Associations in the International Partnership call upon the Lord to pour out His blessing in 2011. The Indian Christian Bethel Baptist Gospel Fellowship celebrated 60 years of God’s faithfulness with a conference Dec. 27–31. Five thousand believers, mostly from Hindu backgrounds, prostrated with their faces to the ground, praying in the New Year. God is building His church on the opposite side of the world as believers spread their faith in spite of opposition and sometimes persecution.

Dr. Chatla Devasahayam, president of the association, invited representatives of the GARBC and the International Gospel Mission to assist them in the celebration. Chris Hindal and Dr. James Maxwell preached on behalf of the GARBC, and Dr. Gary Newhart and Dr. Douglas Blanc spoke on behalf of the IGM. Dr. Shawn Wilburn, Michael Cosgrove, and Patrick Garrett also participated. The New Year’s Eve service included preaching, testimonies, special music, recognition of guests, prayer, first fruits offerings, and the Lord’s Table. Chris had the opportunity to speak nine times to the gathering throughout the week.

John Victor, the leader of New Life Regular Baptist Society in East Godavari, India, scheduled a New Year’s Day service and asked Chris Hindal to speak to the group. His son Prasad translated as Chris challenged the congregation to great faith in God’s power for 2011. Brother John has lead in the establishment of three church plants, each of which are meeting in houses and asking God to provide the finances for a building.

Dr. W. S. Vedha presides over Pollachi Baptist Fellowship in Tamil Nadu South India. Dr. Vedha came under opposition and threat seven months ago as a letter he wrote to Chris Hindal was intercepted, translated into the local language, and distributed throughout the village. Dr. Vedha was forced to flee to another village for six months. He returned to his village just a month ago. Chris spoke in his church, two other local church plants, and the Regular Baptist College during the first week in January. God provided His protection and blessing.

These conferences offer needed encouragement for these associations. For some it is the first time a representative of the GARBC has visited their ministries, which forge beach heads in enemy territory. The knowledge that others are aware of them and the work they are doing for the Lord bolsters their faith as they labor in the Lord’s harvest.