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1. India: Christians Fear Anti-Conversion Law for Kerala State 2. India: Ministries Fight Poverty-Rooted Despair 3. Philippine Ministry Evangelizes “Smoky Mountain” 4. Thai Children’s Home Saves One Child at a Time 5. Hungarian Mission Practices Three-Pronged Approach 6. Testimony: Former Communist Celebrates 25 Years of Ministry in India 7. Photo of the Week: Alley Kids Ministry ———————————————————————- These are the contents of today’s Missions Insider Report by Christian Aid July 23, 2003 Vol. 4 No. 29 Visit our website at http://www.christianaid.org ———————————————————————– John Lindner, Editor Sarah Carter, Assistant Editor ———————————————————————– Note: Missions Insider refrains from mentioning names that could make the subjects targets of anti-Christian activity. Names are sometimes mentioned of ministries conducting work commended by authorities or located in areas of greater religious freedom. ———————————————————————– 1. India: Christians Fear Anti-Conversion Law for Kerala State

Christians are worried that the south Indian state of Kerala may be in danger of joining five other Indian states in passing an anti-conversion law.

Jaya Lalitha, the chief minister of neighboring state Tamil Nadu, is a woman fierce in her promotion of Hinduism. After facilitating the passing of an anti-conversion law in Tamil Nadu she threatened to visit Kerala to press for a similar law there. Even though she has not yet made the trip, Christians are still worried that such a law could be passed, since similar laws have been passed in five states: Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Arunachal Pradesh, Gujarat, and most recently Tamil Nadu.

Ram Madhav, an RSS (National Volunteer Society from the Hindi-a strongly Hindu nationalistic movement) spokesman, said in June that the laws were necessary because the activities of missionaries have led to tensions threatening “peace and harmony.” At the same time he said the conversion activities of the VHP (World Hindu Council) and other Hindu bodies did not create a problem because these were just calling people to a Hindu “homecoming.”

Under the anti-conversion laws, it is illegal to offer inducements or force anyone to convert. The fact that there is no record of forced conversions to Christianity and that the only forced conversions (or “reversions”) are by Hindus making Christian converts “revert” back to Hinduism does not affect these Hindu zealots. Their intent seems to be to stop the spread of Christianity and further the influence of Hinduism.

Already these laws have emboldened radical Hindus in their persecution of Christians. In Karnataka state, just to the north of Kerala, opponents to the gospel recently sent a warning to all pastors and preachers in the area, saying that no one should conduct Christian prayer meetings anywhere in public or “serious action” would be taken. An Indian newspaper sparked hostility when it falsely reported last December that 1500 Hindus had been forcibly converted to Christianity. In Andhra Pradesh, to the northeast of Kerala, a newly-purchased children’s home was debilitated when a Hindu neighbor dug through its driveway, claiming the drive was on his land. In Kerala state itself, an American missionary was beaten in the street with clubs and irons and then deported when he was released from the hospital.

As the threat of political action looms over Kerala, indigenous believers are praying for God’s intervening hand. To learn how you can strengthen the roles of native missionaries in India, write and put MI-429 600-PERS on the subject line.

———————————————————————- 2. India: Ministries Fight Poverty-Rooted Despair

Poor families in India are particularly susceptible to the problems that ravage the nation, such as depression and poverty, and many indigenous ministries seek to bring hope through practical and spiritual assistance.

One such ministry in Andhra Pradesh state told Christian Aid of one woman who, after years spent in poverty with an abusive, drunken husband, decided to drown herself and her two small children. She tied the children in her sari and jumped into a lake. Somehow, the knot tying the children to the sari came loose. She became frightened and swam to shore while her children drowned. She is now in custody, in a state of mental shock.

Another man, a wood vendor, found his life so meaningless and so full of financial strain that he convinced his wife and growing boys to kill themselves. He hung his wife and children in his own house, then hung himself.

In the face of these and similar tragedies, many ministries fight to bring hope to India’s millions. Some operate vocational training programs for needy women and their families. By learning to sew or grind, women may make a living without resorting to vices or succumbing to despair. As the ministry trains them in a vocation, it also gives them the good news of Jesus.

Many ministries operate homes for children who are orphans or who have run away from abusive situations.

Yet horrific stories like those mentioned above continue to happen, urging ministries to fight more strongly than ever to bring the gospel to every dying person in India. For more information, write and put MI-429 600-PNS on the subject line.

———————————————————————- 3. Philippine Ministry Evangelizes “Smoky Mountain”

Husband and wife missionaries are caring for some of the poorest people in Manila, those who used to live on a huge dumpsite called “Smoky Mountain.”

Today, these “squatters” dwell in temporary housing put up by the government after “Smoky” was demolished a few years ago.

Although the razing of the dump was supposed to help the poor who lived there, many find themselves in worse situations. The dump, although infested with disease and harmful smoke, was a source of income. Poor people would sift through the junk to find things they could sell. Now, this “livelihood” has been taken away. With no proper identity papers, it is nearly impossible for the poor to get jobs or find decent housing. Children go without education, clean clothes, proper hygiene and, too often, food. Disease is rampant; every week brings another funeral to the “squatters” area.

Yet hope shines in this dark place. Since 1984, Nemuel and Ruth Palma have ministered to the squatters. They conduct VBS classes for children and Bible studies for parents. Many have been led to Christ.

The Palmas also operate a Light House Learning Center, teaching children the basics of reading, writing and math so that they will be able to go on to higher secondary schools.

Because children often come to class hungry, the Palmas feed them. From 100 to 120 children ages 3 to 14 receive this aid daily. Nemuel also pastors a church for those who have been led to Christ through the ministry.

The mission faces many struggles. Because it operates in the poorest section of Manila, its participants have little to contribute to its support, and gospel workers receive barely enough to live on. The ministry also has no facility for its school and Bible studies; instead, children meet in an alleyway for food and classes.

The Palmas’ health has deteriorated as a result of years spent amid the putrid smoke of the dump. Ruth was also in a car accident in 2002, which caused her much physical pain and restricted her ability to carry out her ministry.

This ministry would greatly appreciate your prayers. To learn more, write and put MI-429 801-SMM on the subject line. See also today’s Photo of the Week.

———————————————————————- 4. Thai Children’s Home Saves One Child at a Time

A ministry caring for orphaned and neglected children in Thailand seeks to expand.

At present, the home accommodates only ten children. Construction is underway for a new facility that will be able to care for 100.

Despite meager funds, the orphanage/children’s home is faithful to care for its wards’ spiritual and physical needs. They are given meals, shelter, clothing and an education, as well as the good news of salvation. The ministry reports that all of the children who are old enough have accepted Christ as their Savior.

Bhat is a 9-year-old boy whose father was an illegal immigrant to Thailand from Laos. Soon after marrying Bhat’s mother, he disappeared, leaving the woman unemployed and in poverty. As her son grew, she became afraid that he would fall into the wrong crowd or be mistreated because of his mixed background. She finally took him to the children’s home.

At first Bhat was rebellious and angry, the ministry reports, struggling with self-acceptance problems. But now, he has accepted Jesus and is growing into a responsible, considerate young man.

“Mike” is another little boy who has found a better future at the children’s home. Mike was abandoned by his mother after she remarried because her new husband did not want to be burdened with a child. He lived with his grandmother until he was 4; then she brought him to the home, unable to support him.

At first he was full of fear after having been rejected and moved around so many times. Then, through the love of Christ shown at the home, he began to learn new things and make new friends.

To learn how you can sponsor a needy child in this or a similar home, write and put MI-429 720-TSO on the subject line.

———————————————————————- 5. Hungarian Mission Practices Three-Pronged Approach

A Hungarian church planter told Christian Aid that as his congregation prepares for a new building, the believers hope to set a “model for churches within Hungary and internationally.”

Pastor Geza Kovac’s three-pronged plan enables his church to function as a congregation, a community house and a training center.

The first function of the new building will be as a meeting place for believers. Hungary is experiencing great revival among its youth. Many of the younger generation’s parents are also being drawn to the gospel. So with congregations growing nationwide, the building provides a place for new believers to worship together and be taught God’s truth.

The church’s second function will be as a community house, a center of ministry to its environment, open seven days a week for all age groups.

Lastly, this pastor will make his church an institute for training future Christian leaders. He hopes to have facilities for training and housing university students who are dedicated servants of Jesus, ready to give their lives for the Hungarian people, and eager to achieve excellence in their own fields of study.

This plan, incorporating ministry to the body of Christ, outreach to the community, and training of young leaders, is the result of years of steadfast prayer and hard work on the part of Geza Kovacs, his wife, and the staff of his ministry.

When Kovacs first felt called to plant churches in his native land, he realized that “church planting is the key need for the revitalization of the Hungarian church.”

Today, he pastors Rose Garden Christian Fellowship in Budapest and serves as director of Hungarian Evangelical Mission, training and supporting church planters. His vision of what a church should be is spreading across his native land and, he hopes, across the globe.

To learn more about Geza Kovacs and how to support his ministry, write and put MI-429 348-HEM on the subject line.

———————————————————————- 6. Testimony: Former Communist Celebrates 25 Years of Ministry in India

Rev. Paul Malayadi, like his namesake from the Bible, experienced a life-changing conversion that has led to 25 years of sharing the Lord throughout India.

Malayadi is the founder and director of the Christ for India Movement, an evangelical and church planting ministry that cares for the poor and shares the gospel to unreached villagers in ten of India’s 25 states. Missionaries with Christ for India distribute thousands of tracts, hold outdoor crusades, provide food and medicine for those who cannot afford them, and disciple new believers and pastors through Bible classes and seminars.

Yet the man who followed God into all this good work began life as a staunch Hindu. Growing up in a family in South India, he was named after the Hindu god Lakshmanan. Although he was considered a simple-minded boy because he stammered, he developed strong spiritual sensitivity at a very young age, even hoping to become a “sadhu,” or holy man.

As Malayadi grew so did a desire to reach out to the poor and suffering people he saw around him. He thought he could help them by joining the Communist Party. In 1975 he even led a farmers’ strike against landlords which nearly resulted in his murder. To save him from angry landlords, his parents sent him to north India.

There, Malayadi quickly became the Communist Party secretary of Shajahanpur City in Uttar Pradesh. Yet he was becoming disillusioned with Communism. He saw no hope of salvation for himself or those he was trying to help. Desperate, Malayadi decided to kill himself.

While he was planning his own death one day, an evangelist came into in his office. The Christian requested the use of some rooms in the party building for a library and prayer hall. At first Malayadi was opposed to the evangelist; he had been taught to hate Christians. Yet when he saw the man’s gracious manner, he softened and allowed him to use the rooms. “What does it matter anyway?” he thought. “I am going to end my life.”

The Christian left a New Testament, but Malayadi laid it aside, hopeless. That night, he determined to throw himself in front of the 11:30 p.m. train. As he took what he thought would be his last walk to the track, he heard a voice say to him audibly, “Read the Bible.” Realizing this was no human voice, he returned to his home and picked up the New Testament.

He read the book for three days, and on the third night at 11:30 p.m. he gave his life to Jesus. The very next day he began to witness for the Lord. He changed his name from Lakshmanan to Paul, reflecting the same kind of change in his soul that this great apostle experienced on the road to Damascus.

Paul Malayadi preached on the streets of India continually. In 1978 he joined the National Missionary Society and officially began his ministry. Then in 1981 he felt a call to reach out to tribal people of north India.

In October he arrived in Madnoor, a remote interior village on the border of Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra, with little more than the clothes on his back. No one in the village would rent him a room because, as a Christian, he was considered untouchable. Finally a strict Hindu rented him a room-knowing it was inhabited by an evil spirit who killed whoever stayed in it. Paul Malayadi prayed all night long, however, and the villagers were amazed to see him alive and well the next day. Many began believing in Christ, bringing the sick and demon possessed to him for prayer.

Yet even after Malayadi’s ministry began to grow in this area, his life was not free from tragedy. His seven-month-old daughter died before his eyes as a result of improper medical care; the family was so poor that they often could not afford food for their own children. This severely tested Malayadi’s faith, but he held on to Jesus, and today the Lord continues to use him and his ministry mightily.

To learn more, write and put MI-429 637-CFI on the subject line.

———————————————————————- 7. Photo of the Week: Alley Kids Ministry

http://www.christianaid.org/pow/pow-4-29.asp

Ruth Palma, one of the directors of Smoky Mountain Ministries, stands in the background as volunteers give food to hungry children. These children live in temporary housing put up for “squatters” who used to live on a huge garbage dump outside Manila in the Philippines. Every day, they attend VBS and receive a meal. Because the ministry has not been able to afford a separate building for its activities, the children meet with their teachers in an alley between two buildings. To learn more, see story # 3 above.

———————————————————————- Mission Statement:

Missions Insider is a free weekly email report from Christian Aid Mission, your link to the world of indigenous missions. We seek to establish a witness for our Lord in every tribe and nation (Matthew 24:14) by supporting highly effective native missionary ministries based in poorer countries overseas, or where believers are persecuted. Christian Aid has contact with more than 6000 indigenous ministries that have a total of 300,000 missionaries on the field or ready to go when support is available.

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