The groundwork was set by the faithful ministers in India, led by Ps. Shekhar, Ps. Anil, Ps. Ravi, and all their respective teams, who have worked hard to organize and co-ordinate the events that would bring a move of God all across India. We thank them for all their hard work and fervent prayers, which will surely break new ground and bring abundant fruit.
The international ministry team that gathered consisted of fired-up believers from various nations: Sri Lanka, Indonesia (KOKOBA Dance Crew), Japan, Korea, Singapore, and Nagaland. The brothers and sisters from Nagaland showed incredible commitment, as they had to take a 3-day train ride just to come for these meetings.
We started off the first day with the school outreaches, and to cover more ground, we were split into 2 groups: the Sri Lankan and Indonesian teams in 1 group, all the rest in another. Each group visited 2 schools, where there were children and youth ranging from age 6-20. Although they were mission schools, many of them come from non-Christian homes.
The teams ministered to the children through different items like games, dance, skits, sharing of personal testimonies, and sharing of the Word. In the midst of the cheers and laughter, we knew that the Holy Spirit was at work in the hearts of these young lives. In one of the schools, Pastor Kelly Koh shared a short message about the redemptive plan of God, and gave a call to those who would accept Christ into their lives, and around 70 children gave their hearts to Jesus, praise God!!
On Saturday, the much-anticipated International Youth Fellowship was held at St. Andrew’s Auditorium, where a great host of talent attracted a large crowd of over 1000, and there were so many people that long before the festivities kicked off, the auditorium was already full! Hordes of people were unable to enter, and about over 300 people had to stay in the overflow area.
The teams from Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Singapore presented their items during the International segment, with skits, dance, and also a rap song from our very own “hardcore” Rapper E (Eddy).
The jaw-dropping dances by KOKOBA brought the roof down, and the skit by the Sri Lankan team delivered a heartfelt message about the bringing the gospel forth to a lost world.
Then, we were amazed by the different performances put up by the array of talent that shared the stage: from the colourful vibrancy of the Punjabi and Hindi dances, to the pumping adrenaline of the kick-boxing and aerobics exercise team, the showcase of India and Bollywood’s best mesmerized everyone in attendance.
After all the captivating acts, Pastor Shekhar then exhorted the people to look beyond themselves, beyond their own comfort zone, and step out into world missions. He reminded us that India has been a nation that has received much bountiful blessings, starting from one of the pillars of modern world missions, William Carey, who started the Lord’s work in India centuries ago, and now is the time for India to become a nation of givers and harvesters, and be a blessing to others.
Without missing a beat, Pastor Richard William shared on the theme of commitment and love for God, as demonstrated by our actions. He gave many accounts of people who have sacrificed their lives for the sake of the gospel, and the high price they paid for obeying the call. Also, he gave glory to God, testifying of the great things that the Lord has been doing all across the world, and that the power and anointing of God is available to those who step out in faith and believe that He will enable them to accomplish the vision that He places in their hearts. As every individual reflected on his own love for God, and how much we are really willing to give up for Him, Pastor Richard challenged the people to a higher level of commitment in Him. Hundreds responded to the call of mission, willing to go to places they have never been before and do things they have never done before! A new day has dawn for India! She is ready to take the gospel to the ends of the earth!
The night ended with a blast, as India’s No. 1 DJ, DJ Lloyd, took the stage. An established act in Bollywood, this was the first event where DJ Lloyd professed to be a Christian, and even spin praise songs on the turntable. He has even agreed to be part of a monthly event to minister to youths, and surely God will use him and his music to bridge the gap to the youth of this generation. The place was filled with the sound of hot and groovy beats, people young and old jumped, danced, and worshipped together in His presence. As the History Maker anthem was played, it signified a moment that history was truly made, where Jesus birthed a new chapter in His plan for redemption.On Sunday, we visited Pastor Shekhar's church, New Life Church, in Juhu, and we felt right at home, as everyone worshipped the Lord freely in song and dance, and the congregation made a joyful noise unto the Lord. One of the sisters, Priya, shared a powerful testimony about how her mother recently accepted Christ into her life, and how she is now currently reaching out to a famous actress, and being amazed at the way God is orchestrating His plan of salvation in the lives of the people around her.
Pastor Richard shared a powerful and challenging word, calling the individual to reach India for Jesus. He shared that Abraham’s servant has a very difficult and impossible assignment, but God has divinely guided his every step as the servant prayed and stepped out in faith. There was a time of ministry as the pastors and members of the International team prayed for some of the brothers and sisters, that God will touch them and use them in a greater capacity.
In the evening, the scene shifted back to Navi Mumbai, where the History Maker Youth Rally was held. The international team did their thing, with dance, skits, and an illusion item by "Magic Man" Joseph Cheong. Pastor Dinesh Michel then stirred up the believers with an uncompromised message, and without fail, the night concluded with the light sticks celebration, and an open declaration that God reigns!!
Salvation…revival…answering a higher call…this is just the beginning, and we look forward to greater things that God has in store of the nation of India, as the people continue to seek His face, put their faith in an awesome and mighty God, and step into an arena where victory awaits. Hallelujah!
"…No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him" (1 Cor 2:9)
