Sram Ashram Ministries
“The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective,” the book of James tells us. Taking this knowledge seriously, Dr. Clement, Brother David and other members of the Ashram are beginning a program that calls believers from all over India together.  We are asking churches, Bible study groups, and individuals from many denominations to spend 24 hours in fasting and prayer. 365 groups will form a “Continuous Chain of Prayer,” which will hopefully commence on March 15th.

In a time when Christians in this country are facing the risk of serious persecution (due to the new governmental power), believers need to be united in the one who first loved us. So, please pray that we will have many willing participants for this ministry. Our desire is that a sense of unity will grow amongst the Christians and that people will be emboldened to preach gospel in times of oppression through the strength the Lord gives when we ask for it in prayer.
 
 
 

Touring the Country
Last Friday I had the joy of touring Hyderabad. This city is amazingly rich in its culture and history. We visited the zoo, as well as several lakes and gardens, but by far the most impressive site is the Muslim Fort. In the 1500 and 1600’s this whole area was ruled by a dynasty of Muslim kings. As in all dynasties, some of these kings were good, but many were evil. Yet, all of them were religiously tolerant. Inside of the fort, we found both Muslim mosques and Hindu temples. What an interesting combination!

This religious tolerance, however, did have a few quarks. For instance, one of the king’s head Hindu pujaries (priests) wanted to honor his god by forming a new temple. So, without the king’s consent, building commenced. Upon hearing of the pujary’s disloyalty, the king sentenced the him to live the rest of his life confined to a worship center inside the fort walls. This room was dark and moist and just plain yicky. So is the price of religious tolerance!

Sumathi’s Story
Sumathi, a beautiful, young, Hindu woman with soft, sad brown eyes comes faithfully to all three of the classes we offer—computer, English, and Bible. She dreams of opening her own business someday and works hard in class to ensure that she will have the skills to do so.

But this week she has not been able to attend. A disease has been plaguing Sumathi since she was young. It has made her weak and pencil thin. Today, when we asked this beloved student if she was on any medication, she explained that the doctors have not identified the cause. Moreover, she has no finances to go for further testing.

When coached, Sumathi poured out her heart to us, explaining that she never knew her father. It is her brothers who support the family, and although details were not given, it is quite clear that they have many steep mountains to climb. We requested to visit her home, and she bid us to not do so, in fear that it would make the situation more difficult.

Luke 11: 9 promises that when we have faith, whatever we ask for in Jesus’ name will be given to us. Also, Luke 13:10-13 demonstrates that Jesus has the power to heal even those who are inflicted by prolonging illnesses. Please pray that the Lord will demonstrate His awesome power in the life of Sumathi.

WRITE US!
Any questions or suggestions for this publication? Any news from back home? Please email me at kjnbean@aol.com.  I’d love to hear from you!