News
Rays of Joy Ministries- Newsletter Summer 2011
RAYS OF JOY MINISTRIES – Newsletter Summer 2011
by Ralph Gloekner Agra 07.08.2011
Dear friends, dear mission partners!
Stefan and Daddy on the road
Now being12 years old – it was the time to be with Daddy on his itinerary and help him in his ministry. It was a blessed trip (26 April-29 May) and we were warmly welcomed in every church. On weekends we ministered in churches, on weekdays there were cell groups and a lot more. But we also found time to go cycling and swimming. Thanks to every church, as well as to you and for your love for India.
Courses during the “Summer Holidays”
In June the children of our children’s home are allowed to visit their relatives and so we could provide the accommodation for music students and the participants of the School of the Word. Thirty one finished the “Preaching Workshop” and twenty two more got a certificate in the “Music & Worship Workshop”. It was exhausting, but worth the effort. They had to practice and study a lot and many of them received the Holy Spirit.
Delhi Project
Still we have to be patient, but the price for a piece of ground is increasing daily. During our ministry time in Delhi, we did another graduation of the Delhi’s SoW Course, and took time to see two land plots. We decided to take the better one. We already received a donation towards this project, yet it is only enough to buy the ground. However the deal was finalized and we thank the Lord for this amazing provision. The ground floor will be the church hall, while the children’s home will be on one of the floors of the building. With the church we continue to pray for Gods miraculous provisions.
“…like a wise master builder…”
This verse talks about the work with people with the aim to bring them to Jesus and to build a growing fellowship (i.e. Church of Christ) with them. They are the “living” stones of the building (1.Peter 2, 5). A sub church is arising now in Shanti Vihar, a suburb of Agra, also in Karhel, which is around 120 km away from here. In Raipur, another graduate from Bible School is now starting cell groups with families who became believers. On three other places our Rays of Joy workers got the promise from believers who want to donate land for a church building, Hallelujah. Also in Bhopal a church building is coming up, step by step.
Children’s Home News
To see the growing building for the new home in Jagdalpur was a pleasure and gave us courage to take some more new children as the new school year starts. One graduate of the Bible School is helping there now and a couple are being trained for the responsibility as house parents for the boys, who will eventually move there.
Bela, a girl who spent all her school years with us in the Home (Jagdalpur), finally passed her 12th board exam (i.e. A-levels) with success and wants to do nursery training. In Agra the oldest of the boys – Girish, passed his 12th as well and will study economics at college. As he is an orphan, we want to continue to stand by his side like parents.
The children’s home in Bhopal includes 8 children now and church members take care of them with love. Also in Agra there are some more new children. With joy we give the children a place in a new home, with the faith that every child will get his own sponsorship.
“Finally we can go to school”
Since this month, 20 more children are happy to get the possibility of going to school. Children of poor families that have come to faith get to know what it means when Christians and people of charity come to help one another. So they get a better chance to live. In this way we also give a better future for our churches.
Testimonies
From Dr. Manish Shukla, Jagdalpur: On a medical house visit to a highly educated family, he treated the daughter who had postnatal depression. He realized that she was possessed by a demon and told the family about the strength and love of God. They allowed him to pray in Jesus name and the woman was free on the same day. Immediately she gave her baby her milk. The whole family is now on the way to becoming believers.
From Sapna Masih, Korba: After gospel meetings in Korba, Sapna came forward to Ralph as she was suffering from back pain for years and already tried every kind of treatment. He prayed for her and she was suddenly healed. So she came to Jesus and her faith grew, also with the help of Ravi Baksh (Pastor). She became a brave witness of Jesus. Through her testimony several people came to faith. She did not take the offer of a well paid job, just so she would not miss the Sunday services.
Von Joginder Singh, Delhi: He came to Christ with his family against all opposition from his Sikh community, after his daughter was delivered from demons. He grew strongly in the word and faith and brought several more Sikhs to the Lord. Soon he became the right hand of Emmanuel Verma, our pastor there. Earlier this year on his way to church he met with an accident, but soon recovered from his head injury. In June however he was suddenly admitted to hospital and passed away shortly after reaching the ICCU under the hands of the medics: i.e. it was God who called him home in His time. His unbroken excitement about Jesus will remain in our memory.
“India Team” in Agra
That is how the group of youths under the lead of Jill Pettinger was called in Keighley. Joined from Chesterfield and Leicester the team of 11 from the UK had an intensive impact in 9 days at the end of last month here. They spent their time with the children of our home (games, crafts, English conversation, workshops, and fun) apart from being involved in practical work on the campus, starting at 6 am. Their newly built table tennis table (cemented to the ground) is a great success. With testimonies and preaching they blessed every church member too.
Prayer report
The great gathering of Hindu devotees and fanatics in Mandala district turned out to be of no harm to any Christians or churches there as feared. Many discrepancies amongst Hindus as well as massive police cover foiled any plan. Thanks to all who prayed, thanks to our Lord.
We believe that you are standing with us, while expanding the work, offer a Home to more children, and equip more Christians for service in a lost world. We trust your partnership and support. Be inspired to help.
So much from us. Thanks for every prayer of yours, they keep us going. His Mighty Presence shall be with you.
With love and prayers
Yours
Ralph, Renuka, Manuel, Stefan and Natasha.