"For the word of the Lord has been spoken through you."
People often ask me, over the many years I have been travelling to India, why I have never once spoken publicly about Hinduism, or even included a single quote from any of its teachings in my talks or writings.
They press further, almost incredulous, wondering how I could spend so much time in such a land and yet never feel the urge to reference its ancient scriptures.
My answer remains firm: why should I? What does that have to do with the gospel I am called to share?
My mission is not to blend beliefs but to faithfully proclaim the message entrusted to me, even in the midst of a culture layered with spiritual traditions that many find irresistible to explore.
To engage in casual quotations for the sake of cultural embellishment, or to add an air of sophistication, would be to risk confusing my purpose and diluting the clarity of my message. The gospel stands on its own, unadorned, sufficient, and it does not lean upon the authority of other faiths to lend it weight or credibility.
If anything, the challenge lies in holding to this conviction when curiosity and expectation press in from all sides, urging compromise for the sake of appearing broad-minded.
To add one final point, why should I quote a religion when I have firsthand seen its destructive nature towards its own devotees, or anything that opposes or questions its morals, its origin, or its worth to a society?
Like any religion we have the following quote from Martin Luther: “If there is a Hell, Rome is standing upon it.” (Change Rome to Hinduism or any other religion).
Always preach in such a way that if people listening do not hate their sin, they will instead hate you. Martin Luther.
The most recent mission trip presented additional challenges. The gospel remains a thought-provoking message and Moriel churches in Punjab are expanding rapidly as new congregations are formed through missionary outreach. Moriel continues to face opposition and criticism from some prosperity groups who object to its uncompromising standards. Nevertheless, the work continues.
We are now receiving an overwhelming number of requests from many rural church pastors eager to become affiliated with Moriel. This is now quite common in Punjab and Chennai, where the ministry is experiencing rapid and exciting growth.
It is truly heartening to witness such enthusiasm and dedication from these pastors, who are committed to spreading the message of faith and hope in their communities. Again, I will mention that for many years, Chennai was my major ministry, and I spent countless years serving in various areas of Tamil Nadu.
It is wonderful to be back in this vibrant state of India, where the spirit of the people and the beauty of the land continue to inspire and uplift. Let us continue to support and encourage one another as we embark on this journey of faith and service together.
Don’t get me wrong, Chennai has many challenges, the ministry ere can and often is difficult, many of the pastors are quite tough men and will not take fools lightly. If you have nothing of worth to say, believe me, they will let you know, and rightly so. Many of the pastor I know and as we have all gotten older, time is more precious and the need of the gospel hour is of extreme urgency, souls must be saved.
The outreach church that was started on May 25 continues to attract more people, drawing the interest of both long-time residents and newcomers alike. The village community gatherings, held regularly in the house yard, have proven to be an effective method for reaching more people and fostering a strong sense of fellowship. These events often include shared meals, and opportunities for prayer and discussion around the gospel messages, which help to connect neighbours on a deeper level. As word spreads about the welcoming atmosphere and genuine care offered, the gatherings inspire more families and individuals to participate in the growing community.
Orphanage
The second floor is fully complete but there’s plenty of space for extra storage shelves and cupboards. A third floor is now being built to create a sick room for the children – a government requirement – and small living accommodation for Moriel visitors as needed.
The additional room shows how well this ministry is functioning, spending time with the kids is always rewarding and to see how happy they all is just wonderful.
