Ministry Updates — Page 15

One of our pastors, named Raju Ankanpalli Gujjalla, has passed away. He contracted covid, and because he had diabetes, the doctors said it caused him to develop a “black fungus.” The family borrowed money to get him to a hospital, and he was given steroids to no avail. They sent him then to Bangalore at an additional expense, but he did not survive.
 
While supported by Final Frontiers, pastor Raju led more than 242 souls to Christ and started 13 churches. He leaves behind his wife Premlata and two young children, a boy, and a girl. They ask that you pray for his family and the churches under his care.
 
This family does not have any well-to-do relatives and no income for the survivors. (Though the wife will receive our in-house “death benefit” to help bury him and purchase some food. She will also receive his support for the next 2 years as part of our ministry policy.) The non-Christians are traumatizing the children and keeping his family at a distance out of fear.
 
It would be a blessing and a grand testimony if we could send a gift to this family during this time of their grieving. They borrowed over $2,300 and if you are interested and can help with this you can donate below or send a check for "Raju Ankanpalli Gujjalla's Family". Note that we will also be caring for the children through our Touch a Life program. If you would be willing to do so, you can offer support or offerings for their needs online as well. Please contact us if you would like to support them.

​About the photos:

In developing countries, the funeral must usually occur within a day because there is no option for embalming. During that time, the body is laid out on a table for visitors to pay their respects. In this case, the family is so poor they have no table and had to place him on the floor. So the church members borrowed money to purchase a casket for their beloved pastor.

​Each day Pastor Shaukat sent photos and videos of the camp, starting with teaching sessions for the 30 workers from his churches. Many of the photos were of them eating (I guess he knew what was important to me) and many of the services. One night at 11:30 PM, I hooked up with them via Zoom and preached (talked) to them from scripture. It was a blessing to see how they received the Word, though the 5-second delay was a little hard to get used to.
 
Shaukat wrote this morning to tell us that 50 of the campers (from Hindu and Muslim backgrounds) accepted Christ during the four-day camp, and 70 campers committed to join his team as co-laborers. He has selected from among them to attend his youth seminar this Sunday to begin their training.
 
Michael and Daniel thought it would be good to have Joshua Martyn (our videographer) make this short presentation for you using the photos and clips Shaukat sent us. I know it will be a blessing to you. (BTW, the next season of Ernest Livingstone is in the final stages of post-production, so get ready to re-join him in his missionary adventures.)
 
In about 5-6 months, he will have his winter camp. So if you want, you can give now in preparation for that or wait for our notice. Enjoy the short video, filmed entirely in Pakistan

A big thank you to those who gave to help the poor widow who was robbed of all her funds last week. We took what you gave and sent it to our National Director, Lucas Ulo, and he promptly gave it to Sister Amadi Charity. To be sure you knew that what you gave arrived as intended, he snapped this photo of himself giving the funds to her. In addition, he attached a note saying that she has received your funds with great appreciation.