From a Pastor’s Perspective
Pastor Stephen Hokuf
(From the October 2019 CFI Newsletter)
Dear CFI family,
I was privileged to be able to go visit the CFI orphanage this past August. The process to get a visa was complicated because I am a minister of the gospel. The country of India is making it harder for Christians to go and serve. I submitted my application in 2018 and it was 6 months before I heard anything. Eventually, I was only approved for a 3-month window, but I am so glad it was finally resolved. I encourage you to pray more earnestly for this ministry and these precious boys God has entrusted to our care. Hundreds of orphanages in India have closed their doors in recent years. What we are doing doesn’t happen by accident. Pray that like Nehemiah’s wall of old, we may see that “the nations that were about us…perceived that this work was wrought by our God” (Neh. 6:16).
I was blessed to be able to share the mission trip with my good friend and fellow pastor John St. Pierre. We took turns preaching to the boys and sharing devotions with the staff. Brother Philip Dongre was our translator. During the week there were nearly 100 boys who made decisions for Christ! About 40 of those were 1st time decisions. Praise God from whom all blessings flow. I pray that God will continue to change India, one boy at a time.
We were also able to help feed the boys for the various meals. It was a humbling experience to scoop out food for over 200 boys. Each boy had his own metal plate, but no silverware, tables, or chairs. The food was healthy and nutritious, and there were plenty for seconds. May God bless all those who work so hard day after day to care for these orphan boys.
One day, I even had the privilege to visit and preach at the nearby Grace Bible College, where all of our graduating seniors are welcome to go. Currently, 7 of our young men are attending. These young people will be the future leaders of various Christian ministries across India. What a blessing to be able to see all of these things with my own eyes and know that our mission’s money is being well spent and will be reaping fruit for years to come until the Lord returns, may that day be soon.
I was also able to visit another nearby orphanage that my wife Janet and I support, “The Boys and Girls Christian Home.” This is the orphanage where Philip Dongre grew up. As a teenager working at Sandy Cove Bible Conference in North East, Maryland, I remember giving to support that fine institution. Philip may have been there at that very time. Now we serve the Lord together as brothers in Christ! Here, I was allowed to preach the glorious gospel of salvation in Jesus as well. Over 100 stood and prayed to receive Christ! We estimate that about half were first-time decisions. Now I think I know why Satan worked so hard to keep my visa from being approved to go to India.
As a member of the American board of CFI, I was able to sit in on a meeting of the Indian board. Please pray for these courageous and hard-working men of God. India has just passed a nationwide ban on evangelizing. It is now against the law to try to lead someone to faith in Christ. A year or so in jail may be the punishment! It has always been difficult to be a follower of Christ but now it is more so. Thank you so much for your support and prayers for these vital ministries. I hope that you will be able to pray a little more fervently and intelligently knowing these facts. Please be encouraged and keep looking up. He is coming soon, and His reward is with Him.
Your fellow servant in Christ,
Pastor Stephen D. Hokuf
