Dear Friends,

Recently, I discovered a diary my father kept the year he arrived in America to study the Bible, 1962. On New Year’s Eve of that year, Dad reflected on Psalm 27, which begins, “The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear?” The Psalmist concludes by confidently saying, “I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” Dad was able to see so much of the Lord’s goodness throughout his life as he shared the Gospel throughout India. We are so glad that the work of IEM goes on, and we will continue to “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”

IEM’s work in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh is growing. Recently, one of our pastors and his wife led a day of ministry, including teaching and prayer, focused on women in several adjoining villages. The women in these villages are often the first to express their faith in Christ, yet they often face resistance from their husbands and parents. Despite the resistance they face, their faith is growing, and we continue to encourage them. We have included some photos from the UP women’s ministry in the insert. Also included are pictures from the neighboring state of Bihar, where a pastor is engaged in school ministry. He has the opportunity to present the story of Jesus to children for the first time in their lives. Please pray for this ministry, that it will continue to develop and grow.

At the beginning of March, I traveled to the Pacific Northwest for our annual fellowship meetings. My sisters Sheela and Mishal, as well as Mishal’s family (Len, Schuyler, Ethan and Luke), joined me as we updated our supporters on what the Lord is doing in India. We shared testimonies and videos from our recent trip to India, and the Montgomery Horns provided the music. It was a wonderful time of fellowship with those who share in the vision of IEM. Pictures are shared in the insert, including a picture in front of Castle Rock Christian Church, the church that supported my dad to come to America to study the Bible in 1962. It was a joy to join them for Sunday worship.

Please continue to pray for the Christian community in India, which is under increased pressure due to the passage of anti-conversion laws. The most recent one was passed in Maharashtra State, where IEM supports more than 15 Pastors and Christian workers. Despite these laws, we remain confident in the Good News of the Lord.

We look forward to meeting with our supporters in Ohio next month at our annual fellowship banquet. Please make sure to join us if you are in that region.

May God continue to bless you and your family.

In Him,

Dayan Mathai