WALKING BY FAITH: A CHRISTMAS MISSION ACROSS SOUTH INDIA

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and He delighteth in his way.” – Psalm 37:23

Khag Molad Samekh and Shana Tova!

(Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in Hebrew)

As we enter this joyful season, I greet you with peace and love in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though I miss the beautiful Christmas celebrations in Malaysia, this year I will be in Singapore until 25th December, and then I’ll continue my journey to Bangkok to celebrate the New Year.

Let me take a moment to share what God has done throughout this mission journey.

From Pune to Kerala – A Journey of Obedience

After leaving Pune (formerly Poona), I updated a few friends through a long SMS. Internet access was limited, and I could only use a cybercafé without my own notebook.

My next stop was Kottayam, Kerala, where I arrived after a 4-hour journey, just in time to witness a beautiful village engagement ceremony. While in Kottayam, I partnered with Campus Crusade for Christ, ministering in colleges and local villages. I had the opportunity to preach the gospel, share the Word of God, and train three undergraduate students in discipleship during a short camp.

Though I caught a fever, cough, and flu due to the extreme weather change (from 8°C in Pune to 35–40°C in Kerala), God sustained me.

“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength...” - Isaiah 40:31

A Call to Tirunelveli – Trusting God Despite Weakness

After a week, the Lord impressed upon my heart to go to Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu. It was a hard decision due to my health, but I chose obedience. I received an unexpected email from Pastor John, inviting me to minister there, though I had no prior contact with him. I believed this was part of God’s divine appointment.

In one of the villages, we encountered three individuals who were tormented by evil spirits. By God’s power, I was able to cast out the demons.

Shbkho Elohem – Praise the Lord!

We visited many villages, and I’m thankful for the translators that Pastor John arranged, as most people spoke only Tamil.

Equipping Leaders and Preaching the Word

I was invited to give a half-day lecture titled “Leadership by Faith and Faith in Prophecy” for local pastors. Though I faced challenging questions from experienced leaders, the Holy Spirit gave me the words to speak.

“For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” – Luke 12:12

Some pastors have invited me to return next year to speak at the Youth Pastor Conference for Tamil Nadu. I leave it in God’s hands.

During my visit, I also preached in several churches. One of the pastors, Pastor Vimraj of the Full Gospel Church, captured a photo of me sharing a Christmas message titled “God’s Greatest Gift”.

While walking through the city, I had the opportunity to share the Good News with street children, and Pastor John will continue to follow up with them.

God’s Faithfulness in Every Step

This mission journey was not pre-planned like many team missions. Except for Kottayam, each step was guided by faith, not by sight.

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” – 2 Corinthians 5:7

I travelled alone, yet I was never truly alone—God was with me. He provided every need:

• Shelter and meals were generously given by the locals.
• A small love offering of Rs 800 (RM 67) was collected from villages, churches, and pastors. Though small in amount, it was given with sincere hearts.
  

“…they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability.” – 2 Corinthians 8:3

Even the Christmas tree in one of the villages was made using plastic bottles, a beautiful display of creativity and joy, even in humble circumstances.

A Season of Hope and Gratitude

As we celebrate this season, let us remember: Jesus Christ is the greatest gift ever given to mankind.

I encourage you to celebrate with joy, peace, and love, wherever you are. Let us continue to walk in obedience and be led by the Spirit, trusting that He will complete the work He has started in us.

“Thanks be unto God for His indescribable gift!” – 2 Corinthians 9:15

Kol Hthela Shyekht Laloheem – All glory belongs to the Lord.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year once again.

With love and blessings,
Pastor Boaz Kok

LED BY THE SPIRIT: A JOURNEY OF FAITH THROUGH INDIA

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

“For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” – Habakkuk 2:14

As I write this message, the dry winter season has begun here in India. The weather has been unusually cold, and many locals are saying that global shifts, such as climate change and even the effects of past tsunamis, have altered the timing and nature of the seasons. What once followed a steady rhythm now seems delayed and unpredictable. Yet in all things, we trust that the Lord holds every season in His hand (Ecclesiastes 3:1).

Farewell to Pune - A Place of Learning and Fellowship

Tonight, I will be departing from Pune (formerly known as Poona), a well-known educational hub in India. My next destination is Kottayam, in the state of Kerala—also known as the “World Coconut City.” The train journey will take around 38 hours.

To put it in perspective: many of us feel tired after a 4-hour bus ride from Kuala Lumpur to Penang or Singapore. But here in India, a 5-hour journey is considered short, locals often say it feels like just 45 minutes!

Fellowship with Brother Mathaikutty and Family

I had a blessed time of fellowship with Brother Mathaikutty, a former theology professor (picture attached). He has a deep conviction about house churches, preferring gatherings of believers in homes rather than large buildings. His vision is similar to the concept shared by Brother Yun, the author of The Heavenly Man.

His 18-year-old son, Betson, also has a heart to serve God through medical missions. I sense God’s calling upon this family, and I believe He brought me here to encourage and guide them in their journey. Please keep them in your prayers as they seek to follow God’s leading faithfully.

A Heart for the Word and the End Times

During our time together, we also discussed the often-overlooked topic of biblical prophecy, especially concerning the end times. Many believers shy away from this subject, but the Lord opened new understanding to us through the Book of Daniel, especially chapter 8.

Here are a few reflections I’d like to share humbly:

• Daniel 8:8 - “The goat became very great, but at the height of its power the large horn was broken off, and in its place four prominent horns grew up toward the four winds of heaven.”

This speaks of powers rising and falling, empires and economies that seem unstoppable, yet collapse suddenly. Many Islamic-majority nations today have grown in financial influence and are transferring wealth globally.

• Daniel 8:9 - “Out of one of them came another horn, which started small but grew in power to the south and to the east and toward the Beautiful Land.”
  The "Beautiful Land" refers to Israel. The directions of east and south symbolically point toward Palestine and Egypt, nations central to present-day tensions. The prophecy speaks of powers rising subtly, gaining ground spiritually and politically.
  

As we study further in Daniel and throughout Scripture, we begin to see that the world stage is preparing for significant spiritual battles. While governments and armies may plan their own strategies, the Lord is sovereign, and His Word will be fulfilled. Let us stay prayerful, discerning, and grounded in truth.

“Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets.” - Amos 3:7

Pressing On with Faith

As I continue this journey across India, I ask for your continued prayers, for strength, protection, and provision. The road is long, but the joy of seeing lives touched by the Gospel makes every mile worth it.

Please also pray for the people of India, that their hearts would be softened to receive the love and truth of Jesus Christ. In every village, classroom, and home, may the light of Christ shine brightly.

May the Lord lead the way, and may His peace reign over every nation.

With love in Christ,
Pastor Boaz Kok

PROCLAIMING HOPE IN GUJARAT: A JOURNEY LED BY GOD'S HAND

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” – Romans 10:15

I’m writing this update from the city of Pune (also known as Ponna), where I currently have no internet access except at a local cybercafe. Still, I praise the Lord for a safe journey and the many kind and faithful people He has led me to meet.

A Divine Appointment on the Train

One blessed encounter took place during my long train journey from Bangalore to Ahmedabad. Onboard, I met Brother Mirani Jashvant, a humble and kind-hearted man who later invited me to his hometown of Morbi, located about 5 hours west of Ahmedabad in the state of Gujarat.

I arrived in Morbi on 23rd November 2007, around 12:45 p.m. It’s a quieter village city, though you can still hear the frequent honking of vehicles!

Brother Mirani is both a college lecturer and a private tutor, teaching accounting and statistics. He warmly welcomed me into his home and invited me to speak at his tuition classes. I had the joy and privilege of sharing the Good News, a bit about myself, and my home country. Since most students spoke Gujarati, Brother Mirani kindly translated for me. In total, I was able to speak to over 200 students, many of whom listened with joy and curiosity. His wife, also a teacher at the centre, was equally supportive.

There was such openness in their hearts, they understood that true transformation in India can only come through the power and love of God. Praise the Lord! (Attached are some photos of the students.)

Witnessing Culture and Compassion

While in Morbi, I also had the unique opportunity to witness a traditional arranged marriage process. It’s very different from modern relationships. In this system, the girl doesn’t visit the family directly; instead, the man receives her photo and background details first. If he and his family agree, they proceed to meet, and then, often, to marriage. It was a meaningful cultural experience to observe.

Later, I visited Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity in the area. I met the head sister, who was so kind and welcoming. She invited me to pray in the service area and also visit the orphanage for babies. Some of these children are very sick, abandoned, or without parents. As I prayed briefly over them, several of the babies experienced immediate healing. It was truly the hand of God. All glory to the Lord who heals and comforts the brokenhearted! (Psalm 147:3)

Though the sister invited me to attend the Catholic mass and meet the head priest, I gently declined due to my schedule and mission focus. Yet I thank God for such meaningful fellowship across denominations.

Fellowship in Pune

Currently, I am staying with Brother Mathaikutty, a former professor of theology whom I met at the Bangalore airport. We’ve spent a day together, sharing deeply about our faith, our calling, and the prophecies concerning the days we live in. It has been a time of refreshing and spiritual encouragement.

Please continue to pray that God will provide all necessary resources for this mission, and that His love will continue to shine brightly through each step of the journey. I am walking by faith, and I trust the Lord to guide every meeting, every word spoken, and every life touched.

"And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus." – Philippians 4:19

With love and blessings in Christ,
Pastor Boaz Kok

WALKING BY FAITH IN INDIA: DIVINE APPOINTMENTS AND OPEN HEARTS

Greetings from Ahmedabad, in the state of Gujarat, Northwest India!

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight." – Proverbs 3:5-6

I’m writing this from my friend’s home, where I’ve had the privilege of resting and reflecting on all that God has done during this journey. Truly, it has been a blessed trip. Everything has unfolded smoothly under God’s gracious hand. As we walk in obedience to His commands, He leads us according to His perfect plan.

A Divine Encounter Before Departure

Just a day before leaving Bangalore, I had dinner at a small vegetarian restaurant. While I was eating, a man and his uncle came and sat across from me. I greeted them warmly, and we began to talk. As I shared about the mission God has placed on my heart here in India, his uncle became very excited and invited me to visit his hometown near Kerala, just an hour by train.

To my surprise, they not only covered all my expenses, but they also gave me the best local food and even insisted I try what they called “the best milk in India.” Praise the Lord for His provision! Even more joyfully, they invited me to share the Gospel with their family and villages. Hallelujah!

A Long Journey, a Greater Purpose

On 13th November, I boarded a train to Ahmedabad to reunite with Premal, a dear friend I hadn’t seen in 12 years. The journey took 36 hours, but God filled the time with divine appointments.

To my amazement, many people on the train, people from different cities and states, approached me out of curiosity. Among them were a well-known actor, a state politician, and a teacher. As I shared what God is doing through this trip and spoke of His Word, more and more people gathered to listen. What began with one small conversation turned into groups of 9 or 10 gathering at a time, each eager to hear about the hope we have in Christ.

Several invited me to visit their homes, villages, and schools to share the Gospel. Some even offered to cover my travel and living expenses so I could minister to their communities. Praise the Lord for hearts that are hungry for truth!

Though I had to decline some invitations due to time and financial constraints, I remain deeply humbled by their openness and generosity.

A Different Witness

Two people shared something that touched my heart deeply. They told me that in the past, missionaries had come to their area offering free clothes, food, and other items. But the message of the Gospel was not received, as people felt the gifts were an attempt to “buy” their faith.

They said, however, that something felt very different this time. They could see and feel that the message I brought came from a heart surrendered to God, not from human effort or persuasion. That testimony reminded me: when we simply walk by faith and love sincerely, God opens doors that no man can shut (Revelation 3:8). All glory to Him!

Moving Forward in Faith

For now, I am resting a short while with my friend here in Ahmedabad before heading to my next destination, where more opportunities await to proclaim the Good News. May the name of Jesus be lifted high across India!

Please continue to pray for the people here, that their hearts would remain open to receive the message of salvation, and that I would walk in wisdom, humility, and boldness.

Blessings in Christ,

Pastor Boaz Kok