The Beginnings of the India Mission 

Part 2:  ARTS and Outreach from 2003 - 2006

Our newsletter continues the story of how God's work began in Vellore, India.  We last learned about Paulraj's background (nominal Christian) and Kasthuri's (Hindi) and how they were joined in marriage in 2001.  This article is taken from Mrs. Jean Kortering's interview with Paul and Kasthuri in 2006 from her book Say Among the Heathen The Lord Reigneth. 

ARTS

Paulraj was now committed to proclaiming the Reformed faith and gospel.  Kasthuri, however, entered their marriage with Pentecostal beliefs.  When Paul taught her about the Five Points of Calvinism, she had reservations about Limited Atonement and could not accept those doctrines.  Pauraj had the opportunity to study at the Asian Reformed Theological Seminary (ARTS) in Singapore.  ARTS began during Rev. Jason Kortering's ministry in Singapore.  The purpose of this school was to teach men from diffferent Asian countries theology and pastoral training.  These men would then return to their homelands equipped as pastors and missionaries.  ARTS was run by the Evangelical Reformed Churches of Singapore (a sister-church of the Protestant Reformed Churches).  Sadly, since the recent split of this small denomination, the school has been discontinued. 

ARTS was certainly a blessing for the young couple!  It was in Singapore, while learning with her husband, that Kas began to embrace the Reformed faith.  They studied diligently, but soon the time came for them to return to India.  Kas had to work as a nurse in the hospital to finish her bond.  The couples' first child, Jason, was born December 7, 2002.  In order to finish ARTS, Paul had to leave Kas and Jason and travel alone to Singapore for the semester.

Return to Vellore

After finishing his sessions of ARTS in August, 2003, Paulraj returned to India, intending to take up the work of mission outreach.  He did not know if he was called to be a pastor, but he knew that he could no longer be part of the Church of South India.  He began a newsletter which he and Kas passed out by hand and door to door.  By 2005, the young man was growing discouraged because the people had little interest in his teaching especially presented through the Reformed faith.  It seemed that his work had little chance of succeeding. 

But God had different plans.  In early 2005, Paulraj started a class that he called Sola Gratia Academy.  The students of this class are the leaders of the Reformed Christian Church of Vellore today.  Paulraj was greatly encouraged by the response to his classes.  It was at this time that he knew that he wanted to work full-time in the gospel ministry. 

Protestant Reformed Fellowship of Vellore

For about eight months the group met as a Bible Study on Sunday evenings.  Then the group wanted to begin Sunday morning worship.  Paulraj was not sure if he could lead, as he was not ordained.  After conferring with the ERCS and Rev. Kortering, Paulraj agreed to give a word of edification and lead the worship services.  He also began three Bible studies in the Vellore area.  The Lord greatly blessed them so that in 2006 they were averaging 40 people at their services.  There was great potential for a mission.  But what church would help them with support, organization, accountability, and advice?  This was the question that needed to be answered before the young fellowship could continue.

To be continued...

 Giridhar 

Giridhar is a 12 year old boy who, along with his younger brother Kishore, has lived at Grace Foster Home (GFH) for four years.  Both his parents died of HIV/AIDS - his father 9 years ago and his mother 3 years ago.  He studies 8^th Standard (8^th grade) at the Government Boys Higher Secondary School, a 10 minute walk from GFH.

Kasthuri describes Giridhar as calm, quiet, a silent observer and a good listener.  He is quite sensitive and cries easily when criticized by anyone but calms quickly when staff take the time to talk personally with him.  At GFH, Giridhar does his chores happily and is a great help to Kishore, washing his clothes as well as getting him ready for school.  

Earlier in January Giridhar actively participated in a youth retreat along with three other senior boys from GFH.  He testified that it was beneficial for his spiritual life.   

Giridhar loves getting letters from his sponsors.  Kasthuri wrote, "I can still remember the breathtaking smile on is face while he receives letters from his sponsors".  As you can see from the picture he does have a great smile!

Giridhar leads a full life with church, school and being a member of the family at GFH.  He has grown in his love of the faith and joyfully participates in activities that help him grow in this faith.  Please pray for Giridhar and all the children being cared for at GFH that they may grow in faith, and live a life of love and service to their King!