Current responsibilities: Samuelraj J. P. Vijayakumar, or Vijay, has two major ministry thrusts and numerous secondary ministries:
- Village Ministry - Vijay has trained thirteen village gospel workers who are supported financially by Light of Hope to evangelize the villages in three districts in his state of Tamil-Nadu. They build relationships with people and leaders in the villages, show films, distribute tracts, do skits, and meet needs as ways of opening doors to evangelism.
- Light of Hope Retreat and Learning Center - On a beautiful and serene piece of land outside Madurai the Learning Center with dorm like rooms, a chapel and offices and library has been developed for the purpose of training men for outreach to the villages and pastoring churches. These young men are boarded and fed for free as they study. In addition, the dorms can be used for retreats in this tranquil setting.
- Evangelism through seminars and training programs, support of five independent church workers in smaller towns, Bible conferences and pastor's seminars, three times a year gospel presentations in 10-12 high schools and colleges throughout India, Bible and Christian literature distribution to needy individuals, and conducting city-wide crusades using preachers from other countries with follow up for those who respond to the gospel.
News and Prayer Requests:
Latest Update
Dear Friends in Christ,
Greetings! I wrote to you on March 19th requesting you to pray for our "Special Children's Camp" organised for the children living around our Learning Centre. I am grateful for many of you since you have prayed and responded to my prayer request as well. God heard our prayers and it ended as a successful ministry.
We have an attendance of 178 children participated ageing from 5 to 15 years from 9 different villages around our Learning Centre from a distance of radius 8 - 10 kms. We have arranged transportation for them to come and go and hence it became easy for them to come to our Learning Centre. To my surprise they were all gathered before 09.00 am. on 20th March and we started the program by 9.30 without any delay. I was given the privilege of inaugurating the camp and then our students conducted the singing session, which was participated with much joy. We have requested a team of 3 brothers from another Children's Ministry to come and minister to these children. They have shared the love of Jesus through action songs, stories, puppet shows, dance and skit. All the participants enjoyed their time with us and they were sent back home at about 4.30 pm. We provided them with morning tea & biscuits, a good lunch and evening tea with snacks. At the end we have asked the senior participants to write their comments which were fabulous. Many of them have committed their life to Jesus and promised to live for Him in their lives.
We are so happy since God had instigated us to conduct such camp to the children from these villages and none of them are Christians. They have learnt a little about Jesus through our earlier ministry which motivated them to come and participate in such a camp conducted at our Centre. We have sown the seeds of gospel and we are sure, the same will grow and bring forth many fruits in future for His glory from these Hindu villages around us. I am sure, God had placed us in such a place where there are hardly any Christians and we are there as a witness for Jesus Christ in the midst of people from other religion.
I once again thank you for your sincere prayers and encouraging words.
OTHER MINISTRIES
The following ministries are being carried out on a regular basis:
1. Administering & Teaching at Light of Hope Learning Centre;
2. Coordinating the mission activities that are being carried out by 13 Missionaries at 30 different villages at 4 different Districts (Counties) in the State of Tamilnadu;
3. Conducting an Open Air Meeting for the local families for the past 5 years on every second Saturdays at our neighborhood;
4. Conducting a Special Bible Study at an independent Church in Tirumangalam on every second/third Sunday evenings;
5. Preach and Speak on different occasions at Seminars, Conferences, Conventions and in Church Worship services;
6. Organizing special programs for friends from USA at regular intervals at different cities as per their choice;
7. Planning on establishing a Community College to train our youth at other technical skills for their benefit;
8. Planning on building Churches at many villages and expanding our ministerial territory at our State of Tamilnadu in India;
9. Took active part in varies local mission committees and praying for the revival of our Country.
10. Running on wheels with some thing on hand to accomplish and achieve to build His Kingdom on this earth.
PRAYER POINTS
A. Please pray for our family's health and safety when we travel to different places on ministry;
B. Please uphold the 13 missionary families that are being supported by LHM and for God to use them mightily in their respective villages to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ;
C. Please pray for our 12 students, teachers, staff and their families;
D. Please pray that God helps us to materialize our efforts in starting a Community College at our campus;
E. Please pray that all our financial needs are met as we look to God for all our needs;
F. Please pray for our future plans and ministries; &
G. Please do not forget to pray for INDIA and its leaders.
I take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for having supported us through your regular prayers. Kindly remember to pray and communicate with us when time permits.
Thanks,
Your Brother in Christ,
Vijay.
