The prophet-evangelist Jonah knew the compassion of God, but he had no compassion himself. It is familiar to Christians that God is “loving, gracious, merciful, and compassionate”, but do we have such feelings for the lost? Do we have compassion for the lost as God does?

Jonah had none at all. He preached only out of obedience. A man of God once said, “Evangelism is not a matter of simply mouthing words of God’s pitying love, or spelling theology, an evangelists heart should beat in tune with the heart of God, expressive of His heart’s longings and compassion”. Many preachers today may say, “Preaching the right thing is enough”, they are wrong. Rom. 5:5 says, “The love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us”. The Holy Spirit partakes a major role in evangelism in which it presents the love of God. The love of God in Christ is meant to come alive in those who proclaim it.

We must have the same compassion Christ had for the lost, when we preach his word. Today we must ask God to give us an outpouring of compassion for the lost.

“Father, teach me Your love for the lost.” – Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke

Hey all it has truly been a while since I wrote my last blog…but as Philly has said in his previous blog…it’s never to late

Greetings from the beautiful city of Bangalore! As many of you know I am currently residing in Bangalore India, pursuing a master’s degree in divinity. My stay here thus far has been tremendous. I miss my family and my friend’s sooooo much…but I remind myself everyday that I am here for a purpose.

To make a long story short…I always had a passion for international ministry as a young child, especially for India. India is my motherland country and I am proud to be from such a great country. It breaks my heart though that the world views India as a Hindu and Muslim believing country, but I truly believe one day the world will view India as a Jesus believing country. Amen. I know this is such a bold statement to make, but is there anything impossible for God?

Some people may laugh and tease me and say, “ look at this American coming to India and making such a ridiculous statement!” but I really don’t care what others think! Nothing, absolutely nothing, is too difficult for God!

As part of my studies here I must part take in a weekly ministry one day out of every week. I came to India to see the real India. The “real” India, are those living below poverty line and living in such unimaginable living situation. All my life living in the US I have heard, read, and seen photos about the poor around the world, but to actually see it in person breaks your heart…and honestly makes you ask… “Why God?”

Every Friday I go to “ Bangalore Baptist Hospital” and from there I go with a small medical mission team to the local villages in Karnataka. The above photo was taken at the Mother Teresa Village Hospital, which is the main base camp for the medical mission team. Many people come into the facility everyday for treatment, such as the young boy above. My job is to go with a counselor and nurse and make home visits. Let me tell you…the villages I go to are terrible and scary. The smell! Ayo!!…lol…I was shocked when the team had told me that a particular village we were visiting is considered to be like a “high class” village. The villages we will visit in the future will be much worse! When I walk into the homes and see the faces of these precious people, honestly, the smell and the discomfort goes away. I see people hungry for hope! It is truly and experience to sit on the floor and just to talk with the families and just listen. These precious people just want to be noticed. This experience thus far is changing my life, and my perspective on life. I just want to come to end by saying be grateful for what you have.

I ask that you all remember me in your prayers! And pray for India!

To God be the Glory, Honor, & Praise,

Joel V

One night as I was driving. I was thinking about Gods love for this world…How can God love this world? How can God love me? The Bible says..” All have sinned and come short of the Glory of God”…We are sinners and we deserve Hell..But that is not was God wants for you and I…That is why he sent his only begotten son..Jesus Christ to die for you..and I 

It is very difficult to understand this Love..But it brings me joy…peace..comfort..That there is someone that LOVES me soooo much..no matter who I am..or what I have done..It breaks my heart..that there are still millions in this world that do not know this Love..Jesus is the way..It doesent matter who you are..or what you have done..HE loves you..and all you need to do..is call upon his name..and accept him as your savior…you are not a lone…there is someone that loves you..and his name is Jesus :) 

Be Blessed

Joel Varghese

Beauty of Simplicity

“When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get. But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your father in private. Then your father, who sees everything, will reward you. When you pray, don’t babble on and on as people of other religions do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again. Don’t be like them, for your father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!”

                                                                                        Matthew 6: 5-9 (NLT)

This is a very familiar passage from the book of Matthew. This is passage is part of one of the greatest sermons Jesus ever gave, the Sermon on the Mount. There are so many “Christians” in this world who try to impress the church by their profound prayers. They pray with such pride. They just keep babbling on and on..and not meaning anything they are saying.. Have you ever heard a prayer prayed and when the person finished you wanted to go, “Man that was amazing!” It sounded so good and you thought that it was great.  Or, have you ever been in a prayer meeting and everybody’s praying around a circle and you’re thinking, “Oh boy I’m next! What am I going to say that hasn’t already been said? What are they going to think?”  I admit when I was younger I use to have the same feeling! But the truth is…who cares what others think of your prayer…Prayer comes from the heart..and that’s all God wants!
We are not to impress God with our prayers . Often times we pray things that we think God wants us to say, rather than praying what’s really on our hearts. God wants you to be real when you talk to Him. He knows when you’re being fake…so who are you fooling? He knows the real you..so be you!

Joel

‎”Prayer does not mean asking God for all kinds of things we want, it is rather the desire for God Himself, the only Giver of Life.”- Sadhu Sundar Singh

Sadhu Sundar Singh was a great missionary from India. I really admire this great Man of God! He was a man full of humility and wisdom. This quote really touched my heart..and honestly called me out! We as Christians get caught up in asking God for THINGS..that we forget to give him Glory!..We go to God when we need him..and expect him to help us when we are in trouble…What kind of relationship is that??

Where is the fear of GOD?

When we pray..we shouldn’t just ask God for blessings…but in that special time..between you and God…we must ADMIRE who he is! He is ALPHA & OMEGA!  We need to lift him up..Remind ourselves all of the great things he has done for us..Prayer is a time of not only asking God for things…but admiring him, crying to him, loving him…..

I encourage you all..to set time..to just give him Glory..nothing else…admire who he is…pour your heart to him…Lift his mighty name up…My brothers and sisters..if you do this simple thing..I guarantee you..there will be changes in your life… Your chains will be broken… your walls will be removed…your sickness will be healed…

I can guarantee this…because I have experienced it!

To God be All the Glory, Honor, & Praise 

Joel Varghese