FOWM #244

DEAR FRIENDS AND PARTNERS OF WORLD MISSION,� is month's FOWM project in South Asia invites you to join an endeavor to plant 50 new churches that will serve communities throughout India with the whole gospel. IFCM, a Covenant church and partner of Serve Globally in India, draws its inspiration from Matthew 9:37-38: “� en he said to his disciples, ‘� e harvest is plentiful, but

the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.’” IFCM's hope is to reach all 29 states of India with the whole gospel by working toward the holistic needs of these communities. � ey strive to bear witness to God’s love and concern, by addressing the full gamut of need—physical, social, and spiritual.

With this vision, IFCM has identifi ed specifi c areas in India to plant Spirit-empowered churches that will in turn plant other churches. Churches planting churches in Jesus’ name and by the power of the Holy Spirit!

� e IFCM way of ministry is, upon prayerfully identifying communities ripe for the gospel, sensitively trained staff will be sent to share the good news in word and deed. � en new believers will be gathered together to be nourished by the Scriptures, prayer, and fellowship. In time, as these believers are formed into communities of discipleship, they will be ready to do the same with and for others.

Before, during, and after the church-planting process, IFCM will seek to be the hands and feet of Jesus, addressing the physical and material needs of the community. IFCM works with other local ministries and churches, particularly those that strive to empower women through sustainable livelihood programs, as well as children and youth through various development programs.

I invite you to prayerfully consider partnering with FOWM Project #244 and supporting IFCM as they seek to plant 50 new grassroots, Christ-centered churches in India.

For the sake of the gospel across cultures and around the world,

AL TIZON, Executive Minister of Serve Globally

Church Planting in India

4/19

WAYS TO GIVE…

• Give online at CovChurch.org/donate

• Charitable gift planning at CovenantTrust.com

• Monthly donations atCovChurch.org/resources/eft-forms

Your regular gift to FOWM projects makes a difference. You can also endow your annual support through your estate plan. Contact our partners at Covenant Trust Company, (800) 483-2177, to learn more.

To make your gift today, please � ll out and return the enclosed donation card in the return envelope, or mail to:

The Evangelical Covenant Church, Attn: Friends of World Mission8303 W. Higgins Rd.Chicago, IL 60631

For more information, visit CovChurch.org/fowm

SAWMILL REPAIR IN CONGOIn 2016, the Congo Covenant Church (CEUM) wanted to build permanent church homes for � ve churches in the Ubangi region. This endeavor would greatly increase the demand on CEUM's two sawmills, which were already beginning to break down due to constant use. The sawmills were integral to the communities and to the church, and so were in urgent need of repair. With support from FOWM Project #231, CEUM was able to repair the Willy Jemison Sawmill, named after one of the � rst African American ministers in the Covenant and a key leader in the history of the Evangelical Covenant Church. Thank you for supporting this project!

UPDATE

PROJECT #231

Testimony

Ministry in Sarawan and surrounding villages in the Yamuna Nagar District of Haryana has been progressing steadily. Churches have been planted in these villages and they are growing!

In Arianwala, the church plant continues to grow despite opposition. Many new believers have been joining the church.

Top right: Church congregation near Sarawan, Haryana Bottom right: Church congre-gation at Arianwala, Rajasthan

In December, God gave us a very blessed time of ministry at the Christmas outreach programs. We had the opportunity to present the gospel message to people from diff erent backgrounds of life, sharing the real reason for the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Many people opened their hearts and minds to listen. We also were able to invite the people to join us for a Christmas meal.

� e watch night service was conducted at all our churches, where people gathered together to start the New Year in the presence of the Lord. Many came forward to share their testimonies of God’s goodness in their lives.

—Executive Director of IFCM