Saturday, December 1, 2007

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


Wednesday, November 28, 2007

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








Saturday, November 17, 2007

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






Monday, November 12, 2007

DIVINE APPOINTMENTS IN INDIA – WALKING IN HIS TIMING

Dear beloved brothers and sisters in Christ,

 

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

 

God is good, always!


I arrived safely in Bangalore, India yesterday at 3:00 AM, and will remain here until tomorrow, 13th November, before traveling onward to Ahmedabad (Northwest India), a long 36-hour journey. Your prayers are deeply appreciated as I continue to walk by faith in this mission.


Divine Encounters Begin at the Airport


Even before reaching India, the Lord orchestrated a powerful encounter at Bangkok’s new airport. I met two Bosnian men now living in Australia. One of them, a man with a dark past, similar to the testimony in Taming the Tiger, opened his heart as I shared the Gospel.

 

He confessed his sins and received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior right there in the airport.


It was a holy moment, proof that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. He plans to return to Bangkok to learn more about God's way. What a reminder that God’s timing is perfect, and He can use anyone, anywhere, when we make ourselves available to Him.


“For such a time as this…” – Esther 4:14


A Providential Meeting in Bangalore


Upon arriving in Bangalore, I met Brother Maithakutty, a professor at a university in Pune (midwest India). He is a Pentecostal and a theology expert, and the Lord allowed us to spend the entire day together, sharing food, conversation, and fellowship.

 

As we spoke about discipleship, End Time Commandments, and the restoration of Israel, his heart was stirred. He now desires to walk deeper with the Lord and has asked to meet me again after my journey to Ahmedabad. His wife, a teacher in Thailand, is also open to discipleship, and I may guide her spiritually in the near future.

 

God is moving! Praise His holy name.

 

Encouragement for You


Let this mission be a reminder that God is always working, even when we least expect it. He brings divine appointments, and sometimes a simple conversation can lead to a soul being saved.

 

“The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” – Luke 10:2


Let us continue to be faithful laborers, ready in season and out of season.


Stay Connected


If you need to reach me while I’m in India, you can call or send an SMS to my India prepaid number: +91 973 945 0728.

 

Thank you for your continued prayers, love, and support. May the Lord pour His amazing love into your hearts and strengthen you for the work He has set before you.

 

With humble gratitude and blessing,

Pastor Boaz Kok




 

Friday, November 9, 2007

SHARING THE LIGHT OF CHRIST THIS DIWALI - A MISSION UPDATE

Dear Beloved in Christ


Happy Diwali!


As our Hindu friends around the world celebrate the Festival of Lights, this is a beautiful opportunity for us to reflect the true Light, Jesus Christ, who brings eternal hope and joy. Let us extend our hearts in love and compassion, showing them that we care deeply. May this season be the beginning of many open doors for the Gospel.

 

Mission Update – Departure to India


By God’s grace, I will be flying to Bangalore, India on 10 November 2007 at 10:30 PM, arriving at 2:30 AM. I humbly seek your prayers as I step into this new field of ministry, believing that God has prepared hearts to receive His Word.

 

Provision and Praise


So far, the mission fund has reached THB 29,900. I thank God for every faithful partner and supporter, your generosity is a testimony of God’s provision. Though our resources are limited, we trust that the Lord will continue to supply all our needs according to His riches in glory.

 

Due to funding constraints, Brother Charles and Brother Francis will not be joining me on this trip. Please continue to uphold them in prayer, that doors may open for them in the future. Additionally, the planned mission to Pakistan has been cancelled, as the country is currently under curfew and the embassy is not issuing temporary visas.

 

Encounters and Encouragement


In the midst of preparation, I had a divine appointment with Sister Olive, a Catholic student from Myanmar currently studying at ABAC University in Bangkok. As we spoke about the way of Christ and the fulfillment of the End Time Commandments, her heart was stirred with a desire to know more. She is eager to continue learning after my return. Praise the Lord for how He draws hearts to Himself!

 

Another testimony is from Brother Francis, who recently experienced a powerful touch from the Lord. Just four days ago, he cried out in deep prayer and felt God’s presence mightily. The Lord is preparing him to grow as a disciple, and perhaps soon, a fellow laborer in the harvest field. Hallelujah!

 

Looking Ahead


If internet access is available in India, I’ll be sending my next update from the mission field. Until then, please continue to pray for:

 

·        Open hearts in India

·        Divine protection and health

·        God's provision for ongoing ministry

·        Spiritual growth of Brother Francis and Sister Olive

 

May the Lord bless you abundantly and protect you in all your ways. Let us keep pressing on in faith, knowing that the harvest is ready, but the laborers are few.

 

With love and blessings in Christ,

Pastor Boaz Kok