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Spark

7/1/2015

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One believer’s commitment to lifting up Christ changes lives in an Indian university.

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!



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2 Comments
Peggy Pollard link
8/4/2015 09:16:39 am

Thank you Dr. Shaw,

On my trip last month to our ISI national conference in India, I was able to visit this same Christian University, completely by God's arrangement, since I had no idea we had any Int'l Students Inc. connection with the university.

The Professor who was hosting me in that city for 3 days simply insisted I MUST visit their local Christian University even though he is a devout Hindu. He was so excited to take me to the campus.

So we stopped on the campus, where he knew some faculty who are friends of his, and dropped in to visit the international office there. The two students in the office who are in charge of welcoming international students to that university had never heard of our Int'l Students Inc. friendship program. They were excited to find out about it and possibly network with ISI.

After that visit I attended the ISI conference and heard the testimony of the Prof. who is now Vice Chancellor there.

I also met the student worship band who led us in worship at our conference and am in touch with them and we are planning to collaborate using some of their Hindi Christian music here in my home town for a worship program.

A wonderful connection in Christ with our Hindi brothers and sisters.

I am so blessed to be part of the Int'l Students Inc. network that God is working through so amazingly.

Reply
Peggy Pollard link
8/4/2015 09:17:27 am

Thank you Dr. Shaw,

On my trip last month to our ISI national conference in India, I was able to visit this same Christian University, completely by God's arrangement, since I had no idea we had any Int'l Students Inc. connection with the university.

The Professor who was hosting me in that city for 3 days simply insisted I MUST visit their local Christian University even though he is a devout Hindu. He was so excited to take me to the campus.

So we stopped on the campus, where he knew some faculty who are friends of his, and dropped in to visit the international office there. The two students in the office who are in charge of welcoming international students to that university had never heard of our Int'l Students Inc. friendship program. They were excited to find out about it and possibly network with ISI.

After that visit I attended the ISI conference and heard the testimony of the Prof. who is now Vice Chancellor there.

I also met the student worship band who led us in worship at our conference and am in touch with them and we are planning to collaborate using some of their Hindi Christian music here in my home town for a worship program.

A wonderful connection in Christ with our Hindi brothers and sisters.

I am so blessed to be part of the Int'l Students Inc. network that God is working through so amazingly.

Reply



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