In February, two months ago, Gospel Outreach conducted the largest training event in the history of the Southern Asia Division. The event took place in Hyderabad, India, where hundreds of conference leaders, union and division officers, and ministerial directors took part in a comprehensive multiday training session.
Participants were dedicated to and enthusiastic about Jesus. GO President Brent Scully gave several presentations on his experience as a born-again Christian. Other leaders emphasized the importance of a personal relationship with Christ as the foundation for ministry. GO regional directors who were in India at the time also had the opportunity to share. It was encouraging to see the strong team effort and witness the glory of God all over the nation.
One highlight of the event happened on Sabbath during worship service. Participants were divided into their respective language groups for music. It was powerful hearing so many devoted Christians singing their hearts out for Jesus in their own languages.
An emphasis on prayer throughout the training provided a spiritual boost. Every morning, prayer groups met in the main auditorium, asking the Lord to bless each presentation happening that day. God answered prayer by creating many touching moments that have now become amazing stories.
The multiday event began with an agape feast. Each pastor and leader participated in this extra-special feast, recommitting their lives to Jesus Christ and the spreading of the good news throughout India.
During one meeting, a man named C.J. Soman shared a heartwarming testimony that revealed the power of God. He had been a faithful Pentecostal leader and preacher for 47 years until the Lord guided him into a deeper knowledge of the truth, including the biblical Sabbath. He was recently baptized as a Seventh-day Adventist. Most of the members from his church have followed his lead.
When I talked to him, I learned that he makes YouTube videos to help reach all of his former colleagues and church members. He requests our prayers as he shares the Sabbath truth across India and beyond.
As with any spiritual event, there was an enemy at work. Several times, we experienced the powers of this world that tried to stand in the way of our spirit-filled training. One of our leaders, Manzoor Massey, developed a high fever and was unable to participate for a few days. Thankfully, by God’s grace, he recovered after an anointing service and some rest.
God is at work, including in ways that we might not immediately recognize. It is our privilege to serve Him each day, whether on the front lines or through faithful donations and prayers.
Thank you again, donors and supporters, for your faithfulness. Someday we will all be with Jesus and spend the ceaseless ages of eternity with our wonderful Savior and with each other. That is our hope and prayer.
God bless you, and God bless the work of Gospel Outreach and the Bible workers on the front lines of fulfilling the Great Commission.