This is my Father’s world, O let me ne’er forget
That though the wrong seems oft’ so strong, God is the Ruler yet.
This is my Father’s world, the battle is not done,
Jesus Who died shall be satisfied, and earth and heaven be one.
Praise God that His kingdom is not floundering or in retreat, especially not in an inhospitable environment. Our teaching team was conducting the second annual three week MTM Odisha Bible School in Odisha state in the city of Bhubaneswar, India. The MTM vision is to assist native Church leaders in teaching and equipping key people who are able to teach others. I witnessed a real hunger for solid Biblical truth to accompany their zeal for the LORD. What an encouragement to come to one of the spiritually darkest places in India, and to find committed brothers and sisters in Christ! How challenging to listen to life stories of suffering and loss for the sake of the Gospel. Even in the face of anti-conversion laws and penalties for proselytizing, there are still many evangelists dedicated to sharing the Good News exclusively to those who do not yet know Jesus.
What a privilege to study the Word of God together and find Spiritual nourishment and direction for living in our societies. We started out with a two day Marriage Seminar for couples. Brother Raymond Burkholder had sessions on the Godly Husband. Brother Merle Flory taught the class about the Godly Wife. I had the opportunity to talk about the Challenge of Godly Parenting.
Odisha Couples Meet -2017
The balance of our time was spent in the Bible School setting. Brother Raymond’s class was “Godly Marriage and the Home”. Brother Merle taught “The Commands of Christ”. In my classroom we took lessons from the book of Daniel “No Other God”.
What a joy to have the students engaged in lively discussions, and to see the light of understanding dawn on their faces. There were many expressions of appreciation given. “We have never heard teaching like this before.” “Now I am beginning to understand things that were always a mystery to me.” “This teaching of these three weeks will impact every area of my life from this point forward.” “I will be spending the next few weeks of my life with God and his Word, so that I can clearly discern His leading for my family’s future.”
Odisha Bible School Committee, Teachers & Graduating Students
When I look at the map and see how far India is from where I call home, it is easy to feel utterly insignificant. The scope and extent of the need for the Gospel is so vast. Yet in some small way God can use us to encourage and bless the believers here in the work of the Kingdom. But it is impossible to shake the feeling that I have received much more than I have given. I hope many more of you will have the opportunity for a similar experience. The fields are white and ready to harvest. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest …
Who will go? Whom shall I send?
Editor’s Note; The above article was written by Ken Gehman. Ken and Sue Gehman live in Mill Hall, PA. Ken serves as bishop for the Central Penn District of Keystone Mennonite Fellowship. A very special thank you to brother Ken for giving of himself to serve the Lord through MTM. Our prayer would be that the Lord will reward you openly for your sacrificial labor of love. Thank You.
