Grace Life Ministries has found that an effective ministry is dependent upon healthy relationships and open communication. We focus on building strong ties with our Canadian sponsors and contributors, our India staff, and the leaders of those projects we support. We are careful to restrict our invitations to visitors who have a love for missions along with gifts and abilities to offer in service. We also encourage supporters and other organizations to view the various aspects of this ministry. Western involvement has proven invaluable in such areas as teaching, worship, Christian education, computer training, photography, etc. Working in missions hasn't always been easy for our visitors, but they have always found their experiences to be rewarding and life-changing.
A Testimony from One of Our Western Missions Workers
This trip to India was much different from my first. I believe God allowed my first trip to be an enjoyable blessing in order for me to see the very best parts of the ministry. Although it was shocking in many ways, I saw the power of what God was doing and had done. Even having stomach upsets a lot of the time seemed inconsequential. Throughout the following 2 years in Canada I experienced much personal pain and a lot of change, but God kept a very strong desire in my heart to return to India. It was the one thing I was sure of and I even felt that the Lord was leading me into a life of missions.
In my second trip, God allowed my eyes to be opened to many of the realities of ministry in a place like India. I found many things difficult to deal with. I could feel myself changing dramatically and, in truth, it scared me. There were times when I knew I had to pursue my relationship with God as never before. God sustained me and showed Himself to me clearly, pouring out His special grace into my life. I feel some hesitation in going back although I know that what is going on in the children’s ministry is truly worth a life sacrifice. I wish you could see what I saw and understand my heart and God’s heart towards His work there because you would believe more than ever that God can change lives forever. I spent 5 months living with 11 children who are now like brothers and sisters to me. I know them all so well and love them so much. Please continue to pray for all in the ministry, including me. I believe that God has prepared this ministry for blessing and expansion because it truly is unique and inspired by God .
S. G
Ways to Help
1.Grace Life Ministries has been blessed with world renowned speakers and teachers who have provided encouragement to pastors in Orissa. Dr. Ken Blue from California has been a featured speaker for 3 years, laying the foundation of the gospel of grace for our staff, workers, and pastors. His contribution has been invaluable. Pastor Barry Kaardal from British Columbia has provided practical Biblical teaching to pastors and evangelists though his visits to Orissa as well as through a DVD ministry.
2.We have also received generous supplies of health supplements (Juice Plus) from western contributors which have greatly improved the health of pregnant women, pastors, and children who were in need of extra nutrition.
3.Christian literature is needed as a resource tool for the pastors and evangelists. We have received donations from Canadian contributors for Bibles and Christian books, which we are able to purchase in an Operation Mobilization bookstore in Visakhapatnam.
4.Some of our sponsors have provided funds for church buildings in Orissa. Often congregations in the tribal villages remain small out of necessity as the only place to meet might be a small village hut. Church buildings permit congregations to grow in size and strength.
GLM Team Members' Qualifications
Periodically GLM ministry teams visit the international projects, participating in various ministries. Skills, abilities, and talents are very important but what we consider essential is the 'heart' of the team members involved. Below are the qualities we look for when considering western participation.
1. A heart for the poor:
Jesus loves the poor and He promised blessing to those who care for them in His name. Grace Life Ministries is primarily a ministry to the lost and poor, both to bring them the gospel of God’s grace and also to provide material and financial support. This is one qualification that every team member needs to have in order to serve in missions. It is the major motivation behind this ministry.
2. Personal qualifications applicable to elders as outlined in 1Timothy 3: 1-7:
Ministry team members must be the husband or wife of one spouse, be temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, gentle, not quarrelsome, not greedy for money, not covetous, ruling their own homes well, not sexually immoral (as outlined in the Bible), and having a good testimony in the community.
3. Experience with India and the Indian people (or a willingness to acquire it):
Grace Life Ministries is looking for ministry team members who can travel to India in order to provide help with projects and churches, and offer creative skills and abilities that will further the ministry. A working knowledge of the culture is extremely useful. Those who have worked in India among the poor and have gained a knowledge of the problems and challenges unique to that land and people have special insights to offer that could greatly benefit the work of this ministry.
4. Teaching /Preaching gifts:
The pastors of India have few resources in the way of teaching and encouragement and what is available is often not the best quality. Team members who can preach and teach are needed to help with seminars and conferences. Grace Life Ministries is dedicated to preaching the gospel of God’s grace and consequently all teaching and preaching would have to comply with Biblical and scriptural guidelines approved by this ministry.
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Last updated: 2/5/2010
