With this issue we are happy to take note also of the graduation of four young men from our Bible School (Seminary) in India as well.
Two of these men — Binoy and Mani — completed their studies last December. The other two, Mark and Paul, were scheduled to graduate at the end of May.
The instructor of these young men, Pastor Mohan Bas of the Church of the Lutheran Confession in India (CLCI), sent the Spokesman some photographs of, and a brief story line about, each of these graduates. From the brief biographical sketches which Pastor Bas gives of each of the young men, it is obvious that the Holy Spirit has brought the powerful and saving word of God to bear on their hearts.
It will be no big surprise to hear that none of the four were raised Lutheran. One (Mark) was born into a Hindu family; another (Mani) had been a Roman Catholic and two (Paul and Binoy) had early associations with the Church of South India (Reformed). Before finding joy and peace in Christ Jesus, each young man in his own way had to experience great difficulties as well as mighty spiritual struggles to get to the point where he is today. For example, in the case of Mark, his family at first opposed him. Now — according to Pastor Bas’ report — as a result of Mark’s Christian witness, the family is planning to be baptized into the Christian faith.
We thank God for His wonderful grace in leading these young men to believe in Jesus as their Lord and Savior, and to confess the doctrines of God’s Word of Truth with us.
After giving his thumbnail sketch of each graduate, Pastor Bas closes each story with the refrain: “Pray for him…” Indeed, what better graduation gift could be given across the miles than our fervent prayers in behalf of each graduate, his family, and his Gospel ministry to his countrymen? And as we pray, let us remember also Pastor Bas in his continuing faithful work in behalf of the CLCI and the Martin Luther Bible School.
“For the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For ‘whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’ … ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!’ … ‘Their sound has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.'” (Romans 10:13,15,18)
— Pastor Paul Fleischer