By John Walters, CBH Coordinator

Each year Christians Broadcasting Hope (CBH) joins with the Church of God in East Central India to sponsor a number of Seekers Conferences. CBH produces both its Hindi and Oriya broadcasts here from our ministry site in the state of Orissa. Throughout the year, various contacts and relationships are developed with people who make contact with us in response to the radio broadcasts, and other means. After a relationship has been developed with individuals, we invite them to a Seekers Conference, where, for several days, they receive more specific teaching and instruction in the way of the Lord. Often these people come at great peril to their physical well-being, to the acceptance by their families, and to their position in the community. Yet their thirst to know more about a living God rises above all those things. The first Seekers Conference of the year has just recently concluded.

Fifty-four (thirty-six men and eighteen women) new contacts from twenty-five different villages, covering five districts of the state, attended the conference. The following topics were very prayerfully chosen to give participants maximum exposure to the Scriptures and to help them in their search. The topics were the Word of God, God, man, sin, salvation, Jesus Christ, Christian living, and, for the first time, a comparative study of religions, primarily Hinduism and Christianity.

During these days, we experienced God’s blessing and felt the leading of the Holy Spirit in all matters, particularly during the presentations and the discussions that followed. It was a great time of fellowship, with the seekers from different areas getting to know each other, developing friendships, and committing themselves to pray for each other.

The response at the conference was overwhelming. Many testified of their faith in Jesus Christ, and many expressed a desire to know more about him. Pray that the good work begun in the lives of these seekers will come to fruition and culminate in their acceptance of Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Lord. A very common comment from the seekers was, “How very different Christians are. There is no distinction of caste, creed, or race. Everyone is so kind, so very hospitable and helpful.”

A survey showed that the participants were eager to know more about Jesus and his redeeming love. Many said that they have now come into light from the darkness in which they were groping. Many felt the time at the conference was very short and hoped that future conferences would be longer. All said they wanted to know more. They wished they had Christian books. During the time given to the seekers to share about their experience, many wanted to share, but within the limited time, it was only possible for seventeen to share. Six of these testimonies are given below. Only the first names are provided in order to protect their identity.

• Biswanath: I studied the Bhagavad Gita everyday. Two years ago, I stopped reading it. I had completed my pilgrimage to all the holy places in North India. Living in the caste system, I had not understood what it meant to be a human being. By coming to this conference, I learned that Jesus is God; I felt in my heart that he gave his life for my sake. This conference has been a blessing in all ways, both physical and spiritual.
• Bijoy: Before coming to this conference, I had a feeling of hatred and disgust towards Christians. I did not know Jesus was God. By coming here, I have realized that the followers of Jesus are on the right and good path. Jesus has given his life for the people of the world. I believe he is God.
• Alok: Before coming to this conference, I was a seeker after Jesus Christ. I had doubts whether Jesus was God or not. In coming to this conference, I have found Jesus and have received him as the Savior of my soul.
• Ram: Before coming to this conference, I was experiencing great pain in my legs and was unable to walk. Coming here I have no more pain. My heart is filled with joy. I had desired to have nothing to do with Christianity. Learning about him in this conference, I am convinced Jesus is the Truth and is God.
• Siba: Here I have realized that Jesus is God. With him in my heart, I will live my life.
• Jaga: I always thought if God would give me a lot of property, I would live in luxury in this world. I did not know what life truly was. In this conference, I learned that God is my wealth far above worldly wealth and prestige. I now know the Christian life is a life of sacrifice. Jesus has shown a life of sacrifice and service. I now know Jesus is God.

These individuals live in a region of India where persecution is great. Less that 2 percent of the people are Christian. Yet God continues to work in hearts that are open to him. Please pray with us that these souls that are seeking will be protected in every way as they continue to seek out the living God.