Joy unspeakable, peace deep within,
satisfaction beyond measure, an overwhelming presence of God, all glory to God are
some of the sentences you would use to describe the the 34th Navapur Conference
which was held from October 28 - November 2, 2014. Each year, the Navapur
Conference has its own story declaring the goodness and greatness of our God
but this year surpassed it all. We count it a great privilege to be a part of
this great move of Holy Spirit in the Indian history. There is no greater joy
than to be used as His vessels and for the expansion of His Kingdom.
I wish I could tell of all the wondrous things that God did for us in
this conference but I'm sure words remain weak and insufficient before His
glory.
What
began under a tree with a handful of God-chosen people, even now attracts
thousands and thousands of lives with the same fervour and zeal to fellowship,
to worship, to learn the word and the boldness to tell the world that He
reigns.
This
year's conference again witnessed thousands thronging in to worship Him. The
multi coloured tent in an open ground
that can seat 50,000 people sitting next to each other in the ground, was jam
packed to the point that there was no way one could walk among the crowd.
People from many nationalities also took part and were greatly blessed.
A young IT professional from Hyderabad,
who took leave from work just to attend this conference, commented , "
I love coming to Navapur conference and
it's my second time here. It is a
very big miracle for me to come out of my busy work schedule but I have been
praying and believing to attend the Navapur conference this year. I was not
sure until the last minute if I would be granted leave from work but God did a
miracle and I was able to attend the conference. As soon as I entered the
Navapur conference ground, which was covered by colourful tents, immediately I
was filled with unspeakable joy and peace. I think you know what I am talking
about “Holy Spirit”. I got my Bible and notes ready and I was also ready
to dance and offer my best sacrifice of praise to Sovereign God." This is just one among hundreds of testimonies that have been resounding and ringing in our ears.
Pastors Babu Cherain, Freddy Thomas, Shibu Thomas and Dr. Idiceria Ninan delivered the Word of God with much conviction and passion.
The presence of God hovered around the place so heavily that the ministers could no longer minister. One
of the minsters said, " I fear the presence of God in this
place."
Each day
people gathered early in the morning to intercede and pray for the people
groups. It seemed the presence of Holy
Spirit was driving every mind into His presence - people gathered on time, gave
sacrificially, sang and danced open heartedly, lingered in the presence of
God, poured out their hearts freely,
responded to the Word of God beautifully, enjoyed the blanket presence of God
reverentially. Every day people had the opportunity to blessed by several Word
sessions which added life and colour. Hundreds of children had the opportunity
to be together under a colourful tent, learn the Word of God, do action songs
and engage in activities enjoying the
presence of God. The young people had the opportunity to use their energy for
God. They were challenged through the Word of God to give themselves and all
they have for the Kingdom cause. The women looked all bright and colourful as
they gathered under one tent to praise Him.
Wonderful
testimonies poured out from the crowd as they queued up to testify the great
things that God has done in their lives. Also they brought in sacrificial and
precious offerings like cash, tears, testimonies, vows and beautifully
presented them in the house of God amidst the congregation. Sister Yvonne and
several pastors wives led the women into learning the Word of God and
prayer. One of the sisters shared this
miracle testimony on stage, "I was barren but I came for the Navapur
conference last year and got prayer for. God answered my prayer and now I have
a baby boy."
Another
sister exclaimed, "My house was about to crumble. I lived in a small
mud house where one could hardly get in. I came to the conference last year and
took a vow before the Lord that if he blesses me with a home I will offer INR
1000. God miraculously helped me and I want to fulfill my vow now. "
At the
testimony section, still another recalled, "I was diagnosed as having
heart problems because of which I had breathing problems and my palms and lips
look bluish in colour. I was pregnant and doctors advised me to terminate the
pregnancy because of my health
conditions . I trusted the Lord and requested for prayer during the last
conference. I continued the pregnancy and God helped me to deliver a boy baby
without any complication."
"I am
believing God for a house of my own. I want to offer my gift into the house of
God and believe God for a miracle. I will testify of His greatness as I come
for the Navapur conference next year."
As iron
sharpens iron, testimonies of women declaring His goodness over their lives,
resulted in much praise.
The
conference also witnessed over 39 Bible College students graduating, 20 new
pastors being ordained and released to go out and take the good news in the
needy places. The tents resounded with the praise song, "Let the nations
sing, seas clap and mountains dance in praise to the King. "
The
conference ended with heavenly scene of hundreds of pastors serving the Holy Communion
to thousands of believers from across the nations and a compelling message
deposited in every spirit that this good news needs to be taken to the lost and
dying.
We cannot
forget God's faithfulness and the faithful contributions of the saints who have
contributed selflessly and sacrificially towards this five day celebration.
With your contributions we were able to host, feed, provide basic facilities
and improve on several fronts. Yet with the increase in the number of people, a
greater number of facilities are needed to host them over these five days.
For the
coming year 2015 Navapur Conference we are believing that we will be able to
build 50 male and 50 female washrooms and toilets. Would you join us to pray and believe for
this?
We pray
that you will be able to join us next year from the 17th to the 22nd of Nov,
2015.
