October 2014 India News
October 2014 India News Nov. 15, 2014
We are excited to report that a team of Americans plans to visit India in February 2015. The trip is still in the planning stages and the group, which will include both men and women from various congregations, is being finalized. We solicit your prayers for a productive and safe trip for all who will be participating in this endeavor. Two gospel meetings were held during October in the villages of Murramunda and Mylavaram. In addition, a total of 14 souls were baptized and added to the the Lord’s church at Cheepurgudem, Buggamadaram, Mallapur, Murramunda and Mylavaram. Bibles continue to be given to the new converts and evangelists are distributing songbooks to various congregations to assist with singing during worship services. At the dedication of the new church building at Cheepurugudem, a tribute was made to the Madison family, with a look back at their participation in evangelism in the country of India during the last century. In the 1920’s, M. Vandanam walked from village to village preaching the gospel. His son, Joe Madison, commuted in crowded buses and trains to preach Christ in the suburbs of Mumbai in the late 1960’s. Today, Vandanam Madison and his son Robert continue the family legacy, laboring in the vineyard of the Lord in Andhra Pradesh. Currently, Church of Christ India has 285 evangelists who travel in jeeps, motorcycles, mopeds, bicycles, as well as buses to reach the lost. Thousands upon thousands of souls have obeyed the Gospel, 115 church buildings have been constructed, numerous water wells have been dug, and many orphans and destitute saints have been cared for through the collective efforts of Church of Christ India. The work has come a long way from its beginning. All praise and glory goes to God! Every individual who has supported this work through the years, be it financially or through prayer, shares in its success. When each individual fulfills their role in the kingdom, God can accomplish great things through the Church. The team recently visited the home of an elderly man named Devasahayam. Though his health is failing, he is still a strong influence for Christ in the village of Repudi. When the gospel was first brought to his village in the mid 1980’s, it met with significant opposition from the local people. Yet, Devasahayam stood for the truth and refused to back down, despite being beaten. Eventually, the brethren gained the support of the locals and today, thanks in part to this dedicated soldier of the cross, the church of Christ is firmly rooted in this village. Scripture describes the impact that can and should be made by Christians who live according to God’s precepts. The village of Murramunda is a good example of this principle. Many of you will recall an accidental fire that occurred in that village in April 2012 and the financial relief sent by CCI to destitute saints in the area. Brethren from the local congregation have seen doors of opportunity open to share the gospel with those in the village who witnessed the support and love shown to these Christians during such a desperate time. The congregation at this location, which started meeting in a home with 20-25 members, has grown to a group of 60-65. When we demonstrate our faith with loving action, the Kingdom is blessed and God is glorified. May He grant each of us strength and courage to seize the opportunities we are given to reach the lost.
Three Recent Converts At Buggamadaram With Evangelist Sunder Rao
Recent Building Dedication At Cheepurugudem
We are excited to report that a team of Americans plans to visit India in February 2015. The trip is still in the planning stages and the group, which will include both men and women from various congregations, is being finalized. We solicit your prayers for a productive and safe trip for all who will be participating in this endeavor. Two gospel meetings were held during October in the villages of Murramunda and Mylavaram. In addition, a total of 14 souls were baptized and added to the the Lord’s church at Cheepurgudem, Buggamadaram, Mallapur, Murramunda and Mylavaram. Bibles continue to be given to the new converts and evangelists are distributing songbooks to various congregations to assist with singing during worship services. At the dedication of the new church building at Cheepurugudem, a tribute was made to the Madison family, with a look back at their participation in evangelism in the country of India during the last century. In the 1920’s, M. Vandanam walked from village to village preaching the gospel. His son, Joe Madison, commuted in crowded buses and trains to preach Christ in the suburbs of Mumbai in the late 1960’s. Today, Vandanam Madison and his son Robert continue the family legacy, laboring in the vineyard of the Lord in Andhra Pradesh. Currently, Church of Christ India has 285 evangelists who travel in jeeps, motorcycles, mopeds, bicycles, as well as buses to reach the lost. Thousands upon thousands of souls have obeyed the Gospel, 115 church buildings have been constructed, numerous water wells have been dug, and many orphans and destitute saints have been cared for through the collective efforts of Church of Christ India. The work has come a long way from its beginning. All praise and glory goes to God! Every individual who has supported this work through the years, be it financially or through prayer, shares in its success. When each individual fulfills their role in the kingdom, God can accomplish great things through the Church. The team recently visited the home of an elderly man named Devasahayam. Though his health is failing, he is still a strong influence for Christ in the village of Repudi. When the gospel was first brought to his village in the mid 1980’s, it met with significant opposition from the local people. Yet, Devasahayam stood for the truth and refused to back down, despite being beaten. Eventually, the brethren gained the support of the locals and today, thanks in part to this dedicated soldier of the cross, the church of Christ is firmly rooted in this village. Scripture describes the impact that can and should be made by Christians who live according to God’s precepts. The village of Murramunda is a good example of this principle. Many of you will recall an accidental fire that occurred in that village in April 2012 and the financial relief sent by CCI to destitute saints in the area. Brethren from the local congregation have seen doors of opportunity open to share the gospel with those in the village who witnessed the support and love shown to these Christians during such a desperate time. The congregation at this location, which started meeting in a home with 20-25 members, has grown to a group of 60-65. When we demonstrate our faith with loving action, the Kingdom is blessed and God is glorified. May He grant each of us strength and courage to seize the opportunities we are given to reach the lost.
Three Recent Converts At Buggamadaram With Evangelist Sunder Rao
Recent Building Dedication At Cheepurugudem
