In Due Season Part Four

"Out of Nothing God Created Everything"

Picture a native missionary, now 18 years older than when he first came to this area, faithfully continuing to obey God's call that originally brought him here. Picture him traveling to the villages and the towns, preaching the Gospel, distributing tracts, praying for the sick, singing with the children. The fruits of his faithfulness have multiplied, and today he stands in front of the men, women and children of growing congregations, worshipping with them and teaching them from the Word of God.

Today, Joseph Rao's ministry in the arid lands of Maharashtra is reaping a harvest from what used to be hard, unyielding soil. Now when he climbs to the top of the hill and looks over the plains, he can point out the towns and villages —more than 165 at last report —where he has visited every home with the Gospel. "No one has any excuse that they have not heard about Jesus."

The Lord has enabled him to plant 25 growing churches and another 28 mission stations, all where the Gospel was previously unknown. He currently pastors 7 of these churches, each with more than 100 believers—which means he holds a service every day of the week—and the other 18 are pastored by native missionaries under his supervision.
 
"Out of nothing God created everything in this place," Joseph says. And his dependence upon God through prayer continues to be the backbone of his ministry. He holds an early- morning prayer service every day, and many of the believers join him.

Joseph also helps operate the GFA home Bible school based in his area, discipling young men to become strong in their walks with the Lord, grow in their knowledge of His Word and practically prepare for full-time ministry (see March/June 2002 SEND!, pages 6-11).

He supervises a ladies' team that ministers to children and young people. He also coordinates a film team that travels throughout his area and shows the Indian-made Man of Mercy film on the life of Jesus at least eight times per month.

Joseph is married to Asha and they have two young sons. Before she became Joseph's wife, Asha was a registered nurse with a well-paying job. Today she joyfully serves the Lord alongside her husband and travels with him to the villages whenever she can.

The Bhil community, where Joseph had returned to preach the Gospel after receiving a letter of invitation, now has a church with 125 believers. They compose their own worship songs and have a deep burden to reach the lost in the surrounding villages. The entire church is praying and fasting and planning to reach its neighbors with God's love.

And the Baluchi village, where Joseph once nearly became the victim of a deadly plot, now has a congregation as well. Today around 30 Baluchis gather every week to worship the living God.

Joseph's attitude toward serving the Lord, whatever the circumstances, is to do it joyfully. He is aware of the dangers and the struggles—they are certainly no strangers to him. But for Joseph Rao, the clearest thing on his mind and in his heart is his calling from the Lord.

“God gave me a vision to reach the lost despite persecution and stoning. I made a difficult decision. I will not turn from my ministry; I will serve the Lord whether I am hungry or poor or beaten or facing death. I will be faithful to the Lord no matter what.”

Pray for Joseph Rao and his ministry

Pray for the growth of each church and mission station, and for the spiritual growth of each believer.

Pray for the Lord to continue to use Joseph mightily, that he would be strengthened in spirit, mind and body, and that he would be protected from spiritual attack.

Pray for the construction of church buildings for each congregation. This is often the greatest need for a growing group of believers. Renting a public place usually triggers increased persecution. Gospel for Asia works with each congregation to help construct buildings for worship.