Batala, the Spiritual Harvest

Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest- John 4:35

Amid the wilderness of Parliament Questions pouring in, I knew it would be too much to undertake a week end trip to Batala, Punjab.  Still I put myself in a standby mode. So on a dreary Friday while I was trying to decipher what members or more precisely their semi-educated aatmis tried to say in less than 150 words, Team A hit the Grand Trunk Rail Road. In 12 hours they would reach their destination. It’s about the same time they might be having Punjabi breakfast the next day that I got a call from the Chairman, Vumsuan. Himself being inducted in Young Man Christian Association (YMCA) the day before, and being a senior officer in the Intelligence Bureau, the Chairman was not able to join team A. Like him two other members had opted to leave Delhi on Saturday which became Team B.

Siam the treasurer of the Missions Committee and an ace photographer was indispensable in the team. Yet he has a family. His wife, who was away in official duty at Dehradun and leaving the two kids in his care, would return on Saturday. So he was in Team B in the company of the Chairman and Lawma.

Lawma had to shoulder certain responsibilities, travel to regional headquarters. On the basis of reports and assessment conducted by himself with some of his sub-ordinates, the Union Public Services Commission (UPSC) the premier manpower recruiting agency confers posts at the deputy level in their hundreds every year. Unless the Field Visiting Team is back in Delhi by evening on Sunday, work on Monday would be hectic. He wouldn't compromise with his responsibility. Under the circumstances Lawma opted out. That left only the Chairman and Siam in the Suzuki Wagon R. And I agreed the offer of joining Team B.

I had early lunch. Kim volunteered to arrange to get me my travel accessories. I headed to office full throttle all the way from Dwarka to Parliament, a distance to 21 kilometers. Since I reached office as late as 1 PM, I was barely able to sort the questions and process a handful of the Priority ones leaving the rest to be attended to on my return from Punjab. I had to drive back home and be ready for departure at 8 PM.

During the year 2012 the Tualsung Baptist Missions Committee had a plan to visit the mission field. Pastor John Singsit, the Missionary who physically bears the Cross there had paid a visit to Delhi that year. A reciprocal visit by the Committee could not materialize due to engagement of the committee members to their respective lines of service. The fund was carried over to the year 2013.

Every time there is interaction between the hand-to-mouth government employees in Delhi with the Batala mission, something happened. Last year John brought back a PA sound system on his return to Batala from Delhi. The first ever study team that visited the mission centre this time, had found out that there is a need of projector for visual aid in preaching the gospel. Setting up a school has potential to create a better atmosphere for believers to shine. The pastor’s family lives through the erratic power supply without an inverter. Some more works I might have undertaken had I been an Ambani. The team returned with ‘financial implications’ in mind.

Fortunately, Reverend L. Khamkholun, the ex-General Secretary of the EBCC Headquarters who is in Delhi for medical treatment found the testimony of the study team impressive. The Committee hoped, almost felt assured of the financial commitment of Dorcas Hass, the heart of EBCC. But God helps those who help themselves. Let’s do it! The Committee reconsidered the draft Missionary Day Program.

One single worship service. And the devotees, who witnessed the video footage and the stills brought back by the team offered INR 17000.00. That would be deposited to the account of EBCC Headquarters.  The market rate of a low budget projector being around INR 35000.00, the difference in the cost is left to be met by Dorcas Hall.  

As regards establishment of school, that is desirable if Delhi could afford it. On the part of the Headquarters, the system is such that, an agenda, even if brought in, would be subjected to voting by delegates from the member Churches who have their respective priorities.

Worship Sunday 28-04-2013

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
²     Worship the Lord with gladness;
    come before him with joyful songs.
³ Know that the Lord is God.
    It is he who made us, and we are his;
    we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

⁴ Enter his gates with thanksgiving
    and his courts with praise;
    give thanks to him and praise his name.
⁵ For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
    his faithfulness continues through all generations.

At 11.15 AM the Pastor took the stand. He invoked the Lord to exercise control over the gathering and glorify Himself through songs of praise.

The worshippers submitted before God, leaving behind worries, burdens and tension. With the accompaniment of harmonious music they attributed all glories and all powers to the Lord.

The congregation opened up to the Lord exalting the greatness of the Creator of the stars and the rolling thunder whose power displays throughout the universe.

The pastor pours out to the Lord in Prayer thanking the Lord for giving such a great moment and even for the blessings yet to come the Church’s way; the Church is looking forward to becoming an instrument of spreading the gospel in specific fields like Assam and Punjab and has year plans drawn up with the power of Faith.

Amid the wholehearted praise one particular hymn stands out: Hon Huai nawn in (Hem me once over again). Loosely translated the chorus of the hymn goes like this-

Thy children, to turn towards You

Lord safeguard us from evil

Disoriented and Lost are we

God Leave us not alone

Turn to us with Mercy

And hem us with Your Holy Spirit

The Pastor pleaded upon the Lord to do away with those putting up resistance to the Gospel.

The current Worship Team (WT) of the Church is characterized by elements like enthusiasm, devotion and heritage. They are enthusiastic, devoted- amid personal and family matters- and hail from families which have connections with the Church. But most of all they shared a common gift of music.  And they praised, an appropriate gesture to the Giver. The song titled, ‘Toupa Phat Ning’ was apparently the high point of the Sunday Worship session. It drew the crowd, brought back memories of the 1980s when the Dorcas Team set the NorthEast India and adjoining areas in Upper Burma ablaze with their gospel music album. The presentation directed in a capella form with rhythmic stomping was responded with enthusiastic clapping from the crowd. And they sang along. The praise was so captivating that the offering bowl brought in the mean time was almost a distraction.

The offering was dedicated to the Lord by Upa Damsawmthang.

The Pastor conducted dedication of new born child name Faith Manhoih d/o Mrs and Mr Robert Ginsuanlian. That was followed by induction of 5 newly arrived.

Praise from the Youth Wing of the Church, BYF with the song titled, ‘Toupa’ Zonsuah Nam’ written by V. Nunlian pronounces the authors optimistic view about the state of the Zomis.

The hymn ‘Kong Phat uhi’ with a bridge somewhere along stirred the soul in a unique way. Thereafter the worshippers rose to the hit gospel ‘A Hampha Pasian Mite’ with similar approaches with ‘Toupa’ Zonsuah Nam’ with a slightly different execution and style.

The list of hymns through which congregation worshipped is as follows:-

1.       Phat Din Na ki Lawm Hi

2.       Tua Chiang Ka Khan

3.       Vualzawl na Ka Tan Vang in

4.       Hon Huai Nawn in

5.       Kong Phat Uhi

6.       A Hampha Pasian Mite

7.       Jesu Tui Hing Lui

8.       Jesu Nakiang a Om Ka Ut

9.       Ka Gam Uh Hon Dam Sak In

10.   Khua Siangthou Jerusalem

The Worship Service was blessed with benediction by Upa Khamkhanpau
http://ebccdelhi.org/activities/latest-news/368-congregation-worship-april-28-2013.html

Ralte Is he Black?

A Mizo has created sensations in an utterly neglected realm of Indian sports- football.  Hindustan Times reported that that Kingfisher East Bengal rode on Lalrindika Ralte’s extra time goal to outlast Churchill Brothers in the first semifinal of the 34th Federation Cup at the Kanchanjungha Stadium. The report further states that East Bengal would then now take on the winner of Friday’s second semifinal between Dempo SC and Salgaocar SC, in the final on Sunday. That was the last quarter of September, 2012.

In an atmosphere dominated by sports events taking place in the west, I didn’t have any inclination to follow the Federation Cup matches. But some things made me think twice. And before I turn to look at other sports news I examined the picture accompanying the HT report. The Hindustan Times report carried a picture of a black guy vying for the ball with a chinky guy in red jersey.

I thought the fair skinned guy in red jersey must have been the Ralte character that made headlines. I was wrong!!! The red Jersey during that match belongs to Churchill brothers. East Bengal player shown in the picture happened to be a certain Edeh Chidih. I should have googled for ralte’s pic had official work not taken precedence. I wanted to see Messi in action. I wanted to see Kagawa score another EPL goal for the reds. I forgot everything about the Indian scene.

When the lump of newspaper hit my the balcony of my residence this morning, I knew that HT wouldn’t tell the outcome of the second leg UEFA Champions League between Real Madrid and Galatasaray, all I look for in the HT sports page was what the pundits had to say about Messi’s fitness. With that in mind I turned to the last page of HT. There I happened to spot the Mizo’s name in the headlines once again. As in the previous instance the HT report carry the picture of a black guy controlling the ball with a fair skinned guy whose face partially appear above the black’s head, tackling. This time it’s about an AFC in Kolkata. East Bengal won the match with the winning goal scored by Ralte.

This time 'Ralte' takes precedence over official work. On googling the name I realize that neither in the Federation Cup nor in AFC where his efforts have turned the tables, has HT the courage to show the picture of the boy wonder. Had Ralte hailed from the British Royal family, his relatives might have been pleased. Not here. For a professional sportsman it makes commercial sense to hog the limelight, else you end up ruminating your earning from the club you play for. You need a lot of positive exposure, get the attention of bigger clubs and wealthy corporates.

Im sure the boy has no grudge against any official, media person or team mates. He looks happy. At 21 any one with the same talent and same level of patronage would have been happy. But with a little bit more favor shown to him, he could have been better off. Hopefully the case with HT is an exception!

Football in Religion

In the year 2005 I bought an MIG flat from DDA for about 900000 INR. I was able to mobilize the fund by raising housing loan from IDBI Bank. The repayment period stretches for a period of 20 years, which will put financial strain on me for major part of my service life. Even today a six figure amount is inspiring awe. 

When the Secretary of the Church informs that the Church had received an amount of 75, 30,000/-  2012, that was like saying, "By the standards of the Financial Year (2005-06), your Church has earned so much as to affort the cost of 8 flats in Delhi. The estimated receipt for 2013 is 85, 95,000/- and estimated expenditure, 85, 20,000/- INR.

The Pastor cheers up the Church members by presenting smiling faces of just married couples, returnees from home visit and first timers and of course winners of championship in a football tournament conducted by Church of North India. And the trophy is accompanied with cash award of 5000 INR. And that is reducing the figure of revenue projected to be earned during the calendar year by five thousand. That surely is a new way of mission work ! 

“I will make you into a great nation,
    and I will bless you;
I will make your name great,
    and you will be a blessing.

I will bless those who bless you,
    and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth
    will be blessed through you.” – (NIV)

Rev. Nengzakhup, Executive Director of NECTAR, delivers a spiritual message about the trial of faith. Based on the scripture from Genesis 12:1-4, he says that God had called Abraham to ‘leave his country ..and kindred’’ for a purpose, which is a metaphor worthy of application in every Christian life.

The conduct of Mizos/Zomis in Delhi, according to the guest speaker, is crucial not only for spiritual life, but even for their material destiny. He urges the Delhites to offer unconditional obedience, sacrifice and faith in order to be a source of blessing.

Citing Abraham’s determination even after a couple of mis-steps, the speaker emphasizes the need to cling on to God no matter what.

The sermon with little verve is convincing nevertheless. In fact NECTAR run by the speaker has churned out 250 plus graduates, who spread out across diverse cultures and region through the entire north-eastern region, Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, New Delhi and West Bengal. NECTAR products also cross international borders to reach countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Ghana, Kenya, Sudan and Zambia. Presently 5 ongoing Bible Translation projects are at hand.

The congregation rose to the hymn, ‘Toupa’n hon gup leh’- If God be with us.

The service concludes with benediction from the Pastor.

http://ebccdelhi.org/activities/latest-news/340-congregation-worship--january-27-2013.html

The Gospel According Mark

The Gospel of Mark is selected for study throughout EBCC Churches the world over during 2013

Of the four gospels, the book of Mark is the shortest work. It is concise and interesting as compared to others like the gospel of Matthew.

The good news about the death, the resurrection and the saving work of Jesus Christ, the gospel is truth coming from God, conveyed through the apostles/prophets, which becomes flesh. Hence Jesus Christ is the gospel.

The son of Mary of Jerusalem, Mark had hosted most fellowships of the early Christians. During the last days Mark helped established a Church at Alexandria. He accompanied Apostle Paul and Barnabas during their first Missionary journey, but left the journey midway. His rejection for the second journey as a result of it cost Paul the company of his partner Barnabas who, being extremely fond of Mark, eventually drifted away.

Scholars ask where was Mark when he wrote the gospel. The place could either be (i) Alexandria; or (ii) Rome, for he was seen in Rome with the apostle Paul; or (iii) Antioch in Galilee, his own home town as a Jew.

Time of authorship

The gospel of Mark is believed to have been written about 65 A.D. Between 66 to 70 AD, there was the Jewish War which culminated in the destruction in 70 AD, of Jerusalem. Since such account is not found, the in the gospel is most likely to have been written before such events take place.

It is worth mentioning here that Rome burned in 65 AD and Nero squarely blamed the Christians for having started the fire. A belief circulated amongst the Christians that Nero himself plotted the fire to give a bad name to Christians. Closely related to the reaction of believers to the situation by meek silence, the gospel basically encourages believers to be strong till the end in preparation for the second coming of Christ.

Written for whom?  The gospel is obviously written for the gentiles in Rome. The words of Jesus Christ spoken in Aramaic are translated into Greek, the language spoken by the gentiles.

The purpose. The Jews waited eagerly for the coming of Messiah. The gospel of Mark testifies to the fact that the Messiah is there in flesh and blood. Half of the book is about the teaching of Christ, the rest being his suffering. It advocates attaining triumph through suffering and death.

The fast pace gospel is not trying to give an exhaustive account of the time before, during and after the birth of Christ. Instead the gospel goes straight to the main purpose of encouraging the believers to follow Jesus’s example of suffering and eventual triumph.

Firstly, the gospel of Mark kicked off with the baptism and temptation of Jesus.

Second, the gospel from the last part of chapter 1 to chapter 10 mentions Jesus’s work in Galilee and chapter 11 onwards dwells with His work in Jerusalem and Bethany.

Chapters 14, 15 and 16 are about the Lord’s suffering, death and resurrection and the eventual installation of a regime of love and peace upon the earth.

Christmas 2012

For to us a child is born,

    to us a son is given,
    and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Celebrating the birth of the Prince of Peace, the pastor reads out passages from the Bible: Luke 2:11 and Isaiah 9:6. He guides the congregation in responsive reading.

Allowing some moments to hang on for a quiet contemplation, he opens the worship service with a prayer.

Two hymns - Eden Pallun Loubang Tulsa (Renewing the Long Lost Glory Eden), and Chiamsa Mang Immanuel (Immanuel, The King Foretold) - are sung in succession followed by Mass Prayer.

Offering Bowl is brought before Upa Kaithang. Highlighting the significance of being able to attend the Mass amidst a host of shattered dreams and snapped lives the year 2012 had seen, he dedicated the offering to God. Many a king had been born, One like Christ not a king though. The congregation sings, Praise be to the Prince of Heaven – Vanmang Ta Pahtawi Ni (PNL No. 321).

On behalf of the Pastor and Tualsung Baptist Upa Committee (TBSUC), Upa Damsawmthang, the Chairman of the local elders committee of the Church extends warm greetings and best wishes to all.

Praises through special items are offered in succession through:

(i)                  Baptist Youth Fellowship- Halleluijah! Kris Hondampa Hongpiang (choir)

(ii)                Baptist Children Department- Scripture chants and choir

(iii)               Baptist Dorcas Fellowship- Hun Mualliamsa (choir)

(iv)              Remmawi & Friends- Nang leh ken nuam in zang ni Christmas (duet)

The Pastor takes over

Significance of Christmas

Moot Question: Why Jesus Christ had to walk upon the earth? That Jesus was “Born to Die” was clarified a year ago. That God is not man made, but revealed Himself due to the extreme call for His intervention in our lives.  http://ebccdelhi.org/resources/sermons/sermon/10105-christmas-2011-born-to-die.html

The pastor asks two questions this time:

(i)                 What makes a Christmas?

(ii)               What does a Christmas offer?

As affirmed on the 23^rd December, 2012, it’s clear that the Love of God has ushered in Christmas. http://ebccdelhi.org/resources/sermons/sermon/10155-christmas-gifts.html http://ebccdelhi.org/activities/latest-news/331-advent-christmas-service-december-23-2012.html

 But what’s the significance of Christmas?

1.       Eternal Life. For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten son. For whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life. St John 3:16.

2.       Freedom from the fear of death. Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—

¹⁵ and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death Hebrew 2:14-15.

3.       Peace on Earth. The birth of Jesus Christ and the Christmas occasion is supposed to bring about peace. Peace between man and God, peace between the conflicting elements in an individual, peace with fellow human beings, peace in the family, all these becomes a reality by virtue of Christmas. As seen from Luke 2:14 “Glory to God in the highest,

 and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests (NIV). The irate protests (against rape and brutal assault of a 23 year old female physiotherapy student in Delhi on 16.12.2012) in India Gate and protest of similar kind in Manipur are asking for peace.

It’s vital to ask oneself if one has had the above 3 privileges.

With that note the Pastor prays for those who want to be free from fear (of death) and wants to start a new life.

The congregation rose to the last hymn, “Mimbang hong piang” also about the birth of Christ. And with benediction from Dr. Upa Langkham, the service is concluded.

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Bottom of Form 1

HIT Listener- Lianpu Tonsing

by Hit95

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