To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life (Romans 2:7).
I am a slow learner! I came to the United States back in 1993 to go to school and subsequently became a disciple of Jesus on November 25, 2001, by the grace and mercy of God. For the last few years, I have been working as Network Engineer for Fortune 500 company.
Of course hindsight is 20/20, but looking back I realize how much I treated Jesus as a stepping stone rather than the cornerstone. Instead of living my life by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me, I constantly tried to live for me –not in a blatant manner but far more subtly, allowing the distractions and desires of life to lull me into a sense of complacency. I began to realize that something radical had to be done to wake me from my slumber.
It is amazing how God brings about circumstances and situations that forced me to confront my selfishness and self-absorption. My time with my company was coming to an end, I am single and my parents are disciples. I realized no better time than now to take that radical plunge and to GO and be on the cutting-edge of faith. So I proceeded to put my condo on the market, gave away all my possessions, and put out feelers to anyone who would give me an opportunity to help build their ministry. Damon Brog, the church leader in Springfield Illinois, agreed to give me an opportunity to come to Springfield, Illinois, to work as an unpaid intern. As far as room and board, God opened an awesome door for me when Mark and Beth Staff opened their home to me. Amazingly, they didn't even know who I was, but when they heard what I was trying to do, they wanted to support the work of the ministry. So not only do I have a place to stay but everyday, but I get to sample some of the finest cuisine I have had the pleasure of eating.
It is awesome to see what God has been doing here in Springfield, Illinois. We have had multiple Bible studies on a daily basis for the last two months. God willing, we are hoping to have few baptisms in the next few weeks. Plus we have had an opportunity to serve the Springfield community in amazing ways and the church is vibrant and excited about what God is doing. It is truly awesome to see what God can do with a surrendered heart. We all have propensity to do amazing things for God, not because we can, but because He can. My encouragement and hope is that I can continue seeking first His kingdom and each day I can die to my self-absorption and be alive in Christ, living by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me. Praise God!!!
Raj Chandra
From Damon Brog:
Rajaveen Chandrasakaran is the name of our great brother, who has been moved by God to go anywhere, do anything, and give up everything. His example is one that I think many would be inspired and challenged by all around the world. He has exemplified in modern times what we read about in ancient times. God has clearly blessed his decision and willingness to be used. I believe God wants all of us to have that same heart.
Just today we studied the Bible with 4 college students consecutively between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. They continue to bring friends with them. Nearly twenty students are studying the Bible in earnest. The church has been here for about 15 years and had never had a campus ministry, though the effort had been made prior to our arrival. We put together a little campus Bible Talk at the beginning of 2010 and had a couple of baptisms, but there has been a literally miraculous injection of life to our campus ministry since Raj arrived here in August. It is very likely that we will finish the year out with about a half dozen baptisms. All that being said, it has made a GREAT impact on our church members here. Seeing someone surrender all and move to their town in order to invest themselves in the work of the Lord has left the people here revived and challenged in a good way. The Springfield church began the 2010 with 39 members; we will finish the year with well over 50! This comes after years of the church here struggling and even decreasing in size. Now there are ongoing Bible studies in all ministries of the church –campus, teens, marrieds, and singles! It is difficult to overstate the effect that the campus explosion has had on the entire church. The momentum that we have gained during the year has been pushed into hyperdrive when one committed disciple made the bold decision to respond to the radical calling of the Lord!
Just today we studied the Bible with 4 college students consecutively between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. They continue to bring friends with them. Nearly twenty students are studying the Bible in earnest. The church has been here for about 15 years and had never had a campus ministry, though the effort had been made prior to our arrival. We put together a little campus Bible Talk at the beginning of 2010 and had a couple of baptisms, but there has been a literally miraculous injection of life to our campus ministry since Raj arrived here in August. It is very likely that we will finish the year out with about a half dozen baptisms. All that being said, it has made a GREAT impact on our church members here. Seeing someone surrender all and move to their town in order to invest themselves in the work of the Lord has left the people here revived and challenged in a good way. The Springfield church began the 2010 with 39 members; we will finish the year with well over 50! This comes after years of the church here struggling and even decreasing in size. Now there are ongoing Bible studies in all ministries of the church –campus, teens, marrieds, and singles! It is difficult to overstate the effect that the campus explosion has had on the entire church. The momentum that we have gained during the year has been pushed into hyperdrive when one committed disciple made the bold decision to respond to the radical calling of the Lord!
Epilogue:
Raj has recently been offered a campus leadership position in Durban, RSA, and he has decided to accept it as his U.S. visa expires. In February of 2011, Raj is going to do this all over AGAIN, taking just a couple of bags and moving around the globe to do the work of the Lord.