Dear brothers and sisters,

Thank you for upholding us constantly in your prayers. December was a very busy month. In addition to leading the church services, God has opened many doors, allowing me to preach and testify of our Lord Jesus Christ, specifically His birth.

The Lord granted me the opportunity to preach in two different cities, for two different Christmas events. On the 12th of December, a local brother started a new church planting effort among the lower caste, and forgotten people. So far, he has around 30 people who are attending the services. He organized a public Christmas event, where many non-Christians (including some local political leaders, and also the chief of the village) were invited, attended, and heard the gospel message. I preached the gospel of Jesus Christ from book of Luke 1:67-79, focusing on verses 78-79, “because of the tender mercy of our God whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” I was also able to tie in Matt. 4:16, “the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.” From these Scriptures, I preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and how He came into this world, the True Light, giving eternal life to those who are in darkness. I was able to show the sinful condition of all humanity, those who sit in darkness, and unable to see God. Jesus came to liberate them and show them the truth. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6).

Two other opportunities were given to me in the month of December. One in the city of Hyderabad, and the other, at the annual Reformed Baptist Church pastor’s conference in V___________. At this conference, I spoke about the inerrant, authority, and inspiration of the Scriptures. It is a topic that is much needed in India.

In our local church, we also studied the birth of Christ, using both Matthew’s and Luke’s Gospel accounts. God really seemed to help. We examined the faith of Joseph and Mary; how they obeyed the Lord against much temptation. They paid a great price, were subject to cultural shame, and went through much mental agony. In following the Lord’s commands. Luke 1:38 records, “And Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the servant of the Lord, let it be to me according to your word.’” Joseph as well expressed his faith in Matt. 1:24, “When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the Angel of the Lord commanded him.” Both willingly obeyed the commands of the Lord, walking by faith, and not by sight.

They give the preview of the One who was to come through them, Jesus Christ. It is He provides the greatest display of faith that can be seen. As Paul says in Phil. 2:8, “And being found in human form, He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Each of us should follow His example.

We want to thank you for everything. We appreciate your help and partnership in edifying the body of Christ here in India.

“Finally brethren pray for us, that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored.” (2 Thess. 3:1)

Your brother in His mission,

Sunder.