An Incredible Experience - Navapur Convention '16

"I don't know how to describe it, but it will be one of the most incredible experience of my 30 years of ministry life."  This is was what one of the speakers, invited to speak at the recently concluded Navapur Convention, had to say about the entire week.   When asked to elaborate, he mentioned several aspects of the Convention, out of which the humility of the people to hear the Word of God stood out. 

People from 12 states gathered together to worship God and hear from the Word.  The total abandon in worship and the great attention that they were paying to the Word of God, really spoke volumes for their love for Jesus. 

There was a time, when the people would bring their bullock carts and come to the convention.  They would ‘park’ their carts all around the ground.   But today one can see only a sea of motorbikes, cars and other vehicles all around in the parking lot.  The people have been blessed both spiritually and in every other area of their lives and as a result, their giving also has risen considerably.  Praise God for this total transformation.    

This year, on the first day itself, there was the scare of demonetization of two currency notes.  So people had trouble traveling to the convention ground and also hesitation to give yet God took control and by the end of the convention, we could testify that God meets every need and loves to provide a direct answer to our prayers.  Nothing was amiss and the meetings proceeded unhindered.

Speakers
The speakers included Pastor Suresh Babu, who spoke on the “The visitation and the habitation of God.”  His messages were anointed and the people responded to the altar calls with much prayer and surrender.

Pr. T C Thomas spoke directly to the hearts of the people, when he mentioned the various facets of the power of the Gospel.   When he prayed for the people, you could see tears rolling down the cheeks of those who decided to accept and also to carry the message to others.

Pr. M.S. Samuel narrated the stories from the Gospels.  His exposition of the gospels for the simple man were profound yet practical.

Pastors’ Meetings
Over 400 pastors had gathered to study from the word of God and one of the brothers expressed it well, “It was  a true joy to go so deep into the Word of God and mine the pearls of practical wisdom for ourselves.” 

Dr. Jacob Cherian was the invited speaker for the pastors and leaders seminar.  His love for the Word of God was evident in the way he taught from the book of 1 Thessalonians.  Pastors and leaders needed to hear about the conviction and the call of God on our lives.  In his three sessions, he took us on a journey through this book and it was worthwhile.  A bunch of younger pastors and leaders could also be witnessed in these meetings.  Thank God for the many generations that are there sharing the Good News.

Pastors’ Wives Meetings.
For the first time in the history of the convention, the wives of the Pastors got together for a special sessions.  It was a great time of bonding, of sharing and crying and praying together.  Over 150 women gathered in the room to hear what God had to say to them for their lives, for their families for their calling and for their own churches.  A need was expressed to do it in the coming years also.  God willing, they will begin to meet on the State level in the days to come.

MISSION '17

For the next year, we want to focus our energy in equipping the people and our front line workers like never before.  We want to be intentional about this so that together we will have a greater workforce to reach more people in the coming days.  We request you to pray with us as we align and give structure our ministries especially amon Women, Children, Youth, the Lay Leaders and Pastors themselves.  

Separate teams will be traveling to locations to encourage and strengthen the work that is already being done and initiate them along the lines that we have mentioned. With work spread out over 15 states, humanly speaking it is very tough to work towards this change.  But we know that with you praying for us, we would be able to bring about the change and together accomplish the vision.

We are excited to bring news that we were able to start one more training centre in Navapur, Maharashtra, India. We are already training 130 students for the two and three year leadership programs in our Bible College in Udaipur. But this program is a one year program, especially training young men and women for grass root evangelization.  

This will give them the much need start to go out and begin ministering under existing pastors and leaders.  Once they are ready, they will be launched out into newer locations starting congregations on their own.  This is part of our original vision of training natives to reach natives.

Pioneering in the 21st Century

BIKANER:  One of the 13 desert districts in Rajasthan, Bikaner is a great educational and cultural centre.  Its kings and palaces and legends are unparalleled.  We have been working here for the past several years but something special is happening in this city.   

Recently Pastor Stephen Samson, who is pastoring in Jodhpur (about 250 Kms away) got a special burden to go to Bikaner and start the work afresh there.  He obeyed and started going there twice a month. Suddenly new connections have  come up and people are wanting to worship Jesus and know about where they can go for worship service. 

And then the Lord connects us to a missionary family who arrived in Bikaner a few months ago, not knowing what God wanted them to do in this city.  We have now connected with them and want to invest in their lives as they stick it out there in spite of the extreme weather.

Realizing that this is a good time for us to move in, we are hiring a large home so that this family can stay and which will double up as a place of worship and learning centre too.  The rent alone is Rs 11,000 per month.  And then there is the cost of living for this family. Is there anything too hard for the Lord?  Nothing is too hard.  But we need to believe for greater things and act for greater glory.

And Oh! another miracle happened.  A family out of the blue, came and said that they want to give a piece of land (and that too in the city) to build a church building!  Coincidences? Or signs of divine timing?   Please pray and join us in touching Bikaner anew.

Eleven Years

Rev.  Dr. Thomas Mathews
(February 9, 1944 -
November 24, 2005)

11 years ago on this day, my Dad went to be with the Lord.  On his way to preach in another city, he stayed the night in a home in Delhi and never woke up.  He was taken by our Lord for the rest that he very much needed. 

During these 11 years, there have been times when I have been alone, afraid and confused, but it was always the Lord comforting and reminding me that His grace was sufficient for me. 

Thanks to your valuable prayer and precious partnership, we have only continued to grow. The vision of planting churches continues through our feeble hands.   New churches have been planted, new people sent out to the mission fields and many people from new communities added to the Kingdom.  But there are a few more million people still to hear. We do not have time to celebrate! Let us continue to work hard until all hear, and then altogether we will celebrate

Personal Letter

Beloved Friend,

It is a great joy to be connecting with you in this manner. You have been receiving this newsletter and have been joining us through prayer and financial contributions.  May the Lord bless you and reward you generously for standing with us. The Bible is very clear and direct when it says in Hebrews 6:10 reminds us that … God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do. (NLT)

With every passing day we look back we are  grateful to God for leading us and the ministry in such marvellous ways. We have enjoyed your friendship and sincere prayer and partnership. It is not our efforts or strategies and plans but the faithfulness of the Lord. Thank you so much for the part that you have played.

Supporting Church Planters

Because of your  faithful partnership we have been able to support missionaries in much needy places especially Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Gujarat and Rajasthan. Would love to mention one story from Kutch in Gujarat.

Situated in the west of the country, Kutch is known to be a dry place both physically and spiritually. But it has seen a breakthrough in the past year. Brother Mahendra and his family and Brother Blessen and family have joined the ministry in that region and they are reaching out to  local people through prayer, counselling and community work. They have started outreach in three new villages and the first baptism took place a few months ago.  This was one of the biggest miracle of the year!   The Lord is really blessing and new people from the neighbouring villages have started coming in for Sunday worship too.   Would you like to help families go out and serve Jesus?  If so, please write to us.

Community Initiatives

A new work has started in four locations among the Kalbelias and the Lohars. Traditionally the Kalbelias are snake charmers and the Lohars are blacksmiths.  Our workers are teaching and reaching out  to these communities through health education, informal education and adult literacy programs. Medical camps were held and medicines distributed reaching out to more than 500 people. In one community where the women and  children earn their living by picking up rags, efforts are being taken to encourage children to enroll into a regular  school and for women to learn healthy practices. Through health education many Lohar youth have quit multiple addictions to tobacco and other locally available addictive substances. We are trusting God for transformed lives in these communities. Would you pray for them please?

Church Buildings

Over two years, out of a total of ten churches that needed a building, God enabled us to complete five.  We are excited and thank God for His miraculous provision. A church that is right now in the final stages of construction is the church at Sagwa in Rajasthan. The believers at Sagwa church underwent much persecution seven years ago.Today God enabled us to build a church building in the same village and it is a source of great relief and blessing for the people in the region.  We need your continued financial assistance to finish these buildings.

We request you to continue to help us with your prayers and your giving. Your giving, big or small, goes to the most needy individuals and meets their dire needs.  God bless as you consider to give. Also let us know how we can pray for you in the days to come.

In closing we want to bless you with Ephesians 3:20 — Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. (NLT)

Joining you in this end time ministry,

Paul and Christy Mathews
Udaipur, Rajasthan

Spirit Wind in Sakri

Situated on a raised plateau, Sakri is known for its beautiful mountains, strawberry fields and its sugarcane farms.  But soon it will be known for one more thing.  The Spirit Wind.

As you meet Pastor Motiram you are stunned by the sincerity in his words.  He was trained in the Filadelfia Bible College and went back to minister with his co-workers in the Sakri area.   After 15 years of ministry, there were results, but not at the speed he wanted them to come.  One fine day, as he and others were praying, the Lord promised them that he would send a Spirit Wind upon the region and remove the barrenness.   But they were to sit in pray for the coming revival. And they began to pray earnestly.

As prayer gathered momentum, their faith began to rise.  With faith and prayer, came answers to difficult prayers.  Soon, they had the faith to put up a tent meeting.  A small meeting was planned but the turnout defied all odds. People began to give generously and sacrificially for a larger meeting.

“All the expenses are being borne by the simple people of our churches,” says Motiram. Knowing the condition of the people, this in itself is a miracle.

Shyama came to the faith after losing two sons.  He himself was battling a strange disease.  No one helped nor cared.  But he was desperate and God directed him to a church.  People prayed for him and he was totally and instantly healed.  From that day, he prayed that they would come to his village to start a church.    That prayer was soon answered.

A church was started and people began to pour and NMM was able to partner with the believers to complete a church building in the village.  But God had greater plans for Shyama. Handing over his farm to his sons, he is now working full time with his local pastor.  When asked… what changed him?  He replied … it was the baptism of the Holy Spirit.  Everything changed. Love for the Lord, compassion for the lost,  a boldness to pray for people and the joy of seeing people being healed, is what I got after my Spirit baptism. 

While studying in the Bible College, the only prayer that Pastor Savlish had was, “Lord send me to a place, where no one know you.. I want to be a witness for you.  But then he had another prayer too.  Lord, please save each and every member of my family, before I go out and preach to others…  Today God has honoured both this requests.  His whole family is saved and he is  ministering in a pioneer location and the Lord has blessed him with 40 believers there. 

The Holy spirit is doing a marvellous thing in the area…..

Navapur14 - God Among His People

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.

Hearts Ablaze

In a country where plurality of gods exists, it is always heart-warming to see people giving themselves in radical surrender to the Lord.  In such a case, baptism becomes a defining moment in their spiritual journey. 

At the baptismal service, people are asked questions about whether they are doing this of their own free will or being coerced into it.  Other significant questions regarding their faith and their commitment to follow Christ all the way are asked of the candidate getting ready to be baptized. 

In spite of the high stakes involved and the possible rejection from the family, people from different castes and tribes, get baptised with sheer joy.  As we witness this glorious event, it is a time of recommitment and evaluation of our own 

faith, our commitment and our own walk with the Lord.

Please join us in praying that we would be able to care for the thousands of people coming into the faith and also provide the resources for them to grow and become disciples themselves.  The task has only begun once they come to the Lord and we need your continued prayer support to see them become true heirs of the Kingdom.

Sowing Seeds of Hope

More than 600 needy and destitute children are being taken care of in our Children’s Homes in various locations.  Each home has Home Parents who take care of these children’s daily needs, build routine into their lives, and guide them into their God-destined future. 

These children get the opportunity to live in a safe Children's Home, as opposed to living on the streets with such harsh living conditions. They are fed three healthy meals a day, have the opportunity to go to school and study and develop in every way, and live in a safe environment where they are loved, cared for and grow in every way.

We are passionate about helping these children. We know we can help more as we come across hundreds of children who could be given a home and fulfill their dream of living a secure life. There are requests from over 100 children that need our immediate care and attention.  They need a safe place to grow. 

Would you help us to help these children? It will cost $45 per child for a month.  A gift of $5000 will take care of ten children for a year. 

This includes their food, shelter and basic education. This will also help the Home Parent to buy basic living accessories like beds, mattresses, bed sheets and pillows. With your help we will be able to bring this help to more precious children. Each child is precious. Your gift can save a child and give them a future.

Ministering to Women

When it comes to ministering and meeting to the needs of women, the best option is to train and equip the sisters to help other women.  

Empowering the women not only liberates them to be God's best, but also secures the future of the generations to come.   We work among Kalbelia women who are also called the snake charmers. They lost their main occupation when the Government put a ban on catching snakes. This led to the rise in poverty in the community and men fell into drinking habits.  Women suffer the most.  Totally unskilled, they end up picking rags with their little ones following the same practise.  The community is illiterate and this generation is also moving into dark without education.

We are encouraging this community by holding family gatherings where husbands and wives are taught together, women’s gatherings where women meet, talk and snack, skill training for women where they are exposed to multiple trainings according to their choice like sewing, doing henna artwork and pickle making.  This message of hope needs to go beyond the confines of our comfortable lives.  Would you help us to spread the good news? You could sponsor a womens’ project for a year impacting over 1000 women in a year.  This will cost AUD 6000 for a year. 

Together We Can Change Lives

We need your partnership to renovate the Ashadeep Community Health Centre situated in a slum area near Udaipur.  This is home to over 1000 people. Many of the inhabitants in this area are unskilled, uneducated and remain jobless. People live in one-roomed small huts, with plastic roof and temporary shades. Sanitation and hygiene is poor. People draw water from open sources and there is no proper waste collection method.

Many children in this area are left alone at home as their parents move out each morning in search of work. They become victim to addictive substances, sexual abuse, under nutrition and lack of love and care and basic support. They are also dangerously prone to accidents on the road.

Our Centre is strategically located in this slum community with a desire and passion to help the community women and children.   Regular sessions are given on preventive healthcare and basic hygiene.  The entire thrust is to help them develop a holistic healthy attitude.  Besides the health education sessions, weekly kids clubs and family gatherings provide care for their soul and spirit too.  The Ashadeep Centre includes an outpatient clinic too.

The Need:  

The building that we are using now is a tin roof facility that we have been using for the past 25 years.  We want to renovate the building for improved health care and training purposes. The budget for the renovation of the centre is AUD 35000. 

This renovation will replace the tin sheet with concrete roof,  build an additional room in the existing facility to be used  as a day care centre for street kids, renovate the reception area of the building, paint and beautify the walls in the facility and also improve the doctor’s chamber and training rooms.

The Health Care Centre does not receive any direct Government support but relies on donations from supporters and friends.

Would you consider giving to this project, and at the same time claim tax benefits towards this giving?

Church Planters

Vijay, a church planter has a fascinating story of coming to the faith.  But it does not stop there.  He went on to share the joy he had found with his family and friends. That small attempt is becoming a big blessing to the people of that place. Hear his story in his own words.   

“My wife had a sore in her leg that would not heal in spite of all our efforts.  We were tired of all our efforts, until someone led us to a small hut.  People were singing songs and were also praying for people.  Apprehensive at first, I went in with my wife and they prayed for her passionately. I was asked to come again the next week and I agreed to it, even though it meant taking her almost ten kilometres on a bicycle.  The next morning, Dungu, my wife reported healing in her legs.  We could not wait the next six days.  Within one week, her wound had healed and she was able to walk with the same legs that the doctors had said would be amputated.”

The next week at the cottage, it was a time of great rejoicing and praising.  When Vijay asked the church planter family how much he owed them for this service, they replied, “Yes, our fees is that you would invite us to your village and to your home to pray.”  He did it the same day.  Missionary Jumde and his wife and another sister began visiting Vijay’s home every fortnight for prayer and visiting.

Every time they would reach the village, Bedre, there was a small crowd ready to hear what they had to say.  Dungu’s healing had created a stir and there were other cases that needed healing.  They could not hold the people in the small space outside their two room thatched roof hut. During the rains, people would not move, even when they were soaked in the rain because they wanted to listen with rapt attention the story of this Creator God.

It took almost three hours for church planter Jumde Yama and his wife to reach Vijay’s home each time they visited him.  Soon they were not able to come every time when there was a need in the village. 

One day Tokamunda, a prominent person in the village, got sick. His whole body had swollen and he could not move.  They brought him to Vijay’s home to be prayed.  But this was not the day the missionary family would be visiting. What could Vijay do. Before he could think, they had brought the sick man on a stretcher of bamboo poles to Vijay’s doorstep.   There was nothing else he could do.  As he had seen them do, he laid his hands on Tokamunda and began to pray in the name of Jesus.  His eyes were getting wet with tears.  But he did not hold back.  He prayed for complete and radical healing having learnt that God is no respecter of persons.  Nothing much happened then.  But the swelling had gone down considerably the next morning. In Vijay’s words “I clearly saw the swelling go away.  I was surprised, shocked and joyed to see what had happened when I prayed that simple prayer.”  The next week when the missionary couple came, he had one story to tell.  That day itself the couple encouraged him to pray for others and also to conduct regular meetings in his home.

 What began with a handful of people in the small area outside his hut, is now a regular church gathering with over 60 people in attendance.  About six months ago, they collected enough bamboo from the forests and put together a simple building, which they proudly call church today.  God did a miracle and someone donated money to buy the tin roof sheets.  It is one happy place, with men, women and children dancing and singing while worshipping this Jesus who gave them this new lease of life.  Transformation has touched their lives, their homes, their cattle and the soil of the land also.

“We were so poor that when the right season came we did not have the money to buy the seed and when we had meagre savings available, the weather did not help us.  But today all of us have vegetable gardens that feed our families and some of us are able to sell our products in the local market also.” 

They have gone through persecution, abandonment, harassment at the hands of local witch doctors, but today Vijay and his church are growing daily both in the Word and in the Grace of our Lord Jesus.  Visiting their home, they were proud to show their first ceiling fan and I was asked to inaugurate it with prayer!

Simple faith, simple people, awesome transformation, Great God.

Tambourine Baba

I did not know anyone in the village. But God gave me wisdom and I started using the tambourine and go from house to house sharing the Gospel with the people. Pretty soon the children began to recognize me and come to me to learn new songs. It was only the beginning of what God was doing through me in a natural and simple manner. I was familiar with the villages but had never gone into these with the Gospel message. But God opened for me one home at a time and every evening the children would gather to learn songs and through them I was able to pray for the well-being of the family members. Today when we gather in the village, we have over 60 people gathering out in the open to worship God.

God has confirmed His word with signs and wonders.  A sick mother, who was bedridden for many months, was brought to one of these evening meetings. One look at her did not convince me that she would live for long, but as I prayed, God gave the faith and by the end of the prayer, the mother began responding.  It was a huge encouragement for me. Two days later when I visited her, she was sitting up on her bed finishing her liquid diet.

A boy who could not walk was brought to these prayer meetings.  His legs were twisted but with faith and in the name of Jesus, we prayed for him. On the first day, his legs became loose. On the second day, he was able to crawl and by the third day, he was trying to lift himself up with help.  It was a marvellous miracle.

When the team visited this place, they were amazed to find the kids praying passionately with tears in their eyes. Their singing was also fully of energy and enthusiasm.

Now there is a crowd gathering every time Pratap visits the village and they have a new name for Pratap, ”Tambourine Baba”, or the tambourine guru.

Confessions of a first timer to the Navapur Convention

James Kumar

Initial Reflections

I had an interesting start to the Navapur Conference 2013.  I was travelling from the Mumbai to a remote village called Karanji, aka Navapur, which I had never been to.  I was not sure what to expect, but I was excited by what was going to come.  As  I walked in to the village, it was a total contrast to what I saw in Mumbai.  I saw people everywhere and lots and lots of stalls and then a big massive tent with lots of colours on it.  I rested for a few hours and then got ready for the conference.  As I walked in to the conference tent, my heart started rising with excitement and I was nervous. The moment I walked in, I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit.  Immediately my heart calmed down and I was filled with peace. I was reminded by the Holy Spirit that this was not just an event but an encounter with living God!

Coming to this conference was not just because someone invited me, but it was a divine appointment for my life.  I always had a heart for my own country India and wanted to see something like this here.  I met Mrs. Mary Mathews, the co founder of this ministry and she invited me to come and visit the ministry in India.  My holidays and conference days perfectly matched and I knew that this was another God incident in my life. I started preparing my heart to receive the word cleared my mind and I was glad there was no internet connection.  With no distractions from the social media, I was virtually fasting and I am happy about it.

First Night Rally

The first day evening at the conference started with prayer and worship.  The crowd was building up and so was the pace of the worship.  I loved the songs.  Most of them have been written by Filadelfia worship leaders for this conference. These songs were amazing and were filled with scriptures and a deeper revelation of Jesus.  Lifting the name of Jesus we continued to worship his name with dancing and singing. This worship experience brought me closer to Jesus like never before.

In the Inaugural address itself, Dr Paul Mathews set our expectations straight.  We were told to

1.       Be hungry for the word of God.

2.       Offer the biggest praise 'gift' to Jesus.

3.       Meet  new people and fellowship with them

4.       Pray like never before

5.       Get a fresh vision for 2014.

Soon afterwards, the guest speaker for the evening, Brother Tinu George came to minister.  He began to preach the word of God with authority. While he was preaching I could feel the power of the Holy Spirit.   After the Word was over, he offered to pray for the sick people and for deliverance.   Hundreds of people came forward.  My heart just broke looking at the huge need in this nation.  People were hungry for Jesus and his touch in their lives.

The Glory of God filled in the place and people started crying out to the Jesus and as Pastor started praying in the Name of Jesus, and declaring the Blood of Jesus, people started getting healed and delivered.  One partially blind could see, pains were gone from the hands and legs, stomach pain disappeared ulcers and infections healed.  And I was a witness to this! Thank you Jesus. Brother George encouraged the people to come and testify before the congregation and many people did so!

DAY TWO

Beautiful morning amazing weather. I am ready to worship Jesus today.  The crowd is building up and I can see people staying in the same tent and getting ready for the conference sessions with Pastor S R Manohar.

He started the session with ''Jesus is wonderful''! From there all the way till he finished, it was an amazing journey with the Holy Spirit.  He started talking about the 'inside world', the world that we hold inside us.  He explained that God looks at your heart and what is in your heart.  I learnt that first God works inside of us, then God works through us and then God works for us.   

As the sermon was being unpacked, I could see Jesus being revealed more gloriously and I could know that I was guilty of being filled with selfish desires.  I started confessing the things that God showed me and I could feel him touching my inner life.  In the next session, he took us deeper and talked about what true success looks like in ministry.

Within two days I could see lot of transformation inside of me because when we allow Jesus to work inside of us we will be changed and transformed forever.

I had a great sleep that night and woke up in the morning filled with new anticipation.

DAY THREE
The worship was lifted to a whole new level today.  Pastor Manohar started talking about Perfect Love.  It was a perfect start for the day.  I learnt that when I love Jesus wholeheartedly, I will not fear anything in this world, even ridicule or persecution!

The evening session was just amazing as we had a new guest speaker, Rev. K C John. He taught us through the scriptures, that Jesus was anointed in all the three realms of the Old Testament.  First as a faithful prophet, then as a High Priest and then as the King of Kings. It was really good.

It felt as if the days were going very fast.  But I knew deep down inside of me that I was making good use of every session, by taking notes, so that I could refer back to this notes even later.

DAY FOUR

In the morning session I witnessed the graduation ceremony of the Filadelfia Bible College. As I was watching this ceremony, I could see that all the students were happy and excited about their achievements. It was moving to see so many young men and women committing their lives to spread the Good News.    

In Pastoral leadership session, Pastor Manohar challenged us to pray in a new ways to God, and encouraged us to find new vocabulary and new sentences in our communication with God.  

Another powerful evening session followed.  With more songs coming in ever powerfully, it was a joy to witness people dancing and praising the Lord, with abandon.  The crowds were getting bigger and bigger and one could hardly walk around the field on the field or to the back of the tent.  There were lots of powerful prophecies for the future direction of the Church.  Personally, I received many promises and prophecies in this session and in the whole conference.

FINAL DAY

The final day was here and I could not believe it.  I was well dressed for Church and for Jesus and I was ready to receive what God wanted to talk to me though his servants.  Pastor K C John started with a bang.  He spoke of the blessed hope that the church had, the return of our Lord Jesus.  I was so excited about this that I serve and pray to a God who is alive and coming back and I will see him one day, my hope is in an everlasting God.

Then it was time to partake in the Holy Communion.  I had never known what it would be like.  But the way it was served and the way the people honoured the elements was really a blessing to see.  It felt as if the people knew more than just the obvious.

If I look at the whole conference, it was a life changing experience for me.  I have been filled with Jesus and hope and more faith for the future. I am secure in the arms of almighty God who is faithful and full of new mercy and grace every day.

I did not count but I saw lots and lots of people everywhere.  Maybe the number of people would have easily crossed  50,000 or more. It makes me happy that the Gospel is preached and people get saved because of the Name of Jesus.

If God wills,  I would like to come back and contribute my bit  in this conference the next year.  If you are reading this article, I will encourage you to come and experience the work of Jesus in this small village of Navapur and be blessed.

James is currently working as Software Applications Operations Support in Sydney, Australia.  He visited the Conference for the first time and it was life changing experience for him.