Eastern Home Missionary
Newsletter
Rev. Jai Mahtani
216 Thornberry Drive
Pittsburgh PA 15235
October 2001
Tel: (412) 371-2299
E-mail: jaimahtani@msn.com
Dear friends and fellow saints,
Maranatha!
Greetings in the Name of our Great God and Savior Jesus Christ! We are
told that the early New Testament saints often greeted one another not only with a
"Shalom" (which is the Hebrew word for "Peace") but also with a
"Maranatha" (which is a Greek word that can be translated "The Lord is
coming!"). Let us in these days of wars and rumors of wars encourage and exhort each
other with a "Maranatha!" "The Lord is coming!" Yes, let us faithfully
and zealously spread the gospel of grace among the nations, warning all men, and
proclaiming with love and zeal the glorious gospel of Jesus, the Savior and Judge who must
come on the clouds of glory at the end of the world to bring His church with Him to glory!
Recent Terrorists Attacks
We received several letters and calls of concern when the plane crashed
near Somerset, PA on 9/11/01. We live about an hour away from where the plane came down,
and Pittsburgh was definitely shocked and terrified, as was the rest of the country and
the world in varying degrees. As a matter of fact, I had plans to drive that day to a
prison in Somerset to visit with a couple of inmates. In the providence of God those plans
had changed, and I was in Churchill/Forest Hills where we live and labor. We thank you,
nevertheless, for your prayers and for your concerns for our well-being. Let us continue
to pray for those who were directly affected by this recent tragedy, knowing that the God
of all comfort will comfort His children in every affliction. Let us continue to exhort
each other unto faithfulness as we witness the events of history unfold about us (Heb.
10:25). Let us keep the faith, knowing that all things work together for good to those who
love God and are called according to His purpose (Rom. 8:28). Let us sanctify the Lord God
in our hearts, that we might be ready to give an answer to every man that asks us the
reason of the hope that is in us, with meekness and fear (I Pet. 3:15). Above all, let us
watch, and wait for Christ's return!
I Say Unto You, Watch!
Our Lord Jesus Christ has taught us to watch and wait for His return. In Matthew 24 we are given various signs that must come to pass before His final return. We continue to see those signs fulfilled in increasing degrees. One thing that seems to become more and more evident is the rise of a united world where Christ may no longer be confessed as the only Lord and Savior. But the Scriptures are plain: Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Him! (John 14:6). There is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus! (I Tim. 2:5). There is salvation in none other; for there is no other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12). I urge you, brothers and sisters and friends, to continue to watch for the rise of the antichristian kingdom that will deny us the freedom to worship Jehovah alone.
Exciting Labors in Pittsburgh, PA
We continue to experience encouraging progress in the labors of
organizing a Protestant Reformed congregation in Pittsburgh. Our worship services in the
last six weeks or so have had record numbers of between forty and fifty. We are happy to
see this growth because it gives us increasing hope of seeing a congregation being
organized here. There are, of course, other important factors: the spiritual growth and
commitment of the members and the presence of potential officebearers to serve as elders
and deacons. The calling church and I believe that those factors are present; however, we
also agree that the size of the mission must yet grow before a viable congregation can be
organized in Pittsburgh. Experience has taught us as churches that there are dangers in
organizing too soon and too small. So we patiently wait, laboring on in the hope that God
will be pleased to establish a PR church in Pittsburgh, in His time.
Interesting Contact
Recently I have developed an interesting contact with a man from a local body shop where I had to bring my car in for repairs. The brother, who is a member of a local Presbyterian (PCUSA) congregation, has attended our services four times now. He called after his first visit and wanted me to know two things: one, that he could not remember the stories and anecdotes used by his pastor, but that he could even remember the passage I preached on! What a thrill to hear that! Is that not what it is all about? Never mind if they say it was a nice sermon - if the passage of Scripture sticks with them, that is the important thing. But he also called to let me know that he was making copies of my name cards and that he had started distributing them to his customers the very next day! Ah, then I know he really meant what he said. He heard the Word, he could not keep the treasure to himself, he went as the Samaritan woman did, and he told his people about the truth he had found. Such enthusiasm for the preaching is very encouraging.
Members of the mission are doing their part in making new contacts. One
of our members has recently started bringing along a neighbor who has attended services
several times. Another member continues to bring brothers and sisters, uncles and aunts,
nephews and nieces to the services. At one of our services recently we had three teachers
from Trinity Christian School in attendance. One of the teachers is new to the area, and
hopes to attend our evening services for a while. We also have had a couple of families
from the school visit our services. Besides the contacts being made by personal witness of
the saints, the work is being blessed by the ministry of the Reformed Witness Hour on the
radio. Several have called to let us know they are listening and plan to visit our
services. Also, our bi-monthly newsletter is now being sent out to over a thousand in
eastern USA, and it has proven to be a good means of making new contacts and keeping them
informed. It is our prayer that God's Word might be sounded out from Pittsburgh to the
surrounding areas, as well as to all other parts of eastern USA (I Thess. 1:8).
Beginning of New Study Season
We began our new study season the first week of October 2001. We had
twenty-three children in catechism. That included four additions to the classes. These new
students are not attending services regularly, but their parents have decided to send them
to us for catechism. We welcome these and are encouraged by this growing interest. The new
doctrinal class on the five solas of the Reformation has potential to draw a few
others who have expressed interest in coming. Our ladies fellowship is studying the book
of Ruth, and already at the first meeting we had a mother from Trinity School who returned
the following Lord's Day with the family to both worship services. The young people and
young adults are studying various topics again this year. At their first meeting this past
Sunday they discussed: "Proper Sabbath Observance." We had twelve young adults
in attendance, and a good discussion on the subject. I trust that as we continue to have
lively studies on the mission field, you who are members of established churches are also
continuing in the noble spirit of the Bereans, receiving the Word and searching the
Scriptures daily (Acts 17:10-12).
We have been using the radio since we came to Pittsburgh. Besides the
Reformed Witness Hour, which is aired every Sunday on Word FM 105.1 at 10:00 A.M., we also
have regular local announcements made on the same station, either with my voice or the
voice of the President of Word 105.1 FM. This past week, however, we were invited to go on
a "Neighbor to Neighbor" program where, for a paid one-hour slot, I was
interviewed and calls were received. During the interview I focused on the series of
sermons I have been preaching at our evening services on the subject of death. I also
spoke about our new study season which we coordinated to begin the same week as the radio
interview. I also clarified that there is nobody by the name of "Rev. Haaktani"
but that Rev. Haak on the Reformed Witness Hour and Missionary Mahtani with the Pittsburgh
Mission are two ministers with the same message. Members of the mission were stationed at
our new Mission Office to answer calls. We are trying to encourage people in Pittsburgh to
come and review the hundreds of pamphlets, books, and audio and videotapes they can borrow
or purchase. Although only a couple of people called in, we have heard from several
contacts who informed us that they tuned in and enjoyed the interview. We have reason to
believe the Word is getting out in Pittsburgh.
Bibles For China
As I was leaving the station after the hour-long interview, I noticed
that they were doing a campaign called "Bibles for China." Because I had helped
last year with "Bibles for India," I mentioned that my wife was Chinese, and
that we had smuggled Bibles into China several years ago. As I had hoped, I got a call the
next morning asking if Esther and I would come in for another interview to help raise
money for this cause. Although Esther was very apprehensive, she agreed to do the
interview. The station informed us that they raised over a thousand dollars during our
interview, and they called to thank us profusely for our help. I remember that when I was
a child and I was naughty, my dad would say to me on several occasions that I was probably
taken by mistake from the hospital, that I looked like a "china-man" and would
probably end up marrying a Chinese! Well, this darling of mine has been my wife and help
so valuable I can only rise up to praise her. Thank you, Lord, for a godly, quiet, and
humble wife, who is willing to speak boldly when asked, even on the radio!
Upcoming Reformation Celebrations
The last three years we have invited Rev. Haak to come to Pittsburgh for
our Reformation Celebrations. He returns next month, November 2-5, this time with his
family. He and I will be on the radio again on November 2 for an interview on the same
station at 4:00 P.M. The theme of Reformation Celebrations this year will be: "Christ
Alone!" Rev. Haak will give the lecture Friday evening, and preach on Sunday. We have
begun our weekly studies on the five solas of the Reformation, and we look forward
to these celebrations to stir greater interest. Personally, I cannot imagine any more
pertinent subject than this one, especially in our times. I do believe that this battle
cry of the Reformation will once again be the mighty sword by which the church will fight
her most severe battles in the last days. This is not a battle to be fought with physical
arms, for Christ's kingdom is not of this earth. But it will be a tremendous spiritual
battle to confess Christ alone, the Rock against which the gates of hell cannot prevail
(Matt. 16:18).
Welcome to Pittsburgh
Anyone interested in joining the above-mentioned celebrations or any of
the other activities, please see the attached information on directions and accommodations
during your visit. Especially to our newer contacts in eastern USA this will be
information you will want to have. And those of you who got this information last year but
have lost or misplaced it, please keep this handy. Again, welcome to Pittsburgh!
Latest Developments in Fayetteville, NC
My last visit to Fayetteville, NC was in July, and I hope to go again in November. I had to cancel my September visit due to the pressing needs in Pittsburgh. But the labors in Fayetteville continue to develop nicely, and there are many needs there. Plans are still being made to try to get a minister there for a six-month period so that I and the other ministers who go there do not have to leave our station so frequently. Although I have come to love the saints there and although I hope to continue to visit Fayetteville until we get a man there full-time, the labors in Pittsburgh are making this more and more difficult. Again, we press on in this confidence: Jehovah-jireh, the Lord will provide! It is my prayer for the sake of the saints in Fayetteville that the Lord will soon provide them with a minister for six months, and then, the Lord willing, a full time missionary.
The Demanding Work of Missions
The work of missions demands more than just pulpit supply. There are catechism classes and doctrinal studies that need to be taught. Contacts must be followed up during the week; pastoral labors need to be developed; attention has to be given to a continuing relationship with the radio station and the local bookstore; and there are countless other labors that need to be done in any new mission field. It is my conviction that volunteer laborers can be profitably used to help with these manifold duties in domestic mission fields. I recognize, however, that careful consideration must be given to this so that it may be properly done.
There continue to be other leads and open doors which we are hoping to
pursue as time avails; we have been asked to preach at other places in the Pittsburgh
area; we continue to labor with the saints in Allentown, PA, which is a little farther
away. We have been asked to return to Lanham, MD to preach for the Grace Presbyterian
Church which is without a pastor at this time. There are also scattered saints in
Kingsport, TN and other places with whom the DMC and I are in contact. Pray for us. The
harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few. Pray that the Lord of the harvest
will send laborers! (Matt. 9:37&38).
Family Blessings
As a family we continue to enjoy the labors in Pittsburgh. Jonathan and
David are now driving and are a great help with running errands and also helping with
school and mission activities. Mary seems to be adjusting well to kindergarten, and Martha
is enjoying the exclusive attention she gets from Mom when everyone else is at school!
Peter, our ten year old, tried an acrobatic act on the school playground, which resulted
in a broken arm. However, he is a happy boy, his cast is filled with notes from all the
girls at school, and his homework is being done by his teacher and his mom! I have tried
to persuade my kids that left-handed people have their brains on their right side, but
they all continue to be right-handed.
Till Next Time…
Till next time, may the Lord's richest blessings rest with you all. Let
us be watching for the return of Christ, beloved in the Lord! In our watching, may we be
faithful in the calling the Lord has given to each one of us, here in the US and abroad.
May we be found watching, waiting, wanting Him to return! Come, Lord Jesus! Amen.
In His Love,