
A Spiritual Spark Runs Through University in Mumbai, India!
“No one has ever gone to heaven and returned. But the Son of Man has come down from heaven.”—John 3:13 (NLT)
Every day is worthy of exultation! Yes, even in a world riddled with heartbreaking headlines spreading news of extreme injustice and unthinkable violence. Though the view from where we stand may appear to be in ruins, the truth of our Savior is more powerful and glorious than any temporal sorrow within or around us.
I firmly believe we must stay focused on the simple core of advancing the Great Commission. We identify that simple core as obeying John 3:14’s command that “…the Son of Man must be lifted up.” Simply put: We must exalt our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
The following story underscores how the act of committing to lift up Christ in even the most challenging of situations is bound to bless others:
I recently heard over Skype from the wife of a professor whom International Students, Inc. had trained in M:28. She and her husband started a group in Mumbai, India. Out of the group—an interesting mix comprised of Hindus, casual Christians and on-fire believers—three had already gone on to lead other groups. Following this, the professor and his wife were led to another university elsewhere in India; this particular university was publically Christian. Soon after their arrival, the chancellor confessed to the professor’s wife that 4,000 of the 10,000 students did not know Christ, despite the University’s Christian designation.
“If you know of anyone who would be helpful in engaging these students,” the chancellor pleaded, “please let me know.”
What he didn’t know was that the professor’s wife, this dear sister, had been praying for six months for an opportunity to lift up Christ in this place. She had never approached the administration for fear of imposing on the university.
However, she was soon warned that a number of faculty had started Bible studies and found that over time, their attendance continued declining. But when they implemented a test-run of M:28 at this campus, students actually became engaged for the very first time. Shortly after beginning this outreach, the professor and his wife were able to train more than 250 students—in one week—to become M:28 Bible study leaders! Together, the couple quickly identified 1,000 potential participants from within the university. Today, every dorm floor in the school has a Bible study! It’s so exciting to know a spiritual spark is bring ignited throughout the student body.
What exactly sparked this wonderful move of the Lord? One believer’s commitment to lifting up Christ—no matter what challenges and hesitations loomed before her. I truly enjoy hearing stories like these. They remind me of the power we have when we step forward in faith.
What would you do if you had no fear? Let me encourage you to pray for the strength to move forward with dreams or ideas you may have put on hold. Remember: the Lord is with you at all times! He gives us reason to celebrate—everyday! I pray you have peace in the days to come and that He helps guide you to lift up His name—regardless of any challenges of hesitations before you.
Learn More About M:28, visit www.isim28.org!