How Students and Slums Prepared for Suffering
God gave Dr. Paul and his wife Hannah a compassion for people in the slums of Delhi. Before India came under the grip of Covid-19, the couple devoted time to developing Bible studies, discipling university students, and equipping them to share their faith. Training for church planters prepared emerging leaders to support ministries around Delhi as the pandemic descended.
Earthly Losses and Heavenly Hope
In April of 2021, the first member of the fellowship led by Dr. Paul and his team lost her life to Covid complications. During the following months, other members died. Those left behind grieved the earthly losses, comforted by their hope of heaven.
Dr. Paul says, “Every household was being affected by the globally unprecedented wave of Covid that swept through our country like a tidal wave. At the funeral service of our friend, there was a line of five bodies in front of him to be buried in the believers’ cemetery. This street had three different cemeteries or cremation centers for Hindus, Muslims, and believers. It was the only place allowing Covid cases to be buried … We were overwhelmed with grief and sickness. BUT, God’s lovingkindness never stopped and His faithfulness was great!”
“…so I say, ‘My endurance has perished; so has my hope from the LORD.’ BUT, this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; His mercies are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. ‘The LORD is my portion,’ says my soul, therefore I will hope in Him.”
(Lamentations 3:18-24)
Dr. Paul and Heather say God provided for every need of the church members and gave their “hearts comfort beyond our understanding.”
Hope for Others Through Bible Translation
Battles for life and death around the students and the slums confirm the urgency of reaching India with the everlasting hope of life in Christ. The leaders, their church, and their country will mourn the losses a long time. Faith in Christ gives them hope. In spite of the challenges, the church continues to support translation work for the New Testament into a new language. Fifteen books have first drafts, and the book of Mark is almost finished. This church grown from students and slums knows, “Everyone should have access to the Word in their heart language.”
Dr. Paul and Hannah are grateful for God’s grace delivered through your prayers and gifts. To learn more about the ministry of proclaiming the gospel, training leaders, and planting churches among the slums and communities of Delhi, read here.
