Rev. Mahtani is a minister in the Evangelical Reformed Churches of Singapore.

When the invitation came for us to return to India, nobody expected it to materialize in what one might call the “first joint-venture in missions” between the Evangelical Reformed Churches in Singapore and the Protestant Reformed Churches in America. As it turned out, however, Rev. J. Mahtani and Rev. J. Kortering found themselves on Indian soil for 24 days in the months of October and November 1992. What on earth were they doing there? Instead of writing words to explain and illustrate the mission trip, we present a pictorial record, in the hope that it will place vividly before your eyes the work of the Lord in India.

For Pastor Mahtani it was a return to India for the third time. Twice before, the Covenant Evangelical Reformed Church had sent him there to preach the Word and to investigate possible missionary labors. This time, when Pastor Mahtani was invited to Central India, the Mission Committee of the ERCS decided that it would be wise to have Rev. Kortering go along as co-laborer to investigate India as a possible mission field. With the gracious cooperation and sponsorship of the PRC, Rev. Kortering was able to join Rev. Mahtani in this return to India. Together the two pastors attended and spoke at the Sindhi Conference. Then they made their way south to renew the contacts made in the past. They have both come home with exciting reports, a multitude of pictures, and vivid slides of this recent work in India.

Will the ERCS return again to India? Or will it be a task the Lord would have the PRC to perform?

The mammoth task seems impossible. As in any field, the labors in India are filled with many questions. Both Pastors speak excitedly of the work there, but warn of many difficulties and urge the churches to consider carefully the field without plunging too quickly into the work. As we consider together the work of the Lord in India, let us be reminded of His great commission: “All power is given unto me in heaven and on earth; Go ye therefore and make disciples of all nations . . . and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world” (Matt. 28:18, 19). And again, “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He will send forth laborers into his harvest” (Matt. 9:37, 38). The Mission Committee of the ERCS is presently studying the mission reports. Recommendations, when ready, will be presented to the ERCS Classis. The PRC is also being kept informed of further developments and possible future labors in India. In the meantime, let us pray, “Thy will be done.”