A glimpse from the General Secretary’s Report

Dearly beloved,

When we look back, even those things that appeared as difficulties happened so that we might become humble, base our life & work on God’s Word and learn to glorify God alone. And when we look closer into all the events we will notice that God did new things in and through us. How good God had been in our lives! And the Lord has graciously brought us into a new year promising that He will give us success in all that we do and so we His servants need to arise and build His kingdom (Nehemiah 2:20).

I look at these servants who serve the Lord in missions in three categories and to expound on this I employ the allegory of a grain field. One, some are like tractors or oxen who work for a short time; whose contribution is only for a limited period of time. Second, some are like fertilizers and water, who give their best – the best of their times, talents and age. Though they serve for a longer time, they are concerned about their future and settlements. Third, some are like the seed, that which dies and loses its identity, so that many grains may be produced. These are those who are not concerned about their identity and future, but will be willing to lose all of it so that God’s work may be done and may continue.

But even this is not for us to judge others, as each one serves according to the ability that He provides. We need to check ourselves, about our commitment to God and His work. Am I looking for my identity or God’s glory? Am I concerned about my future or continuity of God’s work?

I thank God for the hundreds of people who toiled in GEMS in the yesteryears and for those who are continuing to toil.

Praise be to God who gives the increase (1 Cor 3:6). We could see that the churches in all our fields are growing in quality and quantity.

Conclusion:

Even as we fulfil God’s call to arise and build there is always a possibility for our love to grow cold – toward God and toward people. But we need to constantly check our lives whether we are increasing or diminishing in this aspect. May the Lord help us to increase in love and selflessness and God-centeredness, so that He might prosper our work of His kingdom!

Abba Father, let me be
Yours and Yours alone.
May my will forever be
Evermore Your own.
Never let my heart grow cold,
Never let me go.
Abba Father, let me be
Yours and Yours alone.

As we are preparing ourselves to enter into the Fifth Decade let us do so with these thoughts in our mind –

Fresh

                    Full

                                                   Free

Let there be freshness and fullness and freedom in our thinking and action – in all areas of our life and ministry. It is time to say “goodbye” to all staleness, half-heartedness and bondages – either it be in our attitude or action; habits or holdings.

“Brothers and sisters, I can't consider myself a winner yet. This is what I do: I don't look back, I lengthen my stride, and I run straight toward the goal to win the prize that God's heavenly call offers in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13, 14 GW)

May the Lord renew and revive us so that what we do in this decade may reach new heights, reverberating revival until His return.

God of our fathers, Whose almighty hand
Leads forth in beauty all the starry band
Of shining worlds in splendor through the skies
Our grateful songs before Thy throne arise.
Thy love divine hath led us in the past,
In this free land by Thee our lot is cast,
Be Thou our Ruler, Guardian, Guide and Stay,
Thy Word our law, Thy paths our chosen way.
From war's alarms, from deadly pestilence,
Be Thy strong arm our ever sure defense;
Thy true religion in our hearts increase,
Thy bounteous goodness nourish us in peace.
Refresh Thy people on their toilsome way,
Lead us from night to never ending day;
Fill all our lives with love and grace divine,
And glory, laud, and praise be ever Thine.

In His Service

D. Augustine Jebakumar

(If you would like to read the complete the Annual Report visit this link - GEMS Annual Reports)

GEMS_Annual_Report_2012
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