The Meaning of Grace

Rob's classes have kept him very busy but God continues to bless him with many opportunities to share about Christ and God's incredible grace. Although his class on Islam was cancelled he was still able to spend some time talking with his friends from Iran: Ebadi and Amir. Rob had a book for the class copied for her because there are no text books in India and the copyright laws are none existent. She insisted on paying for the copy but Rob kept insisting that it was a free gift and that our religion teaches us to give freely. He explained grace and how we cannot earn it or pay for it. She still kept insisting that she must pay. This also allowed them to discuss the differences between Iran and America. God appears to be setting this couple in his path intentionally and providing many moments to share His love. Please continue to pray for this couple. Rob was also able to talk to another Hindu student about seeking God and expecting Him to reveal Himself. This student is going on a pilgrimage this weekend and we are praying that the true God will make Himself known during this time.
Today we also were able to visit with Paul Sunder Raj the Indian missionary working up in Bihar. This man is soooo full of joy and passion for God. He has come from an area which is among the poorest in India. This poverty is made worse by the incessant flooding they have experienced. This area is also extremely dangerous for Christian workers. He told us today that in one of his first encounters in Bihar as a missionary he was sharing his faith with a group when a man came up and held a sword to his throat. The man told him that if Paul ever came back to share he would kill him. Paul responded by saying that he did not come to Bihar to live, he came to die... I cannot imagine having the courage and call that this man displays. We prayed for him and the Holy Spirit fell on him so powerfully. He showed us pictures of the flooding and the families. He has been passing out food with donations that have been sent and that has literally saved lives of the Christians in his churches. The money we are sending now will go towards the area Hindus as well as outreach. Paul cried as spoke of many of the families still looking for their children or spouses in the floods. He said that as the waters recede they find more and more bodies. It is interesting though that he said the Christians in his churches have all survived. The Hindu families are the ones suffering major losses. Please continue to pray for these ministries. God is doing some mighty things in this area and Paul will be going back to Bihar late next week.