Star News

Volume - 9 Issue -4

(A Prayer Letter for Shining Stars) August-2011

Quote of the Month: Your children need your presence more than your presents. - Jesse Jackson

The Bible Says:
And when Esau lifted up his eyes and saw the women and children, he said, "Who are these with you?" Jacob said, "The children whom God has graciously given your servant."
(Genesis 33:5 ESV)


A word from Wiigs's Pen


Dear Friends,

This Star News is overdue, for which I take responsibility, sorry for the lack of communication.

In the last two letters we began looking at Luke 2:52, "And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and men." NLT ©

In the first letter (introduction) we noted that Jesus kept increasing, although He was God (perfect) He showed us, through His example, the importance of always continuing to grow. Secondly, He grew in wisdom, which is, "the soundness of an action or decision with regard to the application of such experience, knowledge and good judgment."

This week we'll briefly look at the stature part . . . this would have been Jesus physical and natural height, strength and size.

Mark Twain quoted, "The only way to keep your health is to eat what you don't want, drink what you don't like, and do what you'd rather not." That may not be totally true, but may be partially.

I guess that there was not much junk food back then, that Jesus had a healthy diet and balance of sleep, exercise (at least through His everyday work as a carpenter). We don't know if he was tall or short . . . but he seemingly grew in a healthy way, physically speaking.

Do we try to stay physically healthy? Some people put too much emphasis on this, however, if our bodies are the Holy Spirit's residence, then we do have a responsibility to stay healthy, as far as is possible.

Mohandas Gandhi said, for what it is worth, "It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver."

What are we doing to stay healthy. Do we think and plan for good exercise, diet, sleep and work, or does this come way down on the list, usually forgotten?


(Picture of 15th Year Celebration of Shining Stars)



" In his time everything is beautiful" With God's grace we celebrated 15th year Anniversary of Shining Stars with all the partners and well wishers who is helping the ministry to disciple kids in raising them as Godly leaders.










Humor Column: Better Grades
Little Johnny wasn't getting good marks in school. One day he surprised the teacher with an announcement.

He tapped her on the shoulder and said, "I don't want to scare you, but my daddy says if I don't start getting better grades...somebody is going to get a spanking!"

Kid of the Month

Shiva is studying in 10th class and comes from a Hindu background; he and his sister accepted Jesus. They live in a rented portion, beside their room there was a vacant portion. A new family occupied that portion, and was busily settling their things. In the new family, one small boy is there, he went to his mother and asked for a bicycle, but his mother said, "No, this is not the time for a bicycle," then the boy started crying. After some time, the mother came out, but the boy was not there, hurriedly she called him, but there was no response. Everybody in the family, and others also, were searching for him, nobody found him, his mother was crying. In the Shining Stars club, Shiva learnt that if we pray to God, God answers us. Immediately Shiva knelt downed and prayed to Jesus for the new boy, then he stepped out from his home and found the boy coming home. Praise the Lord, the family was happy, and Shiva's faith also increased, now Shiva is testifying that in difficult situations only PRAYER gives solutions.



Prayer Requests:

Three new centers that have started at Malkajigiri, Chilkanagar and Babanagar.

Discipleship camp in the month of October.

Peter and Megen who will be coming in September for several months to serve with us. Safety in travel and a fruitful time here in India.

Sriram Sagi, Sajid, Suraj, Shashikiran, Abhishek, Banny and Yellappa - for their studies.

Pray walks to be effective at our three children centers.


Needs of the Ministry

Old Utensils for cooking in centers
Self help projects- ` 500/-
Discipleship camp expenditure


Contact Info:

If you would like to make any contribution please contact us, or send a DD/cheque or MO to the following address:

Shining Stars
Plot No 59 & 60A, VST Colony, Nacharam,
Hyderabad, A.P. 500076- India
Ph: 040- 27157343

US Donors: DM Sterns P.O. Box 1578, North Wales, PA 19454

Note: Please designate any gifts for account No. 378. in the "memo" section of your cheque.

E-mail: Shiningtarsclubs@gmail.com
Web: www.shiningstarsindia.org

Blog:http://shiningstarskids.blogspot.com

Agape Leprosy Ministries India
P.O Box 8469
ST. Thomas Town P.O Bangalore 560084
Tel- 011-91-80-25451550, Cell 91-9448002452 E-mail : revalex@vsnl.com


Greetings to you in the most exalted name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 As we are receiving the timely showers just after a hot summer, we have to hope and pray for the pouring of the Holy Spirit in all people in all the countries during these troublesome times.  This is the time that we are looking forward for the moving of the Spirit of God, as we need more comfort, when the times are turning bad – with financial recession, the attack of various strange illnesses, etc…..  We have a promise from the Father Almighty that, “I will not leave you alone.”   Again Jesus said, “Fear not I am with you.”  What a comforting and cherishing word for each and every Christian! 

It gives me more joy to tell you that all our foster home children have passed their exams successfully with good grades.  They have all started going to school this new academic year.  We were able to conduct a Vacation Bible School from the 1st of April up to the 10th of April.  It was a blessed occasion for us to minister to 98 children with the Word of God and lead them to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.  Kindly uphold them in your daily prayers.  Also uphold the activities of the Agape Leprosy Ministries India. 

Samuel has completed his 1st year B.Th. course in the Bible College.  At present he is here with us for the summer vacation.  His college will reopen in the month of July.  He needs Rs. 15,000/- as his fees for the 2nd year, which includes food, accommodation and tuition fees.  May I request you to kindly help this young man to complete his studies in the Bible College and work for the Lord Almighty   Remember as we read in the Bible in Ecclesiastes 11:1, “Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again.”   Your help towards this cause will bring forth fruits into the Lord’s ministry and we will be winning souls for Jesus Christ.
These children need to get sponsors kindly help them.

Our foster home children have started to go to school. This academic year children have made lots of hopes and decisions. At present, 11 children are studying at Priyadarshini English High school. For a child it will cost for one year US $ 200/ which includes school uniform material, Text books & Note books as well as monthly fees. The budget for this academic year is US $2500. May I humbly ask you to continue to support this ministry to educate these children .
Thank you so much for your prayers especially for me to recuperate from the motor-bike accident.  I feel much better now.   Please continue to uphold our family in your prayers.

Kindly note that, we have opened a Post Box at the Post office. We feel that many of our letters are missing due to the constant change of postman. However we hope that the mail will be safer in the coming days.
Our new Post Box Address
Agape Leprosy Ministries India
P.O Box 8469,
ST. Thomas Tow P.O   Bangalore 560084 India.







Prayer items.
We need to get child supporters for all the children.
All your donations towards Agape Leprosy Ministries, is Tax exempted as per the 80 G of Income Tax Act. Kindly avail the tax benefit for your further tax claims.

Yours in His service



Rev. Alex Korulla
President

December 08 Newsletter

Explanation by an eight year old!

THIS ONE IS FABULOUS!!! It was written by an 8-year-old named Danny Dutton, who lives in Chula Vista, CA. He wrote it for his third grade homework assignment, to "explain God." I wonder if any of us could have done as well.

EXPLANATION OF GOD:
One of God's main jobs is making people. He makes them to replace the ones that die, so there will be enough people to take care of things on earth. He doesn't make grownups, just babies. I think because they are smaller and easier to make. That way he doesn't have to take up his valuable time teaching them to talk and walk. He can just leave that to mothers and fathers." God's second most important job is listening to prayers. An awful lot of this goes on, since some people, like preachers and things, pray at times beside bedtime. God does not have time t o listen to the radio or TV because of this. Because he hears everything, there must be a terrible lot of noise in his ears, unless he has thought of a way to turn it off." God sees everything and hears everything and is everywhere which keeps Him pretty busy. So you shouldn't go wasting his time by going over your mom and dad's head asking for something they said you couldn't have. “Atheists are people who don't believe in God; I don’t think there are any in Chula Vista. At least there are not any who come to our church. “Jesus is God's Son. He used to do all the hard work, like walking on water and performing miracles and trying to teach the people who didn't want to learn about God. They finally got tired of him preaching to them and they crucified him But he was good and kind, like his father, and he told his father that they didn't know what they were doing and to forgive them and God said O.K. "His dad (God) appreciated everything that he had done and all his hard work on earth so he told him he didn't have to go out on the road anymore. He could stay in heaven. So he did. And now he helps his dad out by listening to prayers and seeing things which are important for God to take care of and which ones he can take care of himself without having to bother God. Like a secretary, only more important. "You can pray anytime you want and they are sure to help you because they got it worked out so one of them is on duty all the time." You should always go to church on Sunday because it makes God happy, and if there's anybody you want to make happy, it's God!
Do not skip church to do something you think will be more fun like going to the beach. This is wrong. And besides the sun doesn't come out at the beach until noon anyway."If you don't believe in God, besides being an atheist, you will be very lonely, because your parents can't go everywhere with you, like to camp, but God can. It is good to know He's around you when you're scared, in the dark or when you can't swim and you get thrown into real deep water by big kids." But...you shouldn't just always think of what God can do for you. I figure God put me here and he can take me back anytime he pleases. And...That’s why I believe in God."








The Gospel
God had an immediate plan for redemption, which was revealed when He cursed the devil right after the fall. “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel” (Gen. 3:15). God said there would be a struggle between satanic forces and humanity. The offspring of the woman would begin with Cain and his natural descendants. Out of this offspring would come the Christ. Satan would cripple mankind (strike his heal), but Christ would deliver the fatal blow (crush Satan’s head). The offspring of the serpent would include his demons, and anyone who serves in the kingdom of darkness, those whose spiritual “father” is the devil (John 8:44).
In preparation for the coming of Christ, God established a conditional covenant (Exodus 19), which served as the basis for the Mosaic Law. The law was moral, ceremonial and civil and provided for a temporal means by which the fallen inhabitants of this world could relate to God and each other. However, the law was powerless to give life and therefore righteousness could not be based on the law (Gal. 3:21). See Breaking The Bondage of Legalism (Harvest House, 2003). The law was a tutor that would eventually lead us to Christ who is the only name given under heaven by which we can be saved (Gal. 3:24; Acts 4:12). Ezekiel prophesied what God was going to do in order to save his fallen people (Ezekiel 11:19,20):
I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. Then they will follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. They will be my people, and I will be their God.
The gospel provides far more than the forgiveness of sins. Paul wrote, “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 6:23). Jesus had to die on the cross in order for us to be forgiven, because, “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Heb. 9:22). But the cross represents only half the gospel. Because of Christ’s resurrection we have new life in Christ. Jesus came to give us life and put a new heart and a new spirit within us. When we are born-again spiritually, our soul/spirit is in union with God as it was for Adam in the original creation. This wonderful truth is most often conveyed in Scripture with the prepositional phrase, “In Christ,” or “In Him.”. After commissioning Timothy, Paul wrote, “He will remind you of my ways which are in Christ Jesus, just as I teach everywhere in every church” (1 Corinthians 4:17 emphasis added, NASB).
What Adam and Eve lost in the fall was life (spiritual life). What Jesus came to give us was life (John. 10:10). Eternal life is not something we get when we physically die. John writes, “He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life” (1 John 5:12). If you don’t have eternal (spiritual) life before you physically die, all you would have to look forward to is hell. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even when he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die” (John 11:25,26). In other words, every born-again believer is spiritually alive and will continue to be so when they die physically. Jesus is the “Bread of life” (John 6:35), “The way the truth and the life” (John 14:6), and every Christian has their name written in the “Lamb’s book of life” (Revelation 13:8, emphasis added). By Neil Anderson
His Birthday (then): He gave up the best for us instead of receiving a GIFT!
His Purpose: : To demonstrate the highest extent of His love to bridge the divide between God and man.

His Birthday (now): What is the best we can give Him and give up for Him?
Our Purpose: : What is the purpose of our life?

It is my joy to reach you all through this newsletter. Many exciting and Positive things are happening at Agape Orphanage. I can assuredly tell you that it is happening because God’s children are praying for it, and the Holy Spirit enabled all of us to be the part of these great incidents.
Agape Orphanage Children
As I am looking back, how the Lord led us over a period of 15 years to minister to the less-fortunate children in the areas of rehabilitation, education, and nurturing them in Spiritual matters. We were able to minister to 58 children through this ministry over the period of 15 years and to see that they are doing well in their life.
Samuel
Samuel is an orphan. Fifteen years ago, he came to the Agape children’s home with his sister when he was 2 ½ years old. He completed his high school. He took believers baptism. In one of the church meetings he dedicated himself for the Lord’s work. At present he is studying in a reputed seminary in South India. This has made my heart very joyful because the aim of our ministry is to spread the Gospel in India. Since Samuel has dedicated his life we are sure that the Lord will enable him to continue in this ministry. Thank you so much for supporting Samuel. May I request you all to continuously support and sponsor Samuel in his seminary education and see that he is excelling in our Master’s vineyard. There are many more children like Samuel, looking forward for the financial assistance to pursue their secular education.
Vacation Bible School
During the summer vacation, we were able to conduct Vacation Bible School. There were 120 children who attended regularly for the 10-days VBS program. It was a golden opportunity for us to minister to the children. Last year our attendance in VBS was only 60 children.
Children with crown- Seen from VBS
This year it has grown up to 120 children. Children brought their friends. This was a special time for children to study the Word of God, learn new songs, stories, and memorize many more Bible verses.

2009 March will be our next VBS kindly pray for the staff and the children who will be attending the classes. VBS is the best way to reach out children as well as the families. After the VBS got over we have started our Sunday school class and at present we have 17 children from the Hindu background is regularly attending the Sunday school Class. Now guess what? Parents are eager to know more about the word of God and we are getting some enquiries.
Esther is in her second year college studies which will be finals for her. Continually uphold Sridhar, Krishna, Ravi, Mani and Sneha who have completed their high school and are continuing their education.
Five of the senior students of Agape Foster Home have witnessed their faith through water baptism, in obedience to the Word of God. Please do pray for these young lives to stand firm in their new life.
There is a saying in English, “Little drops of water makes a mighty ocean”. Your small and big contribution towards this ministry will make great significance in the lives of many less-fortunate children. The expense in Bangalore city is growing up beyond our expectation. Since this is a faith ministry, may I request all of you to increase the donations little more to minister to these children with the touch of ‘love of Christ’. Your prayer is important for us. You can tell your friends and relatives about this ministry which is also equally important along with your prayers.

Christmas Gifts
As we are approaching Christmas, May I request you to remember the children in the Agape orphanage and share your financial gifts to them to celebrate Christmas with joy. Last year one of our prayer partner and his family have visited the Agape Orphanage and celebrated the Christmas with our children. They said it was a wonderful experience in their life to celebrate Christmas with the orphanage children. Perhaps you and your Sunday school class may send a gift to these orphan children to know your love, write to them that you care them and love them.
Indian Institute of Theology and mission
As we are doing our work among the Lepers and the less fortunate children in India for the last fifteen years our ministry was growing. We felt the need of training the young people for the ministry to preach the word of God to the unreached communities in India. After much prayer and guidance from the Lord we have started our Bible school Program where we can train people. We offer a three year bachelor degree residence program with practical training Students of I I TM

Under the leadership of local pastors. Our Bible school is running at the Dr. Wilfred Landrus Center, Which is a donation from Mrs. Clara Landrus in memory of her late husband. At present we have 6 students getting
training at I I T M. All our students are not in a financial position to pay their tuition and food expenses due to various reasons. We have students even from Burma, Communist Military ruling country. The students they cross the Border and come to our institute for the theological studies. “Sangyong” a young man came to our institute with only one shirt and one pant which he was wearing. We need to encourage them to continue their study at IITM. Here I am making an appeal to all our supporters to stick on with us to carry on the work in India.
To educate one student at IITM will cost us US $100 a month. May I request you kindly support us with your small and big donations to help this young people to get their Education.
New Baby in Our HomeRev. Alex Korulla and Reny Alex are blessed with one more Baby boy in to their family. We have named him Benjamin Joseph Alex and he was born on 15th May 2008. Blessen has turned to 13 on 22nd October. He is studying in 7th grade. Bensen is 11 ½ and he is studying in the 6th grade. Kindly uphold us in your prayers and give us your maximum support in which we are involved.



Rev. Alex, Reny, Bensen, Blessen with baby Benjamin.
Your Prayers are very much appreciated for our family.

Some tips to help us

Many a time our friends have asked me how to send the financial donations to Agape.
Well, it is very simple. Write a check in the name of Agape Leprosy Ministries India and at the memo kindly mention that for what project you are sending the donation. After you mail it to us kindly intimate our office via E-mail so that we can track on it. As soon as we received your donations at our office we will mail a receipt with a thank you note.

We are on the process of forming a 501 status organization and if it is done we will let you know. Until then if you need a tax receipt you may kindly send all donations through your local church.

Our projects

Agape orphanage
You can sponsor a child and it will cost you only US $ 1 per day – Monthly US $ 30. This amount is not even the cost one bottle of water in USA, and all the child sponsors will get the photo and a thank you letter from the child. We are committed to keep inform the progress of the child. You may feel free to do the communications with the children whom you are sponsoring

Visit our web site www.agapefosterhome.org

Indian Institute of Theology and Mission
Students can be sponsored by your generous donations as well as your sponsorship. Remember you are investing it in the expansion of the kingdom of God.

Visit our web site www.iitmissions.org

Our postal Address

Rev. Alex Korulla
Agape Leprosy Ministries India,
K.M 501, Behind St, Pious Church
Kammanahalli, Bangalore 560084 India


Wishing you the very best, Peace be with you


Yours in his mission field,

Rev. Alex Korulla ( President )

Dear Pastor Denny Finnegan and Congregation,

My name is Julie Worthington, and I am writing to hopefully answer any questions you may have regarding Agape Leprosy Ministries: Indian Institute of Theology and Mission. I come from Alexander, NY and my church sent me for 2 weeks to Bangalore, India to work with this mission group. During my stay here, I have been helping to establish a library, working with the Foster children (ie: playing games and helping with their english homework), and leading a morning devotion with the Bible College students. I have been learning a lot about Indian culture and the difficulties faced with establishing a christian community here. There are more than 1800 dialects. The Bible has been fully or partially translated in only 300 languages. There are over 3.2 million gods and goddess to compete with, and new ones being created everyday. The christian education provided to both the Foster home children and the young adults attending the Bible College will hopefully bridge this gap. Currently, there 6 students attending the College. Three of these student come from Burma. For those of you that do not know, this is a small country north of India. The government is a communist military regime. They do not allow foreigners to come into their country and preach the gospel (similar to China). This country is economically poor, therefore, the students are not able to keep up with expenses in India. 10,000 Burmese kyats is equal to 25 Indian Rupees. 25 Indian Rupees is equal to about 50 cents U.S. Currency. Attached to this email you will find a list of ministry oppertunities that need support, as well as, a list of books that need to be purchased for the Bible College that was started on July 7, 2008. These books can be purchased at a Christian book store in Bangalore. There are seven professors at the College. They are teaching the old and new testament, church history, world religion, evangalism, discipleship, and English. The Foster Home children were originally coming from the homes with one or both parents suffering from Leprosy. There is a stigma attached to this disease in India because of the Hindu culture. Hindus believe that Leprosy is a curse from one of there gods, so if a person contracts this disease they, along with their family, will be shunned. These people are considered the "untouchables". Even after treatment, these individuals will be excommunicated. They are considered to lead a cursed life.

The Foster Home now takes in children who come from extreme poverty, as well. Without a support network, these children would be begging in the streets or worse. There are currently 7 boys and 4 girls in the Foster Home. The Foster Home allows these children to have three square meals a day, attend a christian school, have a roof over there heads, and feel safe. It is a good oppertunity for them to study hard and advance in this culture. Any financial support for these Ministries would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for this oppertunity to correspond with you. If you have any further question please feel free to contact me at this email.

God Bless you,

Julie

Easter Activities

The Word of God is true and powerful. The resurrection Factor of Jesus Christ is real. All the evidence related to the Resurrection is pointing and establishing the fact that it is a Reality, not a fiction.
Wishing you the Easter Greetings and this is our prayers that may you experience the power of Resurrection.
Kindly pray for the children in the Agape Foster home. All the children are busy with their final Exams for this year.
The up coming events in the foster home during March and April are as follows.
Easter Sunday Brake Fast with local community.
Vacation Bible School. We expect 150 Children.
Foster home Children and Staff one day annual Picnic.

Rev. Alex

Easter Week

As we enter into the third month, it has got special significance in connection with lent and Passion Week. The observation of lent may bring us to the humility of Jesus Christ. He was even obedient unto the death on the cross for the sins of the world (sins of every individual). His expression of love on the cross is magnificent and our minds cannot comprehend it because the love of Jesus Christ towards each one of us is so wide and so deep. The sufferings of Christ will remind us one thing that He took the cross up to Calvary so that we may escape out of the shame and punishment on the Judgment day. He taught humbleness by washing the feet of His disciples. The public expression of His humbleness was carrying the cross publicly. Though His death on the cross was a cruel one, but it has given us the eternal salvation because He shed His last drop of blood at Calvary so that we may have victory over our sins. The burial of Christ is so significant to our Christian life that one day we all have to leave from this world. But the resurrection of Christ is the hope of each and every individual who believes in Christ that even if he die, he also would resurrect just like Jesus Christ has risen from the death.

Let us meditate on the sufferings, crucification, burial and resurrection of Christ during this month for our self cleansing and let us lead a holy life which will be pleasing our risen Lord.

Peace and Grace e with you

Rev. Alex O Korulla