May - June 2008

And the LORD said unto Joshua, “See, I have given into thine hand Jericho, and the king thereof, and the mighty men of valour.” - Joshua 6:2

Dear brethren,

I hope in the Lord that this epistle finds you all in good health and spirit. And I am glad to report that by His grace, we too are doing fine. God is doing mighty things. He has given us the land! All we have to do is go and take possession of it. Amen! Once more, I want to thank the Lord for all of you who are supporting us with your valuable time and hard-earned money, so that VOZ can take the Gospel to the poorest, most remote unreached villages; and for the upkeep of VOZ’s orphanage. May the Lord see what you give in secret and reward you openly many fold.

Nagpur missionary conference

It was truly a time of refreshing and renewal at VOZ’s three-day missionary conference in Nagpur from May 22 to 24. Some 150 missionaries including VOZ workers from India and Nepal attended. These were joined by several pastors and laymen from the nearby districts of Maharashtra and from the states of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. We were blessed with anointed church leaders and bible scholars and the Holy Spirit moved mightily among the gathering energizing and encouraging us.

We were blessed to have Pr. Jun De Jesus and Sis. Sally Francis from ANFGM Abu Dhabi, Pr. Abi Mathew from Patna and Dr. Elisha from Nagpur as the speakers. The themes were “preparing spiritual leaders” and “church growth in villages.”

I must thank Dr. Elisha, director of Truth University, Nagpur and his team for their help in organising this conference. As local people, their support was invaluable.

VOZ goes to Manipur

The North-Eastern state of Manipur has 9 districts and a population of about 2.4 million. Of this, 58% are unreached. VOZ is sending to this state, Pr. Robin and his wife Sis. Phyllis, a newly married couple who have joined us recently. They will be working among the tribal people of Senapati district and in other districts. We at VOZ have known Pr. Robin for some 4 years now: he has done his masters in theology and has a great desire to serve among the tribal people in rural Manipur. Manipur is a Christian state—some 34% of the population is traditional Christian. However, most Christian organisations operate in the urban areas. So we were moved to lead and support Pr. Robin in his village ministry. Please pray for this young brother and his ministry.

VOZ Orphanage

By the grace of God, all our children passed their annual exams and are now in new classes. Sarah and Jennifer are now entering high school in Karattumadam, Udumalapet Taluk. Primary school children attend a Government-run Tamil medium school within walking distance of the home and those in upper classes are in a school that is a bus-ride away.

Shanti, the oldest of the lot (aged 17) has cleared her state board exams. By God’s grace, we were able to get admission into the highly acclaimed BSc Biotech course in Kongu Nadu Arts and Science Collage, Coimbatore. We are thankful to God for her faithful sponsors who have made this possible. Continue to pray for this child that God will raise her up as a testimony to his loving kindness.

Beloved, the numbers of children are increasing: Now we have over 50 children (12 tribal children from Manipur). Because of this, we have built a separate block for the boys and a new indoor dining hall. Please remember the costs and the strain involved in this ministry and support us in any way you can.

Church Constructions:

We have three ongoing church constructions in Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu. In Sivagiri, Thirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu, God helped us through a very generous brother in Muscat. But we still need funds for the two churches in Banswara district, Rajasthan and for the completion of the one in Sivagiri.

Beloved, we have missionary activities in 12 states of India and we are growing. So, the needs too are growing. Please remember that the people we work among are very poor, illiterate and often lacking in basic facilities such as sanitation, medicines and such. Let the Lord lead you in whatever way he wills to support us.

Sending more missionaries

VOZ continues to receive applications from the independent pastors in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. We actually met some people who were willing to go as VOZ missionaries. Our resources are limited, so most of these young men are on standby. Please pray to the Lord of the harvest for the resources.

Beloved, if you are interested in starting a prayer cell to support us, or to sponsor a missionary, church construction, orphans or any other of this ministry’s many needs, we request you to contact us. To those who are mulling a decision, I urge you to invest and become a share-holder in the Kingdom of heaven.

Yours in the master’s vineyard

Pr. K. Arul

Prayer points

TAMILNADU: Pr. Joshuva, Pr. Aseervatham, Pr. Rajan

- Pray for our oldest mission fields and believers are in Kollupalayam, Thippampatty, Chandrapuram, Min Nagar, Unjavelampatty, and around Zion Garden.

- Pray for the backslidden believer Bro. John and family, and Bro. Murugan and family of Chandrapuram to repent and come to worship every week.

- Pray for the deliverance of Sis. Girija and Bro. Damodaran of Cholapalayam from their family troubles and evil attacks and for their salvation.

- Pray for the funds we need to complete ongoing church construction work in Sivagiri before the monsoon season.

- Praise God for our Lords protection to our church believer Sis. Lakshmi ammal of Maracheri from the collapse of her house walls during the heavy raining in our Thirupanandal mission field.

- Praise God for the deliverance to Bro. Govindasamy of Sikkal Naikenpettai in Thirupanandal mission field has fallen down from a tree while he climbed to cut few branches, has broken his leg. But God's grace he is out of danger after the prayers of our pastor.

UTTARANCHAL: Pr. Nari Luhar

- Pray for the 13 districts of this State, officials, religious leaders and the population of 85,79,000 people for their salvation.

- Pray for the repentances of 81.7% Hindus, Islam 17.3%, Sikhs 0.4% and to accept Jesus as their personal saviour and the Christians of 0.14% for their protection.

- Pray for the funds we need to buy a piece of land to construct a spacious church and a pastor’s house in Tanakpur town.

- Pray for Sis. Urmila, our missionary field worker suffering from chest pain and heart trouble. Please uphold this sister in your prayers for her healing and deliverance.

- Praise God for the deliverance to Sis. Rita from unidentified sickness in stomach had serious pains by day and night. Doctors could not find the problem and treat her. Then we as church in Tanakpur and the Pr. Nari tearfully prayed for Sis. Ritas healing. God miraculously delivered her and now she witnesses Jesus the mighty healer.

ASSAM: Pr. Upendra Nanda, Pr. Issac Bagh

- Pray for the people living in 23 districts and the populations of 2,66,38,407 and for the their salvation.

- Pray for the repentances of 65% of Hindus, 31% Islam, Buddhist 0.3% and other religious in Assam and the protection to 3.1% Christians.

- Pray for the funds we need to build two spacious churches in Limbuguri, Tinsukia district.

- Pray for the healing and deliverance of our Lord to take place when our pastors visit hospitals in Tinsukia, Assam and all other VOZ mission fields in India.

- Praise God for Sis. Pinky from Limbuguri has repented from catholic spirit and accepted Jesus as her personal savior after hearing the gospel and God's word in our Limbuguri mission field church.

- Praise God for Sis. Monika and her husband from a Hindu family from Morapur Village, bearing lot of harassments and insults for their decision to accept Jesus and to go to church every Sunday in our Assam mission field church.

RAJASTHAN: Pr. Valsingh, Pr. Motilal

- Pray for the 5,64,73,112 people of Rajasthan state, living in 32 districts for their salvation.

- Pray for the funds we need to complete the ongoing of church constructions in Banswara District.

- Pray for Pr. Valsingh and Pr. Motilal family's protection in their ministering areas / villages in Banswara District.

- Pray for the 89% Hindus and 7.5% Muslims and 1.8% Jains to repent and accept Jesus Christ as their personal saviour.

GUJARAT: Pr. Lakshmanlal

- Pray for the 5,05,96,992 people of Gujarat to living in 25 districts to repent and accept Jesus Christ as their personal saviour.

- Pray for the 88% Hindus, 8.7% of Muslims and 1.2% Jains, 1,50,000 high caste Brahmins to hear the gospel of Christ and pray for the Chief Minister Narendra Modi for his repentance and for his salvation.

- Pray for the protection of 1.5% Christians living in Gujarat to have freedom to worship the Lord and to have freedom to proclaim gospel in all over Gujarat.

- Pray for the protection of Pr. Lakshmanlal and his family and the village believers in Polapan, Rampura, Vaniguda, Jathurva, Tarkia, Gamadi and Hamirpura villages are threatened by the Hindu front line leaders.

- Pray for the funds that we need to buy for the piece of land to build a church and a pastoral house in this mission field.

UTTARPRADESH: Pr. Subash Chand, Bro. Ramlal, Bro. Ram Shankar

- Pray for the 16,60,52,900 people living in 70 Districts of Uttar Pradesh for their salvation.

- Pray for the repentance of 81.7% Hindus, 17.3% Muslims, 0.4% Sheikhs and to hear the gospel for their heavenly blessings.

- Pray for the millions of people coming from all over India to worship in river "Ganges" to be touched by the hands of God our Lord to come to Jesus to worship Him for the heavenly blessings.

- Pray for funds we need for the 15 youths from all our villages need to go to Bible college in Lucknow.

- Pray for village believers from Shivpuri, Tappakhsoma, Bhavapur, Amrapur, Highipur, Mabebpur, Panchampura, Bindora and Sitapur towns to grow in Christ in every situation and overcoming all the pressure from Hindu leaders.

- Praise God for the prayer walk team in Sitapur climbing the victory over idol worship and Hindu God's in Uttar Pradesh and in India.

- Praise God on the healing and deliverances taking places in our village ministry. Pray for the people to increase on their faith in Christ.

CHATTISGARH: Pr. Hijikal Nagh, Pr. Thanuram Sahu

- Pray for the gospel to reach the population of 20,795,456 people living in 16 districts of Chattisgarh.

- Pray for the 92% of Hindus, 5.2% of Muslims and 0.85% Jains to repent and accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and to receive the heavenly blessings.

- Pray for the release of heavy objections and closed doors to preach gospel in this state and to plant churches in this state.

- Pray for the funds we need to construct spacious churches in Ulnar and Gopalpuri to accommodate the present increasing strength.

- Praise God for the spiritual growth of Ulnar and Gopalpuri churches from 180 to 350 and 400 souls in the village.

- Praising God for the 3 Hindu families from Chatti village in Damteri district after hearing gospel, they repented, denied Hindu Gods, and poojas and coming to our VOZ Gopalpuri church regularly. Please pray for these families to grow in Christ.

- Praise God for Bro. Basant Dhrow from Puri village a life time alcoholic, has repented from his bad habits after having personal counseling with Pr. Sahu, and tearfully accepted Jesus Christ and to live for him.

KARNATAKA: Bro. Moses

- Pray for the salvation of 5,27,33,958 people living in 27 districts of Karnataka.

- Pray for the repentance of 85% Hindus, 11.6% Muslims and 0.8% of Jains and to hear the gospel of Christ for their heavenly blessings.

- Pray for the deliverance of 50,000 Devadasi girls/ ladies from prostitution by the religious and traditional customs in Karnataka.

- Pray for the village ministry taking places by VOZ mission in Kasanakandi, Kamruasagara, Hosahalli, Chellaya Camp, New Lingapur, Muppalapur, Mathi, Mudlapur and Sanapur to plant house churches in every village to bring many souls to Christ and his salvation.

ANDHRA PRADESH: Pr. Moses Raj, Pr. Krupa Rao

- Pray for the 7,57,27,541 people living in 23 districts of Andhra Pradesh for their salvation.

- Pray for the repentances of 90% Hindus, 8.9% Muslims and 1% other religious people to repent and hear the gospel of Christ for their heavenly blessings.

- Pray for the funds we need to buy 2 pieces of land in Bobbili and Gangachola penta village in Vijayanagaram district and build 2 spacious churches for the present believers.

- Pray that our Lord Jesus will touch the people and the Hindu Gods and trust mission in Thirupati to repent before Christ, and to drive away the millions and millions of Indian and foreign people to escape from the burning fire of hell.

- Pray for the village ministries taking place in Galla Pallie, Bodda Valasu, Mugada, Patha Bobbili Karada, Pena Penki, Bonder Palli, Patru Wadu, Partywadu and Gangachola Penta to raise many souls to worship our Lord God Jesus.

- Praise God for the safe delivery to Sis. Viji of Bobbili, VOZ church had heavy sickness on the time of her 9th month delivery time. Doctors said the baby is dead in the mother’s womb. But VOZ pastor Moses Raj prayed for the life of the baby and safe delivery by our Lord. After the prayers, Praise God for the instant healing and the miracle took place for the baby alive, and the mother got strength from our Lord to give safe delivery.

ORISSA: Pr. Barun Harpal, Pr. Thappa

- Praise God for the safe delivery to Pr. B. Harpal's wife and given a beautiful female baby to this family.

- Pray for the 3,67,06,920 people living in 30 districts of Orissa for their salvation.

- Pray for the gospel to reach and make people to repent the 94.7% Hindus, 2% muslins and the 1% other religious people for their heavenly blessings.

- Pray for the protection of our village believers to remain firm in their faith and our Lord's salvation. Not to give in to the people who give money, goats, oxen, and other material blessings to deny Jesus and his faith.

- Pray for the VOZ Ministering villages, Birendep, Tilikani, Alapaka, Varipara, Amlijor Jamtoli, Handipari, Dhalkijharan, Dhanakpur, Ropatjar and Mangarkunda to raise thousands of youths and believers to hear the gospel, and accept our Lord's salvation.

- Praise God for the new three Hindu families from Adivashipura village hearing gospel, and they believe in Christ and now coming to worship our Lord in VOZ church KharalChappel in Sundergarh district Orissa.

NEPAL: Pr. Raj Oad, Pr. Mahesh Lawad

- Pray for the 99% of Hindu population in Nepal to repent from idol worships and Hindu Gods, come to hear gospel, accept Jesus as their personal savior.

- Pray for the funds we need 100 Nepali bible, 2 bicycles and 2set of drums for worship.

- Pray for the funds we need to buy land in Baskeda and Bagatpur in Mahendra Nagar district to plant churches.

- Pray for the house churches in Chamwapur, Sukassal Suda, Lalpur, Sunderpur, Tintara, Bangaon, Jimuwa and Daiji to grow in the word of God. Pray that our Lord will strengthen them to face all troubles and insults they face from local villages and Hindu front line leaders.

- Pray for the village brothers and sisters coming forward to accept the salvation of Christ, and to repent, receive Holy baptism in our Nepal mission field. 1. Bro. Parwish, 2. Bro. Pappu Dumail, 3. Bro. Balsingh, 4. Sis. Harisha Kumari, 5. Sis. Sarada Devi, 6. Sis. Godha Kumari, 7. Bro. Mar Bahadur and 8. Sis. Sita.

- Praise God for his mighty protection over Pr. Raj Oad and Pr. Mahesh Lawad from the threats and warnings from the Hindu front line leaders.