Blood Donation Drive
June 22, 2009
Believers share about the blood of Jesus at a blood donation camp. |
When a Gospel for Asia-supported missionary shared the love of Jesus at an interfaith event recently, his words were met with mixed reactions: some in the audience received what he said, while others became angry.
Balbir Datar was invited to speak at a blood donation drive, organized by a traditional religious society. The attendees, along with pastors and Bridge of Hope staff, gathered under a brightly striped orange and white tent situated in the midst of a bustling marketplace. Each guest had the opportunity to give a dissertation of their concerns and appreciations.
Several other prominent figures were also invited to the meeting. One of them was Baba Swami Maharaj, the chief of a traditional religious society, who was the honored guest of the day.
As Pastor Balbir began to address the listeners, he spoke on the importance of blood, and the vital role it has in saving the life of a human being. As his speech progressed, he began to share with the people about a greater blood; the blood that not only saves lives, but saves humanity and washes away sin. Balbir explained to the people the salvation plan of the Lord Jesus Christ, and how they could come to a personal relationship with Him.
The audience listened intently as Pastor Balbir shared the Gospel. People on bicycles even stopped and peered into the camp, and several store owners closed their shops to come over and hear what was being said.
As his talk ended, Balbir was greeted warmly by the chairman of the blood drive, who rose up from his seat to thank him. The chairman was excited about hearing the Gospel of Jesus.
But the response was not all positive. In the midst of the chairman's applause, Baba Swami Maharaj acted as if he were offended, and left promptly after the program. The believers are concerned that he could be a hindrance to the ministry.
Through the blood donation camp, God opened up many opportunities for the believers in the area to share the love of Christ. As a result, many have come to know Jesus as their Savior. Overall, the believers in South Asia have received a positive response to the Gospel from the people in this area. Please keep the people of South Asia in your prayers:
- Pray for the pastors and believers who continue to minister in this area.
- Pray Baba Swami Maharaj will not seek to oppose the ministry in the days to come, and that he may come to know the love of Jesus.
