The Mission Continues

Our Lady of Perpetual Succor, Chembur

The Pentecost Rally in Vakola was followed by invitations to minister to four of the neighboring communities: Chembur (May 28), Kurla (May 29), Pestom Sagar (May 30) and Kalina (May 31). I counselled people in the morning (a total exceeding 100 over four mornings!) and preached to various Church groups in the evening. My hosts during the first half of the mission were an old school friend named Joseph John and his wife Jacqueline, and during the latter half, three very sweet and hospitable nuns in a convent. Yet another new bed!

I ended the mission in Bombay with talks to zonal leaders about the School of Discipleship and how to implement it. As this is being used as a test for the rest of Bombay, I pray that the Holy Spirit makes it a great success. To help the Holy Spirit do this is a lady of extreme devotion and commitment - Leela Moraes - who was also instrumental in making this entire mission in Bombay possible ... and successful. My heartfelt gratitude to her and her teams.

A Celebration of Two Births: The Church and Me!

Pentecost Rally: May 27, Vakola, Bombay

I felt really blessed to have my birthday fall this year on the feast of Pentecost and I knew it would be an amazing day. It was. Over 1,500 people spilled out of the Church and the moment I went to the altar, I felt the anointing sweep over me. The words flew effortlessly. I ended by recapping the things that I had spoken about the previous three days and by the time I was done, everybody was prepared for a mighty outpouring of the Holy Spirit. He didn't disappoint and I believe that what took place in that Church today was another pointer towards the Great Revival of the Church which is going to begin shortly.

As for my birthday, I cut four cakes through the course of the day. Various church groups, including the youth group that I had spoken privately to the previous day, brought them in and I felt touched by the love in the hearts of the people for me. I missed my family, though, and determined that I would be with them the next time around.

Discipleship Program, Vakola

St. Anthony's Church, Vakola (May 24-26)

A three day Discipleship Program in Vakola (May 24-26) was a prelude to a zonal Pentecost Rally comprising seven neighboring parishes. Though I had a rough start with the sound system playing up (nothing new here!), the Program had a great ending (nothing new here either!), and over 1,000 people registered for the School of Discipleship at its conclusion. This School will be a little more intensive than the others before it, with people mentored even in-between modules. I will be presenting a full plan for the School to Zonal leaders shortly.

Blessings from Church Elders

I was immensely privileged to receive blessings from three Church elders on the morning of May 24th, meeting Cardinal Simon Pimenta, Archbishop Oswald Gracias and Bishop Agnelo Gracias. I had gone to meet Archbishop Oswald to pay my respects and brief him on what I was doing in the city and was introduced to the others as well. I was happy that they all knew me and the Holy Spirit Interactive ministry even before being introduced. Archbishop Oswald gave his permission to start the School of Discipleship in Bombay.

Talk to the Jesus Youth, UAE

In a sign that more walls were crumbling (well, okay, shaking!) I was invited to speak to the Jesus Youth (UAE) leaders today. The Jesus Youth is one of the largest Christian organizations in the world, but predominantly Keralite. Despite their name most of the members are in their late 20s/early 30s, having belonged to the Jesus Youth in their younger days and having just stuck on. I had spoken to their communities during my visits to Mangalore and Bangalore and had found them a vibrant lot. This one, too, was very energetic and I enjoyed my time with them.

Talk to the African Community, Dubai

Last year we had started a chain fast for Christian unity and a week into the fast, I received an invitation to preach to the African Community in Dubai. This year, we started a similar fast, and once again, 7 days into the fast, I received another invitation to preach to the same community. Believing this to be a sign from God, I ended an extremely anointed talk on May 14 with a brief exhortation to all present to take a few steps to lower the barriers that separated us, suggesting that we could join one another for prayer. Several young men came up after the session was over saying they would like to join the HSI family in their prayer/fellowship gathering the coming week and I could only whisper a silent thank-you to God for their openness to his call.

Fritz and Diana Mascarenhas

Fritz Mascarenhas

World renowned evangelists Fritz and Diana Mascarenhas ministered to the HSI family in the UAE as they conducted a retreat on the Loving Heart of the Father - over three evenings from May 9-11. It was immensely successful, with people travelling over 100 kms for the program. I was particularly blessed as they stayed with us during their visit and I benefited a lot from the time we spent together.