HIMALAYA HARVEST January - March, 2002 PART 2

"The blind receive their sight and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them." The Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by signs and wonders following.

For the sake of the safety for our missionaries, we have omitted the names of some of the places.

JAMMU & KASHMIR

2 people baptized!

Santosh Thomas returned after three months after visiting some of our overseas prayer partners and relatives. The attack on The World Trade Center and the Pentagon were some of the unforgettable sights of this visit. He shares that the people of America were more receptive to the word of God after this incident and he had a blessed time visiting our friends and speaking in meetings. After his return to India, he visited our mission stations in Kashmir valley and encouraged our missionaries and believers who live in constant fear due to the prevailing terrorist activities by Kashmiri militants. These problems have also opened the way for the gospel to these needy people who continue to live under the threat of life. Thus this year it was a unique opening during the Christmas programs. They were invited to several schools and colleges, and other public institutions to speak. The visit of Naga choir added to the joy of these programs. The officiating Chief Minister Hon’ble Gulam Mohi-uddin-Shah was the chief guest of the main Christmas gathering in their church. Many other officials and dignitaries and a large crowd of about 2000 people also came into the campus and listened to the word of God. There was a good response and many people committed their lives to Jesus. Besides that the evening was marked by a live telecast by three different television channels and our Christmas message was published by some of the leading newspapers.

Leslie Rao and his wife report that they received threats on the phone to kill them if they did not stop their work. Pray for them. Bhibhucharan Bagh and his wife Sneha report that a couple who have been married for four years and did not have any children came to them for prayer. Brother Bhibhu shared the gospel and prayed for them. Now they are expecting a child and believe in Jesus. Qadar Masih reports that a 7-year old boy named Sony had been sick for many days and was brought to them in an unconscious state. The family was in tears and asked him to pray. After four days of persistent prayer he was restored to normal health. Nanu and Paramjeet report that the local people oppose them when they go to share the gospel. The house owner does not like to have prayer meetings in the their house. They are praying for this problem. Nanu’s mother who was suffering from kidney stones for the past many years was miraculously healed by prayer. The next time when she went to the doctor he found that the stones were gone. Randeep and his wife Anu share that two people got saved and took water baptism.

PUNJAB

Demons flee in the name of Jesus!

Sain Dass reports that a man suffering from a brain problem for the past nine years was miraculously healed by prayer. Now the man goes to work. Yousaf Sandhu reports from Dadwan that seven people came into the fold of Christ and many others were healed. A woman suffering from tumour in her stomach was healed after prayer. An atheist suffering from severe backache for a long time was also healed after prayer. His life is changed now and he believes in Jesus. Sister Raj reports that a 17-year-old boy was demon possessed and would become unconscious quite often. She prayed for him and God set him free. A woman suffering from severe headache was healed after prayer. Binyameen reports that he held a small convention in their village. Twenty people came forward to accept Christ as their Saviour. Mukhtar Masih shares that six people accepted Christ as their Saviour. Yaqub J Mall reports that four people accepted Jesus as their Saviour. Retired Capt. Yousaf shares there were many miracles in his ministry this time. A young girl suffering from asthma in critical condition was healed by prayer. In another family, a six-month-old baby used to cry without any known reason for long hours. The parents were quite worried over this problem and brought the child to Pastor Yousaf for prayer. Immediately after prayer the child stopped crying. The parents are happy now. Sadiq Masih reports that six people repented from their sins and three others were healed from different sicknesses. A demon-possessed person was set free after prayer in the name of Jesus. Surjit Masih reports that two demon-possessed people were set free after prayer. Now they with their families attend their fellowship.

UTTAR PRADESH
Demon possessed set free!

Satyen Biswakarma reports that they face opposition from local people and as a result, their work among children is hindered. Samuel Isaac Mathew shares that he arranged a small meeting at his residence. Many people were healed from various sicknesses. A few demon-possessed people were also set free. Jai Prakash Rao shares that a man suffering from tuberculosis for the past many months was healed after two months of persistent prayer. A demon-possessed woman was set free after prayer. Five others from their surrounding villages came to faith in Christ.

B.E. Jayaraj and Dilip Kuril report that they face opposition from some local people. Some people tried to beat them one day, but the Lord protected. Pray for them. Hari Bansh Masih reports that a young man who was demon-possessed was brought to him. He prayed for him and rebuked the demon in the name of Jesus and the demon left screaming loudly. The man is now well and regularly attends the fellowship and meetings. Omprakash Gupta reports that a policeman accepted Jesus as his Saviour. He now encourages brother Omprakash in his ministry. Ruel Hansda and Mrinalini report that some miscreants broke into their house and stole some of their things while they were away on a short visit to a nearby station. A family that used to believe in sorcery has accepted Jesus as their Lord after being set free from sickness.

UTTRANCHAL
4 people baptized!

M.M. Varghese and Jolly Varghese share that 4 people took water baptism. Their ministry among the patients and staff of a nearby hospital continues. One staff nurses who was sick asked them to pray for her. She became much better after prayer. Some college students who have been attending their fellowship are now showing interest in the gospel. One of them who was an atheist has surrendered his life to Jesus. Pravin Singh shares that God is using one the believers named Masih Charan in a mighty way. A woman in their village was suffering from a big sore under her chin. She took much medicine; but it was of no use. Finally, one day brother Masih Charan prayed for her and next day itself she became well. Thus, the Lord is revealing His Glory in the midst of the non-Christians. Issac Daniel reports that some local people are threatening the new believers. As a result, the new believers are unable to come for their meetings.

MAHARASHTRA

7 people took water baptism!

S.B. Pathode reaped a rich harvest of 16 people who accepted Christ as their saviour. U.B. Atre reports that a demon-possessed woman and a girl were set free after prayer. They now attend their worship. Twenty- three people accepted Jesus as their Saviour and two people took water baptism. Shobhelal Pateh continues to spread the gospel among the Gond tribals. He shares many people came forward to accept Jesus as their Saviour and many others were healed from their sicknesses. Among those who got healed was a man suffering from paralysis. A 50-year-old lame person became well. A couple who had been married for 7 years and did not have any children came forward for prayer. They are blessed with a child now. In addition to these miracles, 5 people accepted Christ as their Saviour and took water baptism.

ORISSA

21 people baptized!

D.N. Oddu reaped a rich harvest in the last 3 months. 26 people accepted Jesus as their Saviour and 9 people took water baptism. A demon-possessed man was set free from evil spirit. A deaf man is healed after prayer. Tankadhar Tandi reports that a young man suffering from high fever was healed after prayer. Similarly, a demon-possessed girl was healed after prayer in the name of Jesus. Binaya Kumar Sipka reports that thirteen people have come to the Lord. They stand in need of your prayer. Kaibal Bagh reports 5 people from non-Christian families got saved and took water baptism. Gyani Harpal reports that two people accepted Jesus as their Saviour. Some local people are opposing his gospel work. Pray for him. Joseph Senapati shares that 3 people got saved and took water baptism. P.K. Korkora reports that 4 people submitted their lives to Christ and took water baptism. Pray that they may grow in the Lord. 

MADHYA PRADESH
8 people baptized!

Sunil Paul writes that many people including children suffering from different sicknesses in his church were healed. Two people accepted Christ as their Saviour and took water baptism. Sanjay Lilhare reports that a demon-possessed woman named Indrabai was set free after prayer. She committed her life to the Lord and took water baptism. She now regularly attends the church. Ravi Pateh reaped a rich harvest of forty-six people who accepted Christ as their Saviour and 5 people took water baptism. Pray for the new believers to stand firm in Christ.

BIHAR

5 people baptized!

Pannalal Soren shares that 10 people accepted Jesus as their Saviour and two people took water baptism. Harun Kisku shares that looking at the signs all over the world they feel that they are living in end times and are giving more time to prayer and fellowship. A man suffering from swollen legs was healed after prayer. Timothy Hansda shares that ten people committed their lives to Christ and one person took water baptism. They all now attend the meetings regularly. Hanok Hansda reports that he shared the gospel with a man who had been bedridden for a long time and then prayed for him. On his next visit, he found that the man was healed. However, he shares that many anti-Christian people are opposing him and his listeners. Pray that the situation may change in his area. Tomy Joseph and Beena started work in a new place in Bihar. Fifteen believers attend their worship on Thursdays. Silas Rangmo and Wilson Hembrom share that 4 people accepted Jesus as their Saviour and 2 people took water baptism.

WEST BENGAL

6 people baptized!

Munib Narjinary reports that his new work has started bearing fruit. A family now comes to their house for prayer and fellowship. Jacob Rai reports that two people accepted Jesus as their Saviour and two others suffering from sicknesses were healed. Silash Pradhan shares that seven people accepted Christ as their Saviour and 3 people took water baptism. One person was healed. Similarly John Soren shares that 3 people from non-Christian families took water baptism and are growing in Christ. Pray for these dear ones that they may grow in the Lord as some of their relatives are trying to stop them.

John Rai organized a small revival meeting in his church. The believers were blessed and received new power. Two people received Christ in their hearts and got saved. They are growing in the Lord. James Ramtial shares that three families accepted Jesus as their Saviour.An alcoholic man accepted Christ and left his old habit of drinking. Pray for him that he may lead a victorious life.

SIKKIM

Dhiraj Rai and Jagir Rai is in a new place in Sikkim. Most of the people there have never heard the name of Christ in their life. They also work among children and 25 children are now coming to their classes.

NEPAL

3 people baptized!

Stephen Hansda shares that nine people were saved and 3 people took water baptism. David Lama reports that a demon-possessed woman was set free after prayer. Children in his church were healed from various sicknesses after prayer. Four new people received Jesus in their hearts as their Lord and Saviour. B.K. Yubaraj reports that three people were healed from their sicknesses. A demon-possessed person was set free after prayer in the name of Jesus. Deepak Raj Rokka shares that he was praying for a new believer who was not serious about attending the meetings. The Lord worked in his life and now he is attending the meetings. Besides this, a small child who had been sick was brought for prayer. She was healed after prayer.

Mitra Ram Tamang shares that he was able to share the gospel through skits and other means. Thirty-two people committed their lives to the Lord. Kiran Khate shares that nine people committed their lives to Jesus and a few others were healed from their sicknesses. Hemant Bardewa shares that seven people repented from sin and accepted Christ as their Saviour. Many new people come to faith through their outreach work in the villages. Jose Lazer reports that two new people have come to faith. A person who was suffering from severe pain in legs was healed after prayer. Chandrika Prasad Chowdhary shares that a woman suffering from various sicknesses was brought by her family for prayer. Chandrika prayed and God healed the woman. Now the whole family comes to their fellowship.

BHUTAN BORDER

Dan Lama reports that a demon possessed woman was delivered after three days of fasting and prayer. A couple requested them to pray for their child who was seriously ill. Pastor Dan prayed and the Lord healed the boy. Afterwards the parents accepted Jesus as their Saviour. Madhukar Lama shares that believers in Bhutan are being persecuted. In spite of problems the gospel work is going on. He also reports that a demon-possessed person was set free in the name of Jesus. One day a poisonous snake bit one of their believers and he was brought to the church for prayer. Miraculously the Lord touched him and the believer was saved. Sahadeo Thapa shares that four people accepted Jesus as their Saviour while he was sharing the gospel to a small crowd.

ARUNACHAL PRADESH

Sarad and Aruna Gahatraj continue to spread the gospel in spite of opposition. They are using video shows and literature distribution in the hospitals and schools. As a result, students are showing interest in the gospel.

ASSAM

James Chhetri and Bipen Narjinary opened a new station and report that their ministry is going on well. The local people warn them saying that the area is infested with robbers and terrorists. They stand in need of your prayers and God’s Divine protection.

FIELD FOCUS

Wilson Hembrom

My name is Wilson Hembrom. I was born in 1982 in a district called Sahebganj in Bihar. I lost my father in my early childhood. My family and I used to visit a near by nominal church. Although I attended that Church I did not know about Jesus Christ. When I was ten years old, a believer from a Pentecostal Church told me about Jesus Christ. Thus, I came to know about Jesus. Due to the untimely death of my father I could not go to school like other children of my age as we were facing financial problems. While my family was worrying about my future, the believer who led me to Christ, came to us and told my family about an Christian orphanage in Ranchi.

Born Again

My mother decided to send me to that orphanage after much thought. We then contacted the believer brother to assist us to get admission in the orphanage. By God’s grace, I got admission and studied up to ninth standard. The orphanage gave good Christian teachings and laid emphasis on Bible reading. Thus, I came to know about Jesus and I accepted Him as my personal Saviour. Soon I took water baptism on 30th August, 1995 in the orphanage itself.

Himalaya Evangelical Mission,

In 1997, when the school closed for the summer vacation, my sister and her husband (Pastor Ruel Hansda) working with the Himalaya Evangelical Mission at Gorakhpur, invited me to spend my vacation with them. Thus, I came to Gorakhpur and my life has not been the same since then. I entered into a world of Christians who were different from those I had earlier seen or met. I started attending the weekly prayer meetings led by Mrs. Christy Thomas and also Bible classes and other fellowship meetings besides Sunday worship. Meanwhile I helped in the campus with miscellaneous work in my free time. I experienced the presence of God as I drew near Him. My life was transformed. Earlier I lived like a nominal Christian even after baptism. I gained good knowledge of the Word of God. Finally, one day God filled me with His Holy Spirit. I received a new power to share the gospel. In September 1998 I applied to join the Himalaya Evangelical Mission and soon I was accepted. I completed my one year training in the Himalaya Missions Institute and worked in different places in Uttar Pradesh during my practical work period.

MISSION FIELD

After HMI training a missionary brother named Silas Rangmo and I chose to work in a remote place in thick tropical forest area called Harnatand in Bihar. The commonly used language in this place is Bhojpuri. We work among the Tharu people who are found in majority here. The Tharus have their own rules to govern their community. The surrounding villages and jungles are infested with robbers and dacoits and people live in constant fear. Here life is very slow. The people here need to walk several kilometers to find a good road. The nearest post office is 25 Kms away

PERSECUTION

It was very difficult to find a house on rent. With much difficulty we got a small village house, and we started sharing the gospel. Soon the local people started harassing the house owner, who in turn asked us to vacate the house at a very short notice. We prayed and after sometime the owner stopped asking us to move out. The local people used abusive language while we go out for outreach work. Some people even threatened to throw us out of this place. One day I went to a nearby small bank to open an account in my name. But the Manager did not like Christians; so he insulted me and refused to help me. I was very much hurt and returned home and prayed to God. Soon after that a new Manager came to the same bank. When he heard about me from the bank employee, he came looking for me to my house and met me. He gladly opened an account for me without any delay.Besides the local people, natural calamities also hinder our gospel work. Harnatand is a flood prone area. Many people suffer every year due to heavy rains and floods. Like others we were also affected by it. One time we woke in the middle of the night to find our belongings floating in flood-water. One day when I opened the door of the toilet I found that a cobra lying in a corner. When it saw me it raised up it’s head and started hissing to bite me. I ran out to get a stick and called Br. Silas for help. In the meantime, the snake came out of the toilet and we killed it. This is a world infested with dacoits, robbers, deadly snakes, and floods and we are alive only by the grace of God.

The Church

We started working among the children. Many children accepted the Lord Jesus and they regularly come to our Sunday school. Some people came to faith through our weekly open-air meetings. Presently we have a small group of believers. But the believers are facing problems due to their new found faith in Christ. Some people are trying to seize one of our believer’s land meanwhile another new believer’s house was looted during the night. Now this family is in pathetic condition. Another believer named Ganesh Mahli is facing ex-communication from his community. He faces severe animosity from the local people. Some people hired a dacoit to kill one of our believers. However, the dacoit changed his mind when he saw the believer’s courage and hope of life after death in front of the dacoit. Thus, he was saved from being killed for his faith.

Silas Rangmo and I are praying for one hundred believers before the end of this year. Pray for us and with us as we toil day and night to bring these lost sheep into the fold of Christ.

YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE Donations originating from within India should be made payable to Himalaya Evangelical Mission, while donations from outside India must be made payable to our old name Kashmir Evangelical Fellowship.