Ryder Kumar – Page 3 – Shepherding the Nations

Meaning, message and a mission

April 27, 2016 By Ryder Kumar

Six Months In Review

It is now six months since Flory and I moved from the United States of American to India. This happened to be one of the toughest decision we ever made in our lives. There are people in the US who desire to get us back and there are those in India who wonder why we have come! I am reminded of Nehemiah, one of the great leaders, who said these words in Nehemiah 6:3, “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?”

God has shown us, aside from all human reasoning, that our motivation is not to live with complacency, or a comparatively comfortable life. We cannot look back from this commitment to serve the living God. It is worth journeying for thousands of miles, leaving behind a home, and going through the drills of security checks and standing in long lines at the airport, all for the sake of people who need the truth.

Ministry Highlights

The message that we have in these temporary earthen vessels is a most powerful one that causes life or death. Acts 4:19-20 says, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

During these months in India approximately 6,000 people have heard the Word of God with eagerness.
There are times the believers stayed in meetings for four hours at a stretch.
Ladies gathered in three places to spend several hours feasting on God’s Word.
Saints were strengthened, congregations were blessed and the Word went forth with power.

Flory teaching women’s conference.

While doing my M.Div program in the US under the eminent scholars at TMS and associated with Paul Brown to learn and study I did not imagine how far this truth will travel. Our Sovereign God knew and He took me through those valuable times.

Multiplication of Trainers

The Mission must be accomplished. SE Asia is waiting! The training programs we had in India to equip the trainers were very encouraging. We are envisioning 100 leaders to be trained the first year and to graduate the second year. This multiplication approach will enable us to see 10,000 to be trained after two years. God is able! The door is open. The time is now. 1 Corinthians 16:9 “For a wide door for effective service has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.”

How can you help? Praying is a powerful resource. Finances are providing resource. Would you pray and provide? The work must go on to combat the false teaching that is cropping up rapidly. The churches must be made healthy. Quality leaders must be raised up and disciples must be made.

One Day Women’s Conference

January 29, 2016 By Ryder Kumar

Report by Vinay Kalapala

In partnership with the Shepherding the Nations we were able to conduct a one day conference for the ladies of our church and surrounding churches with the theme, “Your Effective Growth in the Body of Christ.” Brother Ryder Kumar gave an inspirational and insightful devotional study from John 6:1-14 speaking on “Incredible Blessing.” Flory Kumar spoke with clarity and burden based on the theme. She focused on six aspects of growth, “Worship, Fellowship, Membership, Serving, Discipleship and Giving.” The 62 ladies present were motivated and blessed by the teaching.

It was a real encouragement to see many participating from other churches such as Hebron Fellowship, LEF, and Zion Prayer house joined with our Shiloh Prayer hall. Followed by a delightful lunch a 20-minute game helped the ladies get ready for the afternoon sessions. Sis. Halleluiah and other ladies sang worship songs at the beginning of afternoon session. Flory continued her 2nd secession with group discussions. During this time, many shared their convictions and challenges in those 6 areas of study and made decisions to correct themselves and gave testimonies and spent time in prayer.

During the conference some of the pastors desired for a meeting with Brother Ryder to express their desire to request STN’s partnership in the endeavors to hold BTCP seminars for many who are in need. We are very much thankful to Brother Ryder and Sister Flory, and Shepherding the Nations for giving us a wonderful opportunity provided to meet the needs of these ladies of different churches. There is a great need for holding such conferences regularly.

God’s Transforming Power Clearly Seen – Jose Simon

January 19, 2016 By Ryder Kumar

Jose Simon stands to read during early BTCP conference.

Jose Simon (along with his wife) sold land given to him by his parents in South India. With this money he bought another piece of land in North India. The place is not only far from his culture, language, and family but it is in a remote village where nobody wants to live. Jose’s purpose was to spread the Gospel.

To have income he established a school. Having no formal training in theology he was desperate to receive training. When he approached STN India he was rejected at first because he was not a pastor. But his intensity in pursuing this training persuaded our coordinator to enroll him for the BTCP study course. Jose did not just attend classes but watched the lives of teachers who came from the US, interacted with them, and became a diligent student. He was challenged by the lives that he watched. His hard work, discipline and dedication enabled him to do well and graduate. The five long years of study was of great value. His life has been transformed. Jose, with his meager earnings from the school that he established in the village helps the poor students to buy BTCP books. He spends long hours in traveling as he travels with low budget and leads two groups in remote villages in two of the most backward states of North India.

Ryder (left) with pastors during conference in Lucknow in January 2016. (Jose Simon is on the right.)

Jose is also helping STN India as a board member.

God Is Working in Nepal

January 14, 2016 By Ryder Kumar

Our great God is known for awesome deeds. In His provision, plan and purpose, He chooses people. One of them happens to be Mahavir Kumar Sah of Nepal. Following his family traditions, he and his family have been bowing before idols and worshipping them until KB, another Nepali met and confronted him. KB, one of our STN graduates, presented the gospel with all simplicity as is his style. Mahavir didn’t take much time to throw away his idols from his home. Both Mahavir and his wife, being convicted of sin, accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior. In order to mentor Mahavir, KB brought him to Lucknow to attend STN seminars. Mahavir, with great interest and diligence studied the courses and graduated in October 2014.

Mahavir’s church, which is planted in Joshipur is growing. Mahavir baptized about 12 people; there are 22 in the congregation. Mahavir was equipped and trained at STN seminars. Now he is ready to launch out to see many transformed by being equipped with BTCP training classes. He can’t wait to see this happen and is anxious to begin the training ministry.

Trip to Kanpur

December 18, 2015 By Ryder Kumar

Growing Church in Kanpur

Kanpur is an industrial city situated near Lucknow in the state of Uttar Pradesh. In the past Randy and Susan Leinen from our team that visited India from the US, have ministered in this church here. The church has not only been growing locally but multiplying. The need of the hour has been to strengthen these new believers who have come from Hindu background. KB (popularly known in STN) has been instrumental in mentoring; many have become Pastors. Among them is Laxman Paul who is a recent STN graduate. He and his wife are actively involved in church and church planting.

Laxman Paul, Pastor of Kanpur church

Women’s Seminar

December 3rd has become a memorable day in this pastor’s church as 55 sisters gathered from surrounding churches to spend their time from 11.30 a.m. till about 5 p.m. to listen, study on discipleship, discuss in groups and enjoy fellowship. Flory poured out heart to teach while Mercy interpreted in Hindi. The challenge was not to be in the ‘crowd’ but be a true ‘disciple’ of the Lord Jesus Christ. As “Ghar Vapsi” (meaning come back home) a thrust by Hindu fanatics has become popular to bring back Christians to be reconverted to Hinduism, the message on following the Lord Jesus was enforced with the enlightening Word.

The fellowship seminar ended with interesting testimonies. The sisters left the gathering rejuvenated.

Flory felt a real fulfilment as she saw God blessing the meetings immensely. In the midst of imported obnoxious false teaching, it was worthwhile to spend several hours with dear sisters who are truly devoted to grow in the Lord and live a sacrificial lives.

Flory teaching with Mercy translating

Return for a Reason

November 17, 2015 By Ryder Kumar

Prayers answered: Ephesians 3:20 “Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us.”

It is little over 1 ½ months since Flory and I left the US with many people praying for us. If it is not for a reason the return to India wouldn’t have been possible. We are so grateful for different groups lifting us up in prayer. God has been abundantly answering prayers on our behalf. The prayer of Paul Brown flashes thru my mind over and again when we see several surprises coming our way.

Found a house to live: Meeting a couple (who happened to be the US citizens) within two hours of our search for a house and then this couple offering their house that is unoccupied for six months for a price which is less than half the price at other parts of the city is a surprise. The owner has air conditioners in each room and good curtains for the doors – all for the same rent!
Gas connection to cook food: When I went to book cooking gas connection, the manager who was opening his lunch box to eat stopped and took my work to process and give a permit within half hour is a surprise.
Room for storing luggage: Ravi and Shanti whose church premises is now in their possession allowed us to keep our 10 suitcases for several days as we couldn’t keep them all in our hotel room. No charges and everything was safe. Surprise!
Big purchases were made: Immediate purchases for household needs, getting to know lot of new systems (never existed while we lived here), and encountering challenges in day-to-day life such as finding helpers for cleaning the house, taxis and volunteers to drive us around for errands have become part of life.
Ministry in the midst of all that is going on: Except for one Sunday when I was sick with high fever all other Sundays, I have been preaching and Flory has had a Sunday school ministry. The church had 1st time youth retreat with 200 youth gathering for 5 days; I was one of the speakers for the 5 days, Flory, too, was involved in counseling sessions and interaction groups. Talking to our graduates in the North and West Bengal has been very encouraging. Everyone appears to be waiting for our visit to their regions. All of them are aggressively involved in the ministry. Conversions and baptisms are taking place.
STN India: Board meeting and Annual general meeting that were essential were held. The board was able to discuss logistics, legal aspects and FCRA matters at length. Two significant meetings were held with a renowned CPA (handling the work of Bill Gates in India). I have also started talking with Suresh; he is officially retired from Every Home Crusade.
Abraham’s office and home: This continues to be a blessing as I am getting some work done through this office and stay at home and get the help of transportation in Delhi.

Pilgrims: Psalm 119:54 “Your statutes are my songs In the house of my pilgrimage.”

Both Flory and I aren’t feeling at home yet, though Flory has made the home beautiful to live in over just a couple of weeks. We do feel like pilgrims. Flory is battling with the language. Tears have been flowing as she misses worship in English/Hindi.
On November 8th we had some pastors with their spouses and Christian leaders with their spouses come for a house warming and to introduce them to STN India. We were able to combine our 10th marriage anniversary with this event.
Opening bank accounts and operating ATM has been quite an experience. At Lucknow my cards didn’t work.
We had made a special devise for getting water purified for daily use at home, with monthly servicing.

Expenses incurring in such new systems/adventures never occurred prior to making budget. But blessing in disguise, we can put some of these expenses into house rent and it will still be much low than what we have budgeted.

Program: 1 Corinthians 16:9 “For a wide door for effective service has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.”

In the midst of growing hostility towards the Gospel there is a tremendous open door for evangelism, and planting churches. STN India has a significant role in training and equipping. The past nine years of work has become a model.

There is a need to identify a large number of people who need support and training.
Making proposals, policies and budgets, visits to regions, sending out newsletters and making a prayer partner lists are tasks to be undertaken in next weeks.

Pray: There are specific requests.

Visits to regions such as North (two areas), West Bengal and Nepal. The Lord to give us directions as we make plans starting in January 2016 to meet with our graduates, pray with them and work with them. There are requests to start BTCP programs. What is God showing us?
Suresh Mathews to be led by God as Suresh desires to be associated with STN India. We do need help in teaching in North India and Nepal. He can be asset. We also need help in STN India administration.
I see a need to mentor, train several graduates such as J., D., L. and WB brothers. There is a need to hold TTWs in different parts. Both Flory and I have made ourselves available for helping Ravi and Shanti. Also there would be openings in local churches. We need God’s leading to know what to accept and what to reject.
There is a significant meeting coming up in the 1st week of December @ Lucknow to discuss on problems at Unnao Church, Suresh’s future involvement, probing into CPA’s work, D.’ requests for naming their churches. This trip will also enable me to bring luggage that is left at our son’s home in Gurgaon.
This time coming to India is a return for a reason that persuades and motivates us to press on. We are very thankful to the STN International board for being a great support in our commitment to serve the living God.

Temporary move prior to permanent one!

August 25, 2015 By Ryder Kumar

Hebrews 11:9-10 “By faith he lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise; for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.”

Several Moves

: Full Packing Boxes

: And Empty Bookshelves!

At the age of 17 I moved from the city of Hyderabad in South India to North India. It was not for pleasure but a step of faith for a purpose. Since then I have made several more moves. The move from Hyderabad to North India led me to many minor moves and two major ones. The third move was the biggest of all – the move from India to the Chicago in the US. The next move from Chicago to California is a move that took place 15 years ago. Perhaps this was the most significant move with the loss my wife of about 25 years. That move brought a church plant that became a church with growth and stability, formation of Shepherding the Nations in the US, and Shepherding the Needy in India, my marriage to Flory, my son’s marriage, two grandbabies and lots more.

Prior to moving to the US, I would jokingly tell people that the US is a land of promise because of its riches. But now as my wife and I move from the US back to India I would say that I feel as if I am an alien and foreigner moving to India. Am I tired of moving? I can hardly wait for my final move – to reach that “city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.”

Toughest Move

After serving the Lord for over forty years, most of them being in India reaching out to tens of thousands in villages, then being with my son and family for several years in the US, turning to go back to India appears to be the toughest move. While there are those who feel it is not a right decision, a senior pastor in the US recently said, “We would salute you as no one after staying so long in the US would do what you are doing.”

Why did we decide positively on this toughest move?

The reason is not complicated. God who was in control of my life forty years ago is still in control to lead and guide. After much waiting on God, it has become very clear to accept the unanimous decision of International board of STN. Godly men and women that are on the board have prayed and saw the needs of countries such as Pakistan, India and other SE Asian countries.

It is not just the 75 pastors who were graduated recently that need spiritual leadership but there is a cry from all over to have similar equipping training programs in order to combat the challenges that these countries are confronting. So here we are to take up a move to India and not having a property of our own we look for a rented place to live, build up the ministry across the country, visit SE Asian countries and oversee the ministry established by STN International.

Prior to that final move to the “city that has foundation” there are many plans to be accomplished and a goal to see healthy churches planted with the Lord’s enabling. This move gives me an opportunity to be a Pastor to the pastors while my wife Flory labors with alongside me using her gifts and talents.

– By Ryder Kumar International Director, STN International

Kumar Move to India – Update

August 1, 2015 By Ryder Kumar

The Cross before us, there is no other agenda ahead of us.

On behalf of His people, God has been making to fall everything at its right place in appropriate timing. We have now custodians to take care of our house as we plan to move out of this beautiful home by August 15. We request continued prayer for preparations to move.

The target date is September 21^st and seek His wisdom in booking one way air flights in the right airlines. We have a couple of people in Hyderabad looking for a rented house. We covet prayers that God would lead to the right house in a right locality etc. Getting a house leads us to many aspects of urgent needs, such as it provides a address to produce at DMV (in India it is RTO –road transport office), FCRA as it needs a permanent address, prayer partners who will receive letters would want to know the address of local office. Packing and shipping are in progress. Please pray that nothing will be lost and we will not take any unwanted items. God to lead us in making ministry itinerary in India.

Whoa! It’s happening!

January 23, 2015 By Ryder Kumar

Dreams come true.

Thinking big is important.

Let us remind ourselves of the words of William Carey the cobbler from England who became a missionary and landed in India,

“Expect great things from God and attempt great things for God.”

Trusting our living God is serious business. Diane Brown sang at the graduation ceremonies both in South and North India, “How Great Thou Art.” Our hearts were touched and we trembled with holy awe!

What does our great God have for STN after these graduations?

Breaking news: J. S. reports that 30 pastors are gathering from January 24th thru 27th to study course # 1 of BTCP. This is going to happen in a state called Orissa. This is in central India where our team from the US has never been. This means the Lord is leading us to an entirely new place. Not just that, Odisha (new name for Orissa) is the place where Graham Stains and his two kids were martyred. This is one of the most backward states of India and heavy persecution of Christians has been taking place. We are seeing multiplication of the work. Can you sing, “How great Thou art”?

D. and his family

Breathtaking news: D., who was instrumental in starting church plant couple of days after his graduation, informed me on January 17th that a son in the family who gave his house to hold worship services has become seriously sick. He gave up drinking because of the message of the Gospel presented to him. But one week later unable to resist his pangs he took a drink and got sick. He threw up liters of blood on Sunday/Monday night. He was troubled to the point of death. People prayed. Another graduate named Avadesh, who is pastor at another place, began praying and fasting for three days. KB was informed to pray. All prayed. The situation was desperate for D. because it was a challenge for the faith of all the newly born again members of the newly formed church. All are from Hindu background. The guy who was sick was taken to the hospital. Amazing! God answered prayers. Doctors checked and found out that all his internal organs are okay except his lungs. He was treated and sent home. He became completely well. D. further said how this group of people collected about $500 to take care of this sick person. Displays of this kind of Christian love are unusual. God used D.’s testimony of belonging to the Lord and his commitment to motivate others to do it. Can you sing, “How great Thou art”?

Blissful news: KB called a week ago to inform me that he was in Nepal on Christmas day. 200 people gathered for the celebration. This included people who were opposed to Christianity. These opposition people applauded the celebration and enjoyed it thoroughly. While KB was away in Nepal 200 people attended the Christmas service at his home church in Unnao. This gathering included a politician whose party is against Christianity. Surprisingly this politician was spell bound as he enjoyed the whole Christmas service. Can you sing, “How great Thou art”?

By faith we look forward to greater happenings.

Significant and Historical Mission Trip

December 17, 2014 By Ryder Kumar

By Ryder Kumar, International Director STN International.

As the eleven member team from the US ventured to be in India on a short term mission trip, none of us imagined that it would be tougher than we ever thought, more challenging than we could understand, and more hazardous than we ever believed. But this trip was also most rewarding, greatly refreshing and definitely of God’s undertaking. We are thankful to all who prayed and gave sacrificially.

75 Pastors Graduate

When 75 pastors who have successfully completed ten courses in six years and each one of them came forward to receive certificate, it was a ‘rewarding’ experience. It was not just an achievement but a life-changing experience for these men.

One of them, J. S. from North India said,

“These are some words of gratitude for STN international for bringing BTCP course to India – Thank you very much for all your efforts, preparation, sacrifice and perseverance to bring the course to us all. As I was studying course #10 I was motivated to share the Gospel to people of different faiths in India. I was so stirred up that I am willing to give up my position as the principal of my school (letting someone else take this position) as I move out from church to church, teaching what I have been taught. In the midst of severe opposition I envision a breakthrough by the power of God’s Spirit through the teaching of the Truth. I hope other graduates are encouraged to serve the Lord meaningfully just as I am.”

J. works in a remote village in a very strategic area surrounded by the Hindu and Muslim community.

Another graduate by the name of D. from a Hindu-dominated state of India says,

“After studying course #10 the Lord gave me a burden to serve in the church by ‘making disciples’. I am so excited to mention that a new church is planted on November 2nd in a village called ‘L.’ I have another challenge to see another church planted in a village called ‘R’”.

D. mentioned the number of people attending this church plant. Isn’t this refreshing in the spirit as we think of all those difficult days that the team had in India? D. graduated on October 31st and saw a new church plant on November 2nd.

The ministry of the Word by Paul Brown and Randy Leinen were a blessing in the local churches on Sundays. The ministry through singing by Diane Brown and Abraham Kumar was greatly appreciated in churches and graduation events as the hearts were lifted to praise and worship. About twenty five ladies in South and the same number in North gathered for five days. Flory, Susan, Tammy, and Diane ministered through teaching and counseling while Mindy Nelson and Tammy Werth also encouraged through their testimonies. Eddie Bueno, the pastor of Hispanic church at The Bridge Bible Fellowship, along with Tammy Werth, joined the team to India for the very first time.

We now encounter greater challenges than ever.

The work has grown so big that it needs structure, nurture and protection from the enemy. Launching out to India and neighboring countries can’t be kept in abeyance. It will be ‘too late’ to procrastinate combating the imported obnoxious theology. The time to launch out into SE Asia is NOW. Millions in India need to hear the Gospel and thousands are waiting to be trained in order to do church planting across the nation.

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