Moving Forward: SLM Asia
By Kim Thigpen
One definition of the word forward is, “onward so as to make progress; toward a successful conclusion.” Source of Light’s Branches and schools around the world are looking forward toward the future. We see potential in new ideas, utilizing the open doors created through advancing technology. We look with hope at how God will expand His kingdom through us—onward, with progress, toward a successful conclusion.
Hemanth in the South Zone of India looks toward Christian counseling as a new outreach opportunity. They have already created a video called (English translation) Career Guidance and Motivational Talk from Successful Christian People from India and Around the World. He says, “We are expecting at least 50 students plus their parents in every city. This effort will help us to become what they call ‘Life Coaches’ in all areas of their lives.”
Purwoko in Indonesia envisions helping people start small businesses. “Through a small business,” he says, “they are very happy to get other income, and also this is the way we share the Gospel with them.”
Karunakar in Northeast India has hopes for the children who come to Children Clubs for Bible lessons. “When they are growing and going to high school,” Karunakar states, “they don’t want to sit with the little children. So, we can start youth clubs for them, inviting only the youth and their friends. They will come to youth club happily. We need to print special youth lessons contextualized—culturally effective—for their salvation.”
He also sees potential in women leaders, who can work specifically to reach women. “They can go two by two to reach out to the women in their communities with a set of ‘New Life 1’ specially written for the women, taking their problems, dreams, and salvation in Christ into account. We are working among the children in slums and villages. Many of their mothers, sisters, aunts and cousins want to come to WOMEN’S meetings…. In our culture, if the women visit a family, they will be accepted with honor. These women leaders can reach the women and children, and wives can reach their husbands.”
“So, we can reach the families as per the teachings of our Lord Jesus, ‘And when ye come into an house, salute it. And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it’ (Matthew 10:12–13a).”
“Particularly in segregated cultures, ministry from women to women is significant. In some cultures, the void between married couples is so strong, even if a man comes to faith in Christ, he might not tell his wife about it, because the relationship is not such that they would ever share something so personal. Women in these societies desperately need women missionaries.”
Sanjeeb, in the North Zone of India, is already using social work as an avenue for the Gospel. He says, “True religion according to James is also to look after widows and orphans. TUTC (Train Up the Child) started with the aim of providing secular education to poor children, giving them stationeries (paper supplies for school), and bags completely free of charge.”
“We also started creating social awareness among people on abortion, AIDS, smoking, and liquor as well as many other addictions that young people face. Many women who are believers have never thought that abortion is wrong and it is murder. They see their financial situation and then think of aborting the baby which was unplanned. They don’t trust the Lord Who is our Provider. There are many children in our church who would not have been alive today.”
“In India, smoking and drinking liquor is common. It is their way of life. It is mostly taken by the poor sections of the society. They take cheap quality liquor, end up in the hospital, fight with their families and spend a major part of their income for these things. Our aim is to make them aware of the dangers to their health and the effect of strained relationships with their family members. Many people have been delivered from this addiction, and they have put their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.”
“Many youths also are addicted to pornography, have eating disorders, and phone addiction. Again, we make them aware of these things which are bad even for their spiritual life.”
“Many people are not aware of AIDS and how they need to be careful. We have made a booklet with pictures to show people, which gives them a better understanding.”
“We care for them and our love for them impacts them. Not only is there a turning point in their lives, by changing their bad habits, but it has also resulted in open doors for us to share the Gospel.”
“Manoj Rajtha is our evangelist in Himachal Pradesh. His father was a heavy drunkard. In almost every report, he would ask us to pray for his father. His drinking problem affected his family and his ministry. His father even made Manoj vacate his house and wouldn’t talk to any believers. Today he is a believer, actively involved in the church. His transformation was a big testimony to the people of their village.”
“TUTC has been a good opportunity, not just to educate the children in studies, but also to educate them in good behavior, good habits, obedience to parents, etc. We have many opportunities to share from the Bible with the children when they attend the Sunday School and church service. Ayush not only attends church but actively participates by helping in changing songs in the laptop. He has also learned the songs by heart and sometimes sings with other TUTC children in church. Ayush does not know the Lord yet, but he is aware of what it means to know the Lord, and we believe he will eventually make a decision. We are sowing seeds and these seeds will surely bear fruit.”
