February 2004Dear Friends and Partners,I am writing you from the nation of India. Even though it is illegal here to actively convert Hindus to Christians we are holding successful crusades here in the city of Chirala. Masses of Hindus are converting from their dead idol worship and receiving Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. As always, we are working very closely with the local Pastors here, spending hours each day with them giving them all we can to help them follow up and disciple the new believers in the area. We'll give you a more detailed report on all that God is doing here in Chirala after I return to the states. These precious people are not just turning from their idols but they are taking a huge step of faith at great risk when they openly convert like they are doing. The nation is still run on what is called a caste system. The higher the caste that you are born into the better things go for you, such as school and jobs. People born in the lower caste put their hopes on government jobs reserved for them, these are the only jobs that have any sort of pension or retirement plan. The only help that comes from the government for school expenses and such go only into the Hindu caste system. When a person converts to Christianity they are kicked out of the caste system leaving them with no job or the possibility of public assistance. What a price these precious people pay for their newfound faith. This makes me wonder how many of us comprehend the wonderful freedom we enjoy. It also causes me to ponder how we view the Lordship of Jesus Christ in our own lives. The Lordship of Jesus Christ could become just a phrase to us if we are not careful. Many of us call Jesus our Savior and our Lord, but is he really that to us? Is Jesus the master of our lives? Do we really put Him in the driver seat of our lives? Is He really in charge of everything that we think, say, and do? I fear that far too many of us have a relationship with Jesus that is based in our convenience and needs and not His lordship. We all say that Jesus is our savoir. We all believe that He is our provider and our healer, but can He be all these things to us if He is not allowed to be our Lord? Yes, grace covers us in areas where we are weak but what about the areas that we are habitually out of step with His will or His Word? Can a human Father really protect a natural son from danger or injury when the child isn't with him when the child refuses to obey his father's teachings? I think it's good to take an inventory of our lives every now and then to see if Jesus really is our Lord and Master in all areas. When you consider the price these precious people from India are paying for their faith it makes you wonder if our relationship with Jesus isn't taken for granted. These people not only suffer immediate persecution and isolation due to their newfound faith they also are thrust into a faith walk that many of us couldn't bear. As you reflect on what I'm writing, take some time today and ask Jesus to show you areas where you can renew His Lordship in your lives. When He shows you those areas than quickly make the appropriate changes. Don't try to reason your way out of repentance. Let Jesus really sit on the throne of your life, you'll be glad you did. Our next scheduled crusade is in Mali Africa. Mali is a Muslim nation with over 98 percent of it's population practicing the teachings of Mohammad. We could use your help. If you are able to contribute toward this crusade you will be sowing into thousands of lives that will be touched by the gospel message we preach. We still have need of $12,500 for this crusade and anything you can send will help. If you want to sow specifically into this crusade please mark the memo section of your gift with the words, "Mali Africa Crusade." We'll make sure your gift goes to reach the harvest in that country. Neja and I love you all and appreciate your prayers and financial support. You are helping carry out the Great Commission and taking the love of God to the nations of the world. Together we can! Your missionary evangelists, 
Kenney & Neja Linhart |