83rd ANNIVERSARY BOOK – July 2018

 

 

Thou Shalt be a Blessing!

 

Shepherded – 83 Years

 

Great is Thy faithfulness. Lam. 3:23

 

Laymen’s Evangelical Fellowship International

www.lefi.org

 

Let us remember the promises of God
to the Fellowship and claim them.

 

1. Isaiah 60:22. A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation: I the LORD will hasten it in his time.

2. Isaiah 44:3. For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:

3. Isaiah 59:21. As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the LORD; My spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed’s seed, saith the LORD, from henceforth and for ever.

4. Isaiah 45:3. And I give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel.

5.  Isa 62:6-7. I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence, And give him no rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth. 

6. Acts 18:10. For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.

7. Isaiah 54:17. No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.

8. Jeremiah 42:10. If ye will still abide in this land, then will I build you, and not pull you down, and I will plant you, and not pluck you up: for I repent me of the evil that I have done unto you.

 

 

Contents

preface                                                                                  

New advances in the ministry                                  

Worldwide Labours                                                      

Youth and Children’s Camps                                     

Campaigns in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana      

meetings in tamil nadu                                                

Labours in far-flung regions                                  

the Annual Retreat                                                         

Television and Radio Ministry                                  

the literature Ministry                                                

Our schools                                                                       

our medical work                                                          

the internet Ministry                                                    

Conclusion

           

Preface

Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing. (Gen. 12:1,2)

Thou shalt be a blessing! What a blessing it is to be a blessing to others! It is one thing to receive the blessings of God, but it is altogether a different matter to be a blessing to others. We are called to be a blessing to others.

God blessed Abraham and made him a blessing to others. A child of God is a conduit of blessing, not just a recipient of blessing! He is a channel through which the blessing and power of God flows into the lives of others. Are we like that? We in the Fellowship have been the recipients of God’s mercy, special favour and blessings all these 83 years. But are we impacting others by our godly life?  In fact, we must be impacting the nations today. But that calls for self-denial and victory over the world.  Many in the Fellowship seem to belong to the “third soil” as they are weighed down by their own cares and worries. There is no faith nor any forward growth in their lives.  Though we have received so much light and truth in the Fellowship, many people are living self-centred lives. They are like the salt which has lost its savour. They have only selfish agendas in their lives.  The children who grow up in such families cannot have burden for souls or vision for the extension of God’s kingdom. A father or mother who does not learn faith, cannot teach their children faith in the Living God. How sad!

God called Mr. N. Daniel (senior) to come out of Kakinada, he ventured out with faith and we see today how through his sacrifice and implicit obedience to God, he became a channel of blessing to all who came into contact with him. Following his footsteps, Bro. Joe learnt a close walk with God. With tearful and agonizing prayers for souls, he spent his life reaching out to needy souls far and wide, all over the world, building the kingdom of God.  After reading the first volume of Bro. Joe’s autobiography, Leonard Ravenhill, said, “Here is the faithfulness of God and the obedience of man.” He learnt to obey God at any cost. He was ready to pay the price. This is how he became a great inspiration and blessing to thousands of people all over the world.

Unfortunately, many people are not able to think beyond themselves and their children. They find sacrificial living and giving to be hard. They want to be only perpetual recipients of God’s blessings. Their motto is, “What shall I get? What shall I grab?” But a child of God says, “What shall I give to help this needy person? How shall I  build God’s kingdom?” Their cups never overflow, because their hearts are so selfish and greedy. It only shows the beggarly mindset of people. We are not beggars, but the sons and daughters of the King of kings and the Lord of lords. The purpose of our salvation is that we should become a blessing to others. Instead of living selfish lives, we must learn to empty ourselves. Then, and only then, God can fill us and make us a blessing.

As we have entered into the 84th year of ministry, let us examine our hearts and seek His face afresh, and surrender our lives fully to Him. May the Lord help us to be a real blessing to others in this one short life and bring forth fruit to glorify Him. 

 

 

New Advances in the Ministry

Meetings in Myanmar (Burma)

Bro. Joe had a great burden for Myanmar. This country occupied a special place in his heart and he went and laboured there twice addressing meetings in a local church where many heard the Word with rapt attention. 

The dear Lord helped our book fair team to conduct book fairs there. To reach the needy people of this town with the Good News, we had revival meetings in Mandalay, in November 2017. The three evening meetings were blessed and owned of the Lord. Our book fair team brothers laboured amongst these people. There were about 80 people present at the meetings. Some of the people who visited our book fair also dropped in at the evening meetings.

Our local workers, Brothers Paul and Munthang, were able to bring a few college students and some needy people who live in and around Mandalay. Some people from the local church and few poor women touched in our ministry also joined us. One doctor told our brothers that he was greatly challenged by the testimonies of our young people. 

The Lord in His mercy helped Paul and Munthang to erect a small prayer hall where they give the Word of God to some needy people and to the children of that area on Sunday morning and evening.

Let us pray much for our two brothers and their families that the Lord will help them to win many souls to the Lord.  

Meetings in Butwal, Nepal

As we have not had revival meetings in Nepal for a long time, the Lord burdened the heart of Bro. John Daniel to prayerfully fix special meetings in the needy town of Butwal, from February 21 to 23. The Lord brought in many needy people who came in with much hunger and expectation.

The Lord granted His presence and used Bro. Priyanath and other brothers at these meetings. The Spirit of God began to work in many hearts and the prayer sessions were owned of the Lord, as many humbled themselves and prayed with tears.

There were screams and outbursts of evil spirits from many who were prayed upon and from others who were around the place. We must pray that the Spirit of God may lead souls into deep repentance so that they may be completely delivered from every work of the evil one and be raised as faithful witnesses for the Lord.

Let us pray much for our brothers and sisters and the ministry in Nepal, that the Lord will touch and transform many souls.

 

 

Meetings in Thailand

On the 8th and 9th December, the Lord helped our brothers to have open-air meetings in Thailand. Many newcomers were present and they listened to the Word earnestly. The number touched 60 on the second day which was beyond one’s expectation! It was a time of great blessing to be sitting under the searching Word of God. One of our converted sisters came all the way from over 600 km to help us at these meetings with the interpretation into the Thai language. 

Prior to these open-air meetings, our team could address two special meetings in a local church where many were given the Word of God.

We must continue to pray much for our brother, Eisen, and his wife, who are labouring for the Lord in Thailand.

Outreach Ministry in North India

Our telecasts have been such a great blessing to many people in North India that it has opened doors to the Gospel in several villages and towns which we could not have reached otherwise.

People call us for prayer after watching Bro. Joe’s message on TV and a team of our brothers in Delhi gather and pray for them. They make the long journey of about 200 to 300 kilometres to the interior and remote villages and towns in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Haryana to meet these people. These areas have never received the Gospel.

Setting out in the wee hours of Sunday, they make a long journey of about three to four hours and conduct worship services in seven or eight places till late in the night, in various villages and towns. It is amazing to see how people wait eagerly for our team to hear the Gospel.

In every place, they ask our team to come on all Sundays and conduct meetings. They are so earnest and hungry that some of them come to the next town to hear the Word and to introduce their friends and acquaintances to our team. As our team has to go to different areas on three Sundays of the month, it is not yet possible to visit these people every Sunday.

Much prayer needs to go up for a real harvest of souls amongst these needy people.  We need more workers to labour amongst these hungry people. Please pray that the Lord of the harvest may raise up and send forth labourers into these ripe harvest fields of North India.

Durgapur, West Bengal

People from various states of India live in this cosmopolitan steel city. For more than 10 years, our brothers from Kolkata have been going to Durgapur to conduct meetings every Sunday. Recently, one of our trained boys, John Akai and his wife, have been sent to this place to labour and build the work here.

The Sunday services are held in a school. Many children attend our Sunday class on Sunday evenings. A few cottage prayer meetings are held through the week in various parts of the city. At the Carol service in December, we had about 200 people in attendance.  This city has many renowned colleges and schools. We must pray that the Lord may give us many souls.

 

Geyzing, West Sikkim

Geyzing in West Sikkim is a Buddhist stronghold. Last year, when we tried to have a book fair in this town, we were not given permission to hold a Christian book fair. However, this year, after much prayer and exercise of faith, we were able to hold two days of meetings.

Although it was a small group, we had the presence of God and the Word of God went out with freedom and power. We are praying for a regular ministry in this town.

Silver Jubilee Meeting in Bansi School, Uttar Pradesh

The Silver Jubilee Thanksgiving meeting in our school in Bansi on September 24 was a time of thanksgiving and praise to our God. The dear Lord has been helping our team here to go forward against all odds. It is the sheer mercy of God that we have completed 25 years of ministry in this dark and needy town of Bansi in Uttar Pradesh. The Silver Jubilee Thanksgiving meeting gave us an opportunity to give the Gospel to so many non-Christians. 

The new building which the Lord provided for the school here was declared open on this occasion. It was a big battle of faith for us to obtain all the necessary permits to build this 4-storey building with several class rooms in each level.

Let us pray that our school in Bansi must be a lighthouse to the whole district and the state. Most of our students are from non-Christian backgrounds and our school has earned a good name from all around. We praise God for the faithful labours of our brothers and sisters and look to the Lord to multiply His word in the hearts of the many students who pass through our schools.

 

Worldwide Labours

Summer Retreat in Sebring, Ohio, US

The Lord helped us at the Summer Retreat in Sebring, Ohio and gave us His word which was a great blessing to all who were present. People drove and flew long distances to be at the camp which took place from August 8 to 13.  Sister Stella from Nigeria was present with us again this year as she exercised faith to be at the retreat.

Bro. David Campbell and Bro. Johannes were with us also at the camp.  The time at the retreat was well employed by people to quiet oneself in God’s presence. The prayer sessions were a great time of blessing as people called on the Lord. God granted grace to our sisters who took turns to manage the kitchen while our brothers did the wash up. Let us pray for lasting eternal blessing in a fleeting world we live in today.

Thanksgiving Retreat, Novi, US

The Lord helped us at the Thanksgiving Retreat in November as several young people travelled long distances to be present, from both the US and Canada. God granted us His presence and Word as we waited on the Lord. The time of prayer is always very precious to all who attend.  We need to pray much that the Lord will grant us a breakthrough and grant people the deep spirit of repentance and that new faith will bud in people’s hearts.  The Lord gave us good weather and held off the snow and ice.

Easter Retreat, Novi, US 

The Lord blessed the Easter Retreat and brought in earnest people who travelled long distances. God granted us His word as we remembered what the Lord has done for each and every one on the Cross, granting the way to live a victorious life over the world and sin. We pray for the deep touch of God’s Spirit in the hearts and lives of the people who attended.

The conference fasting prayer in the US is being a great blessing to many who join from faraway places. Let us pray much as our brothers reach out to more universities with the “Christ is Victor” magazine printed to reach people with the word of the Lord.  

Summer Retreat in UK

The dear Lord drew many hungry souls, who were earnest and who sought the Lord at the Summer Retreat in July. After the message, the meeting was thrown open for prayer, as many called on the Lord. Many were in attendance who represented many countries of Africa, the Caribbean and Europe. Let us pray for the lasting touch of God’s spirit in the hearts and lives of all who attended. Everyone worked together and God’s name was glorified.

Winter Retreat in London, UK

Renting out a close by church facility, the Lord enabled us to hold the Winter Retreat from December 27 to 29. God brought in several sincere people who came for His Word. Let us pray for the great need in Britain, as our TV programme covers the whole nation and many people listen and write to us for prayer.

Summer Retreat in Gottingen, Germany

The Lord brought needy souls to the youth centre in Gottingen for the four-day retreat in July. Many had to drive a long way through heavy rains, while many came in from the neighbouring towns to hear God’s Word. Germany can be described as those in the “third heart condition” in the parable of the sower, where one feels self-satisfied with no need for the Saviour. This leaves many in an impoverished condition where only humbling oneself before God is the way to victory and blessing. Let us pray that the Word of God will result in the advance in faith and obedience to God.

Georgetown, Guyana, South America

The Lord granted His presence at the revival meetings in Georgetown, Guyana. Many needy souls from various backgrounds were present who were not familiar with Bro. Joe or Dr. Danny.  Sister Lily was sustained by the Lord for the long journey and was used of the Lord.

The Lord has been touching many local people as they learn to obey God’s word and live victorious lives above the temptations around.  God is building homes which are very different from the local scene of broken families. Amerindians from the interior were present who hear our radio programme reaching into the Amazon with the Gospel.

The TV program over the national TV station of Guyana reaches the whole country as many hear God’s word. A Hindu pandit was present at the Sunday evening meeting in Diamond, a suburb of Georgetown. He stated, “Let me know whenever you have meetings like this.”

Let us pray much for the many students who hear God’s word at the university and nursing school. Let us also pray for the radio programme covering the country of neighbouring Surinam and also for the TV programme covering various Caribbean islands like Trinidad and Tobago. The book fairs held around the country draw many people and are a great blessing to many. Let us pray much for our brothers and sisters as they labour for the Lord and as new towns are being reached with the message of salvation.

Retreat in Melbourne, Australia

Our retreat was held in Scots Presbyterian Church Hall, Melbourne, from October 20 to 22.  People travelled from Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, Wagga, Moama and Deniliquin to be present at the retreat. There were quite a few newcomers present at this retreat.

Apart from the main messages, the study on the parable of the sower and the heart condition was focused on. The Lord touched many people and some opened their hearts in prayer and wept for their sins during the sessions of prayer.

Please continue to pray for those who heard the word that there will be deep repentance and the touch of God’s spirit resulting in obedience to God’s word and a burden to build the kingdom of God.

 

Youth & Children’s Camps

The International Students’ Camp

Around 7500 young people gathered from all over India at Beulah Gardens, for the students’ camp which took place from Sept. 29 to Oct. 2.

Right from the first session of the camp, the presence of the Lord was so real in our midst and the messages were delivered in great power, as the Lord used Bro. John Daniel, Sister Lily, Bro. Doug, Bro. Johannes and Dr. Jesudas mightily. The prayer sessions were owned of the Lord as the Spirit of prayer was poured on the young people and they cried out to God with tears.

Our dear friends from the continent of Africa, who are studying in various universities and colleges, travelled long distances to be present at the camp.  We enjoyed their two special songs which were meaningful and inspiring. Two of them who are studying in Ludhiana, Punjab, shared their testimonies as to how the Lord transformed their lives completely and brought meaning and purpose into their lives. We must pray that these precious students from Africa will learn faith and prayer, to then return to their countries as missionaries.

The memorial service for Bro. Joe on the first evening meeting of the camp was blessed of the Lord.  Sister Lily, Lydia and Bro. John spoke on this occasion recalling the exemplary life and tireless labours of Bro. Joe to reach the unreached souls around the world. On this occasion, the long-awaited third volume of Bro. Joe’s autobiography, “Carried by Everlasting Arms” was released.

The group discussions were very lively as the students participated eagerly, sharing their thoughts and expressing their questions. We should continue to pray for these precious young people that the Spirit of God will continue to work in their hearts as they confess and get right with God and become living testimonies of the love and power of God.

Stuartpuram, Andhra Pradesh

Young people from many towns and villages of Andhra Pradesh poured into Stuartpuram for the youth camp from August 12 to 14. Our large hall began to get filled up. God used our brothers and granted them great freedom to declare His Word. The prayer sessions were owned of the Lord as the young people began to cry out to God. Many were found praying late into the night. Let us pray for these precious young souls that they may rise up as mighty witnesses of the Lord.

Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh

About 200 students gathered from the neighbouring universities and colleges at this camp in August. The Lord used the team of our brothers from Guwahati and Imphal. The Word was received with much hunger. As the Spirit of God began to work in their hearts, many students stayed till late in the night seeking counsel and prayer. Several young people were under strong conviction of sin and are turning to the Lord. We must pray for these precious young souls.

Aizawl, Mizoram

 At the One-Day youth camp in Aizawl on Sunday, September 3, the large Synod Conference hall was packed with more than 500 bright young boys and girls who gathered from Mizoram University, Aizawl Veterinary college, Nursing college and the local Bible college. Some school students were also present.

The young people listened to the Word very earnestly. During the prayer session, they lifted up their voices and prayed. Many were deeply touched of the Lord. Let us continue to pray that the Lord may raise up many young people to live as a testimony for the Lord.

Dimapur, Nagaland

The youth camp in Dimapur in August was blessed and owned of the Lord as a few hundred young people came to hear God’s word, in spite of the rainy weather. Some of them came from distant places. The Lord used our brothers and blessed the camp. Let us continue to pray for the Spirit’s work in these young people.

Silchar, Assam

The Lord enabled us to have a youth retreat for university students in March. There were about 140 students who sat in God’s presence with hunger and concentrated on God’s word. Our team from Imphal and Dimapur helped in the retreat. We are praying for a suitable place of worship in Silchar. Pray that the Lord will raise up many of these students as mighty soul winners.

 

Aizawl, Mizoram

The youth retreat in Ripans (Regional Institute of Paramedical Science) was greatly blessed of the Lord. We had around 250 students from eight states of North-East India. Right from the beginning, the spirit of God began to work in their hearts and many of them prayed with tears during the prayer sessions.

On Easter Sunday, we moved the retreat to Synod Conference Centre where we had a combined service and retreat for people of all ages. We had around 300 people from Assam Rifles and many nursing students and others from various institutions. A few Mizo families were present at this retreat. Many of them are TV viewers who watch our programmes regularly and have been touched by the Lord. This is the first time people are exposed to the truth about repentance and reconciliation with God and man and getting the assurance of salvation from God. Please pray for the Lord’s touch on all those who attended.       

Headquarters, Chennai

At our headquarters, the Lord enabled us to have a one day youth camp for the young people of the city on March 18. We were so happy to see more than 700 young people who gathered in the overflow hall. The dear Lord blessed these efforts and used our brothers. Let us pray for the Spirit’s deep and continuing work in the hearts of these young people.

Children’s Retreats

Down these many years, we have seen God’s touch upon tender hearts at our children’s retreats.  Special retreats for children in many of our centres have taken place, where hundreds of children and teenagers are given the Word of God.

The Lord in His mercy helped us to have children’s retreats in several of our centres all over India. We have received reports of God’s blessing at these retreats. We praise God for our teams of brothers and sisters who serve at these retreats and let us continue to pray for these precious little children who heard the Word at these retreats.

 

 

The Big Campaigns in Andhra Pradesh & Telangana

Bhimavaram

As our large campus got filled up quickly at the revival meetings, we had to seat the overflowing crowd of about 2000 people in the neighbouring vacant land, where the message was relayed on a large digital screen.

People came in large numbers from nearby Krishna and East Godavari districts.  Many pastors and TV viewers came and listened to the Word of God. The Word of God went out with power as the Lord anointed and used Bro. John Daniel and Sister Lily Daniel. After the meeting, they prayed for several people and counselled them.

Stuartpuram

Thousands of people poured in from nearby and distant places with great spiritual hunger and expectation for the meetings which took place from January 16 to 21. It is really a great miracle that a notorious village noted for its criminal ancestry and activity should become a place where huge multitudes gather to hear the Word of God year after year!

The dear Lord used His servants, Bro. John Daniel, Sister Lily Daniel and other brothers mightily. The spirit of prayer was very evident in our midst as groups of people were seen all over the place praying and seeking God. On Saturday night, at the fasting prayer, the Lord poured out the spirit of prayer upon the crowds and many cried to God with tears for His touch.

Sister Lily took special meetings for the wives of the evangelists and Lydia Daniel addressed the young people. We must pray for the continuing work of God’s Spirit in hearts that the Seed sown may bring forth fruit thirtyfold, sixtyfold and a hundredfold.

Vijayawada

The meetings in Vijayawada in our premises from January 21 to 23 were greatly blessed and owned of the Lord. That God has given us grounds which is much larger than a football field and that too, right in the heart of a large and growing city is nothing but His goodness and grace. Part of this crowd had to be moved to a neighbouring hall which we hired, in order to create room for the newcomers in the large arena. At the last evening meeting, we had about 9000 in attendance. Now there is the huge task of gathering in of souls and leading them to pursue the fullness which is in Christ.

Hyderabad

Even though the dates of the revival meetings in January happened to be working days, people started coming in large numbers from the very first day. Much prayer went up for these meetings as special prayer meetings were conducted in our centre from the beginning of January to prepare for the meetings.

The Lord used His servants mightily at these meetings. We must pray for a real breakthrough in the ministry here and for a rich harvest of souls.

 

Meetings in Tamil Nadu

Coimbatore

The dear Lord blessed the revival meetings in Coimbatore, which was held in our campus, from August 25 to 27. The presence of the Lord was granted to us and the prayer sessions were owned of the Lord. The hall got packed and the overflow crowds spilled into the open space on the right side of the hall, where we put up a temporary roof. About 100 people stayed inside the campus.

The Lord used Dr. Jayanth and Bro. Gnanakalanjium at these meetings. Many of our faithful senior brothers shared in the ministry with their inspiring testimonies and it was a great blessing and challenge to many. Let us pray that young people will rise up as godly men and women to build God’s kingdom.

 

 

Madurai

The meetings in the temple-town of Madurai in September, in the parish hall of a local church, were greatly owned and blessed of the Lord. The dear Lord brought in many needy souls and the crowd kept increasing during the three days. Dr. Jayanth and Bro. P.V. Raja were used of the Lord at these meetings. The prayer sessions were a great blessing as many cried to God for His mercy. It was a time of refreshing and reviving in God’s presence, as many heard the Word attentively with hungry hearts.

Royapuram, North Chennai

The Lord blessed the revival meetings in Royapuram in August. We began with a crowd of about 250 people on the first evening and the crowd swelled to about 550 on the last day. The Lord used Dr. Jesu and other brothers. The messages were very practical and the Lord gave His presence. The Bible classes were also blessed of the Lord.

Many new people including several Hindus were present. We need to pray much as we need revival amongst families, young people and children in this part of the city.

Bhavani

Bhavani is a Hindu pilgrim centre where the Lord has given us a centre and a school. Apart from the local people, many nursing and engineering students are hearing the Word of God every Sunday.

The special meetings arranged in this place from 27th to 29th October were blessed of the Lord.   We must pray for these young students and others that they must rise up as mighty witnesses for the Lord.

Karamadai

After many years, the Lord gave us meetings in Karamadai, from November 10 to 12. The dear Lord used our brothers mightily and the prayer sessions were owned of the Lord.  As the messages went out over the loudspeakers, several non-Christians around our centre heard the Word of God. Let us pray for the continuing work of God’s Spirit in their hearts. 

Aruppukottai

The Lord in His mercy gave us revival meetings in Aruppukottai from Dec. 1 to 3. It was a time of great blessing to all who gathered at the feet of the Lord to hear God’s word with great hunger. 

The Lord used His servants mightily and graciously granted His Word and His presence and the Spirit of God began to work in their hearts. During the prayer sessions, people cried to God with tears of repentance. Let us pray for the continuing work of the Spirit of God in the hearts of all who heard the Word.

Villupuram

The dear Lord blessed these meetings with His presence and His Word. Many needy souls came in with much hunger to hear God’s word. The Lord used our brothers mightily. There was a good spirit of prayer as people lifted up their voices and prayed earnestly during the prayer sessions. The meetings proved to be a great blessing to many.

Erode

The meetings in Erode brought in so many people to hear God’s word in the rented parish hall of a local church. The dear Lord blessed the meetings in a special way and used Dr. Jesu and other brothers, to share the Word with the hungry people. Many cried to God with tears during the prayer sessions as they were gripped by God’s presence. We must pray for abiding fruits out of these labours. 

Coonoor

The two days of revival meetings in Coonoor were blessed of the Lord. The Lord brought in many hungry people from all over Nilgiris and from the plains. Let us pray that the Lord might raise up a host of witnesses in this hill station, where the work of the Lord has been going on for many years. 

Ponneri

The meetings in Ponneri in our hall were blessed of the Lord. Many needy people came in from nearby areas with much hunger for God’s word. The parents of our school children were also present and these meetings proved to be a blessing to all. 

Hosur

Many needy people attended the meetings. The work of the Lord has been going forward steadily in this town under the good Hand of the Lord. Let us pray for a rich harvest of souls in this place.

Velliankadu

In Velliankadu, near Coimbatore, the Lord granted two days of special meetings. The Spirit of God began to work in the hearts of the people and many came under the conviction of sin. Let us pray for all those who heard the Word at these meetings.

Labours in Far-Flung Regions

Gurdaspur, Punjab

Gurdaspur, a major city in the Punjab, is just 10 km from the international border between India and Pakistan. The great missionary and prayer warrior, John Hyde, preached in this city many years ago. 

The Lord in His mercy granted revival meetings in Gurdaspur from April 13 to 15. There were around 300 people including a few from Anantnag, Kashmir, Jammu, Delhi, Ludhiana, Chandigarh and Amritsar. Many local non-Christians were also present. They listened to the Word with rapt attention and the Lord used our brothers mightily. 

As the meetings progressed, slowly the Word began to sink in and people began to pour out their hearts in prayer after each message. The testimonies of the local brothers were also touching and challenging. Please pray that God may raise up mighty witnesses in this city so that they may go out and reach other towns and cities of Punjab and also other states of India. 

Kolkata, West Bengal

It was a joy to have three days of revival meetings in January in our new prayer hall, (which is still under construction) in the second floor of our centre. Several needy Bengalis were present at these meetings, from different parts of West Bengal like Siliguri, Durgapur and Kharagpur.

The Lord gave His rich presence and granted His servants, Bro. John Daniel, and Sister Lily Daniel, great liberty to declare His word with power. People drank in the Word with much hunger and thirst. These meetings were a great blessing to all and it brought much encouragement to many hearts to seek the Lord.

Kolkata needs much prayer to see a rich harvest. We must continue to pray for this needy city.

Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

Lucknow is the capital of Uttar Pradesh, the largest state of India. After much prayer, two days of meetings were arranged for this city, on Oct. 19 and 20, which were blessed of the Lord.

Many of our folks from North India gathered at the feet of the Lord and it was a time of great blessing. We need to go a long way in reaching souls here and building a deep work for the Lord. Let us pray much for this capital city that God may touch many souls here and glorify His holy name.

Chandigarh, Punjab

The dear Lord blessed the special meetings in Chandigarh from Nov. 3 to 5. More than 300 people from different parts of North India gathered here. The Lord used several of our brothers to bring God’s word. The spirit of God was working in the hearts of people and many opened their hearts and shared their problems and received counsel from our converted brothers and sisters. 

Jamnagar, Gujarat

By the grace of God, the Independence Day special meeting in Jamnagar, Gujarat, was a time of great blessing to many needy people who gathered at the Feet of the Lord to hear God’s word. There were about 130 people present at this meeting. The Lord used our brothers and granted us His presence and His word. Let us continue to pray for the budding work in Jamnagar that the Lord may touch and transform many lives and build His work here.

Agartala, Tripura

Even though the capital city of Agartala in the North-Eastern state of Tripura was affected by floods which brought the city to a standstill, our brothers exercised faith and went ahead with the planned special meetings from August 11 to 13, in the outskirts of the city. The dear Lord controlled the incessant rain and blessed the meetings in a special way. Let us pray for all those who heard God’s word that there will be great eternal blessing.

Tezpur, Assam

The One-day meeting held in Tezpur on November 17 was a time of real blessing in the presence of God. The messages, testimonies and the discussion groups were owned of the Lord. We had several young people from Hindu and Muslim backgrounds who heard the Word of God for the first time. Some of them gladly took away English and Assamese Bibles with them. Several booklets and tracts were distributed among them.  We must pray for these young people and families that they may all turn to Christ and become His faithful witnesses. 

Berhampur, Odisha

Berhampur is a famous old city of southern Odisha and is known as the silk town of Odisha. Our team from Bhubaneswar and Vishakapatnam conduct special meetings here every year in order to reach the unreached.

We had a one day special meeting here on Oct. 19. Though it rained heavily in the morning, the dear Lord brought in about 120 people, among whom 80 were students. The Lord used our brothers mightily and many began to cry to God during the prayer sessions. Let us pray that God may raise up a host of witnesses and glorify His name.

Sunderbans, West Bengal

The Sunderbans is the region where the mighty river Ganges meets the sea, where the tides have cut the land into strips of mangrove swamps, infested with crocodiles and tigers. The people who live in this inhospitable region are extremely poor. Our small Kolkata team works faithfully and has been rendering medical help to the people while giving them the Gospel.

The Lord helped them to have a carol service for these poor and needy people on the 17th of December. Many people enjoyed the Christmas songs and heard the Word of God. The loudspeakers carried the message to nearby villages. Please pray for these precious souls who heard the word of the Lord. We are making a sincere effort and praying for a prayer hall to be constructed here.

Anantanag, Kashmir

The local doctors and old staff and medical suppliers were also present at the carol service on Dec. 16. They all heard the Word earnestly. On Sunday, the 17th December, we had a special meeting. Our small hall got packed with people. There were many nursing students and patients present at this meeting. Some of them came forward to share their burdens and problems and requested prayer. These two meetings proved to be a great blessing and brought much encouragement to all who heard God’s word.  

Jammu

Around 45 km from Jammu, in Samba, very close to the borders of Pakistan, God gave us an opening through a family. Though this place is a stronghold of Hindu organizations, a one day retreat was conducted for these people in May and around 120 people gathered to hear the Word of God.  Some who were demon possessed started screaming but the Lord brought them under control.  We need more prayer for this place.

 

 

KGF,  Karnataka

The meetings in Kolar Gold Fields, known as KGF, in Karnataka had revival meetings from February 9 to 11. These meetings were held in our new hall where so many people gathered to hear God’s word. Let us pray for abiding fruits out of these labours.

THE Annual Retreat

It was a moving sight to see the hungry and needy people, flocking into the prayer hall to sit at the Feet of the Lord to hear His word. As our large hall could not contain all the people, the shady mango grove and a pandal outside the hall accommodated the overflow congregation.

The Spirit of the Lord was upon us right from the start. The Lord brought His searching word to our hearts in every session of the Retreat. He used His servants, Bro. John Daniel, Bro. David Campbell and Sister Lily Daniel at this retreat mightily and caused His Word to go out with great power. Soon after each message, the cries of the people filled the hall as they were moved by God’s spirit to pray loudly with tears. In fact, the Lord caused a mighty spirit of prayer to rest upon the whole campus and the voice of prayer could be heard almost all the time all over Beulah Gardens.

The reports of the missionary outreach are always a great enlightenment and challenge to many hearts. The special songs sung by the Daniel 5 and the folks from North-East and North India were a great inspiration.

Our hearts overflow with praise and thanks for all the mercies of God toward us at this retreat.

Television and Radio Ministry

It is amazing how the Lord has been helping us to reach such a vast number of people through the television ministry in India in their own various languages. The Word of God has been going out over two popular television channels which cover the whole country of Nepal. Our telecasts in UK, Germany, Guyana and Thailand are well received with much hunger and expectation and many lives are greatly stirred and blessed. Let us cry to the Lord for His touch upon all the viewers. The Word of God is the only hope for all nations. Let us pray that God’s word will grip people’s hearts and turn people to the Lord.

In Australia, 33 radio stations are airing “The Lord’s Challenge.” In addition to these radio broadcasts in Australia, the message of God’s love and power goes out over television in the cities of Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. We must also pray for the ten weekly quarter-hour broadcasts reaching various cities in the US. 

Let us ask the Lord for a true burden and understanding to pray for the radio and television broadcasts and pray for worldwide blessing as God’s word goes out to the millions.

 

The Literature Ministry

Our books are being greatly valued and there is a steady increase in the distribution of our books.

After a long wait, Bro. Joe’s third volume, “Carried by Everlasting Arms” was released at the students’ camp in October. This book is proving to be a great blessing to many, as Bro. Joe narrates the many struggles and victories of faith, behind every advance in the ministry.

We praise God that we could bring out our first book in Thai language, “Victory over Demons and Fear.” The Lord helped us to bring out Mother Mrs. Daniel’s book, “Building Holy Homes” in Mandarin. 

The Lord helped us to publish four books in Nepali language. We are taking efforts to get more and more of our books translated into Nepali and printed in our press in Beulah Gardens. Three new books were published in the Odia language.

In Hindi, we have published eight new books, including Bro. Joe’s first volume, “Get Set… Go.”  Three new books in Telugu, two new books in Tamil and one new book in Malayalam have come out of our press.

Apart from these new books, we have had to reprint many of our books in various languages to meet the constant demand for our books.

Book Fairs in Nepal

It was a long tiresome and dangerous journey for our book fair team to reach Nepal from Beulah Gardens, Chennai. The first of these book fairs was held in Bharatpur for three days. Here we had a good number of people visiting us and buying many books and Bibles.

In Kathmandu, we had our book fair in a church campus in the centre of the city. Many were invited from the churches and the Bible schools and the local town. In Pokhara, we had our fair for four days on the third floor of a building in the central part of the town, where a few local people visited us. In Palpa, we had our fair in a church near the Palpa Mission Hospital. People from nearby villages came to our fair. In Butwal, people who came for our special meetings visited the fair. Some bookshops replenished their stock with good Christian literature and bibles.

In Hetauda, our book fair was held in the compound of a mission school which is in the centre of the town. People came with great spiritual hunger and bought Bibles and edifying books. Some of them travelled about 300 km to come to the fair. People from a few local churches made use of this opportunity to buy Bibles and spiritual books for their libraries. Several school children too visited us and bought many children’s Bibles and books. 

In Dharan, our book fair was held under tents in the compound of a local church, who gladly allowed us to use their premises for our book fair. People were greatly thrilled to see such a large collection of books and Bibles in our fair. Many copies of our new Nepali books, “A Wise Woman Buildeth Her Home” and “Pray with Purpose”, were sold out.

 

Book Fair in Myanmar (Burma)

It was a big struggle and a test of faith for our book fair team to get all the books just on time for the Yangon book fair in November. The Lord blessed the book fair as several people visited every day. Many were first-timers who took away piles of books and were very impressed by the reasonable prices of the books. Many books of Mr. Daniel (senior) and Mrs. Daniel’s book, “Building Holy Homes” were sold out.

Bible college students from many colleges visited the fair daily, and some people travelled long distances to come to the fair to buy Bibles. The Bible Society of Myanmar replenished their stocks of Bibles. Our brothers could personally witness to some of the visitors who earnestly requested for prayer. Let us pray that the word of the Lord will spread and touch many souls in Myanmar.

 

Our Schools

While many seem to think that running a school is some sort of business enterprise, our schools are there purely to build the lives of the little ones and young people in the fear of God.

Our schools in Bansi, Uttar Pradesh, Salem and Mettupalayam in Tamil Nadu continue to obtain 100% passes in the matriculation exams, with most of the students scoring very good marks.

Our School in Ponneri, Tamil Nadu, sent 32 students to the Plus Two exam, out of which 29 students passed.

We are grateful for the loving service and sacrifice of so many of our teachers and staff of our schools. It is due to their hard work and dedication, some of our small Nursery Schools have now grown into Matriculation Schools and are able to see very good academic results as well.  There is a great need for dedicated teachers today for our schools, especially for our schools in Nepal and in Bansi, Uttar Pradesh. What a blessing dedicated teachers can be!

Our Medical Work

The Lord has been helping our medical doctors and nurses in our Gospel clinics, as they serve the poor and sick in body and spirit. 

Our Gospel Clinics in various places like Coonoor, Velliankadu, Gummidipundi and Royapuram in Tamil Nadu, and Anantnag in Kashmir, continue to serve the poor, who receive counsel and prayer along with medical help.

In our medical work amongst the tribal people at Masinagudi in the Niligiris Mountains, many needy people are given the Gospel along with the medical treatment. Our medical team from Calcutta goes every month to the Sunderbans, West Bengal, where the poor are given the Gospel along with medical treatment.

A team of doctors, nurses and volunteers conducted medical camps in five places where hundreds of patients received free medical treatment. A special team was kept busy counselling the needy giving them the Gospel. People with various problems and those afflicted with evil spirits are also prayed over. We must pray much for our medical teams in their efforts to reach the unreached.

 

The Internet Ministry

Our website has got a new layout to help people to easily access the vast spiritual resources available on our website. Apart from English, much of the matter on our website are given in eleven other languages also, viz., Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Indonesian, Italian, Russian, Spanish, Burmese, Hindi and Telugu.

Many people tuned in to the ‘live’ messages of the Annual Retreat of both morning and evening sessions on our website, from 37 different countries across the globe. 

More and more people are watching the live webcast of the Sunday service in our small church in Detroit, which is called Community Christ Church, at 10.00 AM EST (7.30 PM IST) and are greatly blessed.

 

Conclusion

While God is setting before us another year of service, let us make sure that we really advance in Christ-like living, thinking and working.

Mother Daniel’s words come to us with added force – “Learn Christ, Live Christ and Glorify Christ!” Consolidation must follow conquest. Nowhere should our work produce ‘half-baked cakes’. Let us therefore cast off all dullness and hardness of spirit and be truly equipped from above with new strength for the warfare ahead of us. Let Christ be seen in our homes and let us not slip up in this vital area.

Remember we are called to be a blessing to others. We dare not be content until there is a continuing outflow of deep blessing from our lives individually and as a body of disciples of Jesus. Let Christ be exalted and glorified through our lives.