Allentown, Pennsylvania

            It was a rich blessing to return to the Allentown area in February with Elder Gary Boverhof, a member of the Domestic Mission Committee and also of Southwest PRC, calling church for eastern home missions.  We were able to meet with the heads of households, conduct house visits, and preach twice to the scattered saints in that area.  Although these labors in Allentown continue to be preliminary and investigatory, there is clearly a serious interest in our continuing mission labors there.  Elder Boverhof not only behaved himself very well, but also kept the missionary in line and was of great encouragement to the saints there. 

Baptism on the Mission Field

            With great joy and thanksgiving to God, the saints in Pittsburgh witnessed the baptism of eight children at the Pittsburgh Mission on March 7, 2004.  All the children belong to the Suber family, which came to us through our radio ministry several years ago.  Brian and Carla Suber made confession of faith last September and were now ready to bring their children for baptism.  Several family members and friends attended the worship service, which was followed by a special dinner fellowship.  It was truly an encouraging and memorable event for the saints in the PR Mission of Pittsburgh.  We look forward to more baptisms and confessions of faith in the days ahead, as well as the administration of the Lord’s Supper in God’s good time.

Missionary Assistant

            We enthusiastically report that the Council of Southwest Church as well as the Domestic Mission Committee has approved the concept of a volunteer assistant for Pittsburgh, at least for a one-year trial period.  The Council has written a letter to the congregation asking for volunteers to serve as assistants for three weeks twice a year.  Although we have had such assistants in the past on foreign fields, we believe there is much benefit from having the presence of another PR elder or retired elder on a home mission field.  We wait on the Lord to direct such a man or men to come forward, who will volunteer their time and energy for such labors.

Preaching and Teaching

            The Word of God continues to be received enthusiastically in Pittsburgh.  Our worship services are usually attended by forty or fifty.  We continue to make new contacts.  We continue to receive invitations to speak at other groups and fellowships.  Several regular visitors are attending worship, as well as Essentials class, in preparation for confession of faith.  The catechism classes, Bible studies, and fellowship meetings held at our Mission Office are faithfully attended.  This is encouraging because God’s people are centering their lives in the Word of God.  The work of missions is not easy, and often the fruit is slow in coming.  But the Lord of the harvest continues to gather His church.  We continue to labor in the consciousness that the Lord Himself will add to His church such as should be saved.  We covet your prayers that we remain faithful and patient.

Birthday Bash

            Because we have several birthdays in the family in the month of February, we usually have a birthday bash for the younger children so that they can invite their friends from the mission and from their school for a time of fun and food.  We had some twenty children at our home recently.  I stayed to pray and give thanks for the food, but then left for a conveniently scheduled Steering Committee meeting that evening at the Mission Office.  Thankfully a couple of our older boys were home to help mom to keep the children occupied with games and prizes.  Both for our personal lives and for the cause of missions, we are thankful for the many friends we and our children are making here on the mission field.

Singapore Visit

            For the first time ever, Esther journeyed alone to Singapore to visit with her family.  Yes, dad actually helped with the cooking and cleaning and caring for the children for two whole weeks! I admit, I could not have done it without the cooperation of the older children, as well as the help of members at the mission.  But it was a valuable time not only for us at home, but especially for Esther.  She came home not only looking twenty years younger, but filled with joy that her mother and sister joined with her both Sundays in worship.  It remains our prayer, of course, that God in His mercy will be pleased to bring salvation to our parents.  It is heartwarming to note that several of the parents and grandparents of the saints in Singapore are now regularly attending the services in the ERCS.  Although the Lord usually gathers His church by saving us and our children, the ways of the Lord are mysterious, and sometimes the reverse also takes place.  He saves children, and then uses their testimony and witness to draw the parents to the Lord.

Concluding Remarks 

            My family and I look forward to visiting with the saints in Southwest and other of our congregations in the Grand Rapids area April 9-12, 2004.  We look forward especially to the partaking of the Lord’s Supper with the calling church Easter Sunday morning.  Plans are for me to preach the applicatory service in Southwest Sunday evening.  There will also be an open house at 8:00 p.m. in Southwest Church on April 11, 2004, where I will give a more detailed report on the labors in eastern missions.  We look forward to the fellowship and mutual encouragement and hope to visit with some of you there.  May Jehovah’s blessings rest with you all.

In His Love,

Rev. Jai Mahtani