20
Pulpit Calendar
Monthly Theme :
For He will save his people - Mathew 1:21
Editorial Team : Pastor, Asha, Selvin, Hannah, Wilfred & Arun
Date Time Speaker
7:00 am (Tamil) Rev. Gandhi Selwyn
9:30 am (English) Pastor
5:00 pm Bishop Dr. Taranath Sagar
9-Dec-12 7:00 am (Tamil) Rev. Stanley Jeyaseelan
9:30 am (English) Pastor
16-Dec-12 7:00 am (Tamil) Pastor
9:30 am (English) Pastor
23-Dec-12 7:00 am (Tamil) Rev. Stanley Jeyaseelan
9:30 am (English) Mr Vivek
25-Dec-12 7:30 am (Tamil) Pastor
5:00 am (English) Pastor
30-Dec-12 7:00 am (Tamil) Pastor
9:30 am (English) Pastor
31-Dec-12 (Watch
night covenant Holy
Communion Service)
10:30 pm Pastor
2-Dec-12
Humor
21&22, Bethel Nagar 1st Main, Off Kodigehalli Road,
K.R.Puram Hobli, BANGALORE - 560 036.
Website: bmcbangalore.org
Pastor: Rev. T. David Livingston
Cell: 99865 26450 E-mail: [email protected]
(For private circula1on only )
“And she will bring forth a Son, and you
shall call His name JESUS, for He will
save His people from their sins."
Mathew 1:21
Volume 6-12 December 2012
A BILINGUAL BULLETIN OF BETHEL METHODIST CHURCH
2
New Sanctuary Dedication
19
Dedication Service Events
18
Regula
r & S
pecia
l Pro
gra
ms - Dec 2012, Jan & Feb 2013
Whi
te fi
eld
outr
each
W
hite
fiel
d ou
trea
ch
Whi
te fi
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outr
each
W
hite
fiel
d ou
trea
ch –– ––
Dec
201
2 (C
o. o
rd.: A
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joe,
Miss
ions
dep
t.)D
ec 2
012
(Co.
ord
.: Ath
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Dec
201
2 (C
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Miss
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dep
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3
Pastoral Letter
Dearly Beloved,
Gree1ngs of this lovely season to you!
Dedica1on of the new Sanctuary has brought in a lot of cheer and joy in BMC
family and the building in its heavenly grandeur is truly a Christmas gi; to us from
God. What a bliss we experienced when the glorious ceremony was enjoyed by all who
were present, right from our honourable Bishop and Bishopamma!. Complimen1ng
through a ‘Thank you’ or ‘Well done’ doesn’t seem to be a sa1sfying word to me to
appropriately appreciate the contribu1on of some of you in this sacred accord. I pro-
foundly value the involvement of all BMC members and their friends and appreciate
you more than what human words can convey. May God bless all of you for building
His dwelling place, by laying all your heart and soul in it. Now we enter into this happy
season of Christmas.
Jesus is always happy about someone celebra1ng their birthday, happy and
knows about each of us even in the sea of humanity. But he will truly appreciate if they
celebrate his birthday by knowing the ‘why’ and the ‘how’ of his birth.
The ‘why’ of His birth:
The name ’Jesus’ means ‘to save the people from sins’. He saves them by
bearing their sins on himself. In today’s world, people have their own burdens to carry
and some are already sinking under the burden of their own problems. How will they
help to sort out the problems of others? There are some who try to share others’ bur-
dens but they also can do it only to a certain extent. They may not be aware of their
vulnerability level and may get stuck if that level is crossed.
Whereas God, who knows the mammoth extent and the immense gravity of
human struggle with its accurate root cause, can hence bear it himself thus helping
everyone. If someone gathers all the problems of the world on a table, it would be
known that the heart of the problem is the problem of the heart. Yes, sin is the root
cause of human fall. Jesus took his very name that addresses the root cause of human
suffering. "And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He
will save His people from their sins." Ma.hew 1:21. If we want to truly address our
life-problems, we must start with Jesus right at this root spot. Then we will be able to
get divine solu1on to all problems since Jesus has addressed the totality of human
suffering on the cross and has finished it. He bore all our weaknesses and nailed them
on to the cross. In his name, we have victory. In his work at the Cross, there is fullness
of Salva1on.
The ‘how’ of His birth:
Jesus followed the course of human history and the law of human life. “But
when the fullness of the 1me had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman,
born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive
the adop1on as sons.” (Gala1ans 4:4) He took birth under the divine laws appointed
for humankind on earth. Instead of working as a transcendent God above human level,
he took the life of a human being. He sa1sfied God’s holiness and our pending punish-
ment for sins by taking the human punishment upon himself and tasted human death,
all in a brutal form. This promises that Christ will follow us through our history of life
on earth and sail with us through the laws of human life towards eternal victory in the
4
end.
We can celebrate Christmas meaningfully by star1ng with Jesus - by receiv-
ing him in our hearts and making sure of his presence in the course of our life. If we
are found stuck somewhere, Christmas is a point to start all over again. Since Jesus
came as a Saviour we can trust him and ask him to save us. Isn’t this great news be-
fiGng to be shared with others in this favourable and friendly season?
Let us fill this month with purposeful Christmas ac1vi1es that bring blessing
to others and ourselves spiritually. Blessed Christmas wishes to all of you from Jeya,
Tabi, Timo and myself!
Rev. David Livingston
ேபாதக� மட கிறி����� பி யமானவ�கேள, கிறி��ம� கால அ�பி� வாழ���க,
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இேய8வி� பிற7ைப அைனவ(, ெகா3டா+வ� அவ(�� மகி-)சி அளி�கிற�, ஆனா' ெகா3டா+ேவா�, கிறி�� பிற7� எத0காக அைம5த�, எ7ப அைம5த� எ�பதி� ெபா(ைள உண�5தவ�களாக ெகா3டா+,ேபா� இேய8 ெப(மகி-)சி அைடகிறா�. எத�காக கிறி�� பிற�தா� இேய8 எ�ற வா��ைத�� ’பாவிகளி� இர�சக�’ எ�? ெபா(. மனித(ைடய பாவ=கைள த,ேம' 8ம7பத0காகேவ அவ� பிற5தா�. இ�? ம�க ப'ேவ? பிர)சைனகளா', த=கD�ெக�? ஒ( பார�ைத 8ம5தவ�களா6 வா-கி�றன�. இ5நிைலயி', ம0றவ�கDைடய பிர)சைனகD�� அவ�களா' எ7ப உதவ 9 .,? அ7ப ேய உதவ 9�வ5தாI, ஒ( �றி7பி�ட அள� வைர மா�திரேம அ� சா�தியமா�,. த=க ெசா5த வா-�ைகைய அைவ பாதி��,ேபா�, பிற(�� உதவி ெச6வ� நி�? ேபா�, ஆனா' ேதவ� மனித<ைடய பா+களி� 9E ப மாண�ைத., தா�க�ைத., அதி� ேவ� காரண�ைத., அறி5தவரா6 இ(7பதினா', அவரா' அைனவ(��, உதவ9 .,.
17
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5
ஒ(ேவைள, உலக�தி� அைன�� பிர)சைனகைள., நா, ேசக �தா', அவ0றி� ைமய9, ேதா0ற9, மனித இ(தய,தா� எ�ப� நம�� விள=�,. ஆ,, மனித இ(தய�தி' ேதா�?, பாவ சி5ைதேய மனித வ J-)சி�� காரண,. இேய8 இ5த பாவ�தி� ேவைர 9றி��,ப யாக Kமியி' மனிதனாக அவத �தா�. "அவ� ஒ� �மாரைன� ெப�வா�, அவ�!� இேய$ எ%� ேப&'வாயாக: ஏெனனி அவ� தம� ஜன,களி% பாவ,கைள ந/!கி அவ�கைள இர0சி�பா�" (ம3ேத4 1:21) நம� வா-�ைகயி� பிர)சைனகைள ச5தி�க இேய8விேலேய ஆர,பி�கேவ3+,. இேய8 மனித�ல�தி� ெமா�த பாவ�ைத., த,ேம' 8ம5�, சிIைவயி' தJ���வி�டப யா', அவ �Lல, மா�திரேம நம� பிர))ைனகD�� தJ�� அைம.,. அவ� நம� ெபலவ Jன=கைள த� ேம' 8ம5� சிIைவயி' ெவ0றிசிற5தா�. அவர� சிIைவ7 பணியா' நம�� இர�)சிபி� 9Eைம உ3+. எ�ப8 கிறி�� பிற�தா�
இேய8 மனித வரலா0ைற., வா-�ைக நியம�ைத., பி�ப0றினா�. "நா, ��திர 8விகார�ைதயைட.,ப நியாய7பிரமாண�தி0�� கீ-7ப�டவ�கைள மீ�+�ெகாள�த�கதாக, கால, நிைறேவறினேபா�, �திOயினிட�தி0 பிற5தவ(, நியாய7பிரமாண�தி0�� கீழானவ(மாகிய த,9ைடய �மாரைன ேதவ� அ<7பினா�" (கலா�திய� 4:4,5). மனித�ல�தி0� ேதவ� நியமி�த பிரமாண�தி�ப அவ� பிற5தா�. மனித வா-வி0� ேமலான ச�வவ'லைம ெபா(5திய கட� மனித உ(�ெகா3டா�. மனித<ைடய பாவ�தி� த3டைனைய அவ� த,ேம' ெகாUரமான 9ைறயி' சிIைவ மரண, வைர 8ம�க ேந�5த ேபாதிI,, ேதவ<ைடய ப 8�த�ைத அவ� பா�கா�தா�. இதி� Lல,, கிறி�� நம� மனித வா-வி' இைடப�+ நி�தியமான இ?தி ெவ0றிவைர ந,ைம நட�தி)ெச'ல வ'லவராயி(�கிறா�.
கிறி��ைவ ந, இ(தய�தி' ஏ0?�ெகா3+, நம� வா-�ைக7பாைதைய அவர� பிரச�ன�தா' நிைற�� நா, வாE,ேபா�, இேய8வி� பிற7பாகிய கிறி��ம� ப3 ைகைய நா, அ��த�ட� ெகா3டாட 9 .,. வா-�ைக7பாைதயி' எVவிட�திலாவ� நா, தைடப� (7ேபாமானா', கிறி��ம� Lல, நா, ம?ப ., �திதாக �வ=க 9 .,. இேய8 பாவிகளி� இர�சகராக ேதா�றியப யா', அவைர ந,பி, அவர� இர�சி7ைப நா, ேவ3ட 9 .,. மகி-)சி��றிய இ5த ந0ெச6தி நம� ந3ப�கD��, பிற(��, இ5த ப3 ைக நா�களி' பகிர�த�க ச�தியம'லவா?
நம� ஆவி�� ய வள�)சி�� ேநரான சி5ைத.ட� இ5த கிறி��ம� கால நிக-)சிகளி' ப=� ெப?ேவா,. என� �+,ப�தின� தி(மதி ெஜயா, ம0?, தப�ீதா, ேமா ஆகிேயா(ட� ேச�5� உ=கD�� எ� இனிய கிறி��ம� ந'வா-��கைள அளி�கிேற�. ேபாதக� — ேடவி� லிவி=�ட�
6
சா0சிக�.
ஆ3டவ(, அ(ைம இர�சக(மாகிய இேய8 கிறி��வி� இனிய நாம�தி0� மகிைம உ3டாவதாக. நா=க 2001 இ' ெப=க] ' இட, வா=கிேனா,. வ J+ க�ட ேவ3+, எ�? 9ய0சி.,, அதிக பிரயாச9, ப�+�ெகா3 (5ேதா,. ஆழமாக ேயாசி�தா' அ� 9 யாத ஒ( கா யமாக இ(5த�.
ஒ( நா ஞாயி? ஆலய ஆராதைன�� அேநக ேகவிகDட� நா� ெச�ேற�. அ5த வார�தி' ெச�ைனயிலி(5� ஒ( ேபாதக� வ5� ெச6தியளி�தா�க. ெச6தியி', எ� ேகவி�� பதிலாக ’ந�ைமயான எ5த ஈ�,, Kரணமான எ5த வர9, பர�திலி(5� உ3டாகி, ேஜாதிகளி� பிதாவிட�திலி(5� இற=கி வ(கிற�. (யா�ேகா� 1:17)’ எ�ற வா��ைத Lலமாக க��த� ேபசினா�. இைத� ெதாட�5� நா� ஊ�கமாக ெஜபி�க� ெதாட=கினா�. அதி� விைளவாக க��த� 27-4-07 அ�? ெசா7பன�தி' என�� த சனமாகி, தி�ட9, ெதளிவா6 வ J�ைட7 ப0றி ேபசினா�.
அதி� விைளவாக 28-05-2007 அ�? பண, இ'லாத c-நிைலயி' அ �தள, ேபா+வ� ப0றி எ� கணவ� ேபசினா�. நா=க ெவ?, அ �தள, ம�+,தா� ேபாட ேவ3+, எ�? அ5த க�+மான ஒ7ப5த�கார ட, ;றிேனா, அவேரா, அ �தள�ேதா+ நி?�தாம', 8வராவ� எE7பேவ3+, எ�? ;றினா�. எ7ப ேயா சமாளி�� அ5த பண�ைத� ெகா+�ேதா,. எ=கDைடய வ(மான�தி0� அVவள� ெதாைக கிைட�கா� எ�றாI,, கட<�� வி3ண7பி��, எ'லா வித�திI, அ� கிைட�க 9ய0சி ெச6�ெகா3 (5ேதா,. க�+மான பணி பாதியிேலேய நி0கிற ஒ( c-நிைல. ந,பி�ைக அ0?7ேபான நிைலைம. எ� ெபல<, நா� க��த(�� கா�தி(5த ந,பி�ைக., அழி5� ேபாயி0? (�ல,ப' 3:19)
இ5த நிைலைமயி' நா� c-நிைலைய7 பாரா�, ஆ3டவ� ெதாட=கியைத 9 7பா� எ�ற வி8வாச�ேதா+ எ� மனதி' ந,பி�ைக ெகா3 (5ேத� (�ல,ப' 3:21) ’ஒ( அதிசய, ெச6., ஆ3டவேர’ எ�? ெஜப�தி' இைடவிடாம' ேபாரா ேன�. அதி�ப , கட� கிைட�க7ெப0?, ஒ( வ J+ க�+,ப யான c-நிைலைய ேதவ� ஏ0ப+�தி�ெகா+�தா�. நா� ெஜபி�தத0�, ேவ3 யத0�, அதிகமாக (எேபசிய� 3:20), இர3+ வ J+க க�ட ேதவ� கி(ைப ெச6தா�. நா� எ7ேபா�, எைத� ேக�டாI, இர� 7பான ஆசீ�வாத, ேக�ேப� எதி�பா�7ேப�. இர� 7பான ந�ைமைய த(ேவ� எ�ற தம� வசன�தி�ப ேய (சக யா 9:12) ேதவ� என��) ெச6தா�. க��த(�ேக மகிைம உ3டாவதாக.
- தி(மதி. சசிகலா ஜா�f, ெகா ேகஹளி
15
prac1ces o;en risking her own life. She rescued many twins and ministered to their
mothers. She even adopted a 6 month old twin girl she had rescued and named her
Janie. The people saved would o;en inform Mary about the happenings of such or-
deals and Mary would quickly go there and do her part to save them. The Lord gave
her favor with the tribesmen, and Mary eventually gained a respect unheard of for a
woman.
A;er only 3 years, Mary was sent back to Scotland on yet another furlough
because she was extremely sick. This 1me she took Janie with her and stayed home for
3 years. Everybody loved the dark skinned Janie and also her rescue story. She re-
turned to Africa with more determina1on. Mary wanted to leave the coast and live in
the interior, in the midst of headhunters and cannibals. When one of the men mission-
aries went into the district to seek permission to live there, he was captured and nar-
rowly escaped death. Nevertheless, Mary set out on her great adventure in August
1888. She stepped into the canoe with 5 na1ve orphans, children she had rescued
from death. The oldest was a boy of 11 and the youngest was a baby in her arms. It
rained the whole day and it was night when finally the canoe was pulled up in the
riverbank. The chief of the village liked her brave spirit and gave her permission to stay
there. She helped in building up a mud walled house and quickly adopted herself to
the food and condi1ons there.
The chief of an interior village was seriously ill and the villagers had sent for
Mary. Assured in her heart that her Lord would accompany her, she set out at dawn. It
rained unceasing all day and Mary went on with her head throbbing with fever and her
body weak and trembling. A;er more than 8 hours of walking, she staggered into the
house of the sick chief. Although wet, exhausted, hungry and aching all over, Mary did
not wait a moment but went straight to the unconscious chief and a;er examining
him, gave him a dose of medicine she had brought. She con1nued to nurse him and to
the astonishment of the villagers, the chief regained consciousness and took food. The
people rejoiced and in gra1tude to Mary enquired about her magic power and Mary
told them the gospel.
One day, Mary received a secret message about two villages going to fight
against each other. Running as fast as she could she caught up with them and stopped
them. Stunned by her courage they hesitated and she shouted saying that she would
make peace between them. To her amazement, an old chief came forward and knelt
before her and said,” Ma, we are glad you came”. Looking into the man’s face she
recognized that it was the same chief she had gone to see years before when he was
about to die. She was so glad she had gone that day and therefore could make peace
and save many lives.
Mary rescued hundreds of twin babies thrown out into the forest, prevented
many wars, stopped the prac1ce of trying to determine guilt by making them drink
poison, healed the sick, and told the people about the great God of love whose Son
came to earth to die on the cross that sinful men might have eternal life. She was 55
when she moved on from Okoyong with her seven children to do pioneer work in Itu
and other remote areas. In 1915, nearly 40 years a;er coming to Africa, she died at the
age of 66 in her mud hut.
Mary Slessor was truly the queen of the Dark Con1nent and has been an inspira1on
for many.
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Missionary Profile - Mrs. Edith Sundar
MARY SLESSOR
Mary Mitchell Slessor was born on December 2, 1848 in
Gilcomston, Scotland. She was the second of seven children. As a
child, she was greatly influenced by the stories told by her mother
about Calabar, the deadly coast of Nigeria. Her father, Mr.Slessor
ran a shoe making business that wasn’t doing well. The failure in
his business made him an alcoholic and brought poverty and
strife to the family. So when Mary was 11 years old, the family
decided to move to Dundee, Scotland hoping that the move
would help Mr. Slessor get a stable job and give up drinking. But
things didn’t change much and the financial strain forced Mary to
get a job at a coKon mill. She worked many tedious hours to provide for the family.
As a young girl, Mary had given her heart and life to Jesus and was ac1vely
involved in the church and was also a zealous worker in several missions. She was not
well-educated but she loved to read and would spend hours reading the Bible and
various other books. From her childhood Mary always wanted to go as a Missionary to
Africa. Sadly for the Slessor family, out of the seven children Mrs. Slessor had, only 4
survived childhood. Mr. Slessor also passed away from pneumonia, leaving his family
with mixed emo1ons of sorrow and relief.
Early in 1874 the news of the death of David Livingston s1rred the land and
created a great wave of missionary enthusiasm. Mary’s heart was thrilled to ac1on and
she decided to go. In 1875, the Board of Foreign Missions accepted her offer to go as a
missionary to Calabar. A;er a year of training, Mary, 28 years of age set sail to Calabar.
The trip was a rigorous one and she fell ill many 1mes but reached Calabar in good
spirit. She was first sta1oned in a missionary compound as a school teacher where she
learned the local language. A;er spending 3 years there, her heart yearned to go into
the interiors. But she was down with Malaria and was sent home to recuperate. A;er
16 months of recovering, she was sent back to Calabar and this 1me to Old town
where she could work by herself. She decided to live with the locals and learn about
their culture.
Witchcra; and spiri1sm and cruel tribal customs were hard to fight against.
She learned about the cruel gods of the Africans, carved of wood and stone to which
they sacrificed humans. With her pale skin, red hair, and blue eyes, it's no doubt she
stuck out. It took some 1me for the villagers to get used to her, but soon they were
calling her “White Ma”. The Nigerians had the prac1ce of judging by ordeal. A person
suspected of doing wrong would be given poison or boiling oil would be poured over
him. The gods were supposed to protect the innocent from harm. Everyone tested by
these methods were found guilty, quite obviously. Another horror was the custom of
killing the twins. The tribes believed that twins were a result of a curse caused by an
evil spirit who fathered one of the children. As they did not know which child it was,
both were buried alive or thrown into the forest to be nibbled by insects or gobbled by
leopards. The mother of the twins was driven away and shunned from society. Such
prac1ces broke Mary’s heart. Overwhelmed and depressed, she knelt and prayed,
"Lord, the task is impossible for me but not for Thee”. She fought against these
7
Build Bethel Report - Mr Isaac FAITH - An Experience I would love to treasure!
At the outset, I would like to thank our dear Lord Jesus Christ for
giving me the privilege to be part of this amazing “Project Build Bethel”.
Step by step and day by day, the way our God led us in everything turned
out to be a miracle.
In March 2008, when I was handling the +inance of the BMC core
group, I proposed a budget of Rs.7 lakhs for an Asbestos sheet on top of
the ground +loor building. Mr Selvin insisted that we need to continue
building the church on top. Rev. Immanuel Theodore was pastoring then
and the name for the mission was coined as “Project BUILD BETHEL” and
the +irst pledge card was issued.
ProjectTeam
It was in Aug 1st 2010 that the following building committee was
formed (Mr Isaac Tilak - Chair Person, Mr Irwin - Legal Team, Mr Ronald -
Fund Raising, Mr Clement – Design, Mrs and Mr Rajupaul - Prayer, Mr
Christopher Vasa - People Relations, Mr Ashok - Finance and Mr Publius –
Supervision) and the +irst building committee meeting took place on 22nd
Aug 2010 at 12.00 pm. It was decided to have Mr Paul Durai, Major Stanley
Jones and Mr Immanuel as our consultants. As a +irst step, Rev. David Liv-
ingston suggested that we call our dear Bishop to come and lay the corner-
stone and this happened on 4th September 2010.
Design&Fund-raising The design team under the leadership of Mr Clement did a won-
derful job along with our consultants. The Church was designed such that
it would be able to hold 140 seats in the +irst +loor and 80 seats in the Mez-
zanine +loor. Every aspect of church needs was considered by the team –
Multiple exits, Elevator, Worship team stage, Vestry, Church Of+ice, Parish
Hall, Pantry, Mothers Nursing Room, Additional Rest Rooms and Sound
room. Mid-way through the construction, the need for an additional hall
to facilitate ministerial teams such as Sunday Class, MYF, WSCS, Teens etc.,
was The committee felt that it would be prudent to build a Parish Hall
above the main sanctuary. It was initially decided to cast a roof and com-
plete it later, but our dear Lord helped us to complete it along with the
Main Sanctuary.
The fund raising team under the leadership of Mr. Ronald worked
out various strategies to raise the funds. We conducted pledge drives
three times and the generosity of our congregation, both English and Tam-
il, enabled us to meet the expenses. The total budget had to be increased
from 30 lakhs to 85 lakhs as the scope of the project increased to include
the parish hall, etc. By the grace of God we were able to raise 70 lakhs out
8
ofwhich95%wasfromourownmemberswithinBMC.Wewouldliketo
thankourdearBishopDrTaranathSagarforhissupportbygivingusan
advanceofRs.15lakhs.Itwasatimelyhelpforustocompletetheproject
withoutahitch.
BuildingConstruction
ItwasdecidedtogettheentireprojectdoneonLabourcontract.M/sAkar
Enterprises headed by Mr Antony (our church member) was identi+ied
andtheystartedtheprojectataveryreasonablecost.WethankMrAnto-
nyforhiscontributionandhehelpedusinidentifyingM/sMSCConstruc-
tions–MrMichaelandteam.MrMichaelandhisteamwereaverytalent-
ed; theywere +lexible and accommodated us in all situations.MrRama-
murthy-Electricalcontractor,didanexcellentworkoftheelectricalwir-
ingandhealsohelped ingettingusothervendors.OurdearpastorRev.
DavidLivingstonplayedakeyroleinidentifyingandpurchasingmaterials
likeStone,Sand,Blocksetc.Mr.PaulDuraiwastheretobankonatcritical
constructionstages.MrGeorgeandMrPaulGaneshweretheretosuper-
visetheproject.MajorStanleyandMrImmanuelofferedtheirhelpateve-
ryinstantweneeded.
Personal
Iamintothe+ieldofRecruitmentandHRforalmost12yearsnowandin
2007Godgavemeanopportunitytoheadabuildingprojectinmyof+ice,
whereIhaddotheendtoendoftheconstruction.IfeelthatthiswasaGod
givenchanceformetogettrainedbeforewestartedthechurchconstruc-
tion.Becauseofthat,Iwasabletounderstandthetechnicalitiesinvolved
inconstruction.
IwouldliketothankmyparentsRev.TilakSamuelandRev.Dr.Shanthi
Tilak for the experience and exposure they providedme throughoutmy
childhood days, which helped me in understanding the nitty-gritties of
whatisneededinachurch.Also,wouldliketoreallythankmyfamilyfor
theirconstantsupport.
13
Practical Thoughts
(Excerpt from the book ‘The Imitation of Christ’ by Thomas Kempis)
The value of adversity:
It is good for us to have trials and troubles at times, for they often remind us that we are on probation and ought not to hope in any worldly thing. It is good for us sometimes to suffer contradiction, to be misjudged by men even though we do well and mean well. These things help us to be humble and shield us from vainglory. When to all outward appearances men give us no credit, when they do not think well of us, then we are more inclined to seek God who sees our hearts. Therefore, a man ought to root himself so firmly in God that he will not need the consolations of men. When a man of good will is afflicted and tempted, he realizes clearly that his greatest need is God, without whom he can do no good.
Avoiding rash judgment / Exercising right judgment:
Turn your attention upon yourself and beware of judging the deeds of other men, for in judging others a man labors vainly, often makes mistakes, and easi-ly sins; whereas, in judging and taking stock of himself, he does something that is always profitable. We frequently judge that things are as we wish them to be, for through personal feeling true perspective is easily lost.
If God were the sole object of our desire, we should not be disturbed so easily by opposition to our opinions. Many, unawares, seek themselves in the things they do. They seem to enjoy peace of mind when things happen according to their wish and liking, but if otherwise than they desire, they are soon disturbed and saddened. On the contrary, he who is full of truth seeks self in nothing but searches all things for the glory of God. He envies no man because he desires no personal pleasure nor does he wish to rejoice in himself; rather he desires the greater glory of God above all things.
Daily walking alone with God:
If only a man would never seek passing joys or entangle himself with worldly affairs, what a good conscience he would have. What great peace and tran-quility would be his, if he cuts himself off from all empty care and thought of things divine, things helpful to his soul and put all his trust in God! No man deserves the consolation of heaven unless he persistently arouses himself to holy contrition. If you desire true sorrow of heart, seek the privacy of your cell and shut out the uproar of the world. There you will find what too often you lose abroad. Your cell will become dear to you if you remain in it, but if you do not, it will become wearisome. If in the beginning of your religious life, you live within your cell and keep to it, it will soon become a special friend and a very great comfort. In silence and quiet, the devout soul advances in virtue and learns the hidden truths of Scripture. There, she finds a flood of tears with which to bathe and cleanse herself nightly, that the farther she withdraws from all the tumult of the world the more intimate she may become with her Creator.
12
Prayer Points:
• Pray for God’s rule and that peace would come upon all the places which are affect-ed by Naxalites
• Pray that all Naxalites should repent from their ways and be saved
• Pray that Government should take wise decisions with help from God to control Naxalite terrorism
• Pray for the protection of innocent people especially Christians, ministers and mis-sionaries.
Saturday:Saturday:Saturday:Saturday:
Mission Church Growth Missionary Movement (CGMM)
http://www.cgmmindia.org/
The Church Growth Missionary Movement is an indigenous, interdenomination-al Missionary Movement started by Late Rev.J.C.Bose Meiyappan at Madurai in 1975 with the primary aim of reaching the unreached people. Their vision is to reach the unreached Indians with the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the Motto of MAKE DISCIPLES AND MULTIPLY CHURCHES. They are working among 15 tribes in 10 states in our country with a band of 265 full time workers.
• Pray for their mission stations among fifteen tribal groups in six states in India.
• Pray for the two tribal children homes at BHAMRAGAD in Maharashtra State and at KOWTALA in Andhra Pradesh. Around 120 children stay here and continue their education.
• Pray for their ministry GOSPEL ON WHEELS. This team comprises 30 people doing evangelism in villages in Tamil Nadu.
• Pray for seminars and training program for lay leaders which CGMM regularly con-ducts.
Testimony
Power in the name of JESUS "There is power, a wonder working power in the blood of the lamb and
the mighty name of JESUS, the Jehovah Jireh". I enjoy singing and doing ac-
tions for this song...but first time in my life I experienced this power in the name
'JESUS'. It happened on Nov 5th 2012 when I got up from the bed.
While I was trying to get up and walk, I felt some strange unusual feel-
ing on my entire left side of the body. However, I managed to get up on my own
and tried to pick up the tooth brush. I just couldn't. Again while rinsing, I had the
numbness on my left side for quite some time.
I was tensed up on this paralytic kind of experience and just uttered,
'JESUS PLEASE'. Immediately, moments after this, I felt the healing touch of
the Almighty and was able to move and walk around as usual.
"Gods power works best when we recognize our limitations".
- Mrs Giftlin Clement
9
Wishes from congregation to all who celebrate
Birthday and Wedding Anniversary this month
May God Bless you!
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வா<3�கிேறா9. க�3த� உ,கைள ஆச�ீவதி�பாராக!
BMC DEDICATION SERVICE
It was with great joy and excitement that the church gathered at 5
p.m. on December 2, 2012, Sunday evening for the dedica1on of the new
sanctuary by our honourable Bishop and Bishopamma. The ambience in the
church looked great, thanks to Isaac and his team - many of them toiled dur-
ing the preceding prepara1on weeks and specially in the last week, working
as one big family with some even staying up to 3 AM on some days to lend an
extra hand towards project comple1on. Special thanks to Durai and all the
youth members who worked hard behind the scenes.
Many Methodist pastors from other churches in Bangalore graced
the occasion, our Pastor, Rev. David Livingston, led the service and the Bishop
shared God’s Word, speaking from Psalm 84 which describes the beauty of
dwelling in the house of the Lord. Worship was led by John Manoah and
team. Many programs were lined up for the visitors including a dance by our
kids, songs by our kids choir, and programs by the kids of both the Hoodi Sun-
day School and Whitefield outreach. A video presenta1on prepared by Frank-
lin Koilpillai brought out the history of the church and tes1monies by Mrs.
Mary Rita, Jesuraj and Mr. D.C. Franklin and Mr. Selvin shared about the be-
ginning of the ministry.
The service was bilingual with adequate representa1on from both
the Tamil and English congrega1ons and the message was translated into
Tamil by our pastor. Many guests had come from Indira Nagar Methodist
church, our mother church, and other churches as well and dinner was served
a;er service. All glory be to God alone for his guidance, provision, protec1on
and manifold blessings on us as a church. How lovely is your dwelling place, O
LORD Almighty! Psalm 84:1.
10
Prayer Diary
Praise points
• Let’s all praise our Lord Jesus Christ
• for the beautiful new sanctuary
• for the dedication service held on 2-Dec-12
• for all the people who worked so hard toward completing the project on time
• for the various committees who coordinated so well
• for our Bishop Rev. Taranath Sagar and other pastors and guests who came from different place to be with us on that day.
Sunday:Sunday:Sunday:Sunday:
NEPAL: KEY FACTS This exotic Hindu kingdom boasts of 8 of the planet's 10 highest mountain peaks. Popula-tion is 27 million, with 1.5 million in the capital city, Kathmandu. Although Nepali is the official language, there are 124 languages in all that are spoken in this diverse and col-ourful country. In terms of economics, over 40% live below the poverty line. Corruption, the assas-sination of most of the royal family in 2001, and Maoist terrorists have plagued Nepal for many years. The Nepalese Chhetri is the major ethnic group in Nepal. The Nepalese have many racial, cultural, and linguistic similarities to the people of northern India. As for religion, it is illegal to convert others. Anyone who violates the law faces imprisonment. For foreigners, the penalty is deportation. In fact, until 1960 it was illegal for any Christian to live in the Kingdom of Nepal! The powerful Hindu majority count for 75% of the nation, Buddhists, for 16%, Muslims, for 5%, and Christians, nearly 2%.
Praise God
• That Nepal is no longer a Hindu Kingdom and has been declared as democratic republic and secular nation.
• For rapid Church growth
• For the ending of over 10 years of internal war which caused over 15,000 deaths.
• That Nepal is now making a new constitution.
• That Christmas has been declared as a public holiday.
• For the liberty to worship and share the gospel.
Praise points
• For the writing and implementation of the new democratic constitution to be complet-ed as soon as possible.
• For the establishment of sustainable peace, and a stable as well as good govern-ment and righteous rulers.
• For proper rehabilitation of the victims of the conflict and natural disaster. Also pray that God would intervene in such natural calamities.
• For Nepali young people to avoid drug addiction and be engaged in productive activ-ities and that the government will provide enough employment opportunities for them.
• Against the trafficking of women and children.
• For organisations working to overcome poverty and injustice in the country,
• For unity and passion for prayer and spiritual revival amongst the churches in the country,
• For complete religious freedom in Nepal.
• That the government of Nepal will allocate cemetery land to the Christian churches across the nation.
• For organisations working in partnership with the Church in Nepal.
• To see one Church and one trained leader in each village, community or tribe in Nepal.
Monday:Monday:Monday:Monday:
• Praise God for our kids choir who have been performing in various programs in the city. Pray for our Sunday School- for the teachers, superintendent and the children. Pray for the Christmas program scheduled on the 9th.
Compiled by Mrs. Selina Ronald
11
• Pray for Friends fellowship (for young adults) & newly married couples of our Church
• KR Puram AF & its members--- Families of Atheejoe, Jayanth, Ashok Doddanna, Stephen Daniel, Warren, Jeevan, Kiran Rathod
• Hoodi TAF & its members--- Durai, Madhu and families of Mary Rita, Jyothi, Shya-mala, Sarah, Arulkumar/Jeniffer
• Marathahalli AF & its members --- families of Frank , Selvin , Clement , Sundar , Wilfred , Ashok , Sathiya , Kiran, Samraj, Vadivel )
Tuesday:Tuesday:Tuesday:Tuesday:
• Let’s pray for our Pastor Rev.David Livingston and his family.
• Let’s pray for Bethel Shaale – for the children who come and for Mrs. Sudha Peter who conducts the classes
• Bethel Nagar AF & its members – Families of Rajkumar ,Publius ,Pastor, Vijay ,Vijay Prakash , Sharon,, Prabhu , Bernaad, Anand ,Paul Ganesh, Sahitya Deep, Diedonne, , Peter , Paul naveen, Kalyan and Daniel Justin, Yao & Yapo
• Devasandra TAF & its members-- families of Rajupaul, Philip, Wilson, Ruth, Sekar, Latha, Das, Pastor
Wednesday:Wednesday:Wednesday:Wednesday:
• Pray for the various committees of the Church
• Pray for our Irula outreach program in Hosur. We have planned to give them warm clothes this season. Pray that this would be executed well.
• Pray that all our prayer cells (women as well as men) would be strengthened.
• Whitefield AF & its members -- Families of Irwin, Christopher Vasa, Rajan Abraham, Sanjay , Jabez , Anban , Ronald ,John Manoah, Sheldon, Darwin, Franklin Peter, Binu George, Alan Paul and Shanno & Isaac
• Priyanka Nagar TAF & its members-- Families of Rueban Gandhi, Nithya, Latha, Inbaraj, Swamidas
Thursday:Thursday:Thursday:Thursday:
• Praise God for Whitefield area outreach program and for Bro. Vasu & his family. They have opened their home for the program.
• Pray for the team which regularly visits them on Sunday afternoons.
• Pray for the children who come there for Sunday school and for the adults who come to listen to the word of God. The children performed two beautiful dances on the day of dedication.
• Pray for Hoodi AF & its members -- Families of Isaac, Arun, David, Tony, David Jabez, Shibu, Frank, Vivek Bangera , Kingsly , Meril Joseph and Christopher
• Pray for Kodigehalli TAF& its members: Families of George, Prabhu, Jeyamma,
Joshua Devadas and Juliet
Friday:Friday:Friday:Friday:
Naxals and Maoists The Naxalites, also sometimes called the Naxals are groups waging a violent struggle on behalf of landless labourers and tribal people against landlords and others .Naxal groups have been raising mainly land issues and they blame the Government settings. Naxalites are active across approximately 220 districts in 20 states of India. 76 districts are found to be badly affected by Naxalites. Central Government has allotted Rs.2475 crores for Naxal affected States under RSVY plan to control Naxalite terrorism. Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh declared them as the “Most serious internal threat to India’s national security”. Some of the Maoists and Naxal groups are Communist Party of India (ML) Lib-eration, Peoples War Group (PWG), Maoist Communist Centre (MCC), , UCCRI(ML) & the Communist Party of India (Maoist), The strength of these movements is estimated over 50,000 and claims to control an esti-mated one fifth of India’s forests. More than 10,000 people have been killed due to Naxal violence in the last 15 years. Where do they operate? Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, eastern Maharashtra, Bihar, the Telengana (north-western) region, and western Orissa.