Bothli Mission, Gadcharoli, Maharashtra

The Mar Thoma Yuvajana Sakhyam of the Diocese of North America And Europe decided to sponsor the Mission Field At Bothli, a remote village of illiterate and poor people in Gadaroli District. This is a Mission Field started by the Evangelists of Mumbai Diocese among the Marathi speaking community in Vidharbha region of Maharashtra.  The Diocesan Episcopa with a team of members visited the mission field on the morning of November 08, 2016.

The present Evangelist Mr. Vishal and his wife Sweja organized a meeting of the believers in an open ground near a colony of houses. The visiting team was welcomed by a procession and the guests were garlanded. The members sang Christian Songs with the help of Musical instruments. The evangelist and the members prayed. The Diocesan bishop, Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius, gave a devotional message from the Holy Bible telling them about the Spiritual discipline Jesus had during His public ministry.  Mr. Pradeep the coordinator translated the message. The Rev K. C. Chacko led the prayer and the bishop gave the benediction.

 

Blessings were given (Kaimuthu service) when the members came forward while singing a song of praise. There were individuals who wanted prayer for their special needs, including sickness. The Diocesan Treasurer Sri. P. K. Achenkunju encouraged the Evangelist family to reach out to the nearby villages with the help of his wife Sweja, who has done studies in the field of Nursing (ANM).  The evangelist is carrying out personal evangelism by meeting people in their families and praying for them. He conducts ‘fasting prayer ‘ and regular Bible Studies for seekers and believers. He said that he comes across opposition in some areas, but generally people are cooperative. He seems to be confident in his work and does the mission work cheerfully. He said that he has particular names for prayer and God is answering the Prayer requests and people are blessed. God is healing people who are led by evil spirits. Those who turn to the Living God are rejoicing in their life because of the deliverance and healing.

Now the Mission has 39 families coming together, 19 members are baptized and 22 members are asking for baptism. New families are also joining the fellowship. There are 14 children for whom Bible classes are taken and there are 22 youth members in the fellowship who are above the age of 15. There is a young girl who is now the Panchayat President. She came with her father and the whole family members are believers.  The fellowship needs a place of their own to meet as a community for their worship and sacraments. Job-oriented courses will help the young people. Tailoring unit will be useful for girls and young women. They pray for God’s guidance in all these matters.

 

The mission field visit was a blessing. Mr. Martin who came from Mulund in North Bombay did not forget to take some photographs.

 

Mar Theodosius+