10 Sept 1988
Dear Aunty,
I feel a lot better after reading your letter. Thanks. I nicknamed you a ‘preacher’ once! I’m ready to eat my words now. I do miss my friend, philosopher and guide. Sorry for not sending you a prompt reply. My evenings are fully engaged with choir practices. I had no time to write. I’m sure you’ll understand.
By the way, I’m still in the Jesus Fan Club! And intend to stay there always!
You know what?! I picked up courage and spoke to Aarthi. She didn’t snub me for interfering... I hope, she listened...She didn’t make any comment. But some of my classmates are quite suspicious of my fanatical ways. I walked up to one and asked her, “Are you saved?” She was so catty about it. “Is that the fashion?” she demanded (Her back arched and her claws ready to scratch), “Walk up to Christians and ask them if they are saved? Get lost! Your goods won’t sell here!”
Ugh! She cut me down to the size of a peanut...and...before all the other girls. How they must have laughed! Perhaps, I’m not cut out to be a ‘fisher’ of men, after all...I dread to try again! I long for my school days. I wonder how I am going to stand this crowd for 3 years.
College Day was celebrated here. I would rather not say anything about it. Their behaviour was atrocious. I have decided to keep out of their revelry and merrymaking. I would rather be in hell.
A moody Mala.
* * *
22 Sept 1988
Dear Mala,
It’s good to hear that the “preacher” has been promoted to the rank of “friend, philosopher and guide!”
I hope you’re not kidding about your ‘fan’ club! I have heard so many stories about college ‘beauties’ and their mesmerised ‘fans.’ I’ll be very relieved if you have kept out of this giddy-headed business.
Are the champion soulwinner’s muscles flagging already? It looks like you are ready to give up even before the race has begun. Look Mala! Spiritual gifts don’t drop down from heaven in gift-wrapped parcels everytime you pray. We must keep going.
School is virgin soil. It is easy to lead the early teens to the Lord. But winning college students for Christ is a great challenge. Pray every morning that the Lord will use you that day. Then keep alert for opportunities where you may serve Him. Pray for discernment and wisdom not to let these opportunities slip through your fingers.
You never know. Girls who seem to be buoyant and light-hearted to all appearances may be wearing a flippant attitude to cover up the emptiness of their meaningless lives, steeped in fear and disillusionment. I pray that God leads you to be sensitive to the needs of others.
Do you remember Sangita whom you met at my place? She is now in Sholapur. Her letters also seem to echo your feelings. She too wants to cut herself off from all the social activities going on in her college. I have the same advice for both of you. Your success in soulwinning depends on how you move with other students. They mustn’t think of you as eccentrics. But at the same time, they must see in you a difference and purity. If you cannot learn to accept and tolerate them, you will never be able to win them for Jesus. But never compromise on your convictions. Be friendly to all. In time, the Lord will make you sensitive enough to become aware of the specific needs of people around you. He will provide the opportunity and the words that you should speak. Pray for them. The Lord who hears your secret prayer will give you a glorious harvest of souls openly.
Have you watched a crane catch fish? Though spotlessly white, it doesn’t scare off the fish. It stands perfectly still and catches the fish only when they come close, trustingly and within reach. The moral of the story is quite clear I think. The world may be compared to the pond. Like the crane though we may stand out in purity, we mustn’t conduct ourselves in such a way that people run away from us. God’s love should transform us into warm, caring people who reach out to others. Then, they will respond by trusting in us and we can lead them to the Lord.
We are indeed “blessed” if we don’t walk in the counsel of the ungodly, or stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in the seat of the scornful (Psa 1:1); but we must also be a “friend of sinners”(Mt 9:10-13). I hope I am making myself clear - we should not have fellowship with sinners but we can be their friends. The world is an ocean and we are fisher-folk. So, always remember that the Lord has a purpose in taking you to this institution. Take care that you fulfil that purpose.
(everywhere + wisdom) + (ever + smile) + (everyone + love) - (hesitation + fear + shyness) = soul x soul x soul
Bloom where you are planted. You are a witness in this world; a missionary in your own place.
Do you still write to your schoolmates? Keep in touch with them. Write home regularly. I met your mother at the market. She complained that you are slack in writing letters. When are you coming home?
Your Aunty
* * *
30 Sept 1988
Dear Aunty,
Two days ago I saw something that shocked and disgusted me. When the lights went out, I went into my neighbour’s room with my torchlight to borrow matches. I saw two girls there on the bed, lying in a passionate embrace. I fled for my life. Is this what you meant by fan?
Thank you so much for your letter. I read it over and over again. Your words have brought a new purpose and vigour into my life. Yes, I have made friends...now, they come to my room atleast to share my grub. There are six in charge of the mess. I spoke to them. They were interested in listening to what I said. One of them wept. She wants to come to my room and talk to me privately. Do pray for her in our prayer cell.
Aarthi was very upset one day. She told me that she had missed her periods. I told her that it is quite normal for young girls to have irregular periods (you told me that...I remembered). She seems to be okay now.
I went to ELS and bought a copy of the NIV Study Bible. It’s beautiful. I had to empty my piggy bank and put in part of my monthly allowance. But it is worth it. It is quite difficult to understand but I am keeping at it.
I want to ask a favour of you...Would you please meet my sister and talk to her? I am concerned about her and the way her life is drifting...Thanks a lot. Please send me some tracts in English and Hindi. I plan to give to some of my friends and also to distribute to others when I go out.
Yours MJM (Mad-for-Jesus-Mala)
* * *
6 Oct 1988
Dear Mala,
Your friend Preethi has stopped coming to the Saturday prayer meeting. I tried to confront her but she managed to slip away. Why don’t you write to her and find out the cause for her backsliding? Try and meet her when you come down, for holidays.
The sin you stumbled on is called lesbianism or perverted sexual relations between two women. Be very careful. Keep a safe distance from girls who commit this act. It is very difficult to escape from the clutches of this sin, if you get involved. Romans 1:26 speaks of this sin: “Because of this God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones.” You can give these girls some advice.
1. They must acknowledge their sin and pray for deliverance.
2. They must stop living together.
3. They must keep themselves active and not be idle.
4. They must give up self-reproach and put their trust in Jesus Christ who alone has the power to deliver them.
I think, your friend Aarthi should have a medical check-up. God forbid! But she may be pregnant. These days it seems quite common for young girls to become unwed mothers. This is the reason why you have been warned to avoid being alone with boys. I have discussed the topic “Why not Wait” in detail in a pamphlet. Read it carefully Mala. Perhaps, you may share it with your friends in college.
I want to warn you about drugs also. Don’t experiment with intoxicating drugs (tablets, injections or cigarettes). It is possible for you to get hooked even with a small experimental dose. And once you are hooked, it is next to impossible to kick the habit. The drug literally finishes you off.
Drug addicts, lesbians, perverts....seems to be a despicable lot, aren’t they? But do we really have the right to cast stones at them? Many of these youngsters never had a sheltered, protected life like we had. Perhaps, it was lack of parental guidance, love, affection and security. They devise their own means of satisfying their basic need for love, recognition and belonging. Therefore it is our responsibility to pray for them and win them. May the Lord bless your efforts.
When you come home please buy me a copy of Ann Judson’s biography. Someone borrowed my copy and never bothered to return it.
I’m writing in haste. We are about to leave on a long tour. So write only after two months.
Your loving Aunty
P.S.
Sending some tracts by a separate parcel. Hereafter do not write to me for tracts and Testaments. Keep in touch with the following ministries for your requirements. You may have to pay a nominal price for what they send.
1. India Bible Literature
33 Nungambakkam High Road
Chennai 600 034
2. Scripture Gift Mission
18/1 Infantry Road
Bangalore 560001
3. Child Evangelism Fellowship
997, Church Lane, Ex-servicemen Colony
Doddabanaswadi
Bangalore 560043
4. OM, Logos Bhavan
Medchal Road, Jeedimetla
Secunderabad 500855
5. Bible Society of India
206 Mahatma Gandhi Road
Bangalore 560001
6. Gospel Literature Service
Udyog Bhavan, 250-D, Worli
Bombay 400 025
Dr. Lilian Stanley
13 Church Colony
Vellore 632006, India
+91 9843511943
lilianstanley@gmail.com
Blessing Youth Mission
13 Church Colony
Vellore 632006, India
+91-416-2242943, +91-416-2248943
hq@bymonline.org
www.bymonline.org
Click here for more options
To buy books written by Dr. Lilian Stanley, kindly reach to us in the follwing address
Blessing Literature Centre
21/11 West Coovam River Road,
Chintadripet,
Chennai 600 002, India.
+91-44-28450411, 8806270699
blc@bymonline.org
10 Sept 1988
Dear Aunty,
I feel a lot better after reading your letter. Thanks. I nicknamed you a ‘preacher’ once! I’m ready to eat my words now. I do miss my friend, philosopher and guide. Sorry for not sending you a prompt reply. My evenings are fully engaged with choir practices. I had no time to write. I’m sure you’ll understand.
By the way, I’m still in the Jesus Fan Club! And intend to stay there always!
You know what?! I picked up courage and spoke to Aarthi. She didn’t snub me for interfering... I hope, she listened...She didn’t make any comment. But some of my classmates are quite suspicious of my fanatical ways. I walked up to one and asked her, “Are you saved?” She was so catty about it. “Is that the fashion?” she demanded (Her back arched and her claws ready to scratch), “Walk up to Christians and ask them if they are saved? Get lost! Your goods won’t sell here!”
Ugh! She cut me down to the size of a peanut...and...before all the other girls. How they must have laughed! Perhaps, I’m not cut out to be a ‘fisher’ of men, after all...I dread to try again! I long for my school days. I wonder how I am going to stand this crowd for 3 years.
College Day was celebrated here. I would rather not say anything about it. Their behaviour was atrocious. I have decided to keep out of their revelry and merrymaking. I would rather be in hell.
A moody Mala.
* * *
22 Sept 1988
Dear Mala,
It’s good to hear that the “preacher” has been promoted to the rank of “friend, philosopher and guide!”
I hope you’re not kidding about your ‘fan’ club! I have heard so many stories about college ‘beauties’ and their mesmerised ‘fans.’ I’ll be very relieved if you have kept out of this giddy-headed business.
Are the champion soulwinner’s muscles flagging already? It looks like you are ready to give up even before the race has begun. Look Mala! Spiritual gifts don’t drop down from heaven in gift-wrapped parcels everytime you pray. We must keep going.
School is virgin soil. It is easy to lead the early teens to the Lord. But winning college students for Christ is a great challenge. Pray every morning that the Lord will use you that day. Then keep alert for opportunities where you may serve Him. Pray for discernment and wisdom not to let these opportunities slip through your fingers.
You never know. Girls who seem to be buoyant and light-hearted to all appearances may be wearing a flippant attitude to cover up the emptiness of their meaningless lives, steeped in fear and disillusionment. I pray that God leads you to be sensitive to the needs of others.
Do you remember Sangita whom you met at my place? She is now in Sholapur. Her letters also seem to echo your feelings. She too wants to cut herself off from all the social activities going on in her college. I have the same advice for both of you. Your success in soulwinning depends on how you move with other students. They mustn’t think of you as eccentrics. But at the same time, they must see in you a difference and purity. If you cannot learn to accept and tolerate them, you will never be able to win them for Jesus. But never compromise on your convictions. Be friendly to all. In time, the Lord will make you sensitive enough to become aware of the specific needs of people around you. He will provide the opportunity and the words that you should speak. Pray for them. The Lord who hears your secret prayer will give you a glorious harvest of souls openly.
Have you watched a crane catch fish? Though spotlessly white, it doesn’t scare off the fish. It stands perfectly still and catches the fish only when they come close, trustingly and within reach. The moral of the story is quite clear I think. The world may be compared to the pond. Like the crane though we may stand out in purity, we mustn’t conduct ourselves in such a way that people run away from us. God’s love should transform us into warm, caring people who reach out to others. Then, they will respond by trusting in us and we can lead them to the Lord.
We are indeed “blessed” if we don’t walk in the counsel of the ungodly, or stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in the seat of the scornful (Psa 1:1); but we must also be a “friend of sinners”(Mt 9:10-13). I hope I am making myself clear - we should not have fellowship with sinners but we can be their friends. The world is an ocean and we are fisher-folk. So, always remember that the Lord has a purpose in taking you to this institution. Take care that you fulfil that purpose.
(everywhere + wisdom) + (ever + smile) + (everyone + love) - (hesitation + fear + shyness) = soul x soul x soul
Bloom where you are planted. You are a witness in this world; a missionary in your own place.
Do you still write to your schoolmates? Keep in touch with them. Write home regularly. I met your mother at the market. She complained that you are slack in writing letters. When are you coming home?
Your Aunty
* * *
30 Sept 1988
Dear Aunty,
Two days ago I saw something that shocked and disgusted me. When the lights went out, I went into my neighbour’s room with my torchlight to borrow matches. I saw two girls there on the bed, lying in a passionate embrace. I fled for my life. Is this what you meant by fan?
Thank you so much for your letter. I read it over and over again. Your words have brought a new purpose and vigour into my life. Yes, I have made friends...now, they come to my room atleast to share my grub. There are six in charge of the mess. I spoke to them. They were interested in listening to what I said. One of them wept. She wants to come to my room and talk to me privately. Do pray for her in our prayer cell.
Aarthi was very upset one day. She told me that she had missed her periods. I told her that it is quite normal for young girls to have irregular periods (you told me that...I remembered). She seems to be okay now.
I went to ELS and bought a copy of the NIV Study Bible. It’s beautiful. I had to empty my piggy bank and put in part of my monthly allowance. But it is worth it. It is quite difficult to understand but I am keeping at it.
I want to ask a favour of you...Would you please meet my sister and talk to her? I am concerned about her and the way her life is drifting...Thanks a lot. Please send me some tracts in English and Hindi. I plan to give to some of my friends and also to distribute to others when I go out.
Yours MJM (Mad-for-Jesus-Mala)
* * *
6 Oct 1988
Dear Mala,
Your friend Preethi has stopped coming to the Saturday prayer meeting. I tried to confront her but she managed to slip away. Why don’t you write to her and find out the cause for her backsliding? Try and meet her when you come down, for holidays.
The sin you stumbled on is called lesbianism or perverted sexual relations between two women. Be very careful. Keep a safe distance from girls who commit this act. It is very difficult to escape from the clutches of this sin, if you get involved. Romans 1:26 speaks of this sin: “Because of this God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones.” You can give these girls some advice.
1. They must acknowledge their sin and pray for deliverance.
2. They must stop living together.
3. They must keep themselves active and not be idle.
4. They must give up self-reproach and put their trust in Jesus Christ who alone has the power to deliver them.
I think, your friend Aarthi should have a medical check-up. God forbid! But she may be pregnant. These days it seems quite common for young girls to become unwed mothers. This is the reason why you have been warned to avoid being alone with boys. I have discussed the topic “Why not Wait” in detail in a pamphlet. Read it carefully Mala. Perhaps, you may share it with your friends in college.
I want to warn you about drugs also. Don’t experiment with intoxicating drugs (tablets, injections or cigarettes). It is possible for you to get hooked even with a small experimental dose. And once you are hooked, it is next to impossible to kick the habit. The drug literally finishes you off.
Drug addicts, lesbians, perverts....seems to be a despicable lot, aren’t they? But do we really have the right to cast stones at them? Many of these youngsters never had a sheltered, protected life like we had. Perhaps, it was lack of parental guidance, love, affection and security. They devise their own means of satisfying their basic need for love, recognition and belonging. Therefore it is our responsibility to pray for them and win them. May the Lord bless your efforts.
When you come home please buy me a copy of Ann Judson’s biography. Someone borrowed my copy and never bothered to return it.
I’m writing in haste. We are about to leave on a long tour. So write only after two months.
Your loving Aunty
P.S.
Sending some tracts by a separate parcel. Hereafter do not write to me for tracts and Testaments. Keep in touch with the following ministries for your requirements. You may have to pay a nominal price for what they send.
1. India Bible Literature
33 Nungambakkam High Road
Chennai 600 034
2. Scripture Gift Mission
18/1 Infantry Road
Bangalore 560001
3. Child Evangelism Fellowship
997, Church Lane, Ex-servicemen Colony
Doddabanaswadi
Bangalore 560043
4. OM, Logos Bhavan
Medchal Road, Jeedimetla
Secunderabad 500855
5. Bible Society of India
206 Mahatma Gandhi Road
Bangalore 560001
6. Gospel Literature Service
Udyog Bhavan, 250-D, Worli
Bombay 400 025
Dr. Lilian Stanley
13 Church Colony
Vellore 632006, India
+91 9843511943
lilianstanley@gmail.com
Blessing Youth Mission
13 Church Colony
Vellore 632006, India
+91-416-2242943, +91-416-2248943
hq@bymonline.org
www.bymonline.org
Click here for more options
To buy books written by Dr. Lilian Stanley, kindly reach to us in the follwing address
Blessing Literature Centre
21/11 West Coovam River Road,
Chintadripet,
Chennai 600 002, India.
+91-44-28450411, Mob:8806270699
blc@bymonline.org
