(Tuesday, January 29, 2013) Solomon is not the typical Indian pastor. He is very much a sanguine temperament, loving to talk, smile and be in the center of every conversation. He loves action and always is in the center of it. He is of the tribal people (Gypsy) – Jagala tribe. For most of his life he was a committed devote e of the Hindu god who was worshipped locally. In fact, he became a Hindu exorcist, an expert in using Hindu rituals to free people from demonic oppression. For 9 years after marriage he and his wife were unable to have children, and she became greatly demonized. He tried everything he could to free her but nothing worked. Eventually they went to a church where the people prayed and she was de livered. They kept going to the church and became demons. Within a year they had their first child. They now have 4 daughters and one son. God called him to the ministry several years ago and he pastors 4 house churches, including one in his own home. He oversees other works as well. He is a fine, faithful, hardworking servant of God. He is one of the pastors we have been supporting so he has more time to devote to his ministry. Remember him when you pray for the pastors of India. (Picture attached)
Each year one pastor seems to step up to serve me: carry my things, bring me food, etc. Baskar is the man this year. He is in his 30’s, maybe 40’s. He is a sharp dresser, usually wearing a motorcycle jacket and sunglasses. He has one of the biggest motorcycles I have seen any pastor have. Baskar grew up in a Christian home but never followed the Lord. He became a smoker, drinker, and critic of others when he became an adult. He loved to spend money and was deeply in debt. He earned his living painting Hindu temple and had a very well respected reputation doing that work in the Vijayawada area. His wife was a believer and sometimes he would go to church with her. One Sunday he visited Pastor Barnabas’ church (he is Moses’ father in law and right hand man, and one of the men I most respect in the world). God spoke to him one Sunday and Baskar wanted to change and become Christian, so accepted the Lord and faithfully attended church. He was a good student of the Word and after a year was baptized. He attended a training class on witnessing that Pastor Barnabas and Pastor Moses held in his church, and was challenged to start a church in a churchless village near where he lived. He still works, but paints churches and Christian homes now. He has several men working for him. Wherever he goes Pastor Barnabas takes him alone, like Paul with Timothy, and disciples. I have seen him at numerous pastors’ conferences for the last several years. His wife, Jyoti, is a nurse in the local hospital. They have no children and want to adopt. He is one of the next generation of pastors being trained in India and is a fine servant of Jesus. (Picture attached)
Pastor Barnabas is a man I greatly respect. He is one of the finest pastors and men I have ever men any time anywhere. I have known him for many years. In 2009 I lived in his hut in Koduru for a week, drawing water from his well and shaving using a piece of metal tacked to a coconut tree. While he and his wife knelt on the stone floor of the church for most of each night, praying for God to bless my sessions the next day, I slept in their bed in their hut. He is Moses’ father-in-law, a farmer who grew up in a Hindu family. His mother became a Christian and then he followed. He entered the ministry in the later years of his life. He oversees more churches and entire church districts than anyone I know of, traveling hours and hours on his motorcycle. He is my age and we share several gifts/interests, ministering in spiritual warfare, mentoring and pastoring. He attends almost every pastor’s conference since most are locally arranged by him. We work closely and well before, during and after the conferences despite the fact that he doesn’t know one word of English and I don’t know Telugu. Several years ago he knelt before me for me to lay hands on him and pray for him, which I did. Then I had him stand up and I kneeled before him, signaling him to pray for me in the same way and he did. I don’t know what he said, but I feel the results of those prayers continuing today. I really look forward to many long conversations with him when we can finally freely communicate with words. (Picture attached)
Colossians 1:3-6 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints— 5 the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel 6 that has come to you.
These people don’t realize we are watching their lives and are greatly encouraged by them. Think of those who are watching your life and are encouraged by you? Is the change in your life visible to others so their faith can increase because of you? Commit to being a living witness for Jesus today.