equip them to face the world? Or do we let them defend themselves?

Praying for the children becomes pivotal; not just saying “bless them and protect them” but with much more depth we need to uphold them to our God the creator who loves children and expects us to have a heart like them.

Mal 3:5, “I will come to you in judgment. I will be quick to testify against those who practice divination, those who commit adultery, those who break promises, and those who exploit workers, widows, and orphans, who refuse to help the immigrant and in this way show they do not fear me,” says the LORD who rules over all.”

Prayer Points:
Lord move our hearts with compassion and love towards the children that we may with sincerity labour and win them for thy Kingdom.
May you protect them that are defenseless and entrapped in the hands of those who manipulate the children, deliver them oh God.
May we as churches or organizations or even as individuals become proactive and teach and protect the children.

Cambodia

2010-08-02T06:10:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,
I am stillin Cambodia and enjoying my time teaching and interacting with people.
I taught in Baible School for two weeks on Character of Joseph and Sermon on the Mount. Had opportunities to speak at the churches and next week I willbe speaking in another church. I had fellowship with Ag church here.
I will also try and meet with leaders of different church and to know more about the
needs here.

here are some pictures:

Cambodia day 2

2010-07-07T05:51:00.000-07:00

I arrived in Cambodia on the 6th morning in Phenompen and then traveld by bus to Shinok ville about 400 Km. Rev. Jonah picked me up and my visa is for one month and I need to extend it for another month.

7th I just rested I needed the sleep then was preparing some teachings.
Here I have two meal system morning 9.30 or 10 am a meal and evening 8.30-9pm is another meal.

I made some coffee in the morniong and tea at noon, I am still full now it is 8pm.

I was able to check my mail in Rev. Jonah's computer.
I hope I can get connected in muine.

My wife has reched Brisbane safe yester day and all well over there.

Pleas pray that God will use me to influence the people here and guide them in missions.

Blessings

ARE YOU ERGOMANIC?

2010-06-29T20:35:00.000-07:00

By C. Sekar
Ergomanic is referred to a person/s that may be addicted to work {workaholic} “The phrase does not always imply that the person actually enjoys their work, but rather simply feels compelled to do it. There is no generally accepted medical definition of such a condition, although some forms of stress, obsessive-compulsive personality disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder can be work-related.” Can this be a possible application to some of our leaders in the mission and churches? Certainly we can but there might be negative criticism. “No one is aware of the urgency of preaching and reaching the world with the Gospel.” Indeed this statement is true as we read in John that “harvest is plenteous and the laborers are few…” But in any vocation there are ethics, principles.
If we may take words like; stress, obsessive personality disorder etc. we can certainly attribute it to many of mission and church leaders who labour and make others to be par with them. Present day mission visions are translated into strategies, investments and execution seen prominently; missionaries are prompted to deliver results as like any business enterprises, we set times to reach the nations but we fail to accomplish. Enthusiasm and ever busy schedule does not lead us to accomplishment of what God desires or planned. The mission enterprises are failing, leadership have failed in more ways than one. Secret sins, inadequate commitment, accountability are scarce; vision may not be interpreted to those who are labouring in the field; missionaries are frustrated not knowing what is God’s vision or ‘mission’ vision.
We need to understand that God predominantly is concerned about His creation; He loved this world and came to this world as Son of man to save us. We also ought to recognize that we are His blood bought children whether we be ordinary followers of Christ or be in His service as responsible leaders. God’s desire is that we who follow Him should become like Jesus radiating the Gospel not merely in words of preaching or strategized plans to reach others, though that is some of the medium, but above all we should become the living Gospel. Practical application of His teaching in and through our lives, bearing the fruit of the Spirit becomes imperative.
Stress leads to many physical and psychological impediments. It could be; generally feeling upset, burst of anger or withdrawn relationships from friends or even family. There are few more suggestions; “Feeling irritable, Finding it hard to make decisions, lacking enough energy to get things done, Finding it very difficult to concentrate, marked mood swings, Negative self-talk,” It also leads to aggressiveness thus further leading some to become workaholics. “Workaholism is not the same as working hard [1]. Despite logging in an extraordinary amount of hours and sacrificing their health and loved ones for their jobs, workaholics are frequently ineffective employees.”[2] Workaholics will spend most of their lives at work or taking work home with them. They will often have little time for personal lives -- family, hobbies, or relaxation. Having a balance is not just a preferable desire; it is needed for overall mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional health.
Servants of God, be temperate just learn to do what God wants you to do rather than what you feel is the right thing to do for God. Step back and look at your life! Are you sacrificing other areas of your life because of the time and attention you spend on work? Is pursuing a goal is more important than assuring a long-term relationship with your spouse and children as well with your employees? You might tell yourself that you are working to see the Nations transformed if I don’t work who else will? We can be sure that God is sovereign and His plans are perfect! You need to rethink your priorities. Be honest to your self, justify it with God’s Word, and above all pray and seek God in your work or in His service, your plans and in your execution. Is there a balance in the time you spend on each? Balance is truly the key.
Here below are a few tips:
• Set limits on the hours and attention you devote to your job.
• Set aside quality time for your personal relationships and pleasures.
• Confront possible fear of failure or insecurities -- talk to a pastor or counsellor.
• Define your worth through God; do not replace Him with idolizing self or career.
• Use your creativity toward accomplishments other than work, perhaps hobbies.
• Be sensitive to the needs of your family and friends.
It was fascinating to read the following quote “Every one is out to change the world but no one is willing to change one self” in the light of the above, we should introspect our condition and commitment.
Prayer Points:
1. God our creator be merciful to me and help me to be balanced in all that I plan and do.
2. May I have enough time in communion with you, understanding your Word.
3. May I realize the relational need with my family and friends and the work that you have entrusted to me.
4. Help me to prioritize you more than any thing in this world.
5. Let your love and light continue to flow through me so as to impact others who need you as their Saviour.
(e)))))))))))))))))))))(n))))))))))))))))))))))))(d)
If you feel that I am invading your privacy and you don’t like to receive this prayer concern, please do let me know I shall be obliged to stop sending. Thank you for your prayers and I am sure you will continue to be a person of Kingdom concern.

Update

2010-06-17T21:00:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends

How wonderful it to be God's people.
My wife will joing my son-in-law and daughters family by first week of July.
I God willing will be leaving for Cambodia for two months. Please do pray for us and that we will be faithful and do what God wants us to do in discipling people.

Thanks

cs

SAMARITAN CARE

2010-05-31T21:26:00.000-07:00

In the last article “Sickness and Temple” we considered about the body being the temple of God and that we need to care for our bodies. There was a mention of Christian workers who struggle not being able to treat their sickness for lack of funds.

Medical missions were started with dedication and consecrated life to help the poor and the needy. Today the vision of medical missions is being transported towards enterprising rather than follow the mission mandate. One cannot deny the privilege of any medical mission to be self sufficient or to function as a business endeavor. In fact it is healthy and the need of the hour is to improvise or modernize the hospitals and be competitive in the field. But at the same time it is indispensable for them to keep the original vision alive.

Many Medical missions are least concerned about having the Christian principles and ethics implemented. When a missionary or a Christian worker seeks help, they refuse to give any assistance. There are a few who are concerned, or at least have some dedication to the call or vision.

Why should the Christian Hospitals consider help for the missionaries or the poor Christians or otherwise? How does the mission and churches handle sickness amidst their employees?

It is usually understood that Christian workers are under paid ‘for they are in God’s service therefore they don’t need much to survive!’ is the attitude of missions who employ them.

There are grass root level pastors and evangelists who survive in the field with bare minimal income. Many a time they do become sick and some time it is serious. If and when they approach Christian Hospitals they find no help.
A young visually challenged person had both his kidney failed. With help of a pastor he approached several Mission hospitals for help and consideration. No one came forward, though a catholic hospital gave considerable concession. Later, Jain (followers of Buddha) Hospital helped him with free dialysis for a year and a half. When he became critical they took care of him almost free except for a small contribution from his side, even putting him on life support for ten days.

We as Christians are supposed to love, share and care! Most missions do receive funds as donations thus hoping that it will reach the needy. The missions who employ missionaries should consider health and care for them; setting apart funds (as some organizations do), should become imperative. The parable of the Good Samaritan Luke 10:30-35, reveals; Identifying the wounded, compassion and effort taken to care immediately, physical efforts taken and used his own transportation, identifying a place for care, financial giving to care for the wounded and promise to reimburse any thing spent in excess. {It is not the usual jargon saying “I shall pray for you brother”} it was practical help.

May we as individual followers of Christ and corporates as missions become conscious of the need around us and be available to the servants of God as well to serve others, to care and to be practical as much as we can, having the “Agape” love within us!

Prayer Points:

Lord grant to us the grace to express our love with all sincerity to the world around us
Lord let our consciousness yield to your ways and not ours
May the missions vision be kept alive even in this competitive world
May we like Samaritans with good intentions be committed to the cause.

By: C. Sekar

Sekar’s News May 2010

2010-05-24T05:27:00.000-07:00

What have we done in the past three months?

My role in Christian Forum for Child Development (CFCD) is now Hon.Secretary. We were able to publish a curriculum for the M.A, M.Th and PhD levels which is can be used by Theological students to develop programs based on the curriculum suggested in the book.

Our work amidst the visually challenged: The Trust has been dormant for some time but activities such as Sunday fellowship and the child sponsorship program continues. We also have monthly cottage meetings and women’s fellowship conducted by Ammini, my wife.

Ammini was able to teach quilt making to Manjula, Ashvini and Daisy. They did very well in learning quilting.

I attended an Indo-Korean meet at Hyderabad. This is an initiative of India Mission Association. The purpose is to bring relational Net working between Korean and Indian missions.

I was able to share at the annual missionary conference of Dying seed ministries who have about 35 missionaries in different parts of the country and one in Burma.
Also shared at the Summer School of Evangelism which is a yearly effort by a few pastors who bring rural youths together for three weeks of training.

I also spoke twice at Arunodaya Mandira, an indigenous church. Ebenezer AG church spoke on two occasions. They have three services in a row every Sunday.

Counseling and spiritual rehabilitation is on. The Lord has been gracious in this endeavor.

Ministry every Thursday at Life challenge ministries is on.

Thursday and Tuesday prayer groups meet regularly. We have a Prayer walk once a month through different entry Gates of Bangalore.

Uplifting the elderly and spending considerable time to encourage and pray with them continues.

Proposed plan for “Church on Call”: this is a God given concept to cater to people in need of spiritual revival. It could be for a group, family or even an individual. We will be available to minister, fellowship and break bread with them. It will be like a regular service no matter what the number might be. God had laid this and I am working on it in detail. We have one pastor and two lay people who are willing to be committed. But it looks like I have to put this on hold for now as I will be going to Cambodia for two months God willing. And my wife will not be here from July until the end of this year. Kindly pray for this to be an effective ministry once it is started.

The following are friends who have helped us for the ministry and child sponsorship as well for our personal support, without which we could not have accomplished what we did. Martin and Mary Powell and their church, Joy, Bob and their daughter Wendy Leader. Ella Wegener, Carolyn, Malcolm and Diane, Hugo and Susan, Manjula, Obediah, Camillo and shamini. Thank you all.
May the Lord multiply your portion and bless you.

1. Mahesh David 2. Samuel Manoj
3. Havilashri 4. Daisy
5. Sam Nathan 6. Sharon Nathan 7. Srinivas 8. Harish
9. Anilkumar 10. Girish 11. Dinesh Kumar 12. Yogesh
13. Ernest 14. Priya & Christina
15. Malathi

Preethi is not being sponsored this year as her mother is now able to afford it.
We are on the process of recommending a friend to help Priya Gopi who will be starting a Degree course. We may fill any deficit. (girl in blue)
Christina has been given partial support; she is doing her second year of Pre-Uni. (girl in green).
A Pastor had asked for help to buy his children’s school books; we have given funds to buy books.
So far we have spent Rs. 77,000.00

Please pray for my trip to Cambodia. The Lord led me last year to be there for a week and now He is leading me for two months time. Rev. Jonah who is from Nagaland would like to take a break and see his ailing mother. In his absence I shall fill the gap. God willing in July – August-2010 I will be there. God did provide for my ticket through a good friend. Pray that God would provide for all other needs while I am there.

Thank you once again for your prayers and for standing with us.

With much love and prayer in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Sekar and Ammini

Sickness & The Temple

2010-05-13T21:24:00.000-07:00

By C. Sekar

Sickness has become prevalent and complex in this modern era, it neither spares anyone, nor does it know caste, creed, poor or rich.

The Biblical view of sickness relates it to sin and punishment. But all sickness does not mean it is of sin. We have psychosomatic sicknesses, physiological sicknesses and circumstantial sicknesses; any one can fall into the above categories. Therefore we cannot be judgmental and condemn people. In the book of Leviticus, the description of sickness and the process of healings are well described. There were no doctors those days, as we have today but the priest was the ‘doctor’ of that time.

Leprosy was a highly prevalent sickness in those days and was dreadful. People with leprosy lived outside the city as they were rejected and cast out of the society. Modern medicines have almost eradicated leprosy. Today we have many incurable and dreadful diseases other than leprosy, like HIV/AIDS, Cancer and more recent varieties of bacteria that are immune to most drugs. Modern science struggles to invent drugs constantly.

As people allow themselves to be ruled by Satan rather than God, sickness becomes a tool in the hands of Satan. It is true that when a believer lives in secret sins s/he is struck down with various sicknesses and most of their earnings are spent on medicines. God also allows Satan to use it over His beloved people as we understand from Job’s life.

As God’s children we are called to be wise and take care of this “temple” of God! As we read in I Corin 6:19, this body is a place for the Holy Spirit of God to dwell. Most often we neglect our bodies; especially Christian workers, pastors, evangelists and CEOs of mission movements. Many become busy with God’s work, which indeed is good but at what cost?; We better understand that if this earthly ‘temple’ is taken care of, we could achieve better results in our endeavor for the Gospel.

According to our understanding, many Christian workers/missionaries go through intense sickness and are unable to treat themselves due to lack of funds, many have to borrow or send an SOS to the mission’s head office and wait till someone instructs or arranges for treatment. Some are so sincere that they feel it is their ‘cup’ to bear and willingly suffer.

There is another face of sickness among believers or Christian workers where one can discover that sin and sickness is interrelated. As a mission worker, one lived in secret sin for many years and constantly suffered from various sicknesses, finally when he repented, he saw the sickness depart and he became healthy and stable. The curse of sickness departed when he allowed the ‘temple’ to be cleansed and let the Spirit of God indwell and take control of him.

A Medical journal cautioned in recent time that in another ten years time, the most common disease will be related to Nephrology or kidney. The kidney is a very important organ in the human body. This organ is actually responsible for blood purification and filtration of waste. Life would fail if this organ fails to function. To understand this in detail, we can use the talent of the Paramedicos and medical professionals in the Church. “One should always consult a doctor or physician before taking any necessary medicine but remember always that prevention is better than cure. One should not take it carelessly because playing with medicine is playing with your life.”

There could be many more unknown sickness which will occur and there may not be any medicines against such. Therefore it is important that we become conscious of how we take care of this temple of God. Don’t count it a luxury to eat proper diet; it is not necessarily expensive food but healthy and clean food that is essential. Don’t think going to a doctor is a crime. For God created the medicines, gave wisdom and people to be trained as physicians and many aspire for children to become one.

Let us not mix faith and healing processes. Faith heals, medicines too brings cure. Therefore prayer, faith followed by God’s wisdom and our action will help us to be healthy.

Let Christian medical institutions which began for the purpose of serving others continue to consider the needy. Let the churches take interest in the elderly and care for them, let individuals and families take responsibility to cater to their fellowmen.

May we be responsible, faithful followers of Christ who cares for us in body, soul and spirit. Therefore let us also have the same character in us! Commit our ways to the Lord; let us learn to respect our bodies.

Prayer Points:

• Merciful God help us to honor and care for our bodies as the “Temple” of the living God.

• Provide the needs for those who suffer, especially those who are in your service.

• Help the church and the Para Church to renew their commitment to the society as to serve and to care.

• Help us God to offer our bodies as a living and pleasing sacrifice.

**************************

WHERE HAVE WE GONE WRONG?

2010-04-14T17:22:00.000-07:00

Psalms 26: 8. By: C. Sekar
I love your sanctuary, Lord, the place where your glorious presence dwells.

Missions in India had a phenomenal growth from the 1970’s and now we have more than fifty thousand missionaries which includes cross cultural and native missionaries. Most missions are donor driven, the missionary movements’ starting with senders and ending with receivers. Native driven missions seem to be insignificant in numbers. One could ascertain by the way a mission might function; the glamorous ‘exhibitionalism’ could reveal if it is donor driven {in most cases} but there are others who exhibit Christ likeness and who are consistent in making disciples. They are attributed to ‘native’ driven.

Indian missions as well the churches have produced qualitative leaders who with excellence are taking forward the missions; at the same time, we should not hesitate to mention that some leaders are bound by money power and are submissive to the donors and their control, even as some others have learned the skill to be manipulative. There are others who have become numbed to the call of God, rather they are conscious of their plans and would like to be in the lime light and possibly pave their way to be ‘worshiped’ like any other “god man”! The missions constantly are prone to “infightings,” top leaders amass wealth, they demand for contributions so that the giver will be blessed in turn by god! Where does our faith lie? In receiving or in giving? Or is it in God who has called us?

Spiritual apathy is evident in the contemporary missions which also influences the churches too. “Materialism appears to have become a hallmark of modern life. But when one goes beyond the surface of materialism that is so visible around us, spirituality continues to exist among a vast majority in the world. Spirituality is like a priceless gem hidden in the dirt of materialism…” {Niranjan Babu-Bangalore Mirror, April 12th-10}
The reason for hidden spirituality or mission commitment is lack of Alters for the services of God. Like Abraham where ever he went, he built an alter and dug a well. Alter is the symbol of commitment, consecration and acknowledging that one is committed to the call and worship of the living God. It is indeed sad to know that all three of the above components have become uncommon.

Present day alters are built for representation of money, power and prosperity. The calling and direction of God have taken the second place. Priority is “work of God” not God Himself! Not discipleship but number of ‘followers’ and not the healing of the soul rather healing of ailments. Will there be a way out? Certainly we need ALTERS!

We often hear and mention or even preach from 2-chro. 7:14, and we realize the need for repentance, consecration, and revival but most often it turns into ‘spiritual amnesia unless and until we are provoked again.

Let us remind our selves without any reservation that Jesus is coming soon! Shall we repent from within and reform our ways and our ministries, laying it on alter as a living sacrifice, and also recognize the vision of Isaiah when he saw the Glory of God and he realized his inadequacy. Therefore his tongue was touched by a fire of coal and the call was vivid “who will go?”
We need to comprehend that only people who are touched by the coal of fire can go and be effective and will be able to exhibit the seriousness of God’s Kingdom values.

Prayer Points:
• Lord give us that unction to recognize your call and take it forward seriously
• Help us to build Alters of commitment and consecrate our selves to serve you better
• May our wealth and aspirations and all that we own and have…we lay it on the Alter therefore sanctify us O God.
• Touch our tongues so that our conversations and our communications be relevant to that of the Gospel.

Sekar’s News

2010-04-03T07:16:00.000-07:00

WHAT HAVE WE DONE SINCE JANUARY-2010?

I attended an INDO-KOREAN- consultation.
It is an effort to bring Korean-Indian missions into an understanding, partnership and effective net working through India Mission Association.

Holistic Child Development course was inaugurated by the Contemporary Center For Christian Studies, in Bangalore. I represented CFCD as we have developed a curriculum for HCD at MA and M.Th, levels.

Attended an international conference on HCD in Bangalore organized by Global Alliance-Compassion. There were people from 19 countries and the purpose was to think on how the Holistic Child Development movement could spread through nations amidst Theologians and churches.

Prayer groups in three different places continue on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

I also conduct classes at a de-addiction center every Thursday.

Sunday services for the visually challenged and their families continue.

Counseling was done for a couple, teenager and also for some elderly people.

Mentoring of some leaders goes on in a quite manner.

The monthly prayer concern that I write with the help of God has been a blessing to many.

Please continue to uphold us in your prayers as we serve the most worthy God.

Plans:
• Preaching at two places on Easter
• God willing I shall be in SA for a three week Training program @ FCCE
• (Foundation for Cross Cultural Education) in October-Nov-10.
• Would possibly be in Cambodia early September-still unsure
• Ammini (Elizabeth) my wife will be in Australia, God willing, from July to December-2010, as our daughter is expecting their second child.

Prayer Needs:
• This year we plan to sponsor 16 children for their Education as God would provide.
• Pray for my trips that God would provide and use me to influence others with Kingdom values.
• Pray that our Visually challenged friends would make a serious commitment to follow Christ.

Pray for Pastor Nathan (visually challenged), about one hundred people attend the church, pray that they will grow and understand Christian living.
Pray that he will rid of his debts and be free from stress.

Thank you for your prayers and support. May the RISEN SAVIOUR Bless and keep you under His care.

Sincerely in Him

DNA of the church (2)

2010-03-06T07:57:00.000-08:00

By: C. Sekar

Democracy of the Church
The nature of God is democratic and He did not intend authoritarianism but he desired his creation to recognize and worship Him. Adam and Eve having the given freedom by God were disposed to the temptation of Satan, thus the ‘Theocratic Democracy’ was disturbed and became more authoritarian in nature as God had to furnish commandments through Moses for His chosen people to follow and thereafter for all those redeemed through Christ. Yet men continue to discard the laws as a result of which we are under the spell of the oppressive rule of the principalities and powers of darkness in heavenly places. (Eph-1:2)

The church by and large still finds it difficult to help its worshipers to become ardent followers of God in spite of having adopted ‘Theocratic Democracy’. Christ’s coming into this world simplified and condensed the whole law; “Love your God with all your heart and love your neighbor as you would love your self.” If we follow this simplified democratic law, we can surely experience God’s blessings. (Deut. 11: 22)

God’s blessing is conditional in 1-Pet 1:15-16. Mt 5:48. “But like the holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior…as it is written you shall be Holy, for I am Holy.” These verses imply the conditional aspiration of God to His followers, though there is freedom yet in freedom there are principled conditions that ought to be acknowledged and applied in each true follower of Christ.

In a democratic set up ‘Church followers’ seem to want to enjoy both spiritual and worldly pleasures. Such conduct is a scornful expression of ‘Theocratic Democratic’ privileges that we enjoy. Democratic principles in it are good but the abuse of it is injurious. Thus followers of church practices at large encounter imprecise images of the Christian faith. There are others who are followers of Christ’s teachings and benefit from obeying and experiencing the laws of God.
In the democracy of our country (countries) we enjoy rights as citizens but there are enforced laws that are inevitably punishable if not obeyed. But God in His merciful providence has given us a pleader who can present our case and lead us to freedom within the frame work of God. Similarly we need to recognize that the church, though democratic, implies spiritual principles.

Followers of Christ, shall we endevour to follow the simplified version of God’s law and may we experience the blessings as well as be witnesses unto Christ our Lord!

PRAYER POINTS:

• Lord of the laws, help us to understand the depth and purpose of the given laws so as to follow and abide by it.
• We are weak indeed grant to us the grace to enjoy the freedom and at the same time to be obedient to the set principles given by you.
• Help us O God to be true followers and therefore become “reflectors” of the Love of Christ.

***************************

Bangalore

2010-02-24T21:27:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

Well, Bangalore experienced fire at a high raise building where many softwear offices were located. 6 of them who thought they could save their lives by jumbing from 6 &7th floor fell to their death.

Mnay are in Hospital with sever lung infection.

Pleas pray that this will help them to find peace in Christ and their fears will be removed.

Continue to pray for revival in the churches.

God Bless

cs

DNA of the Church (1)

2010-02-04T01:04:00.000-08:00

DNA of the Church (1)
A PRAYER CONCERN –Feb-10
By C. Sekar

Since the 1st century, the Church has grown and dissected in various denominational forms, some of which are good and others not. The phrase “I will build my church on this rock” has been mocked by us as we have given more importance to the structural concept of the church instead of the “real” universal church which Christ indicated.

Time and again, from it’s inception, the church has debated on how it should function. What philosophies or inclinations should be entertained? Should the church be philanthropically or politically proactive? Or should the church function only as a spiritual entity in the dilapidated society? Should the church care for social justice? Is it the role of the church to be a spiritual catalyst? The Catholic Church did play its own role and it had multiple functions. But the protestant church has floated on the socio-spiritual waves and limited itself to certain streams of philanthropical concerns.
John Wesley the father of missions was both a preacher of the Gospel and promoter of social righteousness. John Wesley had set an example to the church and missions to consider socio-cultural, socio-political as well as socio-economical concerns as part of its program.

Contemporary churches predominantly fall into the categories of either preaching the Gospel or practicing the Gospel. The fundamentalists are consecrated to soul saving action and there are others who are concerned about the socio-economical alleviation of the society. The neo-Pentecostals are consecrated to ‘socio-physical elevation’ [if such a word could be used] meaning, spiritual fitness, physical well being, prosperity and spiritual ecstasy. The remarks are not for criticism but for our understanding.

Matthew 5: 13-16, is a motivational factor for all followers (church) of Christ. Light and Salt are two objects and ingredients found in every household. Light to dispel darkness and salt to preserve and flavour.
John Stott in his book “Issues Facing Christians Today” mentions four pivotal insights; Christians are fundamentally different from non-Christians, the world is dark, Jesus implied, but you are light. The old is decaying, but you to be its salt, and hinder its decay…God is calling out from the world a people for Himself, and the vocation of this people is to be ‘holy’ or ‘different’. Secondly, Christians must permeate non-Christian society. Christians are (or should be) morally and spiritually distinct from non-Christians, they are socially segregated…Christians are not to remain aloof from the society…but become immersed in its life. They are to let their light shine, so the good deeds are seen. Thirdly, Christians can influence non-Christian society. … Christians can hinder social decay and dispel the darkness of evil…why then have these Christian soldiers not been successful in beating back the forces of evil? ...It is sheer hypocrisy on our part to raise our eye brows, shrug our shoulders or wring our hands. The Lord Jesus told us to be the world’s salt and light. If therefore darkness and rottenness abound, it is our fault and we must accept the blame. Fourthly, Christians must retain their distinctness. …Christ’s followers have to fulfill two conditions if we are to do any good for him. On the one hand we have to permeate non-Christian society, and immerse ourselves in the life of the world. On the other while doing so, we have to avoid becoming assimilated to the world. We must retain our Christian convictions, values, standards (‘holiness’ and ‘worldliness’)…it is only as we choose and follow his way, that our salt will retain its saltiness, our light will shine, we shall be his effective witnesses and servants, and exert a wholesome influence on society.
The Church needs to wake up and listen to the inner voice of God to experience “salt and light” which will burst out in REVIVAL amidst us. Let us take the example of Jesus, he preached, permeated the aroma of love and healed many, all he said to them was your sins are forgiven or sin no more. Neither did He promote denomination nor was there any discrimination. All he did was to promote the Kingdom values!

Prayer should become the primary function of the church to experience Revival which will lead us to be “Salt and Light”.

Prayer Points:
• Lord help us to internalize the Light so that we could dispel the darkness around us.
• May we Lord use the preservative to hinder social decay of our society due to sin.
• Grant to us the desire to wait upon you to experience the much awaited revival within us and in the church at large.
• Above all give us true understanding of how to live the Gospel!

+++++++++++++++++++

Will continue in the next issue

Dear Friends

2010-01-29T00:35:00.000-08:00

How wonderful it is to experence one month through 2010! I am sure God has been good to all of us and that we are blessed by His loving kindness.

As we enter into another month may we becom consience of His guidance and we shall tune our ears to listen to His voice and do what is expected of Him.

I shall soon post the next prayer concern as I am still on the process of conteplation and formulation.

Blessings
C.Sekar

TV – CHURCH? By C.Sekar

2010-01-04T07:02:00.000-08:00

Another year has come to an end and yet another decade has begun! We don’t know what to expect in 2010. We are perhaps ushering this New Year in with mixed feelings and uncertainty. The economic front might play foul game and give a sudden shock to the west; the east may considerably be stable. Leaving aside the prophetical prediction let us consider the ecclesiastical issues that will affect spiritual and moral lives of people.

In the recent past, churches have gone through waves of persecution thus bringing unity and prayer consciousness, breaking denominational barriers. We have seen escalated numerical growth of the church.

The question that we can ask is; does church mean structural buildings with or without pinnacles or do we understand church as the body of Christ? We have known that such churches in the west that had no followers have turned into pubs, temples and mosques. Most churches in the western countries have become traditional and non spiritual entities. Eastern churches are presently growing and many churches have mission vision, some exist for their glamour.

First century church
They were filled with the Holy Spirit. They were united. They fellowshipped
They shared their wealth. They prayed together. (Acts 2:42)

Twenty first century Church
Structural glamour
Sin ‘safe’ haven
Disunities
‘Selfish priesthood’
Preserved wealth
Prayer and blessings sought for self preservation and prosperity!

What will/ should be our concept of the church in the future?
It is more and more evident that structural churches will become empty of saints,
supplemented by House or small group churches where we will evidently see committed followers of Christ. There will be wide spread attacks not necessarily physical but which can be “spiritual lethargy”, “moral sickness”. 2 Tim. 4: 1-3 describes it aptly. What we witness today in the world will be transmitted into the church. Sin will be sugar coated, hypocritical Christian living will become the order of the day.

Internet and TV churches will be on the increase
Time and travel is becoming cumbersome in urban marquee. People who labour day or night and all through the week are less inclined towards spiritual activities and those who are, find it tough to travel distances to church. Modern media has brought all things closer and within reach; be it education, personal fitness or choicest cooking all is instant at your finger tip! "We live in a day and age and a culture where people go to school online, bank online, date online and do other things online," said Kurt Ervin, who oversees the Internet campus for Central Christian Church, based in Henderson, Nev. "Why not create a platform for them to go to church online?" “Central Christian started a new church service this fall on Facebook”. Perhaps such a creation will help IT workers, disabled communities and aged persons.
“Television is a marvellous ‘idiot box’. We rely upon it for most of our information, news and entertainment. It has also played a big role in the distribution of the Gospel around the world” (Dr. Dale A. Robbins). Already TV worship service exists and is becoming prevalent in many parts of the world. TBN, God TV and a host of others both international and local, have twenty four hour praise and worship and preaching programs. Here below are some comments; “i love life church TV but i live in the uk and have not been able to find a church like it in my area “(Caroll Brich -09) CS TV “Church Services. TV provides live streaming services for Churches Ireland…Live streams run 24 hours a 7 days a week”. “This is a TV station to extend the outreach of Independent Baptist Church to help individuals and families around the world” (livestream.com) … “Televising Services -- Video can do a lot of things to help the ministry, but this is the most obvious use in relationship with a church. The presence of a local church on television is a powerful tool of evangelism, and is an effective means of marketing the church.” (Dr. Dale A. Robbins). Internet churches are making real impact, even if a person does not discipline for a Sunday worship, he/she can watch at any given time and be encouraged or spiritually fed. The above churches can be relevant mostly to Urban and semi urban situations. The rural and tribal areas still have to depend on actual fellowship, for various social reasons.
Is it possible to prevent such churches and will it really help the church to have real fellowship? Should mainline churches prevent or encourage such ‘wireless-churches’? Such questions are debatable and one might not answer to its correct insinuation.
The most important matter that needs the attention of all the followers of Christ is meditation of the Word, implementation of the Word and experiencing the Word. Such actions will surely lead all to become faithful followers of Christ. May prayer become more of a true communion with God. May our fellowship with each other be truthful with love. Above all, shall we live a renewed life day after day being filled with His Spirit!
Prayer points:
• Lord help us to abide in you and to bear fruit
• Prune us O Lord so as to become healthy, drawing strength from the river of God
• Help us to take conscious effort in reaching out to people with true spiritual desire.
• May we true Revival in our Christian living.
______________________________***________________________________
I respect your privacy of your email. If you desire not to receive this mail please do inform. Thank you. cs

2009-12-28T03:18:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

How quick another year has passed and we are entering into another decade.
God has been faithful and He blessed us with manifold blessings, we enjoyed His presence in our lives and as well His guidance.

As many of you know our Daughter and Son-in-law were blessed with a child she is named as Sarah Faith Camillo. May wife was with them during the birth and assisted them for six months. I too was there for two months. It was wonderful experience to have the feeling of “grandparents”!

God helped us all through last year though we many a time fallen short of His glory yet he lifted us up and gives us victory. The uniqueness of our God is Love and Forgiveness! We fail to express the same to our fellow human. How we should long to be like Jesus!

May His grace and anointing be our portion in 2010. Shall we re-commit our lives and let us allow God to rule us so that we can reflect Him through our lives.

Blessings and Shalom

C. Sekar, Ammini, Camillo, Shamini, Sarah.

THE PREDICAMENT OF MODERNITY

2009-11-20T20:02:00.000-08:00

By: C. Sekar

The predicament of modernity has certainly enhanced the value system of life and economic splendour, yet the human mind continues to entertain the darkest, most perverted practices to gain pleasure and satisfaction emotionally.

Children have become targets of sexual crime and are more so insecure physically and mentally. Many who fall prey to sexual violence are those who are poor. The first week of November -09 reported of a sex crime committed by a rich man who sodomized his servant’s two year old son. the child could not speak but cried throughout the night, when he was taken to the Doctor the next day, they found out that the child was sodomized by some one and the father knew that his master took his child the previous day. Later the father reported the matter to the police and the man was arrested. A child with such an experience will grow up in fear or could become venomous towards men and repel from sex. Psychological and emotional damage will be prominent. Eventually they grow numb to societal respect and above all lead a loveless life.
Affluent parents presume that providing for all necessities and education of their offspring is the end of their responsibility. Most children of the affluent are brought up by their family members, servants or nannies. Therefore their children are ensnared into vices by choice and not by force. Parents have neither control on nor time for their children.
The ‘rich’ children fall prey to the evils of drug, sexual and pornographic abuses. “Alarm over pornography on Internet: with studies showing that over 62 per cent of information on the Internet is related to pornography, cyber law experts feel that Indian children could soon become a large and vulnerable target. The Internet has allowed those with criminal tendencies to function more easily and openly.”
Churches may just be scratching the surface in regards to children’s ministry. Many churches do not realize the acuteness of child prostitution or sexual abuses; these are issues that the church needs to face up to, even within its own congregation. “Work against sexual abuse has two dimensions: preventive (including advocacy) and rehabilitative.

We as responsible and sensible Christians should not be comfortable in our own corner rather let us become conscious of the world around us and most of all let us care for our children and the children around us for they are the heritage of the Lord. Let us love, teach and nourish them with the powerful Word of God. Let us ourselves set an exemplary and transparent life.

Prayer:

Lord, we feel ashamed that we do not have time for our children.

Help us God to divide our time between our work and for our children

May we in the church become proactive in knowing the children not just by name but to know their need and understand their emotional and psychological needs.

May we not only teach your word but also guide them in the ways that they need to walk and even protect them from this evil world.

Lord, make us conscious to care for our children and grant us wisdom and spiritual strength so that we could invest our lives for our children.

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The Future 'Perls'

2009-11-06T20:00:00.000-08:00

By: C. Sekar

Childrens’ day is celebrated on the 14th of November, the birthday of Jawaharlal Nehru who loved children. Children are innocent and peace loving they are the future of the Nation.

Children are an ‘eyeful’, if we may use that expression, they bubble with joy and their innocence is written all over them and the curiosity and questions are numerous. Many a time, as adults we regret the lost opportunities or perhaps the lack of parental guidance in our childhood.

Imparting qualitative guidance and spiritual knowledge to our children should become an essential part of everyday life. The Bible says that Godly fear will bring knowledge and contentment. Parents, elders of the church, teachers of both Sunday school and educational institutions become prominent influencers; our desire must be to see children becoming followers of Christ, responsible citizens and Nation builders.

The modern world does not favor children. Having said that let us examine the plight of the younger generation in this complex, globalized world. Many do not really understand what “Globalization” means or how it affects our children. Given below is a glimpse of Globalization and the plight of Children; According to medical science a Child’s brain is fully developed by age six and thousands of information is stored in it; so as the child grows s/he re-organizes and reacts to negative or positive situations by creating a solution that will be protective and favorable.

Parents and child care:

A child observes every action and reaction in his surrounding. Parents play a central role therefore the “hero and heroine” are parents. Pressure of work and extensive economic demands keep the parents occupied, therefore children become “cumbersome” yet they are a priority to care for. Parents adopt various methods to care for their children; grand parents play the parental role to ease the burden and let the parents continue to enjoy considerable freedom in meeting the economic and social demands. There are some others who choose to depend upon crèches, shelling out enormous amounts for child care.

A child growing in such a parent-‘less’ situation learns to behave like the care-taker rather than the parents who spend very little time with him/her. The child also notices any stressful behavior, feuds and fights which are deeply etched in his mind.
When a child grows into adulthood s/he makes decisions that may not be desirable or anticipated by the parents or others.
The quote below reveals volumes of how children are “infected” by situations that influences him to be what he or she would be:
If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn
If a Child lives with hostility, he learns to fight
If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy
If a child lives with shame, he learns to be guilty
If a child lives with encouragement, he learns confidence
If a child lives with praise, he learns to appreciate
If a child lives with fairness, he learns justice
If a child lives with security, he learns to have faith
If a child lives with approval, he learns to like himself
If a child lives with acceptance and friendship, he learns to find love in the world.
Let us consider few other aspects that are not recognized by parents or even some times educators due to ignorance, misconceptions and modern life style.

Dyslexic children:

The reason why we need to consider this aspect is to awaken many parents who are unable to or do not understand their children. Most parents desire that their offspring should become a doctor, engineer, an IAS officer, etc. such desires are genuine and commendable but neglecting children or not understanding their problems is a “crime!”
Dyslexia is a learning disorder. Many parents think that the child is dull and therefore force the child to keep at it, giving extra caoching, or blame the school and teachers or segregate them from certain friends, failing to recognize the problem. Such restrictions and compulsive learning could lead them to the following behavioral changes; they could become violent, withdrawn, indulge in habits or become addicts that could result in irreversible damage for both child and parent. Parents must give some time to learn about dyslexia and understand their children. We cannot discuss extensive details here.

Sexually Abused children and their behaviour:

Parents or guardians do not realize or don’t believe the children when they complain about sexual misbehaviors of an elder or family member, in most cases they ignore or ‘shoo’ the child. Sexual abuse happens at home, in schools, neighbors’ houses and various other places. More children than ever before are being sexually exploited resulting in behavioural changes that affects them in their studies and relationship with people around.

How can one identify this?
The child may develop a low self esteem, a sense of worthlessness and an abnormal or distorted view of sex. They could also become withdrawn and mistrustful of adults.
They could also develop an unusual interest in or avoid all things of a sexual nature. Sleep problems, depression or withdrawal from friends and family. Unusual aggressiveness, conduct problems, refusal to go to school and decline in their performance in studies. These are a few signs among many.

It is important to develop a confidential relationship with the child by the parents, teachers or even a close friend of the family. In this relationship one should take time to understand the cause that triggered these behavioral changes. If un-detected the child may make some wrong choices. It was startling to listen to the testimonies of three ladies; all of 5-12years of age when they were sexually abused by their own family members, eventually they became “sexaholics”, it is like any other addiction they became addicted to sex and it did not matter who they slept with, it became a compulsion. When they recognized that they needed help and it was only God who could help them, they committed their life to Christ and were transformed. Young boys who were abused too become sexually over active or they might get into drugs and alcohol.

Most parents are unaware of such problems therefore they think enforcing discipline and punishment will help the child to grow normally, in contrast it only makes things worse. It is important that parents if not teachers identify children with behavioral changes and guide them to understand their problems and to experience freedom.

Teachers ought to understand and learn the behavioral patterns of children, the job of teaching does not only call one to professionally teach subjects but to have a fair knowledge of child psychology.

There are modern day addictions that are becoming dangerous and affecting children we shall not go into the details but shall mention a gist of them; Cyber Addiction has become a burden on parents as they have to shell out more money on their internet bill. A child or a young person who gets into this spends hours playing games and does not bother about food or other duties/ activities. Pornographic Addiction is yet another dangerous addiction that destroys the mind of young children; eventually they begin to loose concentration on studies. Another serious addiction that diverts concentration is cell phone. SMS, MMS, texting at odd hours, spending hours in conversation develops intolerable stress levels, irritative response to parents and others. If cell phone is taken away from them it may lead to depression. It is advisable that children do not own cell phones until a certain age. Watching TV is yet another addiction that lures both young and old. Communication between family members is affected due to this. We need to set times so that there is a balance in all that we do. From the very beginning we need to infuse into children discipline, understanding and above all godly values so that s/he will appreciate and learn to handle all things with respect and according to the need.

Let us consider some more details of children:•

There are an Estimated 134 million Street Children in the Country
• Several, especially the differently able, forced into begging or prostitution
• Experts say numbers are increasing because the educational system is in shambles.
• Most runaway Children end up as labourers.
• The average age of runaways is between 10 and 14 years
“If we consider South Asian countries, child sex industries have grown to a stupendous level where no one can do any rectification, as it is a complex situation involving a chain of action and re-actions. As according to the reports from various countries, including India we could easily estimate up to 800,000 children who are forced in to prostitution.”

Invasion of the global culture has brought many good as well as bad ways of life. The culture of divorce and multiple partners are indeed becoming a part of life in India. Children are the victims. Children of the west suffer depression, abuse themselves, and don’t really have a proper identity of whom they belong to. Similar problems soon will be reality in the urban India.

The concern here is what do we as Followers of Christ need to consciously do to prevent such a sickening state of our children? Children who have neither choice nor will power to walk out of their situation? “It might be difficult to rescue and rehabilitate but we could endeavour to inculcate godliness, awareness and build a strong will power. Churches should embark on regular awareness programs, Sunday schools need to teach and help kids to understand the consequences of wrong choices. Churches and organizations need to mobilize volunteers, be it parents, youth or individuals who could participate and be trained in designed programs which will bring confidence and progressive knowledge of the world. The future could be better handled by the children.”

“We are guilty of many errors and many faults, but our worst crime is abandoning the children, Neglecting the fountain of life. Many of the things we need can wait. The child cannot. Right now is the time his bones are being formed, His blood is being made, and his senses are being developed. To him we cannot answer 'Tomorrow'. His name is 'Today'.” [ LK Advani]

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Prayer Points:

Lord help to consider our children as important as any thing else in this world and help us to divide our time consciously to develop our children both spiritually and in knowledge of this world.

May you grant to us the grace to understand the needs and wants of our children and help us build their dependency on God rather than on us.

May our lives as parents be transparent for them to learn from our examples of life and we repent of our failures and now we re-commit our lives to make it more meaningful as to build godly family.

progress of the bird

2009-10-23T04:26:00.000-07:00

It is amazing to see the hatched birdies it arted having flying lessons today and they are trying thier best.

here are some more pictures:

Birds

2009-10-15T20:29:00.000-07:00

On one of our plants a Bird build a nest and hatched three eggs!
Here are some pictures!

Manjunath taken to Glory

2009-10-07T07:12:00.001-07:00

Friends,
Thanks for praying for Manjunath.
I am sorry to inform you that he was taken "Home".
He went into to Coma and and was on ventilator for 15 days, then on 17th day (3/10/09) he was taken Home by God.

He was prepared as he had vision of Heaven just a month ago.
We were given permission by the family to burry him in Christian manner. We were able to witness to his family and relatives and show our concern and love.

The Lord provided all the needs and the Mahveer Jain Hospital was kind and made all their treatment free. We only paid Rs 20,000.00.

Continue to pray for his children and his wife.

PRAY FOR MANJUNATH

2009-09-22T02:55:00.000-07:00

Some of you maight still remember Manjunath,who had renal failuer about two years ago and now he is in a very critical condition. Please pray for Him that God's will be done. We have admitted him in Jain Hospital, the doctors have no hope so they have put him on ventilator.
He had no income we have helped him to get dialyses and medication but while we were not here he had harpies, which has affected the nerves and the brain, the brian was founded to be full of pus.

Our Grand daughter

2009-09-15T22:31:00.000-07:00

Sarah Faith now 5+months.

CULTURAL IDENTITY AND WOMEN

2009-09-15T09:18:00.000-07:00

By: C. Sekar

Asian culture is being dappled with changes. Globalization has brought about changes around the world such as economical benefits but it also brought about negative approaches to the Asian culture and family values; Asian culture has a rich heritage focused on social discipline that holds family bonds. Invasion of alien cultures has been ‘cloned,’ therefore social, ethical uniqueness of culture is being deteriorated. Though we have gained global remuneration which indeed is an uplifting factor but at the cost of socio cultural changes. We can’t wholly attribute changes only to Asian traditions but it has affected even western family ties. Individualistic life style does negatively contribute to unstable families in the west.
Is modernity pushing cultural values to suicidal point?
Perhaps it is so. One important aspect to consider is of the crumbling institution of marriages. It could be very difficult to describe the whole phenomena of marital disharmony just in few lines yet we could consider some very pivotal points and the ill effects on the institution of marriage that reflects out of modernity.
Modernity has embraced women to become top ranking business entrepreneurs and executives. Educational standard, Economical aspirations, ambitious planning for wealth accumulation, women’s liberation, and to become economically independent are some aspects that have brought down the moral and ethical values in families. Men and women have created a platform for independent thinking and or looking for some unexplained fulfillment in individual life.
Once upon a time women were restricted from outside world and were considered as ‘house wives’ interpretation of that would mean; they manage the household, mother their children and be responsible and to care for the elderly with utter obedience as well be a submissive wife to her husband. Women even in such situation were indirect decision makers and had effective control over their husband. Playing such diversified role does not make things easy therefore it brings contention in the family. Being modern women does not entitle them to enjoy their life as they would desire. The struggling elderly generation and the children born at this juncture of modernity, sandwich the modern women who is torn apart between responsibilities at home and her work place. Such environment is certainly unfavorable.
Modernity has brought out the hidden women to the arena of exposure which shapes women to become independent and to re-structure their marital life and ‘house wife concept’. No more they are called as house wives but they are “Home Makers”. True to the fact, they have equal responsibility. Now it is no longer that they are behind the curtains but they are visible individuals. In spite of such independency, the survey reveals that there are seventeen crimes committed against women every hour in India. Abortion has become common as like treating any sickness. Abortion is done so that they are rid of responsibilities and as well to maintain economical viability. Fifty nine house wives commit suicide every day. The reason for such actions is moral degradation. A column in this month Bangalore Times; “…I had sex with my boss and later in the evening with my husband and now I am pregnant whose child will this be?” was the question asked to a doctor. Such is the moral standard of our modern world.
It has become difficult for modern women to draw a line between morality, and family values, therefore spirituality does not impact their lives. It would be unfair if all portrayed negativism to women alone. Men are equally responsible in all action and re-action of women. If men stop exploiting and treat women with dignity and apply God’s principles in families, we would experience a better world. Moral life style will change for good, there will be lesser frustrated women, suicides will become rare and divorces or abortion will not become part of the society.
Biblical perspective of women and family
God’s intention of creating man and woman was to formulate family unit and His instruction for Adam and Eve was a clear three point program; Husband and wife should cleave to each other and live as one body. Second was to establish family as to multiply and occupy geographical areas and the third was to establish economical viability. In the NT we see the principle of family that gives us the picture of vertical relationship towards God and horizontal relation towards husband and wife as well aspect of care will imply economical provision and emotional fulfilment.
What is the role of church?
It is imperative for church to recognize the changed world and its negative impact on families. Church or Para church ought to embark on instructive teachings and build stronger fellowship with families so to keep them focused in practicing God’s principle in their family life. Above all, sincere prayer in seeking God’s favour and guidance will help and bring about peace and tranquillity and a better world that we can live in.
Prayer point
• God have mercy on us and help us to recognize our faults and rectify them
• May you grant to us the wisdom and understanding in playing the role that we ought to in a family
• Help me as individual to apply your instructions and give priority to you in my life
• Help us to show the world that God’s standard of life and family is the best
• Help our churches to teach and practice the Word and not to make it flexible for our own benefits
In His grace
C. Sekar
My Blog: www.csekarbangalore.blogspot.com

Exodus Global Allians News

2009-08-25T04:56:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,
The following information is from Exodus Global Allians. Please read and pray for their wonderful ministry.
C.Sekar
On October 2nd millions of Indians will remember the one hundred and thirty seventh birthday of the father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi. Another birthday will also celebrated; but only a fourth - that of Exodus : India , a support network of Christian ministries which seeks to help those with sexual and relational brokenness overcomes their problems. It is the newest member of the Exodus ministries which are known as Exodus East Asia in Singapore , Malaysia , Philippines and Taiwan ,and as Exodus Asia Pacific in New Zealand and Australia . Exodus ministries equip and educate the church on ministry to the sexual struggler and are members of the world wide Exodus Global Alliance . Director of Missions for Exodus Asia Pacific, Mr. Peter Lane Rai , along with his wife Dot, founded the Indian network in Hyderabad , India in 2005 . Based in Brisbane , Australia , they are currently in India visiting Bangalore , Hyderabad , Dehra Dun and New Delhi . Speaking from Bangalore Mr. Lane Rai said that â€œOur book Setting the Captives Free was written in 2004 to give help to the sexual struggler and has already been published in Hindi,Nepali, Tamil and English . This year we have a produced a teaching DVD of teaching from our book and , on Mahatma Gandhiâ€™s birthday ,we feel will be Godâ€™s perfect timing and opportunity to launch the DVD . The DVD will be a helpful teaching resource for Churches and other Christians in India who wish to be part of Exodus : India . Each year we travel to India teaching in Christian churches and Bible colleges, a Biblical understanding of sexuality and how to counsel and care for those with sexual and relational problems. We have met many Indian Christians who struggle with addiction to pornography and immorality, or are victims of child sexual abuse and know that often they have no one who understands or cares about their problems. Many Indian Christian leaders whom we have met while now are accepting that sexuality must be addressed within the Church yet recognize they do not have these skills. We believe Exodus : India can answer this problem by both supporting sexual strugglers in their change and equipping and educating the church to minister to them. Jesus is the example of to the Church worldwide in how to minister to sexual strugglers showing compassion, forgiveness and restoration for the sexual struggler while at the same time calling them, like all people, to lead lives of holiness. The mission of the Church has always been to go into a hurt and broken world with the healing Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. For the Church in the 21st Century this must also include proclaiming a Gospel of Sexual Redemption.â€
ENDS For further information: EXODUS : INDIA www.peter.lane@exodusasiapacific.org

HPELSSNESS AND HOPE

2009-08-21T22:59:00.000-07:00

A good number of Christians do not realize the pivotal role that they play in this world. Having suggested that, one can never deny the sluggish attitude that adorns Christians and many leaders who serve God. The statement is not to condemn anyone but to initiate an in-depth search of one’s heart as to re-structure and restore the inner spiritual strength as well as to be consecrated in the work of God. The following are a few suggestions that will help us assimilate and embark on a Christ centred life which will impact the church and mission.
Man's way leads to a hopeless end -- God's way leads to an endless hope
Men from the very inception have been selfish. Cain’s story tells us that he was not pleased with his brother Able therefore he murdered him. Mrs. Lot could not but remember the possessions left behind and did not heed to the instruction of the Angels, therefore became a pillar of salt. Mrs. Isaac could not but show favour to her younger son and therefore created a ripple in the family; dishonesty, hatred, anger and separation. All these examples reveal selfish motives. We too are selfish in our living, our ministries. Our minds become insensitive to God’s ways- Rom 1:21, 22. These verses communicate man’s futility and insensitive minds, claiming to be wise but became fools.
As followers of Christ we need indisputable obedience to His word and a consecrated life to follow His footsteps. Accepting to follow God’s ways will give us that hope, assurance and blessing to mirror beatitudes through our very lives.
Give God what's right -- not what's left.
Often the teachings on giving are manipulated for the benefit of the church or missions. The Bible is clear in teaching us that giving is total and sacrificial and it is motivated from within by God and activated by our actions. When we put on Christ’s righteousness we learn the pathways of selflessness. We are “undone”; we need the touch from the altar for sanctified living and giving our whole.
He who kneels before God can stand before anyone.
The most important ingredient in Christian life and ministry is prayer and we see many saints who have trodden the path of prayer being successful in experiencing God in supernatural ways. Daniel of the Bible is one great example. He knelt before God and God exalted Him. His friends were prayerful and bold too and they experienced a practical fiery furnace! The presence of God was their portion and deliverance, God exalted them and the nation turned to worship the living God.

Wrapping up
St. Paul confidently says; “...Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus...only let your conduct be worthy of the Gospel of Christ...that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel”. (Phil.2:5&1:27.) such should be our intention in our personal, spiritual and ministerial life. May God who is able to adorn us with immutable fruit help us to draw closer to Him.
“When we do His good will, He abides with us still and with all who will trust and obey”
PRAYER POINTS
Lord help us to search within us and rectify things that are unpleasant in your sight
May we be adorned with Christ’s humility in all we do and express to the world around us
Help us God to give what is due unto you, be it wealth or our service to you
Lead us to pray with sincerity and faith and expect the impossible

C. Sekar
Learning Servant

Update

2009-08-09T22:15:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends and all thoes praying for us.

We praise God for the way He has been leading us and blessed our time here ans soon we will be back and get back to our home sweet home.

We were able to meet my old friend who has been here in Sydney pased 32 years and another who has also been here for almost that time.

We were able to meet with many new friends and praying groups.

Thank you praying for us.

Australia

2009-07-21T05:04:00.000-07:00

Well, It has been our privilage to visit our daughter and Son-in-law and most of all our grand daughter. She has been our delight. You could see somepictures above. We have been meeting with few known people around and sharing the concerns of India.

Thanks for your prayers and fellowship and friendship.

cs

ARE WE SELLING OUR RELIGION?

2009-07-01T16:03:00.000-07:00

How genuine is our commitment towards the preaching of the Gospel? This can be a haunting question with no easy answer! Analysis of missions’ commitment in the past and the present does reveal drastic changes and derogatory functions of many mission organizations. Contemporary missions have missed the essence of the Gospel communication as many have adapted an entrepreneurial attitude towards its functions.

Missions and Churches have multiplied and each one claim to be superior to the other.
“Come to us you will be blessed” “Join us we shall transform the world”. Specified time and targets are set by the missions to motivate ‘givers’. Manifold methods are ‘designed’ and propagated, and many ‘fish’ in the same ‘well’ rather than fishing in the ‘river or sea’. Such dilapidated attitude impels us to ask, are we selling our religion or its philosophies? Is our concern about sharing the Love of God in all its purity or is it mere religious ‘jargons’ that we induce to satisfy people? Considering the above, mission and churches are like selling commodity to ensure consumerism. Mat 7:15-20, give us clear instruction on false prophets and the fruits they bare.
Deut 13:1-4, gives us clear warning on intruders amidst God’s people. Let us not be over taken by external exhibits but let there be internal transformation.

Considering the New Testament nuance of mission and the flawless example of Jesus and other apostles, we learn the simplicity of Jesus’ communication of the Kingdom of God; the Apostles spoke about the sacrifice of Christ and the redemption to those who place their trust in Him. Their teachings were simple and straightforward. There were admonitions and plain instructions on how to live a Christian life. Such method of reaching the people was unique and we seldom reflect or adapt Biblical ministerial methods.

We also can learn that Jesus who mingled with the rich, poor, servants and the government officials, blue and white-collar workers. The sick, prostitutes and the evil possessed. He did not persuade anyone to follow Him but He conveyed the message of love and repentance and many to followed Him. He did not dramatize his healing or raising of the dead or His feeding programs as celebration or publicity but cautiously continued his miracles to glorify God.

Today we brag, we publish and demand numbers of souls, our publications are filled with questionable reports. Why do we do what we do? Is it for the sake of the Gospel or for the sake of ‘our kingdom’? Shall we consider the role of Christ in our mission and church activities? Let us understand that God is the author of any mission or church and its functions, if we let the Lord rule us, and the Holy Spirit of God guide each decision that we make, then we shall surely see His KINGDOM established in the hearts of people!

Shall we consider not to sell the religion called Christianity, but let us share the values and let the Gospel be our attire and our very life so that others will perceive and understand and be motivated to commit their lives to our living Savior.

PRAYER POINTS

· Lord, motivate us to be humble and consciously bring glory to you in all that we do.
· May we be faithful in sharing your love to all as equals and not to segregate them in names or classes but to see them as souls that need to be saved
· Grant to us humility and integrity in utilizing the funds for Thy Kingdom sake
· May Your Kingdom come and your will be done in this world as you have planned in and through us.

"Men must be governed by God or they will be ruled by tyrants" - William Penn

Yours unworthy as I am in Christ Jesus

C. Sekar

Australia

2009-06-22T04:45:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends, God's goodness has brough me for a holiday in Australia, but it ismore than a holiday for it is visiting my daughter and Son-in-law andour grand daughter. We hope that it will be meaningful and blessing to us.Serah will be 3 months on 29th of June-09. Thanks for your prayers. cs

Power of politics and powerless servants

2009-06-02T03:17:00.000-07:00

I Sam 2:8, “…For all the earth is the LORD’s, and he has set the world in order”.

We in India as well as many believers around the world, prayed for the elections held during this year 2009, for God to place a Government of His choice to rule our country (India). God in His sovereign will did answer our prayers. Praise be to Him!

Most often prayers are selfish, many of our intentions would have been that God should be favorable towards the freedom we should have as a democratic Nation to express our faith. To make more sense, let me pen it down in the following manner:

• The missions and churches were seeking God for protection and freedom to spread the Gospel.
• The minority, as a whole, was determined not to let communal forces hold power to rule our country.
• The educated and sensible citizens felt that stability of political power is important.
• The economists and business tycoons felt that the future of the Asian economy lies in intelligent politicians and bureaucrats.
• The poor had no choice but to act upon the revenue they got during the election campaign, to survive either way.

Above all it is pivotal to remember that God appoints governments and He decides to depose them as and when He wants. Though prayers of sincere hearts are counted in God’s presence yet the final verdict is His.

It is sad to notice that many of us don’t understand God’s heart, and we are so immersed in our own ‘world’ of self-centeredness, even so in our prayers too. Our intentions are perhaps to gratify our ‘own kingdom’ concerns rather than building His Kingdom. We don’t try to recognize the familiar prayer in our inner heart… “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done…” and many a times subconsciously we pray “my kingdom come and my will be done…of-course with your blessings Lord”! God’s Kingdom means to experience God’s eternal values, soul nourishing principles from His eternal word. But “our kingdom” means temporal, short lived, and one can’t experience Eternal values.

People of God let us wake up! We need to learn and intentionally do what God wants us to do. Let us stop playing ‘god’ and learn to listen to His voice which is so loud and clear through His Living Word. His words are being fulfilled! Therefore let our eyes be open as like Elisha’s servant, who was not able to see the host of angels. 2.Kin 6:16, Let our ears be attentive to the still small voice as like when God spoke to Elijah. 1-Kin-19:11,

Let us seek God and recognize the words of Isaiah the prophet in Is 6: 5 “And I said: "Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!" Therefore let us also say “Here I am, send me." It should not be just a new visional commitment but a renewed vision and rectified commitment.

May the Lord of mercy and grace be our portion as we continue to endeavour to be His people and His servants, to bring glory and honour to Him alone!

Prayer Points:
• We praise you Living God for the answered prayers
• We humble our selves and repent of our selfish motives
• We re-commit our lives as to obey your calling in our lives
• May we continue to honour you and bring Glory and honour to you alone.

Sincerely endeavoring for His Kingdom

C.Sekar

summer camp for children

2009-04-25T06:49:00.000-07:00

Domasandra is the place where Compassion Home For the Blind is situated.32 KM from Bangalore.
The visually challenged have gone for their holidays, but we cattered to the under privillaged children from the srrounding area.
1st day we saw about 32 come for the day but second day we saw thinneer crowed third day is being Sunday there were about 40 have come to the church.

We taught them songs, skits, games, showed a movie on HOPE was screened. Story of two young children running away from home hoping to find a better life in the city, but they encounter a kind Ticket inspector on the train who shared the real Hope in Christ.

We gave some note books, pencils, erazers, pens, cryons, as a token of their participation in the camp. Thanks to the sponsor.

Pastor Nathan and his assitence were active, Pa Nathan's wife took the role of cooking lunch and snacks for the children.

Continue to pray for this ministry, bellow are some pictures.

Summer Camp

2009-04-20T09:36:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,
This is to inform you that we will be conducting Summer camps one under Sadhana for the "challenged" family children whom we sponsor and another under Compassion Home for the Blind in Domasandra, where 50 children will attend as well some visually challenged teens will be part of it.

We will teach them scriptures in song, and Biblical stories, we will also a\show them a wonderful movie called the HopeGiver in Kanada. and we will give some books on story of Jesus.

We will also take them for a half a day amusement park.

Please pray this will be an effective time in investing Kingdom values.

Please pray for the needed funds

Pray for the teachers and those who will help in cooking and caring for them.

We are also happy to report that all the children whom we sponsor have been promoted and this is Lords doing and thank you for your valuable prayers.

Blessing in Christ Jesus

C.Sekar

Residential School

2009-04-16T01:27:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

A friend of me has a very good school and they have started a residential school
near Bangalore and it is very affordable.
please look into their website; www.LnLtrust.org Thank you.

I am sure Meany are praying for the election even today 15 constituency's are voting.Here bellow is a prayer concern for Elections.

Elections
A PRAYER CONCERN #2 Ap-09

Dear Friends,

We in India have democratically been electing governments and now again the time has come for us to choose the right leaders who will perform their duties with sincerity and integrity.

There are three major issues that still haunt our country and the politicians are game to it. Let me point out what the components are that rule the election agenda at large:

1- CASTE- this is a nasty word in the modern era! We have scientifically progressed, economically grown, Education has played pivotal role in all round progress, yet we in India are CASTE conscious. If a high caste decides to do away with Dalits, the roads may stink with filth. The Dalits are there to help keep the city or town clean. If the lower cast are counted as lesser privileged people and treated as dirt but desired only for the vote banks, then the politicians need understanding of modernity and globalization. Let us as Christians pray for better understanding of Caste-ism, for God did not create man as lower and higher caste, he just engineered man and woman. As long as Caste plays lead role we will not see our country progress.

2- COMMUNITY: is yet another trump card in the hands of the politicians. We need to understand that if the elections are going to be based on such issues community will fade away and will wither away. Community is man’s creation, but God desired that we need unity in diversity. No one can change communal integrity; we need to strengthen each other immaterial of religion or communities. So let us pray that political arena will not entertain such negativism but let them think progressively.

3- CORRUPTION: is rampant in every sphere and from highest to the lowest corruption has become a way of life. “In India, it was estimated that in 1996 election, 80% of funding of major political parties was done by large corporations at a time when it was not even legal for corporate bodies to make political contributions. Corporate bodies fund a political party with the hope that when the party comes to power, they can reap dividends through favours. To a large extent this can be got over by legalizing donations to political parties and making the political parties to ensure financial transparency.” In the election manifesto of any party I have not come across one saying that we will fight against corruption! All talk about civic amenities, jobs, better cities; loans etc…Let us pray that political parties will open their eyes and their hearts for social transformation.

Shall we sincerely pray for the coming elections and may the Lord whom we follow help the government to take right steps in conducting the elections free and fair.

Enter Politics
Christians should enter politics and must stand for the voiceless, says Rev. Prof. Valson Thampu, principal of St Stephen's college, India's most prestigious and leading institution based in New Delhi. Addressing a pre-election consultation at the Church of North India headquarters, the Christian theologian questioned the lack of Christian's involvement in politics. He opined that much of the persecution and hatred on minorities especially Christians are caused by `bad politics' and this should be erased by the Church, who should raise leaders to stand for secular principles and human values. "The Christian community in India has always considered politics bane and has refused to participate in it," he said, adding "God is at the center of politics and one must not consider it non-spiritual." However, he mentions, "What we need is not a mere politician, but rather a 'statesman'." The Christian community in India should produce capable statesmen who will care for the poor and can render good governance, he said.

Let us pray for:
• Political parties that they may long for developmental aspects not just to rule the nation.
• Election Commission to be wise and as they supervise and give guidelines that will be observed by the parties.
• The political parties become prudent to recognize peoples needs and may they be willing to serve people rather than to be served.
• May God who pre destines rulers of nations, may He appoint such to rule us
• May the three “CCC” come to an end so that we could enjoy tranquility and peace in this land.
Let our prayers in faith and participation in nation building bring changes in our political system, so that we shall cease to see caste, communal and corruption in our nation.

Yours in anticipation of peace and tranquility

C.Sekar

2009-04-06T06:12:00.000-07:00

Hi anther one wonderful smil!

Sarah Faith Camillo

2009-04-05T23:08:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,
It is our joy to let you know that Sarah was born on 29th March-09 at 10.30 pm and Mother and child are doing well. Continue to pray from them.

Blessings
C.Sekar

Introspecting Recessional Impact

2009-04-04T16:25:00.000-07:00

The word Recession has become a daunting word globally since the past few months. Governments are shaken, Banks shudder, Economists are worried, and most of all those live on credit and depend on huge funding are deflated.

Our world is going through cycles of recession from its inception, and one could attribute such event as God’s intervention to initiate warning against humane failure for not recognizing the absoluteness of God. Thus man’s inability to survive independently from God, results in such a collapse. We can never eliminate man’s greed towards wealth, prosperity and self-exaltedness assuming that “we can supersede” god! Such thought does affect the world more than one can imagine; be it ecological, economical, political in all we see human hand destroying the creation harmony of God for this beautiful world.

Let us consider recession in the light of its negativity and how to over come it:

The Moral Fabric of Recession The moral fabric of our society is tattered, men no longer desire for ethical and religious values. Values are based on self appeasement; what will I gain? How will I be respected? how will people appreciate and exalt me is the attitude. Morality is based on monetary benefits, take for example the print media it is filled with semi pornographic images that affects the minds of youth or otherwise. It is repulsive and blasphemous; i.e. one of E-magazine ad: refers to “Easter Bunny” which portrays women topless. It is blasphemous just using the name “Easter” which refers to the most powerful evident of Christ’s resurrection! which we will be remembering in few days time. The Fashion shows degrade the very dignity of women who are willing to be paraded for the sake of monetary benefits and exploited by men. Child abuse, pedophilia and child labour, are in raise and murder, looting, all such attribute to the tatteredness of morality.
We can never forget what happened in Noah’s time, sin increased and God found only Noah to be righteous man on earth, God decided to punish His own creation due to the degeneration of men rejecting God.

Recession for the wise and committed politicians We have seen time and again the fall of countries due to political instability. Politicians are endeavoring to build their kingdom rather than serving people. One can never blame them as they are ruled by the powers of the air as it is mentioned in Eph.2:2, “Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience.”
May we sincerely pray for our Lok Sabha (Indian) elections which will begin this month; may the Lord choose the right leaders and place them in position where they could influence righteousness.

Recession for leaders in the missions and the churches
Turning to the missions’ scenario one can sense the lack of consecrated leaders. Then there are mission leaders who take the mission forward with flavor of accomplishment yet deep within there is lacking. We are yet to see leaders who will listen to the voice of God like Abrham and as Moses did, we need leaders with power to display God’s mighty act as did Elijah and Elisa. We need leaders like John who was the forerunner, and we need leaders who are servants of most high God like St. Paul and other disciples. Leader who will say as Paul did; “it is no longer I that live but Christ that lives in me”. Total submission to the will of God and His leading should be the guiding force in lives of our mission/church leaders.

Recession of spirituality There is over all spiritual degeneration in Christendom. We as church/ missions are representing {Church of Ephesus} as mentioned in the book Revelation 2:4, 5, “But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first! Look how far you have fallen from your first love! Turn back to me again and work as you did at first. If you don’t, I will come and remove your lamp stand from its place among the churches.” Shall we sincerely seek God to revive us and may we be worthy to shine on the “lamp stand” and not be removed!

CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING:
1. Acknowledge God’s supremacy and give first place to Him
2. Recognize the Tatterdness and may there be willing heart to mend it
3. Recognize the societal responsibilities and blend in “letting the LIGHT shine.”
4. Recognize the Spiritual vacant-ness and repent towards REVIVAL!

PRAYER POINTS:
• Lord help me for “I am undone” make me worthy to reflect the great LIGHT
• Lord Help me to integrate myself as salt in this world to flavor righteousness in this unrighteous world.
• Lord be my portion in all that I need both spiritual and physical.

Yours in the paths of righteousness

C.Sekar

My Friends Ministry

2009-03-28T03:40:00.000-07:00

ON EAGLES WINGS UPDATE March 2009.

Our last news was the final report of our OEW trip to India from August to November 2008. Below are some of the achievements for which we thank God and also you for your prayerful, financial and practical support.

1. SETTING THE CAPTIVES FREE was printed in Nepali, (the fifth language) and released in Siliguri, NE India in October.
PRAISE - In spite of the many problems to print the book and then get to Siliguri, the trip was successful.
PRAY- sales and distribution are good which is not easy where many people speak but do NOT read Nepali.

2. KEEPING SEXUALLY PURE IN AN IMPURE WORLD, our latest book with sections on youth, women and sex education was printed in English and released in Hyderabad.
PRAISE – there has been a very good response to the book.
PRAY – sales of the book will continue to be good.

3. As usual we visited Bangalore, Delhi, Hyderabad and Dehra Dun and an exciting first visit to Manipur and Siliguri (both in NE India).
PRAISE great contacts were made in Bangalore and Manipur. We have been invited back in 2009
PRAY - For wisdom as we plan our trip this year. We feel we should have “Ministry of 12” seminars at various cities where around 12 key people attend a two-day training seminar. This will reduce costs and organisational problems on seminars. Last year we were not happy how some ministers used the expense money that we gave for seminars and the other unnecessary travel expenses we had to pay.

Now for what is happening in 2009.
1. Each March we normally visit Thailand and Malaysia but this year it will be in May to coincide with an Exodus East Asia Conference and Exodus International Board Meeting. So meantime we have been busy working on one of our major goals for 2009: to get “SETTING THE CAPTIVES FREE” into a two hour DVD presentation with eight topics suitable for teaching /support groups in India. To do this, we have organised a SETTING THE CAPTIVES FREE seminar in the local CWA Hall, Esk, Qld on March 21st in partnership with our great friends at the AOG Church, Esk.
PRAY there will be:-
• A reasonable attendance (20 would be good)
• No technical problems recording the DVD.
• Good presentation of our teaching materials to be suitable for a DVD.

2. Our second goal is to promote the 21st year of ministry for Exodus in Australia. Time flies! This will start on Saturday night March 14th with the visit of Shirley Baskett from Melbourne to our own Cornerstone Christian Church (AOG) for a women’s meeting and then at the Sunday morning service on March 15th. Shirley’s encouraging testimony of overcoming lesbianism and alcohol is in her book, THE WOMAN WHO OUTRAN THE DEVIL.
PRAY many will be blessed finding hope, healing and freedom from hurts as they listen to Shirley’s testimony.

Recent Events :
Peter has had three radio interviews and written several articles concerning our trip to India. There has been positive feedback to this.
There have also been speaking engagements for Pete and Dot at the AOG Churches in Esk and as well as Cornerstone and Solid Rock, both in Brisbane.

Finally: We were thrilled to receive a very generous cheque, given anonymously, which will help finance the work of OEW.
In difficult financial times, it is wonderful to be able to experience God’s provision for our ministry needs so that we can rebuild lives. As it says in Nehemiah 2:8 “The emperor gave me all I asked for because God was with me.“ May this also be your testimony.

Peace to you all,

Pete and Dot.

Concerned Parents or Parent’s Concern?

2009-03-20T09:31:00.000-07:00

A Prayer Concern-March-09

We live in a world of competitions and obsession of success. Be it the ambitious parents from our urban societies, slums or middle class families in the lower income bracket – all obsessed with the “success.” Let us look at the repercussion of how it affects their children in the process.

Parental concerns over their children
Ambitious parents who are in the rat race for achievements desire their siblings to be winners in our twenty first century and are coerced to excel and to achieve superior future but at what cost, is the million dollar question! (Not from ‘Slum Dog millionaire’) Modern day children have become targets for the educational system who promote their hyped values and fee structures. Parents have become obsessed and determine to see better future for their children, without a choice the parents give in to the commercial and competitive pressures to see their children excel, especially during times of exams or while making decisive choices for their children’s better tomorrow.

Incidentally our children are sandwiched between reality and parental enforcement. Each wants to go their way but parental, cultural and societal binding makes them to give in to ‘obey’ parental desires thus making blunders.

Asian parents believe that children are a heritage to the family and are therefore owned by them. Where as the western parents may feel the same with their siblings; yet their culture lets the children become independent when they become adults.

The focus here is to describe generational gap and the dilemma faced by the children.
As long as they are young they look up to parents for protection and guidance but when children are growing, external influences invades their mind; tempts them to adapt broader outlook for life as well they feel superior than parents, thus causing unexpected strain between both. Such relational ‘attitude’ between parents and children lead to emotional and psychological imbalance.

In regards to educational excellence of children
Constant nagging and persistent reminder to the children to behave or to excel becomes repulsive therefore children build resistance/rebellion towards their parental instructions. There are many repercussions; some children may go into withdrawal, others into emotional out burst or hyper activeness, such inner turmoil might lead to addiction of various kinds. Psychologist suggest; “A depressed child may not initiate any activity, may have sense of worthlessness, may cry often, have disturbed sleep, or wake up early morning.” Gastric ailments become common. Parents busy in their ‘rat race’ of survival may not see the inner conflicts of the children. They may be happy with their ‘pretended’ life. It is essential that Parents and Teachers give children the required emotional security, love and recognition.
NIMHANS-Bangalore- survey shows that at least 8-12 youngsters in the age group 12-20 years per lakh succeed in committing suicide. As per the record in 2007, there was 2439 suicide cases were recorded, out of which 11.14% were primary school students.

Dr. Srinivasa Murthy, Counselor of CBSE helpline said; “parents need more help on how to prepare their children for the up coming exams as well support them.” His helpline receives more call from parents than the children….Calls from students focus on how they can cope with family expectations…girl call more than boys to talk about exam fear…most queries are about issues like parental pressures, feeling of anxiousness, etc. Counselors often had to mediate between parents and children when discussion turns into arguments regarding children spending much time on phone and watching TV.”

How do we balance as Christian parents?
Parental prayers may not be the ultimate answer but sure it is one of the important tools! Parents ought to come to terms and learn to divide their time rightfully may be even sacrificing some of their benefits. Quality times spend with their children in understanding them, motivating them, accepting their abilities and inabilities becomes paramount importance. It is not the comforts, money, gadgets or food that helps their future but it is interaction, frank talk is important to build right directional focus for them to progress.

Children need to be taught the scripture, the Bible says in Deut 11: 19-21., “Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are away on a journey, when you are lying down and when you are getting up again. 20Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates, 21so that as long as the sky remains above the earth, you and your children may flourish in the land the LORD swore to give your ancestors.” Besides disciplining them; Prov 13:24, If you refuse to discipline your children, it proves you don’t love them; if you love your children, you will be prompt to discipline them.
As parent you have a huge responsibility; your entrusted by God; to talk of God’s law and teach them as well develop reasonable disciplining methods to bring respect, love, and fear of God. Such practices will help the children to excel and become faithful followers of God, who shall eventually inherit the Kingdom of God. Fear of God brings wisdom, praying for knowledge will bring forth anointing and when anointed the Spirit of God will become the source and re-source!

Parent shall we love the children as they are and work towards establishing Kingdom values in their hearts?
Martyn Lloyd-Jones once wrote: “Prayer is beyond any question the highest activity of the human soul. Man is at his greatest and highest when upon his knees he comes face to face with God”

Prayer Points:
1. Lord help me to be sensitive to my/our child/ren
2. Give us understanding and wisdom to not only teach them the worldly lessons but most of all to teach them your laws even as we practice it in our own lives.
3. Help me/us protect our children from abuse both physically and psychologically
4. Help me/us to love my/our children not on the basis of our frustration or peace we experience.
5. Help me/us to reflect your kingdom values in and through lives and help us not to be hypocritical

Sincerely concerned for our little ones

C.Sekar

Up date

2009-03-20T09:28:00.000-07:00

We are still waiting for the grand child to be born any day now!
Pldo pray for Shamini my daughter and Camillo her husband. Pray for safe confinment.

Thanks

VISHVANATHAN-DIED

2009-03-09T06:59:00.000-07:00

Hi,
This to inform you that VISHVANATHAN,(if you scroll down you will see man in the tricycle) died. I helped him since ten years, we have given him 4 trycles and every week Rs.100/- or some time 500/- cloths, etc...he only wanted the help initially, and was not willing to listen to the Gospel, eventually he will let me pray when I meet him on the streets, he was living on the streets, with no one to care for.
Onec in a way he use to come to the fellowship but will sit outside, he came only for help. sine few months he was sick with Asthma, hydrocell, then piles, bedsore,I got him treated at some hospitals and clinics. some time I use to lift him up and put him my scooter or some other time he will be at the appointed place.

on 27th Feb I decided that he should be put in a home where he could peacfully die, just few days before that he requested me to pray and he bowed his head, previously he never use to bow. so I knew that he was serious to commit his life to God.

On 27th I called up the Home of Hope people and the ambulance came and took him, while lifting him up he was wet with his own stool, he was stinking. I knew his journey is short. He was in the home for a day and on 1st Sunday March by 9.30 am he died. It was sad but on the other hand it was good for him. My only hope is that he is with the Lord.

C.Sekar

Some picture of our fellowship

2009-02-23T04:36:00.000-08:00

We started the hopuse fellowship again after a break
of two months.
here bellow are some pictures.

Up Date-Feb-09

2009-02-21T08:04:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

Vishvanathan has been sick with Asthama and he is stuburn not to be admitted in care home. I persuading him but he is not willing. This after noon I visited him on the street and told him he should consider my option, he is getting bad, he has hydrosil, festula, and he sure stinks, I have given him some detol and cotten to clean himself.

It was a surprise for me that he now bows his head down for prayer. on many occation he has abused me and asked what did your God do for me?

Praise God that he is open and requests me for prayers.

Last week one on my close friend had heart attack, and my self and my wife we went over to Hydrabad to visit the family to encourage him and pray with him.

Continue to pray for my daughter and son-in law, shmini is due in March-09. Camillo got another job, but he is still looking for some thing better.

Vishvanathan

2009-01-31T04:56:00.000-08:00

Friends,
the above picture is of Vishvanathan, I thought he would die three weeks ago, but he survived the asthma, I took him to local clinc gave nebulizer and bough medicines , new T shit and towell, bed sheets, etc.
He does not want to stay in old age home for fear and of self dennial.
He has bed-sore sitting on that tri-cycle. For the past ten years I have been helping him, and showing the Love of Christ, he never use to accept what I witness about Christ. Now he asks me to pray when I visit him on the street corrners.

Please do pray for him.
cs