Let the cameras roll

It’s 9:30 am and I’m standing in front of the TV with my hands lifted high and tears streaming down my face. Although I can’t understand a word of what’s being said on the program, my heart acknowledges the moment of glory.

David Manuel, retired pastor of Indo-evangelism at South Abbotsford Church, is giving a gospel message in Hindustani. For me and a handful of others, it’s the fruit of more than a year of labour on the Indo-Evangelism Communications and Missions board. Our small, insecure steps of faith have opened the door to reaching thousands of Indo–Canadians in B.C.

David Manuel’s programs reach as far as India and Fiji.

Our venture began when we heard the story of Surinder Singh, who was an alcoholic and abusive husband. He was determined to bring his marriage to an end, which drove his wife to despair. Through a Christian friend she found the Lord, an event that further enraged her husband. He planned to do away with her but was stopped short by an onslaught of serious heart problems.

One night he awoke with searing pain in his chest. Terrified, he knew his life was slipping away. He prayed frantically to his gods, but the pain only increased. Surinder remembered how his wife had begged, “Let me pray for you in Jesus’ name.” Could it possibly work? In desperation he gasped, “Jesus, help me!”

Instantly the pain was gone and his heart resumed its normal pulse. Surinder woke his wife. “Please tell me about Jesus.” With great joy his wife was able to lead him to the feet of Jesus, where Surinder solemnly placed his trust in the hands of the Great Healer.

As Surinder’s faith and joy in the Lord grew, he became aware of the lack of Christian radio and TV programs in Indian languages. Finally, he contacted the only program he could find. It was David Manuel’s Hindustani radio program on Rhim Jim Radio in Vancouver. Surinder begged pastor David to do more. Couldn’t he also speak on television? Pastor David promised to bring the request to his board.

At 78 and retired, it may be surprising that pastor David still co-chairs a board that oversees an ever-growing ministry to Indo–Canadians. His radio broadcasts have spread from Vancouver to cities in India and Fiji. When he saw the need for a discipleship school for Indo–Canadian believers called to church leadership, he began a Saturday morning mentoring class. He also established a yearly Indo–Canadian conference for the Pacific Northwest that now draws attendees from B.C., Alberta, and Washington. Pastor David also regularly visits churches in India, England, and the U.S.

When the board heard Surinder’s plea for a Hindustani television broadcast, we began to pray. God provided the funding we needed through private business donors, as well as other ministries around the Lower Mainland. Not only did the Lord open doors for TV programming in B.C., but also in India. And now pastor David’s messages are being prepared for broadcast via the internet.

“It gives me so much joy to know there will be a Christian program on TV in our language,” Surinder told our board with tears in his eyes.

Marilyn Schroeder is a member of South Abbotsford Church.