It was on April 29th that we set out from Kerala to conduct retreats in Russia, Germany, Austria and France.

During the two-month-long preaching of the word of God, the Lord gave us several important God-experiences. Going to Russia, which had been under the communist regime for over seventy years, was an extremely pleasant experience. We were a six-member team: Fr Kuriakose Punnolil, Sr Margarita (Germany), Sr Theresa, Mrs & Mr Conrad (Germany) and I.

I am reminded of the fact that the entire Christian world had prayed unceasingly for very many years for the conversion of Russia. In Russia, ruled by communists for seventy years, Christian values and faith have been utterly destroyed. However, it is a sign of hope that a people in search of God is emerging in this country.

Bellaruse (White Russia) is one of the fifteen and odd independent countries that were separated from the Soviet Union. It is situated about 600 km away from Moscow. In St Judes’ Church at Las Dune in Bellaruse, we conducted a five- days’ retreat for 400 people. There were 80 high school students in the group. A college principal, who was healed of a 50-year-old pain in the neck, brought along 20 lecturers for the retreat the next day. That marked the beginning of the work of evangelisation. St Jude’s Church where the retreat was conducted, was used for seven years as a stable under the communist regime. Fr Marius, is the vicar of that Church. There were two young priests of the Russian Orthodox Church who travelled 600 km from Moscow to attend the retreat. The blind saw; the deaf heard; the paralysed were healed-those priests who personally witnessed these events said, "We too desire to go all over the world and preach the word of God. Will you not pray for us?"
 
 

In Russia and other European countries there must arise several Spirit-filled preachers. Such people must be sent from India, too.

In the European countries there is great economic progress and, at the same time, great spiritual deterioration. Russia is economically, spiritually and educationally very backward. Seventy years of communist rule have reduced Russia to a deplorable state. We could see several alcoholics roaming about on the streets. God, who is love, is inspiring and bringing about a renewal in Russia through spirituality programmes and retreats.

Missionaries Arise! Offer up prayers and supplications! May many preachers of the word of God be sent to Europe for the proclamation of the word!
 
 

Numerous German people, priests and religious are waiting eagerly for retreat teams from India.

The II World War had utterly destroyed Germany economically. But the hard-working and brilliant Germans changed the face of their country through hard toil and constant, sustained effort. However, because of unlimited individual freedom, numerous people have been plunged into spiritual blindness. They have strayed from the Christian faith and become slaves to material wealth and consumerism. Today the soul of Germany is crying for God.

Behold! The German people are thirsting for God. The German nation looks to India and says, "Come. We are thirsting for God. Give us the Holy Spirit to renew our broken personal relationships and shattered family ties".

All those involved in the work of evangelisation in Germany are extremely happy.

On the 1st of May a very significant event took place in Bad Soden in Frankfurt. A new retreat centre was blessed and opened. There are residential facilities for one hundred people in this retreat centre. Already one residential retreat was conducted last May. This building, worth several crores, was donated by a German lady, DocBlock, for Evangelisation 2000 retreats. In 1992 when the Potta team first conducted a retreat in Germany, there was a message that such a retreat house would be opened there. Seven years of prayer were necessary for that prophecy to be fulfilled. Moreover, Bible conventions led by various retreat teams were held during the last seven years. "Seek first the kingdom of God and his justice and all the rest shall be added unto you"-this word of God is fulfilled through the donation of this retreat house to Sr Margarita and team.
 
 

While Bible conventions were being held for the Keralites residing in Europe and for the natives, it was an earnest prayer that God may make it possible for retreats to be conducted for the priests and religious of those countries. This prayer too was answered in 1999. A retreat was held at Kevelear for 103 Germans-32 priests, 6 deacons and 65 nuns. Attending a retreat from 9 am to 9 pm was, as far as they were concerned, a totally new experience. All of them were blessed with a deep experience of Jesus and great joy in the Spirit to which they testified publicly. Following this retreat others were held for the people in Germany, Austria and France. In each there were about 200-300 people who attended as residential or non-residential participants. Against the European background such a number making a retreat for five days at a stretch is a great wonder indeed!
 
 

A five-days’ retreat conducted at Sontagberg near Vienna in Austria for nearly 52 priests and nuns, turned out to be a great blessing. When we went to Vienna en route to Paris, more than 200 Austrians and Keralites had gathered in Fr Bruno’s church to listen to the word of God.
 
 

World Evangelisation, preaching of the word of God, conversion of sinners, inner healing , anointing of the Spirit of individuals and communities-all these are the work of God the Spirit in the Church. God accepts the abilities and surrender of persons. When we surrender our abilities, the Holy Spirit transforms them into gifts and charisms.

We need to thank, glorify and praise God for all the arrangements made for the ministry of the word. All good gifts and blessings are from him. Therefore, with all our love we say, Praise God, Praise Jesus, Praise Holy Spirit!

Numerous are the priests, sisters, lay leaders and other volunteers who gave generously of their hard labour, time, money and intercessory prayer in order to organise retreats and Bible conventions in India and abroad. To each one of them, these humble servants offer their thanks in the name of Jesus. "Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Cor 15:57)
 

God reveals his glory

Those who stray from God are crushed by sin and sickness. Brokenness in the family is extremely painful and regrettable. In order to regenerate broken individuals and communities, God sends his messengers - preachers of the word of God. Through the ministry of the word and praying for the Holy Spirit, they help those broken in mind, heart and body to be renewed and to be transformed into evangelisers.
 
 
God of Wonders! Praise be to you

To bring those who have gone away from God, and are plunged in sin and grief, back to him, lead them to the salvation of Jesus - This itself is the greatest miracle. God gave us the grace to witness this miracle everywhere. He extended his constant protection to us. The safety we experienced on our journey and the care we received in every retreat centre were amazing.

All the expenses of the team members for their flight from Germany to Bellaruse and back were met by an ordinary individual in Germany. How wonderful is God’s providence!