By Jacqueline McCarter
Oh, how Mehul wishes he’d known about Jesus and his free gift of salvation sooner! Before alcohol addiction exacerbated his family’s poverty. Before engaging in street fights. Before stabbing and robbing people in the marketplace. Before committing three gruesome murders for hire, and before multiple prison sentences consumed his life, separated him from his wife, Aarna, and left his daughter, Ayesha, living on the streets.
Ayesha was traumatized by her life at home and on the streets. When, by God’s grace, she arrived at the Bangalore ministry hub, she was difficult to handle. She attacked other children as she had done on the streets for survival. But as she learned about Jesus, experienced His love, and received new life and new hope in Him, her heart and life were undeniably transformed. And she wanted her parents to know!
When she returned home to visit her father and mother, Ayesha brought the gospel to them. She shared about Jesus and His love for her and for them. Wanting to learn more, Mehul and Aarna attended a Sunday service at the ministry hub. Afterward, our field partner counseled them for several hours.
But it wasn’t until he attended the 2019 Christmas Gospel Outreach with his wife and daughter that Mehul realized the depth of Jesus’ love for him. As he identified with the forgiven criminal on the cross next to Jesus at Calvary, he cried tears of repentance and joy. He understood that he too can be forgiven. He understood that he too can have new hope and new life in Jesus.
As new believers in Christ, Ayesha’s parents are continuing to learn, and they are determined to share about Jesus and the meaning of Christmas. They have returned to their home in the slum, where they are distributing copies of John’s gospel, and “Jesus, He lived Among Us” videos.
Mehul is also planning to return to prison. But this time, he will be returning so that he can share about Jesus!
Please pray for:
- Mehul and Aarna to be bold witnesses, and that their community will be transformed by the light and hope of the gospel!
- Opportunities for Mehul to return to prison and share the gospel with his former inmates. That God uses Mehul’s testimony of God’s grace to open hearts and transform lives.
You helped 6,000 Ugandan children hear the gospel!
By JoDee Garmo
Thanks to your generous donations, over 6,000 Ugandan children heard the gospel at 14 gospel outreaches throughout Uganda, Africa. They took place in areas where false gospels are often preached. Our outreaches illuminated slums, prisons, and cancer centers through the presence of Ugandan Christians and missionaries in the name of Jesus. Vulnerable children enjoyed a warm, delicious meal; gifts such as hygiene products, school supplies, toys; and gospel tract literature.
Experiencing the love of Jesus through the sharing of the Word and by the provision of these simple gifts proved fruitful. The expressions of hope and thankfulness were evident in the children’s giant smiles. Next, field partners will encourage local churches to follow up with these children so that they may be discipled and mentored as God enables.
Bishop Sam Eibu shared, “I got very good reports from churches where Christmas gifts were given. They say it was the first of its kind. This has united children from different villages and churches.”
Our field partner conveyed, “We see MTC as a co-worker to assist and bless the people through these special outreaches.”
Thank you for being our co-worker through prayer and financial support of our field partners in Uganda.
From My Heart
Article posted here.
