It was a tremendous privilege to have Fredrick and Reeba with us today. This evening, they spoke about their work in India. Reeba gave thanks for the support we give to the tailoring programme, which now runs in two cities (with a third programme due to launch soon in Reeba’s home province), providing skills and equipment to help women become self-sufficient. Fredrick spoke of many Hindus coming to faith, including a taxi driver whose whole family has now turned to Christ and been baptised. They are using talking Bibles to help those in rural areas and the disabled; we gave a gift which we hope will be used to purchase more of these.
In speaking from Luke 2:8-11, Fredrick reminded us that the birth of Christ tackles all our fears and His arrival brings great joy. Jesus is our provider, our redeemer and the one who brings joy, but Christ has to be born in each one of us. He abolishes the caste system so prevalent in India because He breaks all man-made systems and reminds us that every single person has inestimable value. Gal 3:28 reminds us that there is no distinctions any more; we are all one in Jesus Christ. No one is excluded (Matt 1:23), for He was born for all and is a Saviour to all, One who gives abundant life to all who believe.
Jesus brings peace in our lives, despite the many challenges we may face. He wants us to make the most of the opportunities He gives us. When the tailoring ministry started, they had nothing – no machines, no area for teaching – but God supplied all their needs. First of all, God gives us a vision for what He wants, but then we have to persevere through the challenges to see Him supply all our needs. As people respond to the challenge, God supplies the need: ‘where there is a vision, there is provision.’
Christ’s birth was also the sign of God’s favour. His favour rests on us (see Ps 103:14) and because of this, we can respond to all the challenges ahead of us with confidence and faith.
Fredrick and Reeba with a church member:
Enjoying fellowship over a meal after the service:
