Indigenous Ministries

Indigenous Ministries

Beyond the Map

Principal Dr. Pramod

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Grace Bible College's Principal Dr. Pramod

An Interview with GBC’s Principal Dr. Pramod Tantarpale

1.  Principal Pramod, you are almost half way through the 2019-2020 school year at Grace Bible College.  How are the students doing in their studies this year? We continue to enjoy serving and equipping young men and women in GBC, preparing them to work in the Lord’s vineyard. It is so exciting to see the students doing well in their studies and in extra-curricular activities in spite of language difficulties. It gives me an immense joy to see these students growing spiritually, academically and in other areas of life. So it is an overall development.

 2. The faculty and staff completed the annual GBC Sports Day this month, congratulations!  How many of these students have never done anything like this before and what did that special day mean to the students? This year GBC’s annual sports and games meet was held from December 2-4, 2019. The whole GBC family enthusiastically participated in it. Many boys and girls who never played some of the games were given opportunity to play those games, specially girls who never played in their life games like cricket, throw ball, discus throw, javelin throw and were encouraged to participate; it was a good learning step for them.

 3. How many of the students in your student body are from villages or towns that have little or no access to the gospel?   What brought those students to Christ? There are 16 students who did not have any access to gospel in their villages, but they came to know Christ in Christian orphanages where they grew up. There are another 10 – 12 students who came to know the Lord through the ministries like Campus Crusade, India, Every Home Crusade and other ministries. It is interesting to know that few of our students are involved in these ministries. The remaining students came from Christian families.

 4. Out of your third year students this year, how many are planning on going into full time ministry? And what types of ministry? This year we have six students in the 3rd year who will be graduating in February 2020. This is what they are planning for their future ministry –

            1. Mrs. Rajni Shingade will work on staff in her church in uplifting women in impoverished areas with the gospel

            2. Mr. Bhushan Ambore is planning for his further education and is going to take up youth leadership in his local church

            3. Ms. Stuti Jadhav is planning on further education and will work with youth and children alongside her father, a pastor

            4. Mrs. Tejaswini Garud recently got married and she wants to take active part in ministry

            5. Mr. Praveen Kumar will work as a pastor in Kanada church in Bangalore

            6. Mr. Vijay Bhatkar will be serving as the general director of an orphan children’s home with 250 children

 5. What do you see as the biggest challenge for Grace Bible College in the next five years?   The biggest challenge of GBC for the next 5 years is that we want to start M.Div studies and want to see over 200 students on the campus studying God’s word.

 6. How can we pray for you, faculty and student body more effectively? Pray for my family and children’s education and future life.

-Pray for faculty’s educational upliftment so that in near future when we start M.Div we will have qualified faculty.

-Pray for the students so that they will fully trust the Lord for their future ministry and financial provision.

Refugees: Tipping the Scales

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For the past two years we’ve shared a simple request: Would you join us in ministering to refugees overseas by taking good care of their children and families in the name of Jesus?

We started in August of 2017 with 10 refugee children and now have 624 in Iraq alone, and at our present level of ministry, 224 are waiting for sponsors. The outpouring of love and support we have received from our Indigenous Ministries Friends and Family has been wonderful!  Thank you for the compassion that we have received that we area able to translate and pass on to real, tangible help for the children!  

So what are their real needs? Since poverty is triggered by many things, the top four are: war leading to homelessness, loss of life, loss of job and loss of health. Just for a minute, imagine facing one of these issues with your entire family, (and you probably have faced one or more), but now imagine all four hitting you at once.  Making a sustainable recovery has just become significantly more difficult, especially if you fled your home town and are living in a very different city or country. When the breadwinner of a refugee family is disabled or has died, the family faces a higher level of need and economic recovery is almost impossible alone.

The initial trauma may have passed but most refugee families cannot afford daily food, let alone food for their Christmas dinner. 

What does it look like to tip the scales and help an entire family get back on their feet?  The food, prayers, visits and food they receive through Indigenous Ministries’ Child Sponsorship Program are often the only ray of hope many hold on to and this can actually give them enough stability to grab on to small opportunities which all add up. We have a window of opportunity to help these families now! Timing is everything. Yes, sponsorships absolutely make a difference! And one by one, helped families get off the IM program making room for those in desperate need. 

In these photos below, some of our IM staff (they too are refugees) are visiting these families.  Besides checking on the family, especially the children, they share Scripture, share the gospel and pray with the families. The reactions are varied (see below) but all are grateful and happy for the help and visits. They know that we’ve chosen to help because of Jesus’ love we’ve received. 

Refugees: Tipping the ScalesRefugees: Tipping the ScalesYousif (bottom left) and his sister’s unbelievable story are featured this month in this YouTube video:  https://youtu.be/5WIBoyS23yo.

 

Refugees

I am angry and feel hurt, I don’t know why.

Refugees

This family came from Syria to Iraq in 2014; their home was destroyed. The father doesn’t have a job, they live in a refugee camp IM ministers in. They are very grateful for the food they receive because their daughter (center) is sponsored.

 

Refugees

I’m Yousif, and I have a new jacket that is warm and beautiful!

Refugees

I can’t believe my sponsor sent me a letter!!

Refugees

Sometimes I feel sad, but I just got this letter from my sponsor and I’ve never gotten a letter
from anyone before.

Refugees

The dramatic difference in Bashar & Angelina lives (left) reflects in the face of their mother, far left. In this photo, they share updates with our staff who faithfully visit families in IM’s program.

Refugees

Thank you for sending me this letter!

2019 Year End Greatest Need Fund

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When the Lord brings challenges, you look at the test he has put in front of you and it gives you a pause. You meet the challenge and later you are thankful that He has brought you through that test.

There are other times when the Lord presents you a challenge you did not expect and you remind yourself that the battle belongs to the Lord; you are not in this field of your own doing.

This year has been a challenge as we have watched some strategic areas of funding needs depleting. One of these is the need of $50,000 for salaries within our Colorado Springs office. The need is crucial and mission-essential for impacting our work to minister in the Middle East and India.

I want to share with you before I continue, that as the ministry has grown and impacted thousands with the gospel this year, we are here at this place first of all because of the Lord’s goodness to us, and then, as a direct result of your partnering with us with your faithful prayers and financial support.  I want to say a heartfelt thank you.

As I have shared with you previously in last month’s newsletter, we have set a goal of $140,000 to meet this needed expense as well as others I want to share with you below:

Within two Islamic countries, we are taking next steps so we can work with full government permissions as a recognized NGO. We have been invited to stand as partners within these governments to assist their people and with these permissions, we will have a greater ability to stand alongside our national pastors and churches we work through.  Part of the year end fund will go to these expenses.

Part of the year end fund will also be used to modernize one of our buildings at Grace Bible College in India that houses the toilet block for the 40 young men at the college.  They have given full use to this facility and it is in great need of care and updating. The need for funding four air conditioners to control the humidity in the GBC library is also a key need. 

We will also use part of the year end fund for the Global Church Planting Initiative which supports our national pastors.  This is an area with a monthly deficit in the support of these faithful men who minister on the front lines week after week in their churches. 

I am asking the Lord for 130 people to join with me in giving a gift of $1000 for this fund, “2019 Greatest Need Year End.” Would you be willing to be one of these people? You have been so faithful to assist us to bring us to this point, and I am grateful to you for your partnership today.  If you are unable to give that amount, whatever you can give would be so helpful.  And if you want to spread that out next year in four quarters or monthly, that would be a special blessing.  

May the Lord bless you.  – John (John W. Cook, CEO)

Some of the recipients of the prayers and support our donors provide:

 

refugee family in Kurdistan Fund

A refugee family in Kurdistan, left, mom, son Bashar & Angelina share updates with our staff who faithfully visit families in IM’s program, praying with them, encouraging them.

 

Egypt National Pastors’ Conference Fund

The Indigenous Ministries September 2019 Egypt National Pastors’ Conference where 59 national pastors were in attendance.

sponsorship program Fund

Left, Pastor Emad in Egypt visiting one of the boys in our sponsorship program and his widowed mother. Pastor and the team of six minister each week in several villages.

What is the Difference Between Indigenous Ministries and Others Working With Refugees?

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First, with PLENTY of refugees in dire need of help in the Middle East, we bless others who effectively help in the name of Jesus. In fact, for years, we have worked in productive partnerships with a number of wonderful ministries in four countries in the Middle East.  

Secondly, while we do give refugees aid for immediate needs (food, mattresses, stoves, clothing, etc.) we focus on sustainable help for refugees. That means we have dug in. As a registered Kurdistan NGO, or, non government organization, Indigenous Ministries is recognized as an authorized, credible work with refugees.  Our staff maintains meticulous records on each refugee child and the family, and we are accountable to the government each month. They check on all NGO activities to ensure that NGOs are helping refugees as promised, and not “using” refugees for false marketing in Europe and the United States.  

Organizations and individuals have splashed pictures of refugees across their social media space and websites and raised millions of dollars to help refugees; unfortunately, much of the funds do not reach the intended recipients. Other individuals and groups give money to help refugees for a period of time, but without government permission, a stable local presence and staff, help is short-lived and they soon move on, leaving refugees to fend again for themselves. This is not the kind of witness we want to leave. 

Indigenous Ministries’ office in Kurdistan is staffed by wonderful, dedicated staff, who are all refugees themselves, and know the needs of refugees on a firsthand basis.  They have actually been the co-designers of how we implement “help” and what that looks like in detail.  We depend on them to track the real needs so we can respond well. 

Another distinguishing factor for our work is that it is actually connected to the local church; our pastors in Egypt and Iraq are local and indigenous.  These are their people which they have a passion to reach with the gospel. 

This is our mission: reaching nationals through nationals with the redemptive message of the amazing love and forgiveness found in Jesus Christ.  We thank God for the privilege of ministering in His harvest for His glory.  Thank you for the prayers and support which make this possible.

Egypt Church Building Goes Up

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A brand new church building is going up in Egypt after years of waiting!  We praise God that soon this building of bricks, concrete and mortar will be a beautiful place of worship. This is one of Indigenous Ministries’ church plants in a very challenging area in Egypt, one full of “resistance.” But, God is faithful. Many of you have supported and prayed for our Egyptian church plants and their faithful pastors; thank you! God is using your faith and prayers to see His church built and that is people coming to faith in Christ.  Luke 1:37, “For nothing will be impossible with God.” Amen and Amen!

GBC Celebrates Sept. 27 as a Day of Prayer – “You will…Pray to me, and I will Listen to You” Jer. 29:12

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This report is from the GBC office: 

India – Grace Bible College celebrated September 27 as a Day of Prayer with enthusiasm and in one accord. The students and faculty were involved in prayers for 24 hours. The day began with worship, singing, as Principal Pramod Tantarpale exhorted everyone from Nehemiah 1:1-11.  He brought the various aspects in Nehemiah’s prayer which ultimately were answered by the Lord:

1. Nehemiah’s concern for the people, problems, and land (Jerusalem) (v. 2)

2. Nehemiah’s conviction about God’s character (v. 5)

3. Nehemiah’s confession of his sin and the sins of the people (v. 6-7)

4. Nehemiah’s confidence in God’s promises (v. 8-10)

5. Nehemiah’s commitment to rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem (v. 11)

GBC started praying for the nation of India which included all the states, political parties, different issues and problems the country is facing today and the leadership. Afterwards, we prayed for all the Christian institutions, organizations and Bible colleges serving in India. We also especially prayed for Indigenous Ministries, its leadership, board members and ministry across the globe. 

Then the students were divided into small groups where they prayed for their needs. They spent time in 2 by 2 prayers where they prayed for each other personally. We prayed through the night in a chain prayer which started at 8 in the night and continued till 8 in the morning. The students were provided with tea to keep them awake at night. At 7 in the morning, the GBC family again came together for prayer and to end the Day of Prayer. 

Except for 5 of the students, everyone fasted. We all had a wonderful time all together and the Lord blessed us on that day.  We would like to thank you all for being prayer with us.  

Note:  For a printable, detailed list of how to pray for India, visit indigenousministries.org, and click on the blog entitled, Join Grace Bible College in a day of Prayer September 27, 2019 

MONTHLY COMMUNITY YOUTH MEETING AT GBC GROWS

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          11 October, 2019. We had 60 people from different churches in the community. These youths and our students were given the opportunity to express their talents and gifts. All enthusiastically participated in various activities like singing song, playing music, dancing and we also played few games. Principal Pramod Tantarpale encouraged everyone with the word of God. We arranged dinner and everyone had a great time.

What is Happening in Iraq?

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As Dee and I were with our staff heading to a refugee clothes distribution on the Ninevah Plain, Iraq earlier this month, tensions of the last several days were heavy in the air. Protests across the country were rampant. New Shia flags fluttered over village homes signaling that the unrest and revolution would soon come to this area where we were. Crossing the same checkpoint a few weeks ago had been easy, now it was tense. 


Shia flags flying over a village in Iraq signal that the Revolution is coming to this area

Many of us look at widespread protests throughout Iraq asking, what’s the problem? What is happening to Iraq?  Let me share a few insights that may help you in some understanding.  

The country of Iraq has some of the richest oil reserves in the world with a daily production of $252 million. But the benefits of such wealth are not reaching the people. Many streets are in disrepair, infrastructure such as stable, 24 hour electricity is non existent in many areas. 

Clean water is not accessible to all; Basra’s water is taken from the Tigress/Euphrates and is highly polluted. The water coming from the tap smells of oil and chemicals, and the fumes will ignite if a match is put to it, making it not just bad tasting, but deadly. In one month’s time, over 111,000 became deathly sick from this water. 

Young people who have college education en mass cannot find jobs. Tens of thousands are taking to the streets to protest with their own bodies as the only weapon they have. They risk standing unarmed in the face of their own army shooting them down in the streets. And thousands have died standing for a change.  

There are millions within Iraq who are refugees and internally displaced.  UNHCR figures state that in the Middle East region there are 11,311,145 refugees and internally displaced persons.  Iraq’s future balances on a knife’s edge, and we together have the privilege of engaging in this great nation’s future for good.  For such a time as this. 

Dear friends, these are the last days and Satan knows his time is short. He is doing all he can to cause turmoil, destruction and death which is his desire. I just got off the phone with one of my dear pastor friends in Baghdad and told him that we are praying for him and for his congregation that he serves in the middle of all of this.  These families are my heroes.  He has two children and his wife is expecting their third in February. Yet he is faithful to the Lord, to the Word of God and to his congregation. 

What can we do?  First, I’m asking you to join with me and pray for Iraq, and follow the directed prayer guide (see page 4) for this country and the ministries that are going on daily within the country. Secondly, we have made a commitment to Iraqi pastors and two churches to stand with them and regularly we follow up with this commitment.  Thirdly, we are engaged in reaching refugees with aid, food, education and the gospel in three critical areas of Iraq, and 74 of these children (all unsponsored) live in Baghdad. I am asking that you prayerfully take up the sponsorship of two or three of the children.  Pray for these refugees and consider sponsoring two children (see page 4).  Fourthly, we’re establishing a vocational training center for young people outside of Mosul to help youth with jobs.  

Ephesians 4:6 & 6, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”