Partnering with India’s Gospel Servants

Ghuna Kumar

"Preach the Gospel to the poor, heal the brokenhearted, set free those who are downtrodden." (Luke 4:18)

Gospel Friends 2008

This video gives an update of several Gospel Friends ministries in India.

In a word, the heart of Ghuna Kumar’s work is evangelism. Whether he is talking with the van driver or preaching in a village where there is no church, Ghuna’s number one priority is sharing the message of salvation through Jesus Christ.

A close number two on Ghuna’s list is training and equipping other believers to be witnesses for Christ. His vision is that everyone whom Gospel Friends helps – from the orphans growing up at the Mt. Zion campus to the young women in the sewing training program – will become salt and light for Jesus.

Let us share with you a little of Ghuna and his work.

SUNDAY SCRIPTURES

Isaiah 61:3 - A Message for Lent

by Kim Turkington on February 15th

From Ghuna Kumar in India:  During Lent it is quite edifying for us to spend 40 days reflecting on what the Lord has done for us on Calvary.

Beauty Instead of Ashes

Ashes in the Bible means sin and shame. When Tamar was put to shame she put ashes on her head and tore the long robe that she wore. (2 Sam 13:19) . When Job realized his blunders and sins, he despised himself in dust and ashes (Job 42:6).  When the king of Nineveh realized their sins and judgment, he sat on ashes (Jonah 3:6).  But God gives us beauty instead of ashes.  He clothes us with the beauty of SALVATION FROM SIN AND SHAME.

Isaiah 61:10 says, “I will rejoice greatly in the Lord; My soul will exult in my God, for He has clothed me with garments of salvation; He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.”

The Oil of Gladness Instead of Mourning

Mourning in the Bible means loss of beloved ones or properties.  We all go through losing our loved ones, job, children and so on.  Abraham mourned when Sarah died (Genesis 23:2); Jacob mourned for Joseph (Genesis 37:34-35); David led the people as they mourned Abner (2 Samuel 3:31-32);  Mary and Martha wept over their brother Lazarus (John 11:31).  Tears are mentioned in the Bible in several places. “My tears have been my food day and night” (Psalm 42:3 ). “Record my lament, list my tears on Your scroll” (Psalm 56:8).  But the Lord promises us the oil of gladness which means the SPIRIT FILLING LIFE.  Hebrews 1:9 speaks of the oil of joy.  Anointing of priests for setting them apart for God’s purposes is found in many places (Exodus 30:30).  Oil was used for healing and casting out of demons. (James 5:14; Mark 6:13).  Our lives will overflow when God anoints us (Psalm 23:5).

A Garment of Praise Instead of the Spirit of Heaviness

Heaviness means dimness, darkening , dullness and  weightiness.  Many times in our lives we experience something which is pulling us down.  Our hearts are downcast.  We feel hopeless as if a cloud is hanging over our spirits.  At times we get oppressive feelings, too.  But God promises a garment of praise.  I would like to call it a SONGS OF PRAISE (WORSHIP).  He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; many will see and fear and will trust in the LORD (Psalm 40:3).  By singing and praising the Lord our burdens and heaviness are rolled away.  “I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” (Psalm 34:1)  Hallelujah!

Prayer

Thank You, Lord, for giving me SALVATION from sin, shame, sickness and Satan; SPIRIT FILLING LIFE to over come my misfortunes and SONGS OF PRAISE in the place of feelings of oppression.  May this Lent be days of experiencing these blessings.

Praises and Prayer Needs

  • Praise God for His grace and Strength.  I have been unwell for the past twenty days.  I have had a severe chest cold and cough.  Despite all kinds of treatment, still I am not returned to normal.  Of course, I carried on the regular work.  Please pray for me.
  • Jaya had her left cataract done.  She is improving.  God willing, tonight we will be leaving Mount Zion and then on to Trichy and Coimbatore before we will arrive Chennai.  Pray for my preaching in a retreat in Coimbatore on Sunday, February 17.
  • Praise God for we had some rain at Mount Zion yesterday after a gap of almost two and half months.  Please pray for more rain.  This time our rice crop almost failed.  The prices of rice has gone up again.  What we used to buy for Rs. 32 has gone to  Rs.40 this month.
  • We are working for Government recognition of the sixth grade class we began in our Primary School. Pray that we will get this recognition.
  • Please pray for the people who lost almost everything as a result of devastating tornado in MS and AL in USA.
  • Pray for Angoon who is suffering much with her knee pain.
  • Yesterday I was able to win Mariappan to come to faith in Jesus Christ. Pray his commitment will be strengthened.
  • Pray for the certificate of accreditation which is yet to come from Asia Theological Association even though all the process from our end is over.

I want to thank all those who gave liberally for the cause of reaching the poorest and the downtrodden in India.   Thank you and Praise God for His enabling grace bestowed on you.  We certainly remember to pray for you more often these days.

UPDATES FROM THE FIELD

Let the Children Come!

by Kim Turkington on May 1st

May 11, 2012

Our VBS concluded on May 5 after five days in which we had the privilege of ministering to 5,200 children and young people on our campus.  Praise God that at this VBS we saw more commitments to Christ than ever before!

Now we are coordinating with pastors and Bible women to do a systematic follow up.  On May 30 we have a meeting with area pastors to devise follow up strategies in the villages.  There are hurdles in this work, including the religious and political extremists who oppose any prayer groups or other discipleship groups being formed.

Please pray that the committed ones will grow in grace and that God will help us find ways to help them.  Also pray for the pastors, Bible women and our Theological students who will be involved in the follow up work.

May 1, 2012

While it is the morning of May 1 here in America, the day is nearly over in India.  “So what,” you say?  Well, the news is that May 1 is the first day of our south India VBS!

About 4,200 came for the opening day, and we are expecting more tomorrow!  Please be in prayer for the children as many of them have never heard the Gospel before.

Our VBS will cost about $15,000.  If you would like to partner with us to share the Gospel and the love of Jesus with the children of south India, click here.

Now a Word from One of Our Sponsors...

by Kim Turkington on March 5th

We invite you to hear a word from one of our sponsors….

“Sometimes I am really overwhelmed with emotion when I think about how I get to help two young people by sponsorship.

Since India is so far away and with so very much need, you might ask, ”What difference can such a small amount make?”  I cannot answer that for sure, but this I know:  God takes a small amount and multiplies it.
If I can help two young people become educated and be taught about the ways of God, they then will be able to make a difference in the lives of other people in India. They will be part of a generation who will bring the Light of the Gospel and who will be equipped to influence the changes needed there. Also there will be a ripple effect as they raise their children, the next generation.
I feel so very personally blessed, and it brings tremendous joy to me to know I have a small part of what God has mandated and what He uses to bring about His purposes simply because he loves mankind with a passion.  Thanks, God, and thank you, Fishhook.”
Claudia O”Neil
Lexington, KY