Chronicles of the India Mission Trip
From June 17 to 25, 2023, ICM(M) organized a mission trip to India. Under the guidance of Brother Edwin Marsden, the President of ICM(M), and a team of devoted pastors, Pastor Derwin Philip and Pastor Jason Philip, embarked on a journey with the purpose of fulfilling God’s great commission, as stated in Matthew 28:19-20: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.” This mission trip aimed to witness the ICM (South India) Graduation in Chennai and to launch the ICM (Northern India) program in Punjab’s northern regions, India.
The journey began in Chennai, where the team received a warm welcome from Rev. Suhin, the coordinator of ICM(Southern India). In the evening, the team visited Rev. Suhin’s church, a lively and dynamic congregation where members gathered to praise and worship God. The altar call saw many individuals stepping forward, humbly dedicating themselves back to the Lord and divine ministry. The dedication and commitment to serving the Lord displayed by the congregation were truly commendable. This night left an enduring impression on the team, reflecting the unwavering faith and love for the Lord within Chennai’s Christian community.
The next day, the team continued their journey to Alapakka Village, a tranquil and picturesque countryside. In this village, there’s a small church run by Pastor Ravi Philips, overseeing a modest congregation. The team joined in worship with the congregation inside a simple wooden church. Just as rain suddenly poured outside, causing the roof to leak and the power to unexpectedly go out, the praise and worship persisted. Despite the leaky roof and the darkness lit only by mobile phones, the atmosphere remained charged with praise and worship. The people’s unwavering devotion showcased their strong faith, unwaveringly fixed on the Lord even amid challenges and beyond their comfort zone. This experience deeply impressed the team, leaving a lasting mark of the congregation’s endurance and unwavering dedication.
In the evening, a graduation ceremony was organized for 31 graduates who were receiving their certificates for completing modules 1 of the BSIB (Bible School in a Backpack) syllabus, a program pioneered by ICM Malaysia. The event was led by Rev. Suhin, alongside our ICM(M) President, Edwin Marsden, gracing the certificate giving ceremony. The weather was favorable, and there was a good turnout that witnessed the event and recognizing the transformative power of theological education that can change the lives of rural communities.
During the testimony session, a young lady born into a Hindu family shared her story. She had dropped out of school at a very young age due to poverty, never having the opportunity for formal education. Despite having some knowledge about Jesus, she had never had the chance to read the Bible or truly know God. When ICM(M) introduced a class, she was among the first to sign up. As she delved into the study of the Bible, she began to experience the power of God’s word, which started to deeply impact her life, leading to her spiritual growth. Despite being married for many years without children, her studies led her to fervently pray to God. Her prayers were answered, and she was blessed with a child.
Many pastors from distant places came to witness the ceremony, traveling far to gain insight into ICM(M)’s modules and education system. These pastors also intended to participate in a pastors’ conference in Chennai, further deepening their understanding of ICM(M)’s work.
The journey of the team continued as they traveled to Chandigarh, Punjab, to meet with Rev. Bishop Sohan Lal, the ICM (Northern India) Coordinator. Despite the ongoing heat wave across India, the Punjab region was facing thunderstorms and flooding, which had adversely affected many lives. The designated venue for the ICM(M) launch and Pastor’s conference was severely impacted, with surrounding and shops submerged by rising waters. Gratefully, Rev. Bishop Sohan Lal’s resourcefulness allowed the event to proceed at an alternate location. Despite the challenges, approximately 50 Pastors, some of whom had undertaken a 24-hour journey, turned out for the event. They convened to engage in discussions and gain insight into ICM(M)’s mission works and syllabus.
In summary, praise God for Impactful ICM(M) Pastor’s meeting at District of Morinda, District of Ludhiana & District of Gurdaspur, Punjab. We shared ICM(M) Vision & Mission through video, and many pastors gave strong positive respond to join ICM(M) and share BSIB at their churches. At night we had crusades at all the 3 districts in Punjab, It was a night of Supernatural Outpouring Of God’s Love. Many responded to the altar call and gave their life to Jesus. People in Punjab experience healings & miracles in the night crusades. To God Be The Glory.
The entire India trip was guided by the Lord’s hand, under His protection and blessings. The team achieved the trip’s objectives and surpassed expectations. The journey was not without challenges; the team even narrowly avoided a landslide, which occurred a day after they left the area. This experience affirmed that God was truly watching over them.
The team meet many pastors expressed strong desires to spread the Gospel, but due to limited resources, they faced many difficulties. The availability of BSIB training materials has come at a crucial time to support their efforts which give them hope and a sense of direction. Besides that, the unwavering faith of believers in Christ that the team meet is tremendously inspiring; they have a deep hunger for the Word of God. Their fervent zeal and passion for Jesus Christ are truly remarkable.
In India, amidst the difficulties of life, including ignorance and persecution, these individuals continue to endure in a challenging life. This serves as a reminder to all of us. We know the power of the gospel can transform lives and bring healing to a broken world. It’s evident now, more than ever, we need to prioritize in God’s Kingdom, understand the present time and the urgent needs. There’s a sense of urgency that calls us to focus on God’s mission. The hours have come for us to wake up from our spiritual slumber and recognize that people are in need of God. As a child of God, this prompts you to reflect: What actions are you called to take in response?
