Dear friends

Seasonal Greetings to you in the most precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

I am writing you this mail with much prayer and concern about the ministry in Karnataka, India. I know you have been praying for the two states India that are heavily attacked by Hindu religious activists (i.e. Karnataka and Orissa) even though there are instances in few other states as well. We thank some countries such as France, US, UN Italy and some others who did speak to our Indian Government to control communal fights. Thank you for talking to our leaders (Indian Government) and your talks has brought pressure on our Government to stop killing and beating Christians in Karnataka and Orissa. We thank God that we could help, care, encourage, pray, support and uphold one another in times of trouble.    

Persecution:

Persecution has not really stopped the work of God in India; rather it has advanced the gospel as apostle Paul said it in Philippians chapter. However, several churches those used to meet in house, school, rented building and Hotel have been closed downed due to the opposition and order by the police. Pastors are beaten, killed, churches are burnt, destroyed, believers are forced to reconvert, rape, verbal abuse on Christians, asking pastors and believers to vacate who live in the rented houses. These are the horrible persecution we faced this time especially in Karnataka and Orissa for the past four months. There was restriction on Christmas carols where Christians do it in the nights here going from house to house singing the message of the Christmas. We are now slowly being cornered from all directions.

Our Activities:

I brought in an Orphanage from the age one for about 15 years. However, God picked me up from the lifeless village and put me in the school gave me education, and now I am actively involved teaching and training pastors, nurture, counsel and build new believers.

Firstly, I am greatly involved in both formal and non-formal Bible training and family counseling and enrichment ministry.  We are train pastors in their own ministry places as well.

Secondly, Conducting “Family Seminars” is another major activity. We conduct family seminars in various churches for the selective families. This has been a very useful and fruitful ministry as we hear a good feed back from the families who attend Family Seminars.

Thirdly, we support few pastors in both rural and sub-urban places. Our regular yearly budget is about $ 6,000 only.

Building Project:

Building one church in a suburban place will cost at least $ 5000. We have identified about 100 churches that are to be reconstructed. Now some have taken over to build 50 churches. You are welcome to build another 50 churches either through your church or individually in the name the name of your family. If you want to be part of building church/churches, it would be very useful. I think this is a need of the hour now.

Request:

Our humble request to you dear friend is please pray and support us with some financial aid as the Lord leads, so that we can comfort some Christian workers with your help. You can also help to build some churches in the state of Karnataka, India. Please do help us whenever possible, and tell about our ministry in your church or fellowship and be a help to us for the glory of God and rebuilding the broken churches and hearts of many Christians. I am sure you will have a great reward in heaven.

Below are the details of our ministry Bank account; you can feel free to send your support. This is a registered religious and charitable trust. If you have any questions feel free to ask. We love you and respect you.

Regards

Francis Doddamani

Bank details as follows:

Name: Pastoral Care Ministries

Name of the Bank:  Bank of India

Account number: 849310110002381

Swift Code: BKIDINBBBGN.

IFSC: BKID0008494

Address: #16, AECS Layout, 2^nd Main,

Sanjaynagar-Post

Bangalore-560094, India

Dear people of God,

On December 22^nd at 9.30 am to 11am, I need to speak three messages for a TV program (one in Kannada and two in English). This will come in the secular channel called “Amoga” covering all most half of Karnataka. Please pray that God will make these messages a blessing to the viewers. Each message is about 25 minutes.

We had a College celebrated on 14^th November. It was such blessed for the Nava Jeeva Ashram community. Various activities were conducted. Minister of Parliament (MP) Dr. H.T. Sangliana was the chief guest on that day. He encouraged the students with his talks. Various cultural activities were also conducted on that day. Our principals Dr. John Thanikal birthday was also celebrated on the same day. Nava Jeeva Asham has invested a lot on the ministry in the state of Karnataka. Please continue to pray for the college and Nava Jeeva Ashram family. You can visit the gallery to view some pictures.

On December 22^nd at 9.30 am to 11am, I need to speak three messages for a TV program (one in Kannada and two in English). This will come in the secular channel called “Amoga” covering all most half of Karnataka. Please pray that God will make these messages a blessing to the viewers. Each message is about 25 minutes.

Teachers Training Workshop at Chitradurga. I conducted the Teacher Training workshop for BTCP teachers in the central part of Karnataka in a town called Chitradurga. Six pastors attended this workshop from morning to evening on November 30th. These pastors are committed, potential and talented. They can not only teach others but also promote this training to many churches as well. This group consists of Charismatic, brethren, Independent church and Baptist churches. One pastor Harish is training 10 pastors and 10 active believers in the church. A brethren assembly evangelist a knowledgeable man bro. Simon said ”BTCP books are well balanced and well prepared.” They all felt that a day workshop was useful and informative. Hence, please continue to pray for Karnataka that the Lord will establish His church in every parts of the state.

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We had a joyful Family Christmas celebrated on 6^th December in the evening. We had about 46 people participated in the gathering. We had about eight singles as well in the family get together. The focus of this Family Christmas was to bring families together to play, pray, worship, share fun and food together.

Pastor Daniel opened the program with prayer. Rev. Francis led the worship and Mr. Joshua who is a software engineer assisted in leading worship. Mr. Oblesh who is also a software engineer conducted games where people enjoyed and had a great laughter and eventually that made people to know each other’s name well. Rev. Renny Samuel a faculty at Southern Asia Bible College preached emphasizing three gifts such as forgiveness, present help and future help. He emphasized that these three gifts are to be practiced in the family relationships too.  We also had a second level of games where every winner gets a gift. These games were played to have more fun and laughter in the families. Mrs. Mary Smitha   distributed the gifts to the winners. In fact she did not have enough gifts to give away to all the winners. After the games,  we had a gift exchange session.  Every one’s name was written in chits and dropped in a basket. Then each one would pick up one chit and find that person to exchange the gift and also to pray for that person. It was a meaningful time of praying for each other and wishing them a happy Christmas season and blessed new year. Then, Dr. Atul Aghamkar a faculty at SAIACS spoke few words of encouragement to the families and concluded the gathering with prayer and benediction. Mr. Joshua, Mr. Shiromani, Mr. Abel and others served the food to all.

Over all we had a meaningful time of fellowship, fun and prayer. In these days of uncertainty in our context, familes needed the fellowship and encouragement. We thank God for helping us to bring families together in this manner. Please visit the website to view some pictures that Mr. Joshua clicked.

2. My participation with this gathering has opened up doors for me to visit various districts and towns and churches through them to talk about BTCP.

3. On 19^th I was invited to preach and introduce BTCP training in a church by name ICRM (India Christian Revival Mission) at Mysore. It is a growing church and over 200 embers attended the church on 19^th. ICRM is also running a Bible school in their church where 16 students are being trained for ministry.

4. Rev. Stephen Y. Banna preached in a CSI church, Naregal in Gadag district. He is also promoting Bible training in the state.

5. Visited Gadag to speak on Family Enrichment and also to meet a group of pastors and church leaders. Mr. Shathaveer Hulyal and his wife Mrs. Sundaramma celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary. They invited over 400 people for the thanksgiving gathering. This became a platform to address the community.

6. Preaching at Bellary Living water Church. After the service I met a group of active Christian leaders who are interested in Bible training.

7. Regular teaching at NLC for about 8 hours a week.

2. My participation with this gathering has opened up doors for me to visit various districts and towns and churches through them to talk about BTCP.

3. On 19^th I was invited to preach and introduce BTCP training in a church by name ICRM (India Christian Revival Mission) at Mysore. It is a growing church and over 200 embers attended the church on 19^th. ICRM is also running a Bible school in their church where 16 students are being trained for ministry.

4. Rev. Stephen Y. Banna preached in a CSI church, Naregal in Gadag district. He is also promoting Bible training in the state.

5. Visited Gadag to speak on Family Enrichment and also to meet a group of pastors and church leaders. Mr. Shathaveer Hulyal and his wife Mrs. Sundaramma celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary. They invited over 400 people for the thanksgiving gathering. This became a platform to address the community.

6. Preaching at Bellary Living water Church. After the service I met a group of active Christian leaders who are interested in Bible training.

7. Regular teaching at NLC for about 8 hours a week.

lives have been lost and the people trapped might be going through emotional trauma and fear of death it self. We also read of Thailand where siege of airports have put thousand of people stranded in various places. Now state of emergency has been declared. We are still bombarded with financial predicament from world over. Job cuts, lay offs, pay diminution, price rise on commodities.  Persecutions, threats of communal disturbances. All these are unpleasant and freighting to hear and to know.

Can we as believers in Christ become conscious that we are in last days as Christ has said and we need not get perturbed yet we need to be concerned and pray for our country and the world at large. We are citizens of peace, shall we sincerely pray with all sincerity for the following:

• Wisdom to State and Central Government leaders to experience wisdom God from above to deal with the situation in Mumbai.

• For the Military, Para Military and State police who are key to fish out the terrorist and as well to protect the civilians. Let us pray for their protection, and their families to get over their anxiety and be comforted by God’s peace and for them to trust in God.  

• Let us continue to be conscious in praying for our country and for its protection for we are called to pray for our leaders. Pray for the world peace which can be achieved only through people repenting from sins and churches to have revival. True revival will happen if we as Christians live the life transformed.

We really need to pray for our politicians to become more mature and conscious of Nation building, concerned about the economic upliftment, alleviation of poor, uniting the country without any bias of religion, cast and linguistic differences. Let us hope that more of god fearing youths who are matured and educated to become political components of our country, our churches should encourage youths to be available for future politicians, like Joseph, Daniel and others whom we read in the Bible.

Shall we thank God for all those Military, Air force, Navy, NSG commandos, and Para military forces and the sate police and hosts of Doctors, Nurses, and others who labored ceaselessly to make things happen. We also need to thank the News channels and their team who really have over worked to bring us live coverage.

Pray for the bereaved families, children, and others who need Gods comfort and grace. Pray also for the wounded who may be critical that God’s hand will be upon them.

Let us continue to uphold each other in prayer for us to be faithful witnesses.

Technology has brought a huge change to our world in the new millennium. Modern comforts have raised the standard of living to a high level. Even pastoral ministry appears to have been hugely affected by this new outlook. A church equipped with the most modern amenities, which caters to the fine and refined senses of a person is more sought for, a church where there is a clearer demonstration of faithfulness to the word and service to god. This attitude results in drawing faulty conclusions about the greatness of ministry, by measuring the abundance of external things, such as the kind of car the pastor drives, the size of his church and how often he flies around. Of course there is nothing wrong in having those things. However, such external things can keep a pastor from knowing the heart beat of pastoral ministry.

The biblical perspective of pastoral ministry demands an indepth scrutiny, and study of our own pastoral calling and skills we acquire to fulfill this role.

Pastoral Ministry: Building the church- Pastoral ministry is understood as directed to build, heal, nurture and lead the congregation towards Christian maturity. For Larry Crabb, pastoral care and ministry must aim at “leading believers towards Christian maturity.” Every member in the community needs love, care and cooperation. New believers who join the church need extra care, because they have embraced a new faith and thereby a new community that represents that faith.

Parenting is a significant role directed to those who need care in the church. Paul gives the imagery of a parent in his writing. The parental imagery of Paul exhibits his own willingness to assume a parental role. He compares himself to a mother who experiences a sharp sense of travail to bring a child into its true form. A mother experiences severe birth pangs to deliver a fully formed child (Gal. 4:19). This experience then leads to a close bond between the birth child and the birthmother. This is a bond of commitment and close relationship.

Paul also compares himself to a nursing mother for the believers of his time (1 Thess. 2:7-8). Paul exhibits his responsibility in caring, nurturing and maturing in Christian faith. Paul expresses his responsibility in perfecting the believers of the Thessalonian church. He not only loved them but he shared his very life and heartbeat with them. It was possible for Paul because he loved the church so dearly. He showed a deep yeaning for the church. The nursing mother is literally one who not only feeds the child but also raises the child. The model of the pastoral ministry has a vital role in nurturing, building and maturing the congregation.

In the Old Testament, Moses goes to Yahweh and argues saying, “Did I conceive these people? Did I give them birth? Why do you tell me carry them in my arms, as a nurse carries an infant, to the land you promised on oath to their forefathers? Where can I get meat for all these people?” Moses, a hero of faith utters these words knowing very well that a man will never have the privilege of conceiving and delivering a baby. Moses speaks out realizing the responsibility of a parent, as feeding, nurturing, and finding a dwelling place for children. The pastoral is not only one who delivers but also assumes the role of a “nursing mother” who nurses her child in her arms.

Unfortunately, today the pastoral role appears to have shifted from that of a parent to that of a police. A police is least interested in maintaining relationships but expect the public to obey rules. A similar attitude from the Pastor may stop people from attending the church but also cause them to stay away from the pastor. In other words the parent becomes a stumbling block for the maturity and growth of the church at large. The ultimate goal of the pastor, then, is to make the people dependent on God, living lives of integrity, deferential fear of the Pastor.

Pastoral ministry in the modern church demands a Pastor who builds the congregation like a nursing gives herself to ensure the growth of her baby into full maturity. The challenge of the Bible colleges of our time is to cultivate among our ‘budding’ Pastors such a yearning love for the church, training them to lead the Church towards perfection in the field of nurturing love.

Influencing the world: The church should become a home not only for believers but also for seekers. There are hundreds of people from different walks of life who have accepted Jesus but still remain outside the local church. The duty of a Pastor demands that he will work hard not only to shepherd the sheep, the church, but also gather the sheep who are outside the fold into the fold. Hence, the shepherding ministry has a vital role in the modern world today.
Famous Psychologists say that the people of this century are facing a crisis more than any other before, such as insecurity, depression, loneliness, rejection and the fear of the future. It indicates the basic need of people at large, as the need to be loved and cared for. Until these crises are met with, they operate with a deficit. The need is so big and calls for larger resources. Hence, it is primarily the church or the pastoral ministry that should meet the need of the hour. The Church needs to be equipped in finding solutions for the crises in the community. The Pastor is called to help people to help themselves, that they in turn may help others.

In observing the young people in our world today, the stress, uncertainty, competition and fear of the future on their lives are unmistakable. To overcome these crises young people fall prey to alcohol, the cinema transcendental meditation and other modern ways of escaping reality. It points to the burning desire of the people to get rid of their pains. If the shepherds put into ‘praxis’ the word of God, in caring and healing their pains, the church in turn can make a tremendous influence on the community as those who are healed and made whole. The call to pastoral ministry therefore envisages a wider ministry to the world at large; it is a ministry that first heals and builds the church, in other words it equips the church to transform the world.

The German Missionary Society (subsequently became the Basel Evangelical Missionary Society) came into being as a result of a pledge taken by few dedicated Christians at Basel in the face of a military threat. It was the year 1815 when Napoleon had escaped from the Island of Elba (where was a prisoner), and landed in France. The War continued in Europe. The City of Basel was very close to the borders of Germany and France. The French General Barbanege threatened to blow up Basel. A group of pious Christians, both Clergy and Laymen, belonging to the Reformed Church of Basel and the Lutheran Church of Wurtenberg pledged to start a seminary for the training of Missionaries, if God would spare their city. The Tartars and Calmucs marched through Basel to invade France with the Russian Army, made these people feel even more convinced regarding their seminary. The French General capitulated and Napoleon met his doom at Waterloo. In the same year, on 26th September 1815, six Christian men, a Professor of Philosophy, three Clergymen, a Merchant and a Notary, gathered in the Rectory of St. martin in Basel under the Presidency of Rev. Nikolaus von Brunn, constituted themselves as the Evangelical Missionary Society of Basel. The applied to the Government for permission to start an Institution for training Missionaries. On 26th August 1816, this Institution was opened with seven students with Rev. C.C. Blumhardt in charge. The Institution did not have plans at that time to do direct Missionary work, and only set about training people from the British and Dutch Mission Societies that were already engaged in evangelistic work. The largest number of trainees were supplied to the Church Missionary Society and were sent to India to serve at their Stations. This met with a lot of trouble as the East India Company did not permit non-British Missions to work in the territory occupied by them. But a revision of the Charter of 1833 removed this obstacle and non-British Missionary Societies were allowed to function. Much before this in 1821, the Basel Mission Society began to establish centres of it’s own, in Western Russia and then the Gold Coast in West Africa.

Having set up may Churches in Europe, the financial position of the Basel Mission Society decided to set up Institutions in areas of India that had not experienced Protestant Missionaries. So on 12th February 1834, three Missionaries were sent to India to establish Basel Mission Stations. They became the first Continental Society other than the Tranqueba Mission to take up work in India. The three Missionaries were Johan Christopher Lehner, Christian Lenhard Greiner, and Samuel Hebich who set out on 31st March 1834 and landed in Calicut on 21st August 1834. The came to Mangalore on 30th October 1834, where they were joined by four more Missionaries. The Missionaries felt that the best way to fellowship with the converts was to keep them well occupied in some productive work, hence they got involved in the Industrial Sector in Mangalore (South Kanara). The original Commission with which the Missionaries were sent to India was to establish schools and also institutions for training future catechists. The mission of educating was considered important. So wherever there was to be a congregation, there had to be an elementary Christian teacher. Besides elementary education they also began to train people to be catechists as early as 1840. The field experience soon made the Missionaries feel that they needed to involve themselves in creating some remunerative jobs rather than just educating people. An important problem the Missionaries had to face was the economic backwardness of a large portion of their congregation. The Basel Mission was thus faced with the problem of handling this situation. The traditional professions were considered not adequate or not acceptable to the new religion. So alternate jobs had to be found and the Missionaries tried to provide them.

As early as 1840 the Mission did some experiments to rehabilitate people. That year the Mission was presented with a piece of land near Mangalore by the Collector H.M. Blair. Rev. Samuel Hebich tried coffee plantation but had to give it up soon as it did not prove successful. Meanwhile, there was an attempt to make sugar out of tiodddy. But that also proved not profitable venture because of the expense of fuel which was too great. The Missionaries then thought of farming as many of the Missionaries came out of farming families and were greatly interested in agriculture. On 21st December 1842, Mr. Supper wrote to the Home Board at Basel for help to start agriculture in South Kanara. This request was followed by another made by Mr. Greiner. The Board with some hesitation approved this as a temporary measure. To implement this the Mission bought land and gave it on lease for cultivation. However, the agriculture settlements proved a partial failure since very few took interest in cultivating the lands as their own lands. There agriculture Mission was finally discarded in 1880. After the failure of the agriculture mission, the Missionaries conceived of an Industrial Establishment as a better alternative for creating jobs.

Way back in 1846, the Basel Mission started an Industrial school t train people ion weaving, carpentry, clock making, etc., with the help of some local artisans. Since it did not fulfill the expectations of the Missionaries, it was given up. An Industrial Commission was appointed to look at the various Industrial opportunities. In 1848, two lay-Missionaries, Bosinger and Muller, were sent to South Kanara to teach some new trades. These lay-Missionaries were by profession a carpenter and a locksmith. But both of them had learned watch and clock making before they were sent to India. They tried watch and clock manufacturing in Mangalore. But their efforts failed before long. In 1854, watch and clock making was given up as it was found not suitable to the capacities and requirement of the people. The first important Industrial undertaking which met with success was printing press with book binding department attached to it. The printing press was started in 1841 at Mangalore. First lithograph and later Kannada types were introduced. In 1851, a printer from Basel came with Kannada fonts/types for the press at Mangalore. The press thus provided employment to may people. Besides Christian books, books related to social sciences, arts and literature were also published at the press. A few well known works which came out of this press were Kittle’s Kannada-English Dictionary, Ziegler’s English-Kannada Dictionary, Malayam - English, English-Malayam, English-Tulu dictionaries and so on. Since the press was expanding, a big new building was built in 1913 giving regular employment to the people. A binding section attached to the press provided employment to many more. A separate book shop was opened in 1869, to sell the publications of the press.

In 1844 the Missionaries who knew a little about weaving business took initiative and started a weaving industry to give employment. Local weavers were also employed to train young boys. But soon they found that the local looms could not compete with the Western Mills. In 1851, Haller a European weaver was sent and he erected a little factory in Mangalore with 21 handlooms of European construction and a Dye house. He was the inventor of the color “Khakhi” and Khakhi cloth now known all over the world was first manufactured in Mangalore. Soon the weaving industry proved to be a success giving many people employment. A branch was opened in Mulki in 1853. The apprentices in this industry were also taught tailoring and embroidery. By 1870 the Basel Mission weaving Establishments in various places were not only paying for the cost of the Establishments but also made some profit.

In the year 1851-52 when the Mission faced failure in it’s agriculture programmes and only partial success in Industrial enterprises, the visit of an inspector from Basel proved to be very valuable and resulted in the inauguration of a new policy regarding Industrial enterprise in South Kanara. It was concluded that Industrial training must form part of the activities of the mission in India. Though the Industrial Commission was formed in 1846, it did not get involved in much business. But the new outlook and stress for greater involvement gave a boost to the Commission. IN 1852, the Commission was made a department of the Basel Missionary Society with a separate treasury. One of the most eminent Citizens of Basel, Mr. Carl Sarasin accepted the Presidency of it. The Commission felt that to run all the Industries good management was necessary. So the Industrial Commission in 1854 sent Mr. Pfleiderer to India for this purpose. He was responsible for the purchasing of the raw materials and the sale of the finished products. This was the beginning of the commercial enterprise of the Mission, which aimed not at profit making but teaching how to conduct business on Christian Principles. The work of the Industrial and commercial activities required larger capital. To meet this need a joint stock company was formed under the name Mission-Handels-Gesellschaft (Mission Trading Company). One of the new major Industries started after this new policy was a Tile Manufacturing Factory. As the South Kanara gets heavy rains during the Monsoons Missionaries thought that good tiles would be in great demand. Since the soil available was also suitable for the manufacture of tiles, a tile factory to manufacture flat tiles was started in 1865. (The tiles used for the roof of the Cantonment Orphanage or Cathedral High School on Richmond Road in Bangalore were from the first Basel Tile Factory, and dates back to 1865). The newly introduced tile industry progressed well and in 1877 the second factory was opened and the third one in 1880. These factories employed both men and women. The reports show that by 1913, the tile factories were employing 2,000 workers and were producing 60,000 tiles a day.

In 1874 the mechanical workshop was founded to train apprentices in jobs like carpentry, black smithy and watch making. The apprentices were given theoretical and practical training followed by the Government examinations in these Trades. This it provided technical training and produced many skilled artisans. The product of this workshop was also very much appreciated and the proof for this in the order issued in 1912 where the Government of Madras declared the Basel Mission mechanical Establishment as eligible for supplying safes for Government Institutions. It is also recorded that its products won awards at various exhibitions. Though all these efforts started in a small way, by 1914 it had become a major enterprise in South Kanara. Though the Basel Mission Industrial Enterprises were often criticised, they inspired may other Missionary Societies to start work on similar lines. In 1914 at the outbreak of the First World War, the Industrial Establishment of Basel Mission was confiscated by the British Government to be a German Organisation. This created a set back for the Basel Mission’s work in India. After the war the Industries were managed under the Commonwealth Trust. One can say that these objectives of the Basel Mission were to a large extent fulfilled and gained desired results. Definite economic benefit was achieved for the society ad country through these Industries. However, many had to leave he district especially the carpenters and black smiths because of lack of openings in South Kanara. Since 1879, most of them ,migrated to Bombay (Mumbai). This can be seen negatively as disrupting community in South Kanara. But ready employment for Basel Mission Christian artisans at Bombay gave people satisfaction. This also resulted in the forming of the Basel Mission Canarese Church in Bombay. Though the Basel Mission is best known in India for the Industries connected with it and through the Industrial department has in the course of time become an integral part of it. The Basel Mission itself never looked upon these Industries as anything else but as for the time being necessary and useful attendants of the Mission work in the useful sense of the term.

The Basel Mission Christian Association of Bangalore conducts every year at Christmas a Festival of Choral Music with the invitation of various Choirs of the City. This has become a traditional function that everyone spiritually musically minded looks forwarded to.

Our modern world is a stressed-up world, constantly trapped in high commitments and hard work. Oxford dictionary defines Stress as “A state of mental or emotional strain.” Actress Ramya said, “My profession demands a lot of commitment and hard work. I get stressed quite often… so tired of working every day and return home totally drained. The stress got me…but my biggest stress-buster is my dog.” (TOI 24 July08)
Stress has become synonyms with modern lifestyle. No one can deny its invasion into our lives. To bust the Stress one needs to identify the symptoms of Stress. Some of the following symptoms are sudden outburst of Anger, withdrawal from people, Irritation, Uncontrolled eating or lack of appetite, long or irregular sleeping patterns, loss of interest in work, solace in alcohol, or some vigorous activity…etc., to highlight some. When Stress is unattended it flows in two directions inward and outward. The inward flow (bottling up) of Stress produces Depression (anger turned inward) and the outward flow (uncontrolled) of Stress produces Aggression (anger turned outward).

Pastors, Evangelists, Missionaries, CEO’s of missions and Common believers all experience stress factures. Let me highlight some for our contemplation towards busting the Stress.

Pastoral ministry requires spiritual consistency to enable the Padre to be a spiritual guide to care for his parishioner’s spiritual and emotional needs. Though the Pastoral vocation puts the minister on a higher pedestal yet he is a human yearning for spiritual, physical and emotional needs. Personal interview with some Pastors revealed the following Stress points; Negatively are faced with Criticism from the members, over expectation and inadequate finances are some major stress factors. In most cases finance tops the list of stress especially in the third world countries. Most are under paid and many are independent but dependent on believer’s offerings and support. Established and structured churches function in political style often straining and restraining the Pastor’s spiritual ministry in the pulpit, among the people and even his pastoral commitments. Family responsibilities and if perhaps an unequally yoked partner then could become a crushing vice for the pastor.

Missionaries and Evangelists, they too fall into this Stress-itised facture. Yet there are few more points that can be highlighted such as under paid, pressure to produce results so that mission magazine could produce colourful reports. Separation from their children, inadequate encouragement and personal care from the leaders, no annual leave even if they have, there are no funds to spare. Incompatible life partner who may have been forced to be in the mission field, such situation have forced many to indulge in complacency, lack of spiritual exercise, secret sins to release their emotional burdens or lead fruitless totally overwhelmed life.

CEO’s too are prone to Stress. Most of the above-mentioned Stress factors can also be applied to CEO too. CEO’s shoulder higher and bigger responsibilities, he needs to raise funds, produce reports, pay salaries etc. There are few important points as mentioned by Charles Swindoll; “There is another side of stress that is easily overlooked, and that is trying to do too much myself.” The attitude of…“I am indispensable”, pride and stubbornness, and the “super efficiency” demanding others to be like them as if they are going to redeem the world is damaging as well increases the stress level. All of us have a limit. If those huge freight trucks on the highway have a load limit, then each one of us too have a load limit. When we try doing more than we were designed to do, our level of anxiety immediately begins to rise. This is common problem among strong natural leaders who assume too much responsibility rather than delegate the task to others who could help shoulder the load.”… “Say my friend, It is time declare it, you are not the Messiah of the twentieth century!” (Stress Fractures P25, & Growing strong in the season’s life P 192/3, Charles R. Swindoll)

Common Believer is also stressed in life as the demand for better living and financial burdens increase. All of us live in a competitive world. If one cannot balance life with the help of God then we sure are a sinking ship. Temptation and fall produce the after-effects of Eve, David, even like Peter’s denial. We need to grow above such trials with god’s help to be Stress free.

Friends, it is important to recognize I am just a human and let us be in state of constant communication (prayer) with our Lord and in right relation with fellowmen. Let there be godly influences in all that we plan or do. Let us commit our anxieties, inabilities and inadequacies into the hands of our Creator who has promised, “He will never leave us nor forsake us.” He cared for Elijah the prophet in his depression; He who fulfilled the request of Hannah the barren; Jesus healed the sick and raised the dead. Therefore let us be confident in Him who is able to be our Stress-buster!
Shall we rise above our human thinking and take on spiritual exercise into realm of reality and act like the true disciples of the 22nd century? May the Lord bless us all and continue to make us worthy to be His reflective servants.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord help me increase my dependency on you.
2. I recognize I am your hand made; I can do nothing apart from your help.
3. Help me to care and love others as I care and love my self
4. Help me to over come stress of every day life

Please pray for a couple in Bangalore who needs your prayers. They   are married and having a kid, which is less than a year. Husband works for a software company and wife is a medical doctor. They are our clients; we keep helping them to times of need. They have a difficulty in adjusting with each other and this man’s wife needs healing and the touch of God.  Pray that the Lord will restore this family.

In her pain she called various people for prayers and similarly she called Smitha as well for prayer. After Smitha spoke to her and encouraged her from the Word of God she got encouraged and by God’s grace now she started going to school where she is working as a teacher. Her colleagues were amazed to see her getting back to the work. In fact we both visited her and spent time in ministering her and praying for her.

On 3^rd August I had been to Belgaum to speak in a church. Pastor Anand D’ Soza invited me to his church. His two sons are very active in the church in leading worship and so. I also spoke to few people who are undergoing Bible Training in his church. Then I traveled to Dharwad and Hubly where I visited few pastors and a Bible college to talk about Bible training.

Picnic on 15^th August

We had a great time of picnic on the Independence Day. We traveled to the near by place about 75 kms had a fruitful of both fun and fellowship. We had about 35 people in the picnic. College students, graduates and families were part of the picnic. EGF hired a Govt. Bus for all of us to travel. In the picnic, there was lots of fun and fellowship. And the interesting part of it was graduates spent time with students who are new to each other and had a prayerful interaction and ministering to each other. I could also share in the picnic about the koinonia.

Soon after the Summer School I traveled to Kuwait to minister in the Karnataka Congregation. Ministry in this church was very fruitful and the Lord God almighty used me to preach the Word of god and encourage them. It was about a month I ministered in this church. This church is a mixture of Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Goa and so on. It consists of talented musicians, singer, worship leaders, preachers, encouragers and committed Christians. I visited quite few families along with the team of committed church leaders for Bible study, cell group and pastoral visits. In every house we had warm welcome and they sat together for the Bible study as families.

SALMIYA: In a placed called Salmiya I visited Mr. Samuel, Mrs. Vani and their daughter Sheryl. Few times we had Bible study in this on the book of Philippines. They showed a warm Christian love and respect. I believe that they definitely might have enjoyed the Bible study as well.  For the first time I had a privilege of eating Pizza after the Bible study. They took me out for lunch on the last day before I returned. It was nice spending some time with this family. Another family I spent some time with was Mr. Gary and Mrs. Catherine with two little lovely kids. They also live in a city called Salmiya. They took me to their home and some time to hand around the city. I had a privilege to be with them and minister to them.  Sister Garry prepared an Arabian breakfast when I visited their home. On 12^th July early morning around 5 am he picked me up and drove me to the near by beach where I could play in the sea and see few other places for two hours. They also gave me few gifts on the last day.

I visited another family Mr. Clifford and his wife Mrs. Lilly family along with their children Jenny and Joy. He is also an active member of the church and he is also a good preacher.  His daughter is involved in church worship team. Bro. Clifford’s wife hurt her right leg knee while they had been to church picnic. Even though she under went an operation, she still feels pain often. Hence, please do pray for her complete healing.  

Brother Raju George, who is a church elder, visited me time to time and took me out for house visiting. I visited his house but could meet his wife in person. His son little boy Joshua also used to join us in our visits. Bro. Raju took me out for dinner in the restaurants few times where we could share our thoughts and have timely counseling.      

I visited another family bro. Patrick and his wife, I had been to their house for prayer, they love the Lord along with their two children. He has a heart of an innocent child to respond to the messages. I was blessed with their fellowship as well.

Another Godly family I visited was Mr. James and his wife Mrs. Prabha with their daughter Saumay.  James is also is an elder of the church, actively involved in the leading the Kannada service. We had a Bible study in their house where some other families also join there for Bible study in the form of Cell group.  I conducted the study on the epistle of Philemon. It was nice time of learning the Word of God together. However, tired they were working hard and over time yet they appear are fresh for the Bible study. This family offered a sari for my wife and a handbag for me to carry my books, notes and Bible to the college and other places.

Another family I visited for Bible study and prayer was bro. Gently and his wife Mrs. Anitha and two children.  He is also a deacon in the church. It was a useful visit to the family, spending some time in Bible study, counseling and prayer.

I visited another family near airport, Mr. Vilas and his wife Mrs. Leena. I visited this family and prayed for them. They need more encouragement and prayers. I would request you to pray for this family as they are looking for a breakthrough in various aspects of their life. %

Yesterday police came into the service in the Mangal Oni were we were meeting in a temporary shamiana and stopped the service and took me and Bina along with other members to the police station.
They have alleged that they have 9 complaints against us and so we have been stopped.I have told the police that we will not be stopped from worshiping God.They let us go telling us that they will not allow us to worship since the mob incresed in the police station and the media was also present.
We Praise God for being blessed according to God’s word in this manner
Matt 5:11-12
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
(KJV)
Please uphold us in your prayers as we labour in His vineyard.
In Christ
daniel and bina koti
Pastors
Hubli City Assembly of God