March-April 2009

‘Faithful is He that calleth you, Who also will do it’ 1 Th 5:24

1. We praise God that today we could complete the 31st Graduation Exercise of NEIBBC & S. 26 students who hail from 6 Northeastern states of India graduated with different degrees (10 post graduate and 16 graduate). It was a very smooth and blessed time for both the graduates and the invitees. About 250 friends, relatives and invitees came to witness the event. Rev. Hangnung, Association Representative of New Testament Baptist Churches Association, Manipur, India and one of the Board members was the graduation speaker. He spoke a very practical message from II Timothy 2:1-19. Following the service all the 250 invitees were served lunch at our College Dinning Hall.
2. Mr. Mang Johnson was the vilectorian this year. He completed his M.Div. He will remain with NEIBBC & S and will assist with the Campus ministry and will take few classes.
3. We held a Seminar at NEIBBC & S on the dangers of Charismatic Movement and Contemporary Music on April 2 & 3. Rev. Jim Starr of Vision 2020 Asia was the speaker.
4. We praise God that Mr. Jacob Ahmed, my brother and Principal of Grace High School, a ministry of NEIBBC & S did not have to go through surgery. He developed a ring around his liver which was presumed to be of tape-worm. He had to go to Bangalore on April 5, 2009 (4 days train journey from Silchar) for his treatment since the case was too serious to be handled at Silchar. The suggestion was that he would need an open surgery to physically remove the worm but an injection with probing CT scan was able to kill the worm. The doctor cleared him and he will return to Silchar with the next available train.
5. I had several preaching and interpretation opportunities during this period where many heard the word of God.
6. Pastor Curt Gordon, his wife Connie and son Daniel were visiting us from Iowa during March 6-18, 2009. They ministered to our students with the word of God in the chapels. They treated the graduating students with an excellent message and dinner on March 14. And on March 15 they spoke to University students in a retreat organized by our Campus ministry. Connie took time to speak to the ladies of NEIBBC & S while Daniel taught Mathematics and English at Grace High School. Everyone enjoyed their ministry. They also had the opportunity to attend a Manipuri Muslim wedding during their trip.
7. Pastor Ken Waldock, a BMM missionary to South India (Bangalore) brought his brother and grand daughter to visit our area during March 23-26, 2009. We had the opportunity to visit the old BMM mission fields and praise God for what He is doing.
8. March 31st is the end of our financial year in India and so our audit is underway.
9. Our daughter Rachel completed her Class IX and has gone to Calcutta for her Class X. She will appear for Board examination at the end of her Class X which will qualify her to go to Junior College for 2 years and then College. Our son Philip is in Class V.
10. Preparations are on for me to visit USA. Arriving Chicago on June 18 and leaving USA from Houston, TX on August 4 by Lufthansa. Most of the Sunday and mid-week ministry opportunities during this period are filled by God’s grace. However some are yet to be filled up and still looking for openings. The focus for this year’s trip will be raising Scholarship for students at NEIBBC & S. This is roughly $400 per student per year. This will take care of their room, board and tuition for a year.
11. The tentative itinerary is as follows: Arrival at Chicago on June 18 and remain in Goshen, IN till June 22. June 21 Sunday is still open. June 22-26 at GARBC Conference, Elyria, OH. June 27-July 6 at Wellington, OH hosted by pastor Nocella of Camden Baptist Church. July 8 Wednesday prayer meeting still open. July 12 week-end at Columbus, OH area with a friend’s family and attend his church and possible ministry opportunity is being worked out. July 13-16 at Columbus with Dr. Kenoyer, a former missionary to Assam. July 18-27 at Grand Rapids, MI. July 27-30 at Goshen, IN area. July 31-August 4 at Houston, TX. If I am passing through areas which are close to yours then please let me know and we can get together.

Sincerely in Christ
Ishak Ahmed