Ministry Report: Kashmir, August 2003

Location:

The conference was held in X, one of the tourist resorts in Kashmir. We hired two huts for seven days to accommodate the 20 seekers who had completed the correspondence course and wanted to learn more from the Bible. We hired a cook to make our food, hoping to remain as inconspicuous as possible.

Students:

5 college students, 4 self-employed, 2 politicians, 3 local government officers, 3 teachers, 2 development workers and a young molvie (mullah).

Teaching:

We had two good days of teaching. Subjects included the birth of Mohammed & Christ, Mohammed & Christ after their death, and the authority of Jesus as Son of God. We had several group discussions and question and answer times. Every one seemed to understand that Christ is the Saviour of the world.

Outcome:

Three people asked to go through the Bible and Koran in more detail to understand the truth. One of the teachers, a scientist, accepted the Lord. Praise God! The moulvie (who has a congregation of 2000) understood the importance of Salvation and that it can only come from the Lord Jesus. However, before he could make any decision there were some interruptions and he left undecided.

Difficulties faced:

On the third day we were surrounded by police. They questioned each one of us. Somehow information had got to them that many people were gathering at one place and they came to find out about the meeting. Some senior police officers, Hindus, said there is nothing wrong in sharing in the right atmosphere. However, some of the junior police officers who were Muslims were irked by the fact that it was all Muslim people learning about Jesus Christ.

They continued to question some of the students and while they were having a walk outside the police officers took them to the police station and interrogated them twice. This frightened the students and after prayerful consideration we decided to leave on the fifth day.

For Praise & Prayer:

God provided us all with protection and guided us to safety. This seekers seminar has opened up three new places for ministry. We have been invited personally by all the seekers to have fellowship with them. We know for sure that the seed that has been sown in them and will bring fruit in right time. We praise God for the people who have accepted the Lord and have acknowledged the Lord Jesus as their personal Saviour. A knowledge of the plan of Salvation went with the young moulvie and our team that is stationed in his village will make contact.

We want to thank you for your personal prayer for the ministry.