The Water of Life overpowers the waters of death

With reporting by Pastor Peter Haneef, President, Assembly of Loving God

Sept. 11, 2018: Our Lord Jesus Christ showered His great blessings through the Holy Spirit over the just-ended 21 days of prayer and fasting held by Assembly of Loving God churches in Asia, Africa and Middle East. All ALG churches actively participated and over the three weeks, and 2,016 new believers went through the waters of baptism. Among them were 1,575 former Muslims, with the remainder being mainly from the Hindu and Buddhist faiths.

Due to persecution from religious authorities, government and militants in many areas, the services in numerous churches could only be held secretly, between midnight and dawn. But God and joy prevailed!

As we reported earlier, several days before the time of prayer and fasting began, severe flooding and landslides lashed through one of our mission regions in South India (Devastating flooding in Kerala, India: PLEASE PRAY). More than 500 people lost their lives in the floods, and close to one and a half million found shelter in relief camps.

Leaders and members of Bibles for Mideast and the ALG joined in rescue efforts, helping in relief camps, praying for those affected and sharing the wonderful love and salvation of our Lord. While most from the camps have been able to return to their homes, close to 5,000 remain in the shelters, having no homes to return to.

Many of our own church members needed rescue and shelter as well. Nineteen families lost all of their household items when their residences were partially destroyed, and seven other families completely lost their homes. By God’s grace and the prayers of His children, we are so thankful no one sustained injuries.

Other ALG churches decided to help in the rebuilding of homes, despite having barely enough for their own needs.

The rains and flooding have ended in the region and as mentioned, many from the camps have been able to return to their damaged homes.

Region again under high alert

Kerala residents wading through flood waters contaminated with numerous pathogens—the prime means of transmission of the Leptospira bacterium that causes leptospirosis, also known as rat fever. It enters wounds on the skin from faeces and urine of infected dogs, rats and farm animals [image courtesy Reuters].

The area is unfortunately again on high alert due to diseases being spread in the after-flood conditions. Hundreds of people have contracted a serious bacterial infection called leptospirosis, or rat fever, and at last count about 60 had died.

We are SO thankful to those of our supporters who have offered prayers and financial help in the rebuilding efforts. We praise and thank God for the support, and thank all who have offered such compassion and kindness. Please continue praying for this region and all of its people.

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[Related story: 1,268 baptisms and many miracles in three days!]