A paradoxical shift has occurred in India as the majority of people, both in the community and government, have become hostile to the Gospel. I say this because it has become a conspicuous fact in the media. Persecutions that were unheard of in the past are happening now on a regular basis. But the God of the Bible is sovereign and will not withhold His mighty hand of power. What has been accomplished by STN International team in the past is really a preparation and prerequisite of what is now occurring. The hard labors, long and tiresome travels and long hours of the daily routines have been rewarded in abundance.

As I write this there are eleven faithful men, from different tribal backgrounds going thru a systematic equipping program. They spend ten hours a day studying and engulfing themselves with course material all to be completed in the next two weeks. This is conducted and taught by two of our STN graduates: Pastor Ravi is a retired bank officer and currently shepherds a lively church, and Timothy is a computer engineer and currently runs a company.

Ryder teaches while Timothy translates

While these men are valiantly working, ten men from South India (all from s Hindi background) came from several remote villages a couple of days ago just in time for fasting and prayer. They began their systematic study program taught by Pastor Laxman Paul, who is a former attorney and was mentored by Pastor KB. The best part is that Laxman is a graduate of STN! How exciting that this is happening in North India in a state which is dominated by Hindu religion. Oh but there is more!

Laxman Paul leads new training group

The state of Odisha that became well-known for the murder of the Stains (a missionary family with two kids from Australia) houses a similar study program for 32 participants. Twenty men are expected to do the same in Nepal starting in October. For many years missionaries have tried to reach an area called Budh Gaya. This place is said to be where Buddha had his “enlightenment” that eventually proved to be futile. The same area is not only reached with the power of the Gospel, but a group of 10 men who have been captivated by the Gospel, are making serious efforts to study from one of our STN graduates. Jose Simon travels a long distance with many challenges, incurring all the costs for his own travel.

He works as a principal of a school with the responsibility the job entails, and leads a family with two young children making ministry very difficult. It is not easy for him to travel twelve times a year to a place, which entails 40 hours on a train plus surviving the rigorous bus journey and paying for the needs that arise during these trips. What the team from STN International have done in pouring out their lives to their ministry has accomplished more than just in the area of teaching. It has equipped these trainers and has demonstrated how things can be done when they follow the God who leads! Their commitment has displayed an accomplishment of ‘focus with perspective to multiplying God’s people’. We praise God for Paul Brown and Randy Leinen and the tremendous leadership they display and provide.

As we look to God for more resources as there are scores of servants waiting for an opportunity to be trained in the program. There is an equal number who are in need of financial support and need your help. Would you pray for God’s enabling? The King is coming soon! Would you partner with us? Philippians 1:5 “in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now.”

It is not a paradox when His power is awesome! Zechariah 4:6 “‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of hosts.”

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.

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