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
