Hungry hearts in West Bengal, northern India.

By Tom Shanklin

“For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken;” Luke 5:9, NKJV.

I’ve been amazed by the catch of fish we have seen from our recent missions trips. God has taken our efforts and used them in great ways. For example:

• We received a report after our mission to Andhra Pradesh, southern India that in the church where we held our conference 20 families left their idols to serve the living God and began to attend church.
• After an open air crusade in a nearly unreached village in southern Nepal, the pastors followed up with those who came and 14 families were immediately added  to the church that had been planted there.
• We just received a report from West Bengal, northern India, where we held a leadership conference and evangelistic outreach, that 26 families have since been added to the church there. (See letter below)

The reports we receive are likely the tip of the iceberg of all that happens through these missionary outreaches. The expanding effect of the miracles, salvations, the ignited leaders, and the books we distribute continues on long after we leave.

Mission India 2015

We are continuing to plan and pray for our mission to India in November 2015. It will be exciting to have my number one fishing partner, Susan, with me on this trip. I believe that she will be astounded by the boatloads of fish which we will catch. As we go, you are going with us in spirit. I would not want to go without your backing in prayer. Please agree with us in prayer for:

The planning and preparation for our mission to India. We will be working with two ministries—Calvary Commission India and Bible Living Ministries. Pray for all the logistics, organization and coordination that is needed for this endeavor.

The safety, health and peace for Susan and me and all the people we are working with in India.

The translation of “You Can Touch the World” into one of the major languages of India, which is presently underway.

The financial resources to make this a successful and fruitful mission. Finances are still needed for airline tickets, travel and lodging in India, conference expenses, and printing expenses for “You Can Touch the World.”

Report on the Nepal Relief Effort

With the help of our partners, Tom Shanklin Ministries was able to contribute $4,082 to the earthquake relief effort in Nepal. These funds were administered by our friends from Bible Living Ministries. 100 percent of the money was sent to Nepal for relief.

The team from Bible Living Ministries has made trips to the mountainous region near Kathmandu, literally carrying relief supplies on their backs to several villages which had not yet received help from the government or other relief agencies. Food, shelter, clothing and other supplies, along with love and encouragement were given to Christians and non-Christians alike. The result has been that hearts have been turning to the Lord as they experience God’s love in action through His people.

Ray Phipps of Bible Living Ministries shared a report that “people are coming to the Lord by the hundreds and that they just started two new churches last week and another will be formed this week.   He [Pastor Das] said they are having DWJD [Doing What Jesus Did] classes for leadership in the new communities on August 3 and 4. Then more training is planned for the same 20 leaders in October and November.”  So our efforts are not only meeting natural needs but also spiritual needs, as God’s people reach out in love.

Detecting a Pulse in the United States

In spite of the great departure from the faith that we have seen in the United States and the resulting moral decay, we are beginning to see some signs of spiritual life. Some of the churches where we have ministered are seeing an increase in attendance. There is a sense that there is a new hunger in the land. I believe that some people are beginning to realize that we desperately need God.

I received this report from Pastor Virgil Amundson of Shell Lake Full Gospel Church (a town of 1,000 people in northwest Wisconsin): “God has been good to us in growing the church and saving many souls these past couple of years. We baptized over twenty people in the past three weeks. Many come from the drug and alcohol culture and are really ‘turned on’ to Jesus much like it was during the “Jesus Revolution” of the ‘70s.”

Praise God, we need another “Jesus revolution!” That is the move of God in which Susan and I came to the Lord. I believe we will see it again…but in a greater dimension. It will be very important that the Church at large cooperates with the move of God so that the harvest will be preserved. This will mean walking in love, banishing strife and division, and being willing to disciple and care for those who come into the church with flaws and problems.

Susan preaching in Redwood Falls.

Taking Care of Your Temple

In July, Susan and I spoke at Living Word Church in Redwood Falls, Minnesota, about “Taking Care of Your Temple.” I shared that God takes a holistic approach to us and is interested in every part of our being—our spirit, our soul, and our body. We know that the spirit of man is of primary importance. Many people develop the body and the mind, but completely neglect the spirit. But as Christians, it is important what we do with our bodies, especially concerning moral purity, but also concerning taking care of our health. After all, your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. You are carrying the glory of God around with you. God wants you to live a long, healthy life and give Him glory in all things.

Susan shared her weight loss testimony with the congregation. She lost over 80 pounds and has kept it off for over 3 years. Praise the Lord! She talked about how she did it and gave some tips for a healthy diet, exercise and proper care for the body. She’s working on a book based on her experience called “Help! I need to Lose Weight.” We hope to have this published sometime this fall. If you’d like Susan to share with your church or other group about this important subject, please let us know.

Looking Ahead

Besides the trip to India in November, we have some other exciting events coming up. We are holding a Regional Men’s Advance on Saturday, August 22 in Hendricks, Minnesota (see details below). I’m looking forward to this opportunity to encourage men in their vital role in their families, their churches, and their communities. If possible, please join us!

Also, we are planning to hold our Believers School of Ministry in Mankato once again this fall. Class will be held on Thursday nights, September 10 through December 10, and will include lessons on sharing your faith, moving in the gifts of Spirit, healing ministry, Christians in the marketplace and more. Check out our website in the next few weeks for more details on this exciting opportunity for Christian growth and service.

I would be remiss to close this letter with out a word of thanks to our precious partners, who make this ministry possible and encourage us tremendously. In many cases, it is through “the widows mite,” a sacrificial gift that is so precious to the Lord. Susan and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You are in our prayers continually!

Mailbox & Inbox…

New Families in West Bengal

Greetings to the name of Jesus Christ.       Sir every time whenever I read your email message it’s encourage me lots. You always speak the truth. Sir, something happened in my place after that meeting. Now God add 26 family in our Church. It was really blessing for us. I am praying your visit in Siliguri. (Pastor, West Bengal, northern India)

Your Newsletter Touched Me

Tom and Susan, I just got back from from the Believers Convention in Ft. Worth. I opened my mail and received your newsletter. I want to tell you, you must have been at the convention too. That’s what they were preaching too, “We have to walk in love.” Your newsletter today has touched me so much! I just wanted to say, “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I love you both. (Minnesota via voicemail)

Proclaiming Jesus as Healer!

Just wanted to thank you for always proclaiming Jesus as Healer! I have been listening to your podcasts and I love your passion for Jesus and the Word. I love how you make it known that the Lord wants us well, and HE has the power to heal us…right now! Such good news!! Love you both, (Arizona)

Don’t Build Your House on Poles

I enjoyed so much your “Don’t Build Your House on Poles” article. You both were hearty and courageous souls. I liked you including a picture of your little house. You are still hearty and courageous in your works for the Lord. (Rhode Island)

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