“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”, Rom 3:23. Yes, Lord, I know those heathens in India! That they are Buddhists, Hindu’s and who knows what all other false religion cultures there are, that have fallen short of the glory of God, but me?? But, surely not me! I mean I have Christian relatives going back more generations than I can count, and I have went to church and Sunday school ever since I was born and I really haven’t been all that bad, have I God? But remember the scripture says, in Rom 3:23, “ALL and that is what it means, ALL.” Some of the all who have sinned are part of the 1.1 billion, yes, billion who have never heard, and half of those live in southeast Asia. We argue and fuss over Jesus 2nd coming while billions have NEVER HEARD of Jesus 1st coming.
These men were so hungry for more of Jesus Christ!
Why do we spend thousands of dollars to go half way around the world? Why do we miss 3 to 4 weeks of work? Why do we go to people who we can’t even properly communicate with? Why do we sleep in rooms that are less than comfortable, at least what we’re used to? Why do we eat meals that consist of rice every day? Part of the answer to these questions is…. (A) To help our fellow workers who are diligently laboring at MTM who are teaching and preaching the truth of God’s Word, and teaching untrained men how to be servant leaders for the cause of Jesus Christ. (B) To come along side of the local pastors to encourage them. (C) To raise more local disciples of Jesus so that they can go back to their villages and tribes and share the good news of Jesus Christ, including the all things in Mt 28:19 &20.
And we happen to experience the blessed privilege to fellowship with Indian believers who truly love Jesus and have never had a biblical and godly example to follow. MTM laborers kindly, gently, and biblically show the local pastors and elders how to lead by example. A wonderful example seen is that of a man named, Floyd,( not his real name). Floyd, had a stroke a number of years ago, which left him paralyzed from the waist down. When Floyd accepted Jesus Christ as his Savor and Lord, GUESS WHAT, HE WAS MIRACULOUSLY HEALED? Today he is walking and has a great testimony for Jesus, a wonderful smile, and serves as an elder in his church. Some may question the impact of MTM, but according to 1 Cor 3:6, “it is God who gives the increase.” So MTM plants, other workers come along side of them and water. “BUT GOD, is the One who gives the increase.” All Glory to Jesus Christ.
Attendees responding to the alter and God’s call on their lives!
Pastor Rohit who was the native coordinator of the second conference at Jammu had this to say after the conference was completed. What the MTM team was teaching will shake the rocks in the tribes and villages from which these local pastors come from. Please do understand that these pastors and leaders have had no training or teaching of the many biblical doctrine and principles that we have been taught from little up. They are truly hungry for the teaching of the Word and we have seen them soak up every word that was spoken.
The MTM team. L-R Gloria & Tom Miller and Raymond & Naomi Burkholder.
At the closing sessions of these conferences, an alter call is normally given. OH, what a joy it was to see these native folks responding in sincerity, with tears streaming down their faces, hands lifted toward God and calling out to God to come and touch them in a very real way, was a real blessing to us. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for moving amongst all people. P.S. Thank you to each one who has prayed for us and our team, your prayers were felt as we were in the heat of the battle. Thank you also for your financial support.
Editors Note; Tom & Gloria Miller are from Christiana, PA and they are members of the Nickel Mines Mennonite Church. They greatly enjoy serving the Lord in the local church at home in America and serve in multitudes of different capacities and roles. A very special thank you to both Tom & Gloria for giving of yourselves and your time and resources in serving the Lord with MTM as well as serving our dear brothers & sisters in India. May the LORD be praised.
