GREETINGS IN THE NAME OF THE LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST! I praise God for the opportunity He has provided us to support the less privileged ones through the HAR- VEST FESTIVAL, as we have collected about 10000$ through the aucon by members. I would request all who could not parcipate on that week to support our Mission Acvies in India and in USA, by giving their donaons for Missions to reach our goal of 17000$. The Mission Board of Our church is considering avenues where we would ulize our Funds for Mission in India and USA. The month of October brings to us a me when we begin to change our atude as the light saving phe- nomenon comes to an end and the change in climac condions that adorns our life style. This is month is also affeconately called as “Spook-tober” by those who love Halloween and all its associated fesvies. Amid the Celebraon, for the college students, October means Midterms. It ’s Scary that we are already at a point where midterms is sneaking upon. The strength that we can gather comes from the Lord Almighty to face every challenge that comes Our way. Isaiah 41:10 Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. With the faith in God, let us overcome every trial and tests that come our way as the Lord provides us the Courage required. Having courage doesn’t mean you will never fear or tremble; it does not mean you will not have inner turmoil. Having courage purely means you will do what’s right, regardless of the consequences. The apostle Paul struggled with the maer of pleasing God or win- ning the approval of others. He lost lot of his friends as he stood for God and His Faith was strong. He knew that Pleasing God must come first in His Life the others did not maer much. This reminds me of the Words of Marn Luther, fiery reformer of the 16 th century, when he risked his life by appearing before the German Diet in the city of Worms, “…I cannot and will not recant any- thing, for to act against our understanding of God is neither safe, nor open to us. On this I take my stand. I can do no other. God help me. Amen.” (T. M. Lindsay, A History of the Reformaon). Through the centuries God’s Leaders have made their stand with courage. They stood for truth, integrity and righteousness, no maer what their field of labour. Now it’s our turn. Can we stand firmly on the faith of God and witness to this world. Let us join to gather the strength to do what God wants us to do, which we define as ‘God’s purpose for me in this world’ May the Lord Almighty strengthen us to be courageous and to withstand every trial in life with the faith in Lord Jesus Christ. Rev John Geevarghese ([email protected]) Vicar SFO MTC NEWSLETTER OCTOBER, 2017 MARTHOMA CHURCH OF SAN FRANCISCO FROM THE VICAR