A PUBLIC ATION OF THE IND IA MISSION FU ND India Quarterly V O L UM E 3 7 , I S S UE 4 N O VE M B E R 2 0 1 4 DEBATES IN INDIA R eligious debates are not unheard of here in the United States, but they are rarer than they were in the 50s and 60s. In contrast, religious debates appear to be on the increase in India. We heard from our Brother Edward Rouse that his popular TV program which promotes restoring the New Testament scriptures and Christ’s church is being met with some resistance. Brother Edward stated the Rakshana TV station manager approached him recently about a request from several of the denomination preachers who want to debate Edward publicly. Beginning on Sunday, August 24th and with plans to occur every two weeks for the next 3 to 4 months, Rakshana TV is providing free air time between 2 pm and 4 pm on Sundays for these live debates. Brother Rouse said he was eager for the opportunity to defend the simplicity and purity of the New Testament scriptures. He has asked for our prayers that he might conduct himself humbly and that his replies to those who question the biblical mandate to restore Christ’s New Testament Church can be answered simply by using only the scriptures. When asked what questions he expects will arise during the debates Brother A picture of Edward Rouse speaking live on Rakshana TV. Rouse stated that many of the denominational preachers have been particularly bothered by his preaching related to the doctrine baptism and the mode of immersion. Further, he expects many of the major areas of differences that exist in the religious world at large will eventually become part of this live, on-air debate. He stated that he looks forward to the opportunity to give “an answer to everyone who asks” for the reason of his hope in Christ (1 Peter 3:15). It is our prayer that the on-air debates will see a sincere desire for the truths of the New Testament bringing all involved closer to the Heavenly Father and His will for Christ’s Church. — Bill Adcox Evangelist Quarters: Konnur W hen we visited the Konnur Church of Christ in January 2014, the brethren requested that we construct an evangelist quarters in the church compound for Brother Solomon Raju who is currently preaching there. Brother Solomon is living in the home of another member of the congregation right now. We told Brother C. Sudhaker to send us the estimates and we would see what we could do. The estimates were made back in April of this year and came to a total then of Rs. 6,73,000.00 (figured at Rs. 61 per dollar that is approximated $11,000.00). As we know, from the time an estimate is made until the time construction begins prices often have changed some. It could rise as much as 10 percent but we won’t know the exact amount until we actually begin to purchase cement, etc. The Ghatlakanapur congregation came over to Konnur and met with us on the Sunday that we were there, so we had more on hand that day than just the Konnur congregation. But Brother Sudhaker wrote this to me recently regarding Konnur: “Brother the Konnur congregation is growing spiritually, I am planning to visit every quarterly to encourage them. Brother I need approximately Rs.1000 travel for each trip. Bro.Solomon Raju serving the Lord faithfully. Please pray for the evangelist quarters at Konnur” We are praying that some congregation will come forward to undertake the construction of the evangelist quarters at Konnur. If you have questions contact us for more information. This could be a great opportunity for a mission project for a congregation…or a couple of congregations. — Scott Gage Contact any of our Board members directly for more information or updates. Ray White Robert Teague David Kelley Scott Gage K. John Philips of Nakrekal, India, is supported by the Elk Avenue congregation in Duncan, Oklahoma. John Philips sent these pictures reporting three recent baptisms. Dennis Gage Donations can be sent to either address below: PO Box 3425 Fayetteville, AR 72702 Voice & Fax: 479-521-6809 Bryan Christmas [email protected] Larry Cash Bill Adcox PO Box 726 Bethany, OK 73008 Voice & Fax: 405-789-8843 [email protected]