May we never forget the memory of 2,974 men and women that died 8 years to this day.
Let’s keep America and our children safe. God bless America!
Where is Sujo speaking this week?
Sept 10, 2009 - Cry out America, New York City, NY
Sept 11, 2009 - Liberty University, Lynchburg, NC
Sept 13, 2009 - Friend;y Baptist Church, Burgaw, NC
We just concluded a 5 week ministry trip to India. Thank you to the many of you that were praying. We had a wonderful crusade in Delhi and ministry in Mumbai and Kerala.
The highlight was the Emerging Leaders of India Conference in Mumbai where 800+ leaders under the age of 35 attended. It was phenomenal hearing some transformation stories and meeting some great leaders in the making. The patron of this Conference was Dr. A Pinto, Founder of Ryan Group of Schools. This is an man with an incredible vision for India’s transformation. It was a humbling experience to speak to the emerging leaders of India who are working in the trenches for the Lord, many of them paying a tremendous price for their faith.
You have to be in India to see that what is doing in this nation. India has emerged as the nation with the 6th largest population of Christians in the world. The church in India is experiencing explosive growth.
Here is a few observations -
* There is no stopping of the Indian church. Explosive growth.
* Un-reached people groups now being reached like never before.
* Indian church is emerging as a voice to the nations. Indian young men and women are being sent into the nations.
* Fast growing churches in India are those that have shed legalism.
* Indian churches have embraced passionate worship. Artists finally being recognized in churches.
* Greater unity can now be seen among churches.
* Strong para-church ministries have emerged, often bridging the church and the outside world.
* Indian churches from always being a receiving church is becoming a giving church.
* Christians becoming a force in business, arts,education and politics.
* The Indian church is still the suffering church with increased persecution.
* Bright young men and women answering God’s call and entering into ministry. Choice of ministry as a vocation not looked down upon like in the past.
* India going through a period of conversion. Discipleship efforts are lacking.
* Huge shortage of trained ministry personnel. Need for more Bible colleges and Leadership Development Institutes.
* Foreign missions organizations need to re-think and re-organize their interests in India. Strong Indian church that has emerged needs to be gives its freedom.
Continue to pray for this nation on the move!
God bless you!
Sujo John
Where is Sujo John this weekend?
Aug 14, 2009 @ 10 am Daystar Television - Celebration with Marcus and Joni Lamb
Aug 16, 2009 Sujo will be speaking @ 9:30 am and 11 am @ First Baptist Church of Colleyville, Colleyville, Texas
Preparing to preach this message tomorrow and thought of sharing some thoughts….
“Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” - Mathew 20:22
This question from the Lord was to the mother of Zebedee’s son and her boys but in a way to all of us.
What got Jesus to ask this challenging question?
Mathew 20 Vs 20-21 - We see a picture of the mother of Zebedee’s sons with her boys kneeling before the Lord,but hidden in this act of worship was an ulterior motive. Here is a mother canvassing for her boys. She was jockeying for seats for her sons on the right side and left side of Jesus. A condition of the selfish human heart on display. This got Jesus to ask them this very challenging question.
Here is Jesus talking of a cup. What is this cup? This was the cup of God’s wrath, a cup of betrayal and the baptism he was talking about was an immersion into suffering. Jesus was getting ready for a baptism of sorrow, a baptism of pain, a baptism of Gethsemane.
The response from James and John and their mother was immediate. They said “We are able”. I wonder if the mother of James and John was alive when her sons were tortured for their undying passion for the Lord. Acts 12:2 tells us that James was beheaded by Herod of Agrippa. John was tortured and then exiled to Patmos (Rev 1:9)
Meditate on these three thoughts-
Jesus says,” I have a baptism” – You ready to receive it?
When I landed in America on the cold morning of February 22, 2001 eight years ago, I immediately knew that life here was going to be so different. I now had the challenge to quickly get used to drive–thru, fast food places, ATM machines, sprawling malls, fast cars, bigger houses. There was also this burning dream within me to make something out of my life in this land of opportunity but the greatest emotion within me was the sense of freedom to live in America, a nation founded on Christian principles.
As a new immigrant, here is what impressed me in 2001:
1. America was founded on Judeo-Christian principles
2. The number of cathedrals and churches that we would drive by even in New York and New Jersey. This was new for me, coming from a country where Christians are a minority and where you see temples and mosques instead of churches.
3. Faith in America spanned across generations.
4. America had a President who drew strength from his faith in Jesus Christ.
5. The Church had strong leaders in Dr. Jerry Falwell, Billy Graham, Pastor Adrian Rogers, Dr. Pat Robertson, Dr. James Dobson, Dr. James Kennedy and others who did not pander to the dictates of the culture but boldly addressed issues. America had defenders of the faith who spoke the truth.
6. America was the biggest mission-sending nation in the world – in giving and in personnel.
7. Our leaders would stand by Israel with unwavering support for the Jewish nation.
8. On 9/11 while I was lying in the rubble of the Twin Towers I wondered if coming to America was a mistake but I was overwhelmed to see how this nation turn to God, albeit for a brief period. It was okay to pray in the name of Jesus. God bless America bumper stickers were everywhere. This was a nation of faith.
9. America would go after terrorists and terrorism so that what happened on 9/11 would not happen again.
Eight years later, here is what does not impress me in 2009:
1. History is now discussed, taught and interpreted differently in America.
2. Churches closing across America.
3. This generation is now the most unchurched. Recent study shows 10% drop in those who call hemselves Christians.
4 . We now have a President who says, “America is not a Christian country”
5. Moral failures of some church leaders and the lack of boldness the leaders of this generation have and their message of compromise.
We are now living in a time where we are seeing the radical left trying hard to push gay marriage in this country. I was shocked this week to hear Pastor Rick Warren, the author of The Purpose Driven Life and pastor of Saddleback Church say that he is not “Anti-Gay Marriage” and that speaking against gay marriage is not high on his list of priorities anymore. This reversal in views has left us shocked and in hurt. Homosexuality is an abomination before the Lord. Our society has become so sexualized. Why are we scared to speak out about what the Bible has to say on this issue?
6. We are no longer the top mission sending and giving nation.
7. We are moving away from our unwavering support for the nation of Israel and we tolerate European governments, Russia and Iran’s hate for Israel.
8. We are now in another crisis. Where is the call to prayer?
9. We do not use the term War on Terrorism anymore but have replaced it with “Overseas Contingency Operation”. We do not say terrorist attacks but ”Man-caused disasters”. We have become too soft on an enemy that is real and hates us.
How quickly things have changed and are changing before us in this nation.
Our answer is not in a President of our political persuasion, the power and will of the government. Our answer is in the message of the Cross.
Can we dream of and pray for a third Great Awakening in America?
I remember the words of Pope Pius XII quoted by President Ronald Reagan
“The American people have a great genius for splendid and unselfish actions. Into the hands of America, God has placed the destinies of an afflicted mankind”.
This idea called “America” has thrived because we have heeded these words.
The world still needs a strong America. Let’s go to work!
Dear friends,
I am getting ready for an exciting Missions trip to the nation of Pakistan. We have a Gospel Festival planned in the city of Karachi. Karachi has an estimated population somewhere between 12-18 million people.
Our Festival dates are April 16-19, 2009. Would appreciate your prayers of the safety of this event and for hearts to be ready to receive the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
On my way to Pakistan I will also be ministering to the expatriate population in Doha,Qatar on April 14, 2009.
Please come back here for more information. There is a lot I want to share with you about this trip. If you are on Facebook please join the group (Gospel to Pakistan) for specific details.
Have a blessed Easter,
Sujo John
London
It was awesome to speak at Southhall Church of God, Southhall, London. Met some great folks with wonderful testimonies. The highlight of our trip to London was getting to attend Hillsongs London. What an experience! We caught the 5:30 pm service on Sunday which was packed to capacity. The worship was incredible and so was the Word. The Pastor preached one of the best messages I have heard on generosity. The only challenge was dealing with the unpredictable weather in London. Haven’t we heard that one before about London.
India
India was very tense because it was right after the gruesome terrorist attacks in Mumbai. Security was tight. Hotels and airports looked like fortresses. The mood was very similar to what we went through here in America after 9/11.
We had a wonderful time of ministry in New Delhi, Mizoram and Mumbai -
Mizoram - This beautiful state, surrounded by mountains is in the North -Eastern part of India. This state has a dominant christian population. A couple of hundred years ago missionaries came to this very remote part of the world. What awaited them was a group of people who warmly embraced the Gospel.
In the capital city of Aizawl our host a local Pastor has just started a Bible school and his focus is to train young men and women who come in from Myannmar (formerly Burma). Burma is one of the most closed countries for the Gospel. They have diplomatic relations with very few countries and their country is run by the military junta. We met about 15 young men and women who had walked 7 days through the forests and mountains of Burma to sneak into neighboring India to study the Word. This journey is hard and also very dangerous as if you are spotted by the Burmese military you could be killed. This was priceless! To see the committment and hear the stories of these young men and women who are so passionate to reach their nation. Please be praying as we are exploring ways to help develop this Bible school.
From Aizawl, we had a 10 year jeep ride into a small town of Kaublem on the border of Burma. A very remote village. We had over 1000 people attend our Gospel meetings and many received the Lord. We have committed to help building a church for this village. We will be going back to this village November 2009 and God willing it will be for the dedication of the new church.
Mumbai - I had wonderful time of ministry with my friend Pastor Shekhar Kallianpur of New Life Fellowship, Mumbai. We also spent some time strategising for the launch of the India Urban Church Planting Movement.
Thank you for praying! Excited to be back home with family for Christmas.
Wishing you and your family a blessed Christmas!
Your friend,
Sujo John
Lima, Peru
Thank you so much for those of you who were praying for us as we here holding a Youth Gospel Festival in Lima, Peru from Nov 16-18, 2008. We were blessed to see 1200 decisions for Christ at the Festival. All glory to God!
I had a wonderful team of 24 people that went with me to Peru. We also had opportunities to minister in several schools and universities. It was more than we could ask for as we were pleasantly suprised that we could present the gospel and did not have to hold back.
From Lima I went to the jungle city of Pucallpa. It was some change from the cool weather in Lima we were now in hot and humid Pucallpa. It was quite an experience being in a culture so different. I was offered all kinds of exotic meat - Aligator, Snakes, Tiger. You name it and they could bring it. Was relieved that they also had chicken and beef on the menu. In Pucallpa we met with Pastors who had planned for me to speak at their Munipal Board, staff at Police Station, universities and 3 other gospel meetings. The church in Pucallpa was very indegenous. I was very impressed with the humility and sincerity of the preachers there.
Our last day we took a long boat ride to a community of native Indians. Another awesome experince awaited me there. To be deep in the forests away from modern technology and glitz and to be with people who have still not lost the value of simple things in life was an enriching experience for me.
Overall just a great trip. This was my third trip to this country. There are some huge needs in Peru and we are praying for God’s wisdom and direction for our future involvement in that nation.
Please be praying as I leave tomorrow for UK and India. I am speaking this weekend in London and from there to India. The situation in India is tense because of the terrorist attacks on Mumbai. I am in India till Dec 16th.
Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Your friend,
Sujo John
Phew..what an incredible week this has been!!
Board Meeting
Our board got to meet yesterday and I had a opportunity to share with them what God is doing on our lives and also share the vision for the future. I had two special friends join our board - Glen Stephens and Frank Day (Flower Mound, Texas). I am so grateful for their support and willingness to offer their time and services. The others on or board are Pastor J Don George, Irving, Texas; Pastor Don James; Wyckoff, New Jersey; John Cherian, South Brunswick, New Jersey; Kari Skoklefald, As, Norway;Pastor Solomon Wang, Nebraska, Steve Faulkner, Delaware. Each of our board members have been such a blessing to the growth of the ministry and the excecution of our vision. I am truly indebted to them.
7th Anniversary Celebrations of SJM Banquet
Last night we had the honor to host a banquet to celebrate 7 years of proclamation evangelism and also to share our vision for the upcoming years. It was such a blessing to have Pastors and friends come down to Dallas from different parts of the country to encourage us. I am overwhelmed by their kindness and the trust they have placed on us. What an incredible honor it has been to take this gospel to the nations of the world in the last 7 years. But all this would not have been possible but for the mentors, friends, partners and prayer warriors that God has raised for us that spoken into our lives, travailed in prayer for us and supported us financially. Our speaker Dr. Jerry Johnston, Overland Park, Kansas wowed us all. He has been such a blessing to me over the years. His church, First Family, in Overland Park was one of the first churches that invited to me speak as our ministry was getting started.
Impact Lima, Peru
I am writing this blog from Miami airport as I wait to connect to our flight to Lima, Peru. So excited about what God is going to do in Peru. Nov 16-18, 2008 we will have three incredible nights of Youth Crusade with thousands of young people from all over the city of Lima. Some 44 churches are involved in this crusade so I cannot wait to see what God has in store. If you are reading this please take a few minutes to be praying for the youth of Peru. This will be my third trip to the country of Peru. The last time I was there God broke my heart for the youth of this country. Pray this will be a week of visitation from God for Peru.
We have 24 people joining us on this trip from New Orleans and from Dallas. Please be praying for the effectiveness and the safety of our team.
Hopefully I will be able to blog from Peru and I will be able to share with you what God is doing in Peru.
God bless you all,
” Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are upon the earth.” Colossians 3:2
Sujo John
Elections
What a week this has been in America? We have a new President in Barack Obama. I know emotions are high at this hour. Some elated at the outcome and others feel dejected. I admit I am in the part that felt dejected at the results. Democrat or Republican you have to agree that this has been a historic election. The country has a first black President and also the youth turn out has been so impressive.
Our prayers should be that God would bless the new President and give him the strength to lead the greatest nation in the world. That he would be someone that will honor the Judeo-Christian principles that this country was founded on. That Barak Obama will seek the counsel of God to run this country. That his policies would be pro-life and also protect Israel. If you beleive in the power of prayer you need to beleive that God can change hearts. May we also pray that this country would be united and God would forgive our sins and we will seek for His righteousness. May America continue to be that beacon of hope to the nations.
One result of this elections that I am thrilled about - Proposition 8 that would legalize gay marriage in California defeated. This has to be an answer to prayer. This result has stunned many and I am very shocked that this is not getting any coverage on news media.
Campus Crusade Outreach in Kentucky ( October 26-30, 2008)
Thank you for your prayers. We had a great outreach in 9 college campuses in Kentucky. These were smaller colleges where Campus Crusade has a Catalytic ministry. Some were very liberal schools and I am so excited that we had an opportunity to present the gospel to students in these campuses. We had 73 college students accept Christ and many more recommitting their lives. It was exhausting 9 speaking engagements and over 1200 miles on the road in Kentucky as I criss-crossed the state with the Campus Crusade staff members.
Met so many young people that are so fired up to share the message of the Cross. I was so impressed with one young man Jacob Heil who single handedly almost pulled a great event at a Catholic College - over 275 attended at a 9 am event and 23 received Christ. This young man is going to do some damage to the kingdom of darkness. Meeting guys like Jacob is one the greatest blessings for someone who is on the road. To know that God is calling and equipping men and women from the next generation.
Where is Sujo this weekend?
November 8 & 9, 2008 - Sat 6 pm and Sun 9 am & 11 am
I am excited to be speaking at Life Church, Olathe, Kansas. A few months ago I had coffee with Clint Sprague the Pastor of this fast growing church and he made such an impression on me. Can’t wait to get to see his church.
Life Church, 16111 S Lone Elm St, Olathe, Kansas 66062 www.getlife.info
November 14, 2008
Please be praying for our Board Meeting & 7th Ministry Anniversary Celebrations Banquet. Las Colinas, TX. Guest speaker : Dr. Jerry Johston, First Family Church, Overland Park, Kansas
Nov 16-18, 2008 Impact Lima Crusade, Lima, Peru
Pray as we reach to the thousands of young people in Lima, Peru at the 3 day Gospel Festival.
Hello friends,
It took me a few days to get back to this page to write some thoughts. The last few couple of weeks have been really busy but exciting ministry at Englewood Church, NJ and one of my favorite churches in the country Southside Baptist Church, Warner Robins, GA. What an incredible blessing Pastor Jerry Walls and Southside has been to our ministry in the last several years.
Visit to New York & Ground Zero
A few days ago I had a meeting with Jan Ramirez the chief curator of the September 11th Memorial in New York city. It was great to see the plans that are being drawn for the memorial that will be dedicated to the country on the 10th anniversary of the 9.11 attacks. It was so moving to be back at Ground Zero. It’s almost like a spiritual journey for me. Visiting Ground Zero though painful, it fires me up about why our lives have been spared and motivates me to do more to share the gospel to the untold millions in our world who have not heard the gospel. Standing on ground zero I could not help but thank God that there not been another attack on America’s soil and wondered if America’s resolve would be tested again. It was great to see Lower Manhattan churning with activity but there was certainly a gloom because of the way Wall Street is doing. While I was there I heard how churches in lower Manhattan area are getting droves of stock brokers during lunch hour. Very interesting!
Elections - I got to go and vote for the first time yesterday. I missed last elections as I had been a new citizen and did not get to register back then. If you wanna know how I voted? My vote was to defeat socialism. Get the clue? lol
Campus Crusade Events - (Oct 26-30, 2008)
I am off to Kentucky this today for a series of events with Campus Crusade this week. Please keep this in your prayers as many college students will hear the gospel this week, some for the very first time.
Here is my schedule for this weekeend and next week:-
Sunday, Oct. 26
Daybreak Community Church, Lexington, KY @ 8:30 & 10:30am
Translyvania University, Lexington, KY @ 7:00 pm (Campus Center Gym)
Monday, Oct. 27
University of the Cumberlands (Gatliff Chapel), Williamsburg, KY @ 10:00am
Lindsey Wilson College, Columbia, KY @ 8:00 pm CT (Cramner Dining Center)
Tuesday, Oct. 28
Morehead State University, Morehead, KY @ 8:00 pm (Button Auditorium)
Wednesday, Oct. 29
Berea College, Berea, KY @ 7:00 PM (Baird Lounge, Alumni Center)
Thursday, Oct. 30
St. Catharine College, St. Catharine, KY @ 9:30 AM
Union College, Barbourville, KY @ 7:00 PM (Downstairs Campus Center)