APOSTOLIC News

India – December 3, 2009. From Ken and Julie Cook’s ministry webpage.

Our spiritual connection to the country began in the month of June. After discussing the possibility of adopting a child, we knew that the Lord had placed this desire in each of our heart’s. Within a short period of time, the Lord allowed us to connect with Anthony Praveen Gaddam of Morning Star Foundation. He is the representative in India for an international adoption agency.  

The very next week, Anthony was traveling to the U.S. and meeting with us in our home. Things were moving rather quickly.

Our first experience in meeting with Anthony face to face would be nothing less than miraculous. For the first time during his travels, Anthony was not traveling alone. This time, he brought a very kind and humble man by the name of P. Timothy, from Kavali, India. (God was proving early in this connection that He had big plans for us with the country of India).

Anthony and P. Timothy remained in our home for two days, as we discussed the adoption process.  During these meetings, Timothy remained downstairs, as a kind gesture of not wanting to interfere with the privacy of our personal documents and other disclosures. On the second day of their stay, I felt the Lord dealing with me concerning Timothy.

I asked Timothy to come upstairs, and explained to him that we were interested in knowing more about him. We had eaten together and laughed together, but the adoption process had taken center stage, and until this time, we knew very little about the life of this kind man.

Timothy began to tell of his life’s story, and how that he had been in ministry for 32 years, and he was currently pastoring 19 different churches throughout the region of Kavali, India. He explained that his denomination, which is affiliated with a large group in America, wanted to anoint him as a recognized Bishop. He further explained that even though they held a special service for him in Atlanta Georgia, he felt like something was still missing. In fact, Timothy said that after the service, the leader of this group told him to be ready for a “big open door.”

The presence of the Lord began to visit us in our kitchen that evening, as we discussed the work of God. Our discussions began to grow deeper. Pastor Timothy asked me to consider coming to India and holding a crusade.

I assured him that I would be interested in traveling to India for ministry purposes, and would certainly enjoy holding a crusade.  However, I would only be interested in sharing the Oneness message, along with an added emphasis on water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, and the infilling of the Holy Spirit.  While he sat in what appeared to be deep contemplation, I asked Pastor Timothy if his brethren would be opposed to this message. His response was quick and precise, “No.” I then asked if he personally would be opposed to this message being preached to his people, and in his village. Once again, his response was exactly the same.

At this point, excitement quickly filled the room, as the presence of the Lord became overwhelming. I excused myself momentarily, and went downstairs to tell Julie what was happening, and I asked her to begin praying. I knew that a Bible study would come quickly, and I was sure that Pastor Timothy was ready to hear what I had to say.

As I returned upstairs, Pastor Timothy said that he had one question that had been on his mind, and he needed an answer. The question was, “Why have my people never received the baptism of the Holy Spirit?”

Wow, what a question. He explained that when he was a child, his grand mother held Bible studies in her home, and on one particular occasion he heard someone speak in a different language. While he was trying to figure it out, someone interpreted that language for everyone else to understand. He said that he was never able to get away from this display of the Gifts of the Spirit.

Within 30 minutes of looking into the Bible for our answers, Pastor Timothy looked up at me. I hope I never forget the words that he spoke so powerfully with tears running down his face, he said, “I will accept this baptism!”

As Pastor Timothy knelt down, and began to praise God for this revelation, I called Pastor Stovall to inquire of using his church for the baptism. Thankfully, Pastor Stovall was awake, and more than receptive to this idea.

We met at the church around 11:30 p.m., and began a tremendous time of prayer and worship.

Just after midnight, within moments of being baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, Pastor Timothy was filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak in other tongues! Anthony was close by to verify this language was not of Indian decent.

Pastor Timothy shook mightily, and began to dance in the water throughout this life changing experience with God. It was one of the most beautiful baptisms that I have ever witnessed!

In an interview after his new birth experience, he said that throughout the years of ministry, he has conducted hundreds and hundreds of baptismal services, and “Tonight,” he said, “I understand that they were administered incorrectly.”

THE CRUSADE

During the month of October, we traveled to India. The 2 night crusade in the city of Hyderabad was an unforgettable experience.

We were amazed as we watched thousands of people assemble on a city block. Many rode for hours in the back of flatbed trucks. God honored their sacrifice and hunger, as His presence moved in a mighty way. Even thought the spiritual oppression and attacks were at times overwhelming to our physical bodies, the Lord kept us safe, and empowered us to carry out His mission.

A local choir ushered the crowd into worship. The only word we understood was “Hallelujah,” as our dear friend and interpreter, Pastor Alexander, helped to translate the songs for us.  The first night, Dyron Adams, preached a powerful message introducing the crowd to Jesus. The altar was flooded with open hearts, and God filled hundreds with the baptism of the Holy Ghost. Divine healing and miracles also took place, including a young girl who had been unable to walk. Pastor Alexander asked her to walk across the stage several times, to show to the crowd that Jesus alone was the healer!

When the van arrived to pick us up the second night, we were greeted by several pastors. We learned that two of these men had sons who are attending Christian Life College.   These men were Oneness ministers who traveled hundreds of kilometers to attend this one service. We began to pray together in the van. Words can’t begin to describe the powerful presence of the Lord. It was obvious that these were powerful men of prayer.

The crowd was even larger the second night and there was an expectation in the crowd. Because seating was limited, the children were on the floor in the front. I slipped down the the midst of the children and began to worship. They quickly followed my lead, clapping and dancing. It was a joyful time of worship. I had the opportunity to speak the second night. Again, the altar was full.
Our team stayed in the altar each night for well over an hour, as we were surrounded by people desperately seeking prayer. It’s hard to explain what it’s like to pray for someone who is totally and completely dependent on God to meet their need. They have nothing else. God  performed amazing wonders. Hundreds received the Holy Ghost, and were healed.

A vast harvest is taking place in the country of India! 

THE PASTORS CONFERENCE

During the second day of the crusade, we spoke to approximately  75 local pastors. The meeting was completely saturated with the presence of God! Just across the street, we noticed a large Muslim mosque. While we were preaching, many of them came outside to listen and to observe. Dyron Adams, John Martin and I each spoke at this conference. The gifts of the Spirit flowed so freely, and the prophetic Word was received with faith. Several of these pastors were also filled with the Holy Ghost.
 
THE BAPTISMS

We were divinely connected to two pastors during our visit to India. Pastor Alexander and Pastor Phillip. Pastor Alexander is a wise man of God that has mentored numerous ministers throughout India. He is one of the most Christ like men I’ve ever met. Pastor Philip has a gentle spirit and pastors a thriving church in Hyderabad, India.  On one specific morning, I was awakened with the direction of the Lord to share the Oneness message with Pastor Alexander. Several hours later in his office, the Lord directed our conversation and heavily anointed our time together, as we discussed the new birth, in greater detail.  

These kind men, who have pastored for many years, saw the importance of baptism in the name of Jesus and were ready to be baptized. Because of the state’s anti-conversion law, we were forced to use great caution in selecting the body of water for the baptisms. As many of you know, the caste system, as well as the government frowns heavily upon any type of religious conversion.

Pastor Alexander selected the area, and we traveled about an hour outside of the city to a remote lake. After clearing the water of snakes, (many cobras, and various water snakes are in that area), we entered the stagnate lake for this beautiful event. I baptized both men in the name of Jesus Christ! This was one of the most humbling and exciting experiences for me.
 
Pastor Phillip received the Holy Ghost for the first time, while in the water!  Pastor Alexander was already Holy Ghost filled!

To God be the Glory!!

THE TEAM

We were thankful God provided an incredible group to travel with us.

Dyron Adams is one of the premier evangelists on the field today. He has traveled internationally on numerous occasions and is mightily used in the gifts of the Spirit.

John Martin is a talented and anointed teacher. A rare and valuable component in 5-fold ministry. His experience in teaching oversees was evident as he ministered to the Indian pastors.

Dawn Kramer is a registered nurse, foster mother of 4, children’s minister, and pastor’s daughter.  Her vast experience was evident as she ministered to ladies and mothers.

THE COUNTRY

India is truly an incredible country. The people are absolutely gorgeous, with beautiful skin and dark eyes. On the flip side, the poverty and disease are of epidemic proportion. Swine flu, AIDS, HIV, Leprosy, etc.  I can’t begin to properly describe the conditions that millions and millions of these people live in.

The traffic is unbelievable. It’s like rush hour, everywhere and at all times. Thankfully we didn’t drive in India. We decided most NASCAR drivers couldn’t even drive in India! You could literally reach out and touch the car beside you…that close! Motorbikes swerve bravely through traffic with inches to spare. Yet with all the horn honking and weaving in and out of lanes, there was no road rage. No one got upset. Amazing.

I did take Pastor Alexander’s motorbike for a brief ride, in the neighborhood close to his home. I got turned around (there are no street signs…not that I could read, anyway) and ended up being lost for about 30 minutes. Thankfully the Pastor’s sons went running through the streets and found me. I hadn’t met them and got very nervous when they came running. I slowed down long enough to hear them say, “Your friends are looking for you.”  I gladly followed them back to Pastor Alexander’s home. That was enough driving in India for me!

Pastor Alexander’s dear wife, Annie, prepared dinner for us one evening. In traditional India style, we didn’t use utensils. Eating rice with your fingers takes some getting used to! Following dinner, she took Julie and had her try on a sari. The sari was beautiful, purple with gold accents. She gave the sari to Julie. It’s a treasured gift from a wonderful lady of God.

Indian food is very spicy. Very, very spicy. Our hotel served breakfast and we tried to eat from the buffet. Our waiters offered to bring us omelettes. That became our staple food during our stay!

We were intrigued by the monkeys in India. Seeing them in a zoo and seeing them on a roof or in a tree right above you, with no barriers, is totally different! They would watch us, but we were warned that they could attack. Some were the size of dogs! When one of them found a banana and they all came running, we decided it was time for us to leave!

THE REST OF THE STORY

We believe God sent us to India not only for the crusade and pastor’s conference, but specifically to connect with
Pastor Alexander and Pastor Phillip.

Pastor Phillip contacted us recently and said that they were heading back out to the same lake for more baptisms. I asked how they were baptizing them. Pastor Phillip laughed and said, “Just like you baptized us, in Jesus’ name!”

Pastor Alexander also contacted us. He has 24 additional pastors who are coming in to be taught about baptism.
At this time, we are scheduled to return to India during the last two weeks of January 2010. This will be a time that we dedicate to the pastors and other religious leaders. We must further instruct them in Apostolic doctrine. They are hungry for greater truth, and are prepared to live it, at any cost. 

Our goal is to set up a bible school in Hyderabad. Pastor Alexander has been teaching large groups of men, every six months, for years and now he has a greater message to share with them and others.
His life long goal has been to start a bible college where he can train, educate, and inspire, and then ultimately release Holy Ghost filled ministers to take the Gospel to India. I honestly believe that we are going to be able to help facilitate this dream!

Ken and Julie Cook