Even though most parts of India have progressed and enjoy technological advancements, a large percentage of people still live in rural areas. Many lack basic facilities and some don’t even have roads. The church in Chandgarhi used to worship in an old ramshackle building and because of their remote location, there were no Priests to conduct the Divine Service for them, and visits by other ministers or even the Apostle were very rare. When they finally got Priests and their church was renovated, their joy knew no bounds.
In Aligrah, Uttar Pradesh, lies a small and remote village Chandgarhi. The trip to the village is a little bumpy because of the mud roads but the views are beautiful – miles and miles of green fields and farms, winding canals and the open blue sky.
An Outpouring of Blessings
The villagers came to church wearing big smiles. Their church was finally renovated and after many years of only having a Deacon, two Priests were going to be ordained. Aligrah’s Asna Ajitpur congregation also came in full strength to enjoy the Apostle’s visit and celebrate the ordination. A special Divine Service, the first one of its kind was conducted in the church. The theme of the message was “Jesus, Our Example”. Apostle Naik based his message on Matthew 9:35-36, “Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.”
He then went on to explain why Jesus was their example: Jesus went to the people and shared His message with them. He had compassion on the plight of humankind. The sermon was concluded with a reminder that it was the responsibly of everyone present to make the love of Jesus accessible to others.
After a thought and action-provoking message, the two Deacons were ordained as Priests. The congregation was overjoyed, even the administration team was excited that their church finally had priests.
A brothers meeting followed the ordination in which ministry work was discussed and events and programs planned. It was a time of encouragement and blessings for the congregations of Aligrah and Chandgarhi.