Hope India Mission

648/2 Shastripath, Paharpur,  Anisabad, Patna 800002, eaabraham2022@protonmail.com

HOPE INDIA MISSION BOARD MEETING

OCTOBER 6, 2023

A  report on our collective commitment

HOPE INDIA MISSION BOARD MEMBERS

AMBASSADORS JOINED BY BOARD MEMBERS

The Hope India Mission Board Meeting was held at the Hyatt Hotel in Charlotte, North Carolina, on October 6, 2023. This significant event was a culmination of collective efforts, dedication, and the grace of the Lord.

Board Members and Ambassadors: Board members from various parts of the United States and our distinguished guests gathered for this important occasion. The board consisted of Jon Bourgain and John Manta from Denver, Colorado; Roger Muselman and Naomi Muselman from Indiana; Karen Thomas from Kentucky; Aaron Ensley from Michigan; Norman Wretlind, Bob Williamsen, Terry Oldham, and Jim Kniffen from North Carolina and Abraham Elavatta from India.

In addition to the board members, we extended invitations to 15 dear friends from across the country, who served as Ambassadors for this meeting.

The Meeting Highlights: The entire board and Ambassadors arrived a day earlier, on October 5, to ensure that our meeting on the 6th would be a resounding success. The board meeting commenced at 9 AM and concluded at 11 AM. We can proudly say that our board meeting was a great success. We came together, shared our experiences, insights, and fervent dedication to the mission's cause.

Reports and Gratitude: Elavatta Abraham, the President of Hope India Mission, presented the annual report, outlining the incredible progress and the impact of our mission. Roger Muselman, our dedicated treasurer, submitted the financial report, shedding light on our responsible stewardship.

Our board chairman, Jon Bourgain, chaired the meeting with utmost dedication and commitment.

Other Developments: Following the board meeting, we all enjoyed a delightful lunch. However, our day was far from over. At 2 PM, we visited Billy Graham’s library. This experience left a profound impact on all who were present.

Later, at 6 PM, we had a fellowship dinner at the residence of Bob Williamsen, one of our board members. This occasion was a perfect way to wind down, sharing a meal and pleasant conversations.

We are pleased to announce that our annual ministry budget for 2024 has been set at $992,000. This budget will enable us to continue our vital work in India. We humbly request your prayers for God’s guidance, protection, and provision as we move forward.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our board members and Ambassadors who made this event so memorable. Special thanks go to Terry Oldham and the dedicated North Carolina teams for their relentless efforts in organizing this wonderful gathering. We praise the Lord for His abundant blessings on Hope India Mission, knowing that with your support and prayers, we will continue to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve.

THE UNENDING RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION IN UP

Believers Behind Bars

These Believers Released After 43 Days in Jail

Uttar Pradesh (UP), a state in northern India, is the country's most populous state, home to approximately 20% of India's population. It's also known for its cultural and religious diversity. However, UP has been a challenging region for Christians and religious minorities due to increasing incidents of religious persecution. The state is led by a Hindu priest who holds the position of Chief Minister.

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This September, the persecution continues as 49 believers from various districts in UP have been imprisoned because of their faith in Jesus Christ. This list, categorized by district, provides a glimpse of the individuals suffering due to their religious beliefs, though their identities remain anonymous for their safety:

Azamgarh District:5 inmates

Kanpur District: 3 inmates

Rae Bareilly  District: 7 inmates

Gazipur District:11 inmates

Ghaziabad District:15 inmates

Jaunpur District: 8 inmates

It's important to note that religious tensions in UP have been heightened in recent years, despite its diverse population. The rise in persecution cases calls for awareness and prayers for those facing adversity. Hope India Mission has been instrumental in supporting persecuted Christians and helping them share their stories. Hope IndiaMission and other organizations are tirelessly working to provide assistance and advocate for the release of those unjustly imprisoned due to their faith.

A CHURCH IN UP DEMOLISHED AND AUTHORITIES DEMAND PAYMENT FOR COSTS

In a concerning incident on October 11, 2023, a church located in the Bulandi village of Jaunpur district in Uttar Pradesh was demolished by the UP government. The demolition was carried out on allegations of unauthorized construction (baseless allegation) on government land. Shockingly, the government also has requested the church authorities to pay Rs 2,83,000 for the cost related to demolition.

The demolition operation was executed with seven bulldozers, blocking the road to the church and increasing security presence. Sub-District Magistrate Neha Misha and Additional SP Bijesh Kumar supervised the demolition, which commenced around 5 p.m. and lasted into the night.

The church was a gathering place for devotees from various locations, including Azamgarh, Ghazipur, and Varanasi in Mau Purvanchal. This incident is not an isolated one. Back in 2018, the police arrested 270 believers from this church, including a pastor, based on a complaint filed by Akhil Yadav, the secretary of Akhil Bharatiya Kshatriya Mahasabha Yuva, a religious sect of upper castes. The charges pertained to false conversion, and the case remains pending before the Allahabad High Court.

Unfortunately, this is part of a broader trend. Under Yogi Adityanath's administration, the Christian community in Uttar Pradesh has faced various forms of persecution. According to a report from 'Article 14,' 101 cases were registered against Christians in 2021.

Village Non-Formal Education Centers:

Empowering Communities Through Knowledge

FROM AN ALCOHOL SELLER TO A VILLAGE TRANSFORMER

Amazing transformation of Brother Paltan Murmu

Brother. Paltan Murmu's journey is nothing short of a remarkable transformation. Hailing from the village of Simalbari in Bihar's Kishanganj district, Paltan was deeply rooted in the customs and traditions of his Adivasi background, adhering to Hindu beliefs and rituals. He had a job that seemed to contribute to the troubles in his home – making and selling alcohol.

Paltan and his family were living in fear and turmoil, unable to sleep peacefully in their own home for several months. They faced nightly attacks, accompanied by horrifying sounds that drove them to flee to their neighbors' houses. These ordeals led to illnesses among family members. They had sought numerous solutions, including sorcery, black magic, and various rituals, all to no avail. Their desperation was such that they had spent substantial sums of money in search of peace.

One day, as fate would have it, Pastor. Gurudev Tanty passed through his village. Paltan's father met the pastor, and their encounter marked the beginning of a profound change. Pasot. Gurudev shared the Gospel and stories of the miracles performed by Jesus. The very next day, Paltan's father conveyed this newfound hope to him and his wife, Sis. Shamoli Basaki. He explained that there was a pastor who prayed in the name of Jesus and could solve their problems.

Responding to their request, Pr. Gurudev Tanty prayed for their home and invoked the name of Jesus to cast out the evil spirits that plagued them. Remarkably, from that day forward, their home was free from these terrifying experiences. This incident opened their eyes to the power of Jesus, and they made a life-changing decision. The entire family embraced Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

On the 4th of December in 2022, Br. Paltan, his wife, and their eldest son were baptized, officially becoming members of the Church. The family made a collective decision to stop the production and sale of alcohol, and Paltan also gave up using marijuana and engaging in quarrels with his wife and neighbors.

Through the grace of prayer, Paltan found a new job at a petrol pump, which allowed him to meet his family's needs. This transformation had a ripple effect on their children's lives. Previously, their sickness and the constant lack of peace hindered their regular school attendance. However, with the positive changes at home, all the children started going to school with enthusiasm.

In their home, a fellowship group was established, inspiring their neighbors to seek help from Pastor. Gurudev as well. As a result, two more families found their way to the Lord. Now, Brother. Paltan's house is a hub of spirituality, hosting prayer sessions twice a week, with ten individuals coming together to worship.

This heartwarming transformation story marks the enduring power of positive change. Praise God for this incredible transformation in Brother Paltan Murmu's life and the lives of those around him.

YOU PRAYED AND GOD ANSWERED!

Praise Points:

1. Praise God for helping Hope India Mission to build a Church Building in Odar, Kaimur(Bihar)

2. God enlarged the ministry by adding and equipping 40 new workers.

3. God helped to conduct a medical camp for orphans and the poorest children in September.

4. God almighty opened the door to commence 40 new literacy centers in six

different states of India.

5. God added a new line of blessing by providing new land for Patna City Church near AIIMS, Patna, the biggest hospital in Bihar; as well as a rented hall for the church on a temporary basis.

6. Let us join in prayer for the ongoing tensions between Israel and Hamas, praying for peace to swiftly prevail in the Middle East and for an end to the conflict.

Prayer Points:

1. Pray for the safe return of the Hope India Mission founder from USA.

2. Pray for the hiring of good teaching staff in our mission schools.

3. Pray for safe travel or field coordinators.

4. Pray for Project Patna City Church.

5. A pastor and believers in Uttar Pradesh are facing challenges in finding a rented hall for their worship and prayer gatherings. This situation arose after their previous hall was vacated due to pressure from anti-Christian forces. The local police station intervened, instructing them to vacate the premises.

6. The foundation work for the Tendupara Church Building has been successfully completed, thanks to contributions from the local community. However, there is still a need for 4 lakhs to finish the entire construction.

7. Please keep our missionary, Vidya Lakra, in your prayers as she has been dealing with a prolonged illness.

8. Kishmati Devi is facing a tumor in her head and will soon undergo a necessary operation. Please remember her in your prayers.

DONATIONS IN USA

NOTE: Please donate to the ‘General Fund’ in the designations if the Lord is prompting you to be a part. To donate follow the below button. Reach us at eaabraham2022@protonmail.com for more information

When making a donation to the ministry, you may designate it to the General Fund. If you prefer to contribute to a specific project, you can specify the project, and we will allocate your donation exclusively for that purpose. Thank you.

DONATE BY MAIL: To Donate by Mail please send your check to Hope India Mission’s U.S. office. Please write a note to let us know the fund designation. Write to us at eaabraham2022@protonmail.com.

Address:- Hope India Mission 1403 Winchester Rd. Decatur, IN 46733

DONATIONS IN CANADA THROUGH MINISTRY PARTNER

NOTE: Please leave a note ‘Hope India Mission General Fund’ while donating. To donate through our ministry partner in Canada, follow the below button. Reach us at eaabraham2022@protonmail.com for more information.

When making a donation to the ministry, you may designate it to the General Fund. If you prefer to contribute to a specific project, you can specify the project, and we will allocate your donation exclusively for that purpose. Thank you.

DONATE BY MAIL: To Donate by Mail please send your check to Hope India Mission’s Canada Mission Partner. Please don’t forget to write ‘Hope India Mission General Fund’ as a note to let us know the fund designation. Write to us at eaabraham2022@protonmail.com

Address:- ICMS (Hope India Mission)
PO Box 24 Stn. A
Abbotsford, BC V2T 6Z4
Canada

Important Donation Instructions from Hope India Mission Canada

Dear Valued Donors,

We appreciate your generous support of Hope India Mission. To ensure compliance with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) regulations, kindly note that NO designation should be indicated in the memo line of your cheque. Instead, please include a separate note, even a sticky note, with the desired designation.

We understand that it may be a habitual practice to include both a note and a memo line indication, but to meet CRA requirements, we kindly request that you provide the designation solely on the separate note.

DONATE DIRECTLY TO INDIA

Name of the Account Holder: Emmanuel Public Charitable Trust

Account Number: 40141525543

Name of the Bank: State Bank of India

Branch: New Delhi Main Branch (NDMB)

Branch Address: FCRA Cell, 4th Floor, 11 Sansad Marg, New Delhi – 110001

Branch Code – 00691

Swift Code - SBININBB104

Contact Pastor Abraham at eaabraham2022@protonmail.com for more information