Thursday: Primer Construction , ILTI and Beyond

Primer Construction, ILTI and Beyond

The Writing on the Wall

Today was the last day for inductive Bible study of Daniel 5:1-17.  We wish there were more days of ILTI to uncover what treasures are hidden in the rest of this book, but our time is coming to a close.  Pastor Innocent (Cote d'Ivoire and Nigeria, West Africa) led us in our time together.  We observed that a new king, King Belshazzar, had come to power in Babylon, a king that was not familiar with Daniel or God Most High.  The new king threw a banquet in which he used vessels from the temple in Jerusalem to drink to his gods in praise.  God Most High took issue with this and miraculously wrote a message on the wall to King Belshazzar.  The hand of God got the king's attention, but the king could not read the message.  It was then that Daniel was summoned to read and interpret its meaning.  We saw, in this story, a Biblical urgency to teach others to read so they can read God's words for themselves.  95% of the world's population has at least a portion of Scripture in print in their native language, yet two-billion  are unable to read it.  So we have come full circle.  Students come to this International Literacy Training Institute for this very purpose.  They come to learn how to share the message of Jesus as they share the gift of reading with others.  This is a nobel and necessary endeavor. 

Chapel Today

Tedd and Emily Lodes lead us in a lively worship song.

 The men pray over Pastor MK Bharti after he gives his testimony.

Chapel today was presented by MK Bharti, our newest LEI missionary, from India.  He told his story of how he met Christ.  His oldest brother was sick and dying.  The family had taken this brother to important hospitals, temples, and priests, but they could not help.  By coincidence, an evangelist came to his village on that day to tell the people about Jesus.  When the evangelist heard that MK's brother was near death, he asked if he could pray for his brother.  MK said no, but MK's mother invited the evangelist in to pray saying that nothing else had helped.  The evangelist prayed and MK's brother started to improve.  The brother asked for a drink of water, then asked for some more.  MK was crying and told the Lord that if he restored his brother, MK would give his life to serve Jesus.  The brother became well, and MK fulfilled his promise.  Today, MK is a pastor to many house churches across northern India.  Thousands have become followers of Jesus because of the witness of MK and his brother.  Even his father has received Christ as Lord and Savior.  As MK has served God faithfully, God has been faithful to him.

We read and write by God's grace.

Rev. Sid Rice led a class this afternoon called Beyond ILTI.  Homework tonight?  "Prepare to tell how you will use the ILTI training you have received."  Listening to what the students have to share will be one of the many highlights of tomorrow's festivities.

Lunch today was provided by our gracious friends Martha and Suzanna Rusco, and their friend.  Martha organized a meal for each of the five weeks of ILTI.  We give a very special thank you and send a very special blessing to her.
  

posted by Christa