The Wind in the Field
R. Stanley
T HE field is the world. The wind is the
Holy Spirit. The world has not yet
been saturated with the gospel. Worldwide
evangelisation is a mountainous task. It
cannot be accomplished by muscle power or
monetary strength. As God told Zerubbabel,
“It’s neither by might not by power, but
by My Spirit” (Zech 4:6,7). Let’s study in
this article how the Holy Spirit helps us in
missionary work if only we depend on Him.
1. He burdens us to PRAY
The Holy Spirit descends on God’s
people as the “Spirit of Supplication” when
they seek Him for direction in missionary
outreach (Zech 12:10). We won’t have all
the information about places and people we
would visit with the Gospel. Our prayers
will be limited by the available information.
But when we respond to the inspirations of
the Holy Spirit, we move into a realm that’s
beyond human imaginations (Rom 8:26,27).
There’s hardly a vigorous missionary
movement that was not birthed in prayer.
In the early sixties one Sunday
afternoon the Holy Spirit moved upon
our college prayer group mightily for the
African tribes. We didn’t understand why.
We were all students and none of us had
hardly travelled beyond
The Holy Spirit effusively pours out in our
300 kilometers from the
hearts God’s love that was manifested in
Southernmost towns
Calvary for the ungodly
of India. But we kept
thinking about these tribal people. We had
the shock of our life when one of the BYM
outreach teams in late seventies spotted
hundreds of tribal men and women with
BLESSING / August 2019
negroid features in the jungles of the State
of Karnataka in India. They are said to have
escaped slave traders and been living as a
“hidden” people group. We have a growing
Church in this community now.
When our missionary praying is
dependent on the Holy Spirit, we are able
to see the condition of the lost from God’s
viewpoint and love people as Jesus loves
them. The Holy Spirit effusively pours out
in our hearts God’s love that was manifested
in Calvary for the ungodly (Rom 5:5,6). This
was the testimony of Paul: “I tell the truth in
Christ, I am not lying, my conscience also
bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit, that
I have great sorrow and continual grief in
my heart” (Rom 9:1-3). This was for the
salvation of Israel (10:1,2). Also for him to
preach the gospel boldly he pleaded with
God’s people to pray “In the Spirit” (Eph
6:18:20).
2. He empowers us to WITNESS
The last recorded saying of Christ
before His return to Heaven explains the
supreme reason for the coming of the Holy
Spirit. Acts 1:8, “You shall receive power
when the Holy Spirit has come on you; and
you shall be witnesses to Me.” Eventhough
the urgency to get the
message of the Gospel
to people had always
been there, Jesus would
not let His disciples go on with the job
until they had been endued with power
from Above (Lk 24:47-49) Jesus Himself,
though He was the very Son of God, did
2
not preach or minister to people in His own powers, rulers of darkness and spiritual
power. Peter, who had closely watched hosts of wickedness will be turned against
Jesus for over three years observed, “God them (Eph 6:12,15). Satan will have his
anointed Jesus of agents like Elymas to
Nazareth with the Holy As the beautiful feet march with the shoes of hypnotically influence
Spirit and with power, the gospel towards the enemy’s territory, all the hearers of the
who went about doing the fury of the principalities, powers, rulers gospel through sorcery,
good” (Acts 10:38). of darkness and spiritual hosts of wickedness false prophecy and the
Oratory skills or clever will be turned against them like. Only when the
salesmanship will witnesses are “filled
accomplish nothing without the Spirit’s with the Holy Spirit” can they confront the
power ( 1 Cor 2:4). formidable enemy and set the captives free
Not one time encounter but an (Acts 13:6-10; Isa 61:1).
experience of continuous infilling of the The Bible encourages us to “desire
Holy Spirit is a basic must for bold and spiritual gifts” (1 Cor 14:1). The first list of
effective witnessing. Those who were gifts in the New Testament is given in the
baptized with the Holy Spirit in the upper context of evangelism (Mk 16:15-18). Of
room on the Day of Pentecost were filled the gifts of the Spirit (1 Cor 12:7-10), the
again and “they spoke the word of God word of wisdom (Acts 15:13-21), the word
with boldness” (Acts 4:31). There must be of knowledge (Acts 8:23), faith (Acts 28:3-
frequent stirrings within so we will not be 6), gifts of healings (Acts 9:ee-35), working
intimidated by fear of any sort (2 Tim 1:6,7). of miracles (Acts 14:3), and discerning of
Peter before Pentecost was a notable spirits (Acts 16:16-18) are the most essential
coward. But the Holy Spirit emancipated to missionary evangelism. God is more than
him from the fear of men and empowered willing to bestow these gifts on us when we
him to challenge thousands. He understood ask Him (Mt 7:11). Will the Lord of Armies
what difference it made when the gospel be slack in equipping His soldiers before
was preached “by the Holy Spirit sent sending them to the battlefront?
from Heaven” instead of by mere human 3. He directs us to GO
enthusiasm (1 Pet 1:12; Mt 26:34; Mk As per the Great Commission we are
14:31). His utter dependence on the Holy to go everywhere preaching the gospel to
Spirit is seen in his unassailable defence everyone. But the condition of one field
before the council: “We ought to obey God differs from the other. Some fields are yet
rather than men... We are His witnesses, and to be ploughed. Some other fields are ready
so also is the Holy Spirit” (Acts 5:29,32). for sowing. And there are fields already ripe
Satan will not peaceably surrender for harvest. So also the gifts and calling of
his captives. Missionary work is a spiritual God vary from missionary to missionary.
warfare. As the beautiful feet march with Some workers are efficient in ploughing,
the shoes of the gospel towards the enemy’s whereas others excel in sowing or reaping
territory, all the fury of the principalities, (Jn 4:37,38; 1 Cor 3:5-7). The Holy spirit
BLESSING / August 2019 3
as the Chief Executive of missionary work to the Jews (Gal 2:7,8). He had no personal
decides WHO, WHERE and WHEN. In His liking for the non-Jews either. But because
sovereignty He can change the course and Christ in the first instance had given the keys
the candidates. Blessed are the flexible; for of the Kingdom of Heaven to Peter, the Holy
they shall not be broken! Spirit urged Peter to inaugurate the gentile
The Book of Acts is the textbook on ministry (Mt 16:16,19). Sensitivity to the
missions. It teaches us through examples promptings of the Spirit is indispensable to
how we can be successful in missionary fulfil God’s missionary programme.
outreach if we follow the voice of the Holy Paul and Barnabas were two among
Spirit. The following three incidents are the five prophets and teachers in the Church
illustrative. at Antioch. The disciples of this Church
Evangelist Philip was conducting a were the ones to be first called Christians
glorious healing campaign in Samaria (Acts (Acts 11:26; 13:1). Though Paul and
8:5-7). This was the talk of the town (v 8). Barnabas would have been such a blessing
Huge crowds were thronging to hear him to this local Church, the Holy Spirit spoke
and see the miracles. to the other leaders to
People were baptized The Holy spirit as the Chief Executive of release them for the
in water and getting missionary work decides WHO, WHERE and translocal missionary
filled with the Holy WHEN. In His sovereignity He can change the work (Acts 13:2). The
Spirit (vv 16,17). In course and the candidates. Blessed are the Holy Spirit was so
the midst of such a flexible; for they shall not be broken! actively operating in
hectic programme and this enterprise that it
an arduous ministry to thousands, the Holy is recorded that these two men were “sent
Spirit directed Philip to go to the desert out by the Holy Spirit” even though it was
of Gaza to minister to just one individual! apparently the other leaders who sent them
(vv 26,29). This may not appeal to human forth (Compare v 3 and v 4). Which Church
logic, but the Heavenly Wind blows where does release its best ministers for missionary
it wishes! Those born of the Spirit must work? Is the Holy Spirit not speaking to us
yield themselves to be borne by the Spirit! these days or are we not obeying His voice?
(Jn 3:8). The Holy Spirit not only sends us to
Simon Peter was vacationing with the fields but also guides us in the work.
Simon the tanner enjoying the sea breeze His guidance can be either through open
and spending time in prayer (Acts 9:43; doors or closed ones (Acts 16:6-9). He
10:5,6,9). He would have least expected a also creates irresistible desires in the hearts
missionary call from the gentile world at that of missionaries about specific places or
hour. He was a biased Jew. But “the Spirit peoples. An example: “Paul purposed in
said to him, Behold, three men are seeking the Spirit... I must also see Rome” (Acts
you. Arise and go, doubting nothing; for I 19:21). Though the message is the same
have sent them” (Acts 10:19,20; 11:12a). to all peoples, the methods will have to be
Basically Peter was called to be an apostle changed to suit the cultures (1 Cor 9:20-22).
BLESSING / August 2019 4
The Holy Spirit as “The Spirit of wisdom The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of glory (1
and understanding” leads us to behave Pet 4:14). When He possesses us He grants
prudently according to the situation (Isa us glimpses of eternal glory. As a result
11:2). our grip on earthly gold and possessions
4. He inspires us to GIVE is loosened. When Abraham was satisfied
Money is not primary in missionary with the bread and wine received from
work but it is necessary. Pioneer missionary Melchizedek, King of Salem, he despised
work is more expensive than the maintenance the material wealth offered by the King of
of established Churches. Though tithing is Sodom (Gen 14:18-24). This dimension
a healthy practice, if Christians won’t give of the ministry of the Holy Spirit must be
more than one tenth of their income, world restored in our life and teaching. That alone
evangelisation will continue to be far from would usher in the long awaited revival
realisation. giving.
The Spirit of Pentecost released a 5. He helps us to REAP
spirit of liberality in those who received Reaping the harvest is the most exciting
Him. According to the Biblical record, part of missionary evangelism. The end time
there was no direct orders or indirect hint in-gathering of souls is accelerated by the
from the apostles to last days outpouring
Aggressive evangelism is a natural outflow of
get the disciples sell of the Spirit. Quoting
the Holy Spirit revival. When God pours out
their belongings and Joel’s prophecy Peter
showers of blessing on His people dwelling on
pool the money for in his Pentecostal
His hill, they invariably become a blessing to
common enjoyment, sermon said, “It shall
those all around
especially to bless the come to pass in the
have-nots. The spontaneity of the act is last days, says God, that I will pour out My
the miracle of miracles! (Acts 2:44,45; Spirit on all flesh... And it shall come to pass
4:34,35). that whoever calls on the Name of the Lord
Fresh outpourings of the Holy Spirit shall be saved” (Acts 2:16,17,21). The Holy
Spirit mobilizes the entire Church - not just
are reported worldwide. People speak in
its full-time ministers - “sons... daughters...
tongues, shout, jump, dance, fall, roll and so
young men... old men... menservants...
on and so forth. But do we hear of anyone maidservants” - for gathering the grains (vv
sharing his wealth liberally with the poor 17,18). Aggressive evangelism is a natural
and the needy as a direct result of being outflow of the Holy Spirit revival. When
baptized with the Holy Spirit? Which will be God pours out showers of blessing on His
a more practical and convincing evidence of people dwelling on His hill, they invariably
Spirit baptism - Acts 2:4 or 2:44? Missions become a blessing to those all around (Ezek
Researcher David Barrett reports that of the 34:26).
top twenty American Churches in giving, Not only the Church as a community
not one is charismatic. Where have we gone but also each Christian becomes a mighty
wrong? soul-winner through the fullness of the
BLESSING / August 2019 5
Spirit. It is told of Barnabas that “he was
a good man, full of the Holy Spirit... and a
great many people were added to the Lord”
(Acts 11:24).
In our mission fields we have frequently
witnessed outpourings of the Spirit on the
hearers of the gospel even before they
were formally initiated into Christian life
by a mouth confession or water baptism.
In such instances the Church growth has
been phenomenal. The case of Cornelius
is illustrative of this sovereign act (Acts
10:44-48). After all it is the Holy Spirit who
baptizes (inducts) people of any culture and
status - Jews or Greeks and slaves or free
into the one Body of Christ! (1 Cor 12:13).
At the same time we cannot conclude
that the Holy Spirit is not at work if the
harvest is poor or delayed. Not all soils are
alike. We must be faithful in sowing and
watering but leave the fruit bearing into
the hands of God. The Bible emphatically
states, “Neither he who plants is anything,
nor he who waters, but God who gives the
increase” (1 Cor 3:7). Having done all, we
must wait on the Lord till He rains on our
fields (Hos 10:12). He will not disappoint
us. He will cause the former rain and the
latter rain to come down for us (Joel 2:23).
Stay positive and expectant (v 21). Our
labour will not go in vain (1 Cor 15:58). “In
due season we shall reap if we do not lose
heart” (Gal 6:9b).
6. He causes congregations to GROW
Just like Abraham sent Eliezer to find
a bride for his son Isaac, the Father God
has sent the Holy Spirit to get the bride
ready for His Son. The Holy Spirit is now
preparing the Church to be married to the
Lamb of God. Until Christ returns the Holy
BLESSING / August 2019
Spirit works zealously for the Church for her
health and growth. About the early Church
congregations we read that they walked in
the “comfort of the Holy Spirit” and were
multiplied (Acts 9:31).
It is the Holy Spirit who ordains
overseers to shepherd the Church of God
(Acts 20:28). He equips them with His gifts
of wisdom, knowledge and discernment
and guides them in leadership. As the
Spirit of Truth, He leads the Church into
all truth (Jn 16:13). He reminds the Bride
of the words of the Bridegroom so her walk
may be pleasing to Him (Jn 14:26). When
doctrinal disputes come up, the Holy Spirit
sheds new light on the Scripture for better
understanding. See how wonderfully He
helped the leaders in Jerusalem council
to sort out the circumcision issue! Their
conclusion was what “seemed good to the
Holy Spirit and to them” (Acts. 15-28).
The Church grows healthily when
“every organ” and “every joint” function
effectively (Eph 4:16). A Church with a
silent majority is not a New Testament
Church. When the Holy Spirit has His
sway He energises and enthuses every
member to function to his fullest God-
given potential. There’s no “non-spiritual”
work in the Church. Whether it is artwork
or administration, the Holy Spirit is the
Enabler (Ex 31:1-5; Acts 6:3)
7. He strengthens us to SUFFER
Missionary work without suffering
is unheard of. The Lord Jesus introduced
the Holy Spirit as “another Comforter.” As
a Comforter, even before the missionaries
face persecution, He strengthens their
hearts for what lies ahead. Missionary Paul
declared, “The Holy Spirit testifies in every
6
city, saying that chains and tribulations
await me” (Acts 20:23).
In His commissioning address to
the twelve disciples, Jesus encouraged
them saying, “You will be brought before
governors and Kings for My sake... But
when they deliver you up, do not worry
about how or what you should speak... for
it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of
your Father who speaks in you” (Mt 10:18-
20). We see this magnificently fulfilled in
the case of Stephen. He was not primarily
a preacher or a teacher of the Scriptures
but only a deacon appointed to look after
business matters in the Church (Acts 6:2-
5). But his opposers “were not able to
resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which
he spoke” (v 10). He died a martyr’s death
“being full of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 7:55).
It is frequently observed in pioneer mission
fields that the answers given but uneducated
by Spirit filled workers in defence of the
gospel would baffle the best of theological
minds!
Suffering is suffering. Pain is pain.
But the Holy Spirit fills the persecuted with
inexplainable joy (Acts 13:50-52). This is
something which neither the persecuted
nor the persecutors can understand. The
stories of martyrs right through the Church
history attest this fact. Of the seven
Churches of Revelation 2 & 3, the only
two Churches which were not rebuked were
missionary minded. The Smyrna Christians
were promised “crown of life” and the
Philadelphians the position of a “pillar in
the temple.” What more do we need?
He who has an ear, let him hear what
the Spirit says to the Churches about the
unchurched!
BLESSING / August 2019
To the attention of BYM Partners and
subscribers sending offerings
All those who want to send their offerings
to BYM (for missionary work, sponsorship,
magazine subscription and other supporting
funds) you may do so through any one of
the following methods:
Home & NRE donors
Name : Blessing Youth Mission
A/c No. 10545849472
Bank: State Bank of India
Branch Name : Siruthozhil,
Vellore 632 006
Branch Code: 007274
IFSC No: SBIN0007274
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A/c Name : T. Prince Stachys Ravindran
A/c No: 35374362080
Bank Name : State Bank of India
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Vellore 632 006
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Online payment
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When you transfer your offering through
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your name, address and the details of fund
to be used for in the remarks column and
notify us by any of the following methods:
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Do not miss the revival
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7
 We Plead or We Perish!
Leonard Ravenhill
Since the first day that Communism
was born, its cheap jibe against Christianity
has been, “It’s pie in the sky when you die.”
Now we are hearing much from a people
who as Christians say, “It’s pie on your
way to the sky.” These interpreters of the
spiritual life offer an experience in grace
that is a summer without any winter, a
rose without any thorns, a sea without any
storms, a bliss without any battles. They are
totally anti-biblical in this interpretation.
Jacob’s famous night of wrestling
in spiritual power saw him changed into
prince with God—it also brought him a
limp! Samson had the most blessed of all
gifts known to men— “the Spirit of the Lord
came mightily upon him” (Judges 14:6),
but there was a lion in the deal, too. Our
blessed Lord cried, “The Spirit of the Lord
is upon me.” He never ministered until the
anointing came, but with it came the forty
days of massive temptation. Pentecost saw
the Upper Room disciples transformed,
and immediately after came a storm of
persecution. Heads rolled, but the believers
did not fold—they flamed: “We ought to
obey God rather than men!”
It’s time to leave the “prayer” breakfast
and banqueting circuit for the battlefield.
We have feasted long enough; now is the
time to fast and to fight. We have clapped
hands long enough; now we must let those
bands cling to the sword of the Spirit as
we battle against principalities and power.
The hours ahead of us will demand a
showdown of strength. The underpinning of
truth—the Bible is the infallible, inerrant,
BLESSING / August 2019
indestructible Word of the Lord—is being
eaten away in the seminaries and schools by
the acid rationalism of so-called intellectual
progress. Such a battle of the Bible is not
won in the lecture halls. It is won in the
prayer closet.
From every pulpit we should hand
this boldly written text: “For the nation
and kingdom that will not serve Thee shall
perish: Yea, those nations shall be utterly
wasted” (Isa 60:12).
It took ten vicious plagues to shake
Pharaoh from his grip on Israel. Will it
take ten plagues to shake us from our
materialistic complacency and our spiritual
sleep? Must God rain fire from heaven upon
us to stop our mad rush to the fires of hell?
“While men slept the enemy sowed
the tares.” While we sleep in the church
the devil sows his tares, sets his snares,
and weighs folks with cares. Folks heed the
politicians more than the preachers these
days. Materialism has mesmerized us, and
we count our calories more often than we
count our blessings.
Time is running out on us, liberties are
drying up. Privacy is withering. Soon there
will be no private holding of funds. Federal
peeping at bank holdings is very near. I am
told of a millionaire who, after the invasion
of his country by the Communists, looked
back at his once-prosperous material empire
saying daily, “I wish I had used that money
for the Lord.” Shall we sigh that way?
God has said that He will yet shake
the heavens and the earth, the sea and the
8
dry land. The earth is the Lord’s; let no
man or government forget it. He will not
always chide, neither will He keep His
anger forever. Yes, He loved Israel; and
He delivered Israel into the hands of the
Midianites, also.
The web of impurity tightens
alarmingly around the nations. The cup of
iniquity is filling rapidly. Darkness covers
the earth and gross darkness the people.
We are contesting now against the rulers
of the darkness of this world, with the
unfruitful works of darkness obstructing our
every step. We believers have been called
out of darkness into His most marvelous
light—”Ye brethren are not in darkness.”
In His light we see light. We see what the
world cannot see either in blessing or in
cursing—coming judgment.
The world wars did not shake the
world as it is being shaken at this moment.
Will the Church sleep on while mankind
heads for the rapids? A longsuffering God
cannot wink at our iniquity much longer.
He lets men go so far and then, as they
announce their triumph, He intervenes.
Belshazzar had it all wrapped up.
He defiled the temple vessels; he defied
God; he deified himself. And when the
party was a roaring success, when the flesh
strutted and the people acclaimed him the
greatest—then he saw the handwriting on
the wall. This changed the frivolity into fear.
The wine became bitter, the fun a farce,
the song changed into a sing. The wizards,
the soothsayers, the astrologers and wise
men could not read the warning. Then
entered God’s man, Daniel. He made the
correct interpretation: “God hath numbered
thy kingdom, and finished it.....Thou art
BLESSING / August 2019
weighed in the balances, and art found
wanting” (Dan 5:26,27).
The king at another period was shaken
by dreams. Again the smart men were
speechless, but Joseph got through to the
king with his message from the visions.
(Have we already had our seven years of
plenty?)
It was when all hope was gone that
Paul, the brave preacher-prophet—whose
prophecy of the coming blast had been
ignored—stepped into the tearful mob to
say, “Peace and safety if ye abide in the
ship.”
Isaiah spoke of a day when “a man
shall be as a hiding place from the wind,
and a covert from the tempest; as rivers
of water in a dry place, as the shadow of
a great rock in a weary land.” This is just
what the prophets are in the crisis hours of
history.
God made the Assyrians the rod of His
anger (Isa 10:5,6). He sent them against the
hypocritical nation of Israel. Who or what
will be His rod against our generation? A
total collapse in the national economics?
A foreign invader? More earthquakes and
devastating floods? More plagues, such
as the incurable “gay plague” acquired
by homosexual (Acquired Immunity
Deficiency Syndrome: AIDS) from which
almost half the victims die? Will God deal
with our sins as He dealt with the sins of
Sodom, or will He just let us rot a little
further? It is a fearful thing to fall into the
hands of the living God. “It is a more fearful
thing to fall out of those hands,” said Robert
Louis Stevenson.
Before you hang your harp on the
willows, before you say, “How can we sing
9
the Lord’s song in a strange land?” let me
tell you, there is a way out! The way out of
this sinful mess is: Down on our knees, then
up through the skies in intercession; then
out to the world, fire-baptized in concern,
compassion, and conquest for the final
outpouring of mercy before the day of His
wrath.
The way out of this awesome sin
plague certainly is not by human strategy.
Despite more money spent on education
in the last twenty-five years, we are lower
in morality than ever before. Despite our
progress in science, we face famine on the
largest scale ever, right at this moment.
Despite more money spent on church
buildings, our spiritual birthrate is lower
than ever.
Which way then? God’s way! “Not
by might (strength of armies), nor by power
(scientific know-how and education), but by
my Spirit, saith the Lord” (Zech 4:6). The
world knows not the Spirit. He does not
invade carnal hearts. We believers are His
channel.
God has said, “The yoke shall be
destroyed because of the anointing” (Isa
10:27). This is the secret-the anointing! it
is:
The enduement of power from on
High—Pentecostal power—unearthly
power to shake the earth.
Divine equipment to shake the
strongholds of hell on earth.
Enduement to harass the devil and his
powers.
Power to break the yoke from the
millions bound in superstition and occult
practices, manacled by drugs, enslaved by
drink, locked in lust.
Power to storm heathendom with the
cry of deliverance.
Power that will cripple the cults and
set the captives free.
Power that will cover His name with
glory !
Jesus is coming for a Bride, not for a
widow, not for a sick Church. He is worthy
to receive honor and glory and power now
and forever. Against this present world’s
onslaught of iniquity, the race is not to the
swift nor the battle to the strong. Here the
lame take the prey and to those who have
no might, He increaseth strength. He who
heard the cry of Elijah from Carmel and of
Jonah from the belly of hell will hear our
cries for mercy and revival. “Call upon me
and I will answer thee.” We plead or we
perish !

I am a Bible Christian and if an archangel with a wingspread as broad as a

constellation shining like the sun were to come and offer me some new truth, I’d ask
him for a reference. If he could not show me where it is found in the Bible, I would bow
him out and say, I’m awfully sorry; you don’t bring any references with you.
- A.W. Tozer
Without the anointing of the Holy Spirit, the preacher may storm, the teacher may
strive, the Christian worker may sweat, but all to no avail.
- Vance Havner
I steadfastly refuse to gratify the devil by being discouraged. - Selected

BLESSING / August 2019 10

 Problems or Pearls
Jerisha Melbin, Missionary, BYM, Chennai
Pearls are precious stones used to
adorn oneself. But what makes them
different from other precious stones is that,
they are not mined from the earth but rather
taken from a living creature – an oyster.
Besides, it is not readily found in oysters.
It is created with pain and agony by the
oyster when it tries to wrap the irritant
in its body. Pearls are made up of a very
common substance - calcium carbonate.
But, what makes them unique is that it takes
almost 7 years for a pearl to be formed. The
thinner and more numerous the layers, the
finer the luster. Hence, pearls are used as a
metaphor to denote something very rare,
fine, admirable and valuable.
An irritant is something that need not
be there, like a thorn in the flesh. Certainly,
no one would want it. People would say,
“I don’t deserve this”. Yes, that is the case
of an irritant. But, see what the oyster does
with the irritant! It turns the very irritant
into something adorable.
Our Lord Jesus suffered great agony
and gave His life on the Cross to redeem
us. He wrapped us, irritants with His
righteousness, making us beautiful in God’s
eyes.
“For to this you have been called, because
Christ also suffered for you, leaving you
an example, so that you might follow in his
steps. He committed no sin, neither was
deceit found in his mouth. When he was
reviled, he did not revile in return; when he
suffered, he did not threaten, but continued
entrusting himself to him who judges justly”
(1 Pet 2: 21-23).
BLESSING / August 2019
Of all things, Christ has called us to, He
has called us to suffer! Besides, He has set
Himself as an example for us to follow – the
way we ought to react when meted out with
such injustice. Though we may be treated
as sheep to be slaughtered, yet in all these
things, we are more than conquerors (Rom
8:36,37). When we think, it is too much
to bear, let us remember that greater the
number of layers in the pearl, greater the
luster. Hence, let us endure. Let us look
at some of the people who, while being
captive, were a blessing to their captors.
The Steadfast Slave
Joseph was sold as a slave. He could
have sulked down based on what he faced.
But he just kept looking unto God who
was with him. “… the Lord blessed the
Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; the
blessing of the Lord was on all that he had,
in house and field” (Gen 39:5).
Not many of us have a Christian
overseer over us. Let our faithfulness bless
their house. Our integrity may increase our
work load like Joseph. But, let us continue
to be a channel of blessing for them till the
appointed time of the Lord rather than moan
because of the work load.
The Caring Captive
We don’t even know her name. The
only thing we know is that she was a girl.
How painful it would have been for her to
live as a slave, far away from her parents,
from her hometown, from her friends… Yet,
she chose to be a blessing. She mustered
up courage and spoke to her mistress,
11
Mrs. Naaman. She believed that the Lord
Jehovah is the true God and that Elisha can
heal her master. It was her tiny initiative
that changed a leprous skin to a skin like
the skin of a little child (2 Ki 5:14). We may
not always get accolades. People may even
forget our name. But, let it not bother us. Let
us be that trigger that brings in the miracle.
The Rational Rescuer
Daniel and his friends were taken as
captives to Babylon. They were recently
recruited into the team of the wise men
of Babylon. But sooner Nebuchadnezzar
decreed that all wise men be killed because
the wise men whom he approached were
not able to reveal the dream and interpret it.
When men came to execute Daniel and his
friends, Daniel obtained time to interpret the
dream. Once it was revealed by the Lord, he
requested that the wise men not be executed
apart from revealing and interpreting the
dream (Dan 2: 24). Yes, dear friends, let us
not be puffed up when God raises us above
our contemporaries or even our seniors but
strive like Daniel for the well being of our
associates. Let us continue to be like Jesus.
The Prudent Prisoners
Paul and Silas were heavily beaten
and thrown into the worst prison. When
they looked to the Lord, He sent an
earthquake so massive enough to shake the
foundations of the prison and open all the
prison doors. When the jailer was about
to commit suicide, they stopped him and
assured him of their presence. Later, they
were able to lead him and his whole family
into salvation. Isn’t this the oft quoted verse
for leading people to Christ (Acts 16: 31)?
There are times when those who torture
us are in crisis. Let us not stand back and
mutter that they deserve it. But rather, step
in and help. Surely, the Lord will use us to
lead them to Him.
Dearly beloved, the path that we are
treading may be rugged and weary. The
process may be painful. We may feel like
quitting. But the more we endure, the more
the Lord will use us a blessing to many.
Further, we will become more like our
Saviour. As Peter exhorts, let us entrust our
souls to the faithful Creator and do good (1
Pet 4: 19). For He is adept in converting an
irritant into a precious pearl.

Blessing Children Home, Ramagiri Alumini Meet was

held in the month of June. 33 alumini turned up for this
meet. Praise God that many are married and well-settled
now. It was a joyous occasion to see the grown up
children having children of their own. 6 of them are now
in ministry. Many are doing small scale businesses and
some have entered Government services. The students
presented gifts to all the wardens. Mr. Philip Bishoyi, who is the pioneer of Ramagiri
ministries, elucidated the difficult times during the initial period when even getting
drinking water was very difficult. Mrs. Florence Jaisanker encouraged the children to
continue to fight the life’s battle as life is a battle of faith. The students were encouraged
to contribute to the Lord and be a blessing in turn. They have also decided to meet
frequently. All glory to God.
BLESSING / August 2019 12
 Candles In The Night
(Testimonies of Native Workers of Blessing Youth Mission)
Tilo Sagaria & his family
Tilo Sagaria was born in a poor family in
a remote village in Odisha. His forefathers were
dacoits. But his father secured a small piece of
land and started doing agricultural work. Tilo
was talented in village folk music and directed a
small village ‘Drama Band’. They used to travel
from one village to another and perform dramas
on the streets.
At that point of time, Tilo had no idea
about the living God and the sacrifice that He made on the Cross. He was then married
to a girl. But everything started to change when suddenly he developed severe arthritis.
His joints started to bend and his whole body was disfigured. He could not continue the
‘Drama band.’ Seeing his hopeless plight, his wife left him. Tilo, for the first time felt
abandoned by everyone. He even thought of killing himself.
It was during this time, he visited the ‘Jungle Clinic’ in Ramagiri. It was when late
Dr. Jaishanker was treating the patients. He referred Tilo’s case to a Mission Hospital,
68kms away from Ramagiri. Doctors there treated him and slowly he began to recover.
The love of the Christian believers attracted him to Christ. Missionaries Mr. Selvam and
Mr. Solomon visited his house and prayed for him.
Tilo experienced complete healing from God and understood the message of the
Gospel. He gave his life for Christ. In fact, according to Tilo, his hopeless life has been
transformed to a life full of hope and joy. He became the first believer in his village. He
started to walk slowly and started to play harmonium, like the ‘Drama Band’ days. By
His abundant Grace, he started to write songs for Jesus and witness for Him. His songs
are very much liked by the village folks.
“My life itself became a testimony”, says Tilo today. As he visits villages in his
bike, people are astonished to see the once invalid person telling them about the miracle
that Jesus wrought in His life. Tilo is very much thankful to his Lord and Saviour who
gave him this gift of life and wants to serve Him till the end of his life. He was in darkness
and now he has seen the light. God has forgiven his sins and has given him eternal life.
Today he is a shining light in the land of darkness. Hallelujah!
Not only that, Tilo married a believer girl Ratna and is now blessed with 4 children.
Recently his house was partly damaged in the Odisha cyclone, but God gave him strength
and capacity to repair it. As a Native worker, although his pay is meagre, he still continues
to minister for the Lord.
“For it is you who light my lamp; the Lord my God lightens my darkness” (Ps 18:28).
BLESSING / August 2019 13
 Watchfulness In Small Things
Pasala Ramana, Missionary, BYM, Vellore
“A stitch in time, saves nine” is an commitment to the Lord. We are totally
adage that highlights the importance of sold out to Him. But as days pass by, we
attending to issues though trivial in the slowly lose our fervour. We don’t “feel” like
beginning but becomes monstrous to handle reading the Bible, meditating it or spending
in the roll of time. We can find a similar and time in His presence. Even fellowship with
more relevant metaphor in the parable of the other believers tends to become tiresome.
ten virgins as described by our Lord Jesus Slowly we estrange ourselves from our
Christ in the first part of Matthew chapter Beloved and our zeal gradually diminishes.
25. The Bible says that 5 were wise and We can boast that we have been saved so
5 were foolish. Why were the five virgins many years back. But are we still relating to
called foolish? They resembled the wise the Lord the same way as we used to? Let
virgins in all manner! They were virgins, us beware!
they wanted to meet the groom, they came Salvation is a daily experience. The
with their lamps, they waited for him; in first time we were saved, we were saved
fact the wise virgins also slept. The only from the penalty of sin. In our daily walk of
area they failed was that they did not take life, we need to be saved from the presence
sufficient oil. They did not foresee the of sin. When we continue to grow in the
situation. Later, though they took greater Lord, when we meet Him face to face, we
efforts than the wise virgins, like requesting will be delivered from the presence of sin.
others for oil or even going to the market Till then we need to work out our Salvation.
at that odd hour, they were shut out by the Christian life is a walk from sin to holiness.
bridegroom. He even claimed that he does If we falter, we will become like King Saul.
not know them. Thinking of this sends a Though he was anointed as the first king of
shiver down my spine. It seems as if the Israel, he failed to walk by the precepts of
bridegroom is unloving and merciless, but God and lost his anointing. Christendom
the fact is that these virgins were careless. is filled with such backsliders. They not
Our Lord Jesus Christ, at the end of the only disqualify themselves to enter into
parable exhorts, “Watch therefore, for you heaven but also leave a bad testimony thus
know neither the day nor the hour” (Mt becoming a stumbling block for others. Let
25:13). Let us consider some of the areas us not fall into this category of people. Let
where we need to be watchful. us shine for God and lead a witnessing life.
Watchfulness in Salvation We need to be watchful in our priorities
Salvation is a gift from God. We are also. When we are careless, we lose our
saved by grace through faith. Salvation vision. We get distracted. Gradually, at times
is a transformation from dead to life and even without our knowledge, we dethrone
darkness to light. Salvation commences our the Lord from the throne of our hearts and
journey with Christ. During the initial days crown something or somebody else as our
we rejoice in His presence and are sensitive king. This position can be usurped by our
to the Spirit’s leading. It is a life of total love for money, power, position and the
BLESSING / August 2019 14
like. Even family and ministry can dethrone
the King of kings from ruling our life. We
may still go to church, read the Bible and
attend prayer meetings. But they do not hold
the same significance. Church becomes a
community centre, Bible reading becomes
a duty and a treasure hunt for promises and
blessings, even prayer meetings are just to
comfort our wayward heart. Once we lose
our personal intimacy with our Lord Jesus,
all our so-called ministerial activities are in
vain. When we meet Him on the other shore,
we may say that we have accomplished a
whole lot of things for Him. But He will
reply, “I never know you” (Lk 7:23) because
we have lost that personal relationship with
Him. That was the case with the foolish
virgins. They never realised that they were
careless in their preparatory work and when
they realised it, it was too late to repent. Let
this not be true in our lives.
Watchfulness in Christian Walk
The Bible (word of God) and prayer
are two boons to mankind. Through the
Bible, God speaks to us. It is the roadmap
for us pilgrims to reach heaven. Through
prayer, we communicate with our Saviour.
When Jesus, the very Word of God was
in His bodily form on the earth, we find
Him praying with all earnestness to God
the Father. This should be our model, dear
friends. We should not be satisfied with
mere hearing of the messages in the Sunday
church service or still worse listening from
a preacher in the television. A believer
depending exclusively on the preachers for
their spiritual food has become the norm of
the day. Hardly people turn the Scriptures
to feed their souls. Preachers too are not
interested to wait on the Lord. They just
present some other preacher’s message
which they have taken from the YouTube.
BLESSING / August 2019
Preaching has become a fashion in the
Christendom. People love to be called as
conventional speakers. The Scripture, “For
the time is coming when people will not
endure sound teaching, but having itching
ears they will accumulate for themselves
teachers to suit their own passions,” (2 Tim
4:3) is being fulfilled in these days.
Preachers are lifted up based on their
talent to speak or sing. It is pathetic to
observe that they never grow in the Lord
and also deceive their hearers. Instead
of meditating and practicing the Word,
preachers just want to preach, preach,
preach and perish! Their personal life does
not reflect the sovereignty of God. When
questioned, they answer - ‘Spiritual life is
different from secular life!’ Isn’t this a life
of hypocrisy?
Some years back, I underwent a
short term training in seamanship where
we were taught on how to navigate a ship.
Navigating a ship is no small feat. We do
not have any routes and roads there. But a
route map is available. Hence, the navigator
has to calculate the nautical miles and steer
the ship accordingly. Even a small mistake
will make a great difference. It is believed
that Captain Edward J. Smith ignored the
warnings about the icebergs in the sea. Only
when they came to a quarter mile close to
the ice berg, did they realise the danger.
But by then it was too late. They couldn’t
completely avoid the iceberg which led to
the fall of the unsinkable Titanic.
Personally I am convinced that we
need to meditate the word of God till we
hear His voice and pray till we are assured
that He has heard us. It should neither be a
duty nor a routine. Not listening to God’s
word properly leads us to wrong practices.
Slowly, they breed into wrong teachings
15
and when left uncorrected they beget wrong
doctrines. Such doctrines not only destroy
the preacher but sweep away multitudes
of people who believe in it. Hence, let us
keep a close watch on our lives. Let us
leave nothing unattended when the Holy
Ghost convicts us. Else, we will also be of
those who have had a good start but have
gradually drifted away from the Truth. We
need to, “Continue steadfastly in prayer,
being watchful in it with thanksgiving” (Col
4:2).
Watchfulness in Ministry
Nowadays, people are not willing to
come for the Lord’s ministry. Though there
are several reasons, one of the reasons is
that it is being considered as a menial job.
Ministry is being looked down because
of our behaviour. We are demolishing the
Kingdom of God and building our own
empires. We are attaching a price tag to
what we have received freely. We work as if
God is our servant. Gone are the days when
we needed money for ministry. It is now
ministry for money. We show partiality that
has been strictly condemned by the apostle
James (2: 1-7). We have forgotten about the
Kingdom work and are ablaze to fulfill our
worldly passions. Ministry has become yet
another avenue to earn. Leonard Ravenhill
has clearly captured this as, “The early
church was married to poverty, prisons and
persecutions. Today, the church is married
to prosperity, personality, and popularity.”
Instead of filling the world with the church,
the church is being filled with the world.
The ministry that God has given in
our hands is His ministry. He sent His only
Son to save us and to reconcile mankind to
Him. He has entrusted us with this Gospel to
BLESSING / August 2019
win souls for Him. He is eagerly waiting to
receive His Church, the bride. He has kept
us as caregivers. We need to remember that
we are stewards and not shareholders. Christ
says, “for you do not know when the master
of the house will come, in the evening, or
at midnight, or when the rooster crows,
or in the morning—lest he come suddenly
and find you asleep. And what I say to you
I say to all: Stay awake.” (Mk 13: 35-37)
and “Blessed are those servants whom
the master finds awake when he comes.”
(Lk 12: 37). Let us wake up and be good
stewards (Rom 13:11). For when He comes,
our work will be tested by fire (1 Cor 3:
10-15). Only what has been done by His
standards will last. All else will turn into
ash. Let us not minister to meet our needs.
Rather let us sacrificially labour for the Lord
and reap the reward He has kept in store for
us.
When I was a child, I used to study
using a kerosene lamp. Once, I noticed that
the light emitted by it was not sufficient and
it was about to die. When I tried to set it
right, I noticed that the oil was full and the
wick was also long enough. Unable to solve
the mystery, I took it to my mom. She just
trimmed off the black part of the wick and
explained that carbon settles on the wick
and it needs to be trimmed occasionally.
Yes, dear friends, we may be good or
even exceptionally good in lot of things. Let
us keep a watch on those little areas where
we need to trim on a regular basis. Hence
let us trim off that which is unwanted and be
ablaze for the Lord. Let us be like the wise
virgins who were ready in all possible ways
to meet the bridegroom and partook in the
marriage feast. Let us watch therefore, for
we know neither the day nor the hour of His
coming (Mt 25:13).
16
 FIELD FRAGRANCE!
andhra pradesh
➢ Mr.Benniel Ganesh from UAE arranged
for spiritual meetings, and the Lord helped
Missionary Saroj to minister God’s Word
at 8 places in Dubai and Sharjah during
13th to 18th of May. Praise the Lord!
➢ Mission Sundays were conducted in
8 Churches. Visakapatnam, Srikakulam,
Ramachandrapuram, Guntur & Kakinada.
1.5 lakhs offerings were raised.
➢ The Lord blessed the revival meetings
arranged exclusively by the Telugu
Baptist Church, Srikakulam. Nearly 500
participated.
➢ Children’s Retreat was conducted
successfully with 72 kids and teens at CSI
Church, Vizianagaram.
gujarat
Praise
➢ 12 ladies attended the Deborah Fasting
Prayer.
➢ 152 children participated in the VBS
held in 4 places.
➢ Masru was delivered from evil spirit.
➢ Anjana who had sickle cell anaemia
delivered a girl baby though the Doctor
had ruled out a safe delivery.
➢ 2 new families have started to attend
our fellowship.
Pray
➢ Salvation – Vimal, Prakash, Bura,
Nanji, Madha, Anandha, Ujmo, Rammi
and Ramesh.
➢ Pragati, Sneha and Prakash to get a job.
BLESSING / August 2019
madhya pradesh
Praise
➢ 10 confessed their faith publicly.
➢ Lakshmanan, Roshini, Prakash and
KalluBai were delivered from evil spirit.
➢ God protected Sandeep from an
accident.
➢ 50 New Testaments and 100 tracts were
distributed.
➢ 20 contacts were established.
➢ In a village where there was much
opposition for the Gospel, Chandan and
Janaki are seeking Christ.
Pray
➢ For Salvation - Nithu, Preethi, Vimlesh,
Prakash, Nannebai, Ramkumar and
Sandeep.
➢ Lalitha to be delivered from evil spirit.
➢ Healing – Saraswathi (Paralysis);
Roshini (Bleeding); Ramkali (Chest pain).
➢ Ram Prasad to be delivered from
alcohol addiction.
➢ Blessing of womb – Priyanka, Bharathi,
Sweety, Shalu, Sumitra, Elina, Neetal,
Neelish, Priyanka, Rethu, Kamakshi and
Akhansha, Paridhi, Sheela and Swetha.
➢ Suitable life partners – Mano,
Sanjay, Devendhar, Haridas, Ramrathan,
Kamal, Halle, Rahul, Arjun, Krishna,
Dharmendhar, Rajendhar, Ramilan and
Malathi.
➢ Missionary Raja and family shifted
from Jabalpur to Hyderabad (Telangana).
Missionary Appalasamy and family shifted
from Karim Nagar, Telangana to Jabalpur
(MP). Missionary Kadhirvel and family
shifted from Sagar to Jabalpur (MP).
17
 ➢ Govind to be delivered from evil spirit
and hip pain.
maharashtra
Praise
➢ 11 confessed their faith.
➢ God protected Arjun and his family
from snake bite.
➢ Ladies’ Prayer Cell have been newly
started in two places.
➢ 4 new villages were visited.
➢ 60 attended the Gargoti church
anniversary. Bro. Anil Jadhav shared the
Word of God.
➢ On 23rd June, Dr. Subhash was invited
to share God’s Word in worship service
in Bethsaida Grace Church, Belgaum.
More than 350 attended and were richly
blessed with God’s Word. In the evening,
he shared God’s Word in Youth fellowship
and encouraged them to live a witnessing
life for the Lord.
➢ On 24th June, Bro. Reuben and Dr.
Subhash attended Pastors’ fellowship
in Miraj and shared about BYM and
encouraged to have partnership with the
Mission.
Pray
➢ Sawant, Anand, Bapu, Jadhav, More,
Umesh and Ashok to be delivered from
alcohol addiction.
➢ Healing - Reshma and Laxmi (BP);
Sneha (Nervous Problem); Renjana (Throat
Cancer) and Aslam (Mental Sickness).
➢ Missionary couple Dr. Subash
Waghmare and Suchita have shifted to
Pune.
odisha
Praise
➢ 29 obeyed the Lord.
➢ Ladies’ Prayer Cell and Sunday school
were started in a village.
BLESSING / August 2019
➢ 35 attended a Night Prayer.
➢ 190 were blessed in a Family Retreat.
➢ God healed Ranju from severe stomach
pain and Sanjeev from Kidney problem.
➢ God protected two of our believers
from cobra bite.
➢ 50 people are listening to the Gospel in
a village. Pray for their salvation.
➢ Praise God that Raghunath of Suabeda
miraculously escaped when a lightning
struck their house. Everything was burnt
but the family members escaped unhurt.
➢ 210 were blessed in a Youth Retreat in
two places.
Pray
➢ For healing – Mongali (Low
haemoglobin); Sabamani (Back pain);
Chithru (Chest pain); Keshri (Rheumatic
joint pain); Radha (Tonsilitis); Bhagyasee
& Niranjan (Kidney problem); Tapan
(Fits); Drupati, Kalavathi & Rehan (Heart
problem); Mano (Neck pain); Siro & Rupa
(Joint pain); Absalom (Sickle cell anaemia)
and Danu (Burning sensation in legs).
➢ For Salvation – Shiba and Kesba.
➢ For Jaleswar who is opposing the Good
News, to know Christ.
➢ Sitaram couple to have children.
➢ Revathi to be delivered from evil spirit.
➢ Missionary Abhimonue Bhatra has
problems in his kidneys. Pray for a miracle.
rajasthan
Praise
➢ 8 accepted Christ as their personal
Saviour.
➢ Healings received – Kaskma (Able to
speak); Sunil & Saridha (Skin allergy).
➢ Prathing was delivered from alcohol
addiction.
➢ The Lord gave us an opportunity to
minister in the VBS held in St. Andrew
Church, Jaipur and in Eternal Life Church,
18
Jaipur. After many years we are again
invited by the local church to offer services
to their youth. Pray that God may help us
build cordial relationship with the pastors
and be a support to them in uplifting their
congregation.
➢ Kali’s husband Bhura mistreated her
for attending the Church. But now he is a
changed person. Praise God.
➢ A Table Tennis Tournament held
during the month of June. Young people
participated enthusiastically.
➢ Mini-Halo was held in Jaipur in which
35 young people participated for the first
time.
➢ The Bible Lovers’ Camp was held in
the month of June in Jaipur. 28 people
participated and were blessed with the
Word of God.
Pray
➢ Ashish met with an accident. He was
injured in his head and has a fracture in his
spinal cord. Pray for his healing.
➢ For healing – Ramchand (Paralysis);
Maria (Dumbness); Raju (Mental illness);
Deva (swelling in her body) and Kasma
(Breathing Problem).
➢ Vinod to be delivered from alcohol
addiction.
➢ Kali had frequent miscarriages. Pray
for her to be blessed with a baby.
➢ Five of the youth members have left
the Rajasthan team owing to wrong and
deceptive teachings. Pray that God might
protect the sheep.
uttar pradesh
Praise
➢ Our believers’ children Sandhiya,
Devender, Pahalwan and Rossini got a
suitable life partner in June.
➢ Native missionary Shiromani is blessed
with a baby boy.
BLESSING / August 2019
➢ Missionary couple Guru Prasad and
Mercy shifted from Mahroni to Lucknow.
➢ Asha and Akilesh were healed from eye
problem after 15 yrs.
➢ Ramvathi accepted Christ after
receiving healing from stomach pain after
10 years.
Pray
➢ Healing : Parimela (White Spots);
Anand Kumar (Spinal cord problem) and
Sheela (Heart problem).
➢ Salvation - Modiram and Dinesh.
west bengal
Praise
➢ 180 attended the VBS in 3 places.
➢ God protected our missionary Solomon
Das’ son Sumit from a bike accident.
Pray
➢ Pravin and Lallu to be delivered from
alcohol addiction.
➢ Healing – Beranaikkakujur (BP);
Sunitha (Unable to move her right thumb);
Pravin (Injured leg) and Banthima (Injured
hand).
➢ Backsliden - Philistiliah, Augastu,
Rajini and Marium.
➢ Saravanakumar couple to have children.
condolences
➢ Missionary Yacobu Namburi’s father,
Pastor Rajarathnam Garu (85Yrs) went to
be with the Lord on 11th May.
➢ Missionary Rashmirani Kuldip’s
mother Aladini Chandra (63 Yrs) entered
God’s glory on 28th June.
➢ Missionary Kuntala Khosla’s mother,
Jamuna Bagh (65 Yrs) had her home call
on 5th July.
➢ Missionary Nithya Kadhirvel lost her
father Gunasekaran (67yrs) on 13th June.
Pray for their consolation.
19