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:
Dear Friends in Christ,
YOUTH DISCIPLESHIP TRAINING CAMP
During the consecutive three years we have been successfully conducting
Youth Discipleship Training Camp at our Learning Centre in the second week of January. This effort was made possible with the arrival, passion and sacrifice of our American friend Mr. Dave Tippit. Rev. Sammy Tippit, an international evangelist and founder of Sammy Tippit Ministries from San Antonio, USA also helped. Bro. Dave has a heart for the young people and God had called him to do this specific discipleship ministry among the youth around the world. He has been to 45 countries already and is basically reaching the youth through modern media.
This year we had 143 young boys and girls from 5 different Districts (County) in our State of Tamil Nadu. All of them participated with much interest and vigor on all the three days. We conducted many sessions aiming at the topic "Stewardship" and the participants were motivated to be good stewards of Jesus Christ.
We can normally only accomodate 100 people be lodged at our Hostel block where the boarding facility is also available. But this time with greater difficulty we accommodated the other 43 participants in the same campus in our newly built class rooms. We are prayerfully aiming to build one more dormitory facility to accommodate more participants in future.
We had a very successful camp. My wife, Gigi was in charge of the choir and she took care of the singing and worship sessions along with others. Dave was given 4 sessions each day with the minimum of 1.30 hrs. in each session on all the 3 days. There were prayer and intercessory sessions in between each session conducted by Dave. We had games session in the evening which was enjoyed by all. In addition, an evening out door open air preaching session (Sandhya) was planned on two days conducted by a lady preacher from Madurai. Again in the night until 09.30 pm. there were useful video and quiz sessions conducted by one of our faculty. Even though it was a tight schedule on all the 3 days, the participants enjoyed each session and gained more spiritual benefits. Many have shared their great experiences and shared their testimonies openly about the benefits on their participation. We give all the praise and honor to our Lord Jesus Christ. Moreover we owe our thanks to our dear Bro. Dave for his dedication in sponsoring this program every year and help us in conducting the same for the benefit of many youth in our country.
God willing, we plan to conduct such discipleship training camps at the same period of time each year. Please join us in thanking our Lord for such great opportunities to reach our younger generation with the special call on discipleship.
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.
