New Delhi: Scores of believers dedicated their lives with tears for doing ministry in un-reached areas of India and Nepal during the concluding session of the 17th annual celebration of Shalom Assembly of God Church, Munirka at Mt. Carmel Sr. School auditorium, Anand Niketan.

Pastor Ezekiel Joshua was challenging the audience to be “a soldier known unto God” in the spiritual battle field. Citing the inscription in a war memorial, he exhorted the believers to carry the gospel even to difficult places.

Shalom AG Church, Munirka organised its 17th anniversary celebration from September 27 to 28, 2009. The combined fellowship of morning Hindi, evening Nepali worship services and afternoon Hindi service in Arjun Vihar were conducted on Sunday, 27 at the church from 3.30 to 6 p.m.

Pastor Ezekiel Joshua spoke from the Word of God about spiritual gifts, which was beneficial to all believers. Many believers committed themselves to desire and pray for spiritual gifts like the gift of healing, prophesy, etc.

On 28, the annual programme began with praise and worship session by the church choir led by Bro. Anil Sing at Mt. Carmel Sr. School auditorium. Pastor Umanand Gaire presided over the sessions. Bro. David Joshua presented a brief history of the church since its humble beginning in 1992. Many pastors and leaders who were present were welcomed and honoured. The founder of the church, Pastor Ezekiel Joshua along with his wife Mrs. Alice Joshua were presented a memento to honour their ministry to the Shalom AG Church.

In the theme session, Pastor Ezekiel Joshua exhorted the believers to “forget what is behind and strain towards what is ahead,” as in Philippians 3:13. Presenting the scene illustrated in Hebrews 12:1, he challenged the believers to give their best in following and serving God, because all the heroes of faith are watching from the galleries. One should go on even when it is very difficult to take another step, like the long distance runner, and finish the race in order to get the crown.

The church thanked God for the lay leaders who support the ministry in various ways, and prayed for them rededicating them for the ministry.

A skit was presented by the youths during the afternoon session. Sunday school children presented songs. There were cultural programmes from other churches and the branch churches from Panipat, Mandawali and Ghitorni. Believers from Delhi Afghan Fellowship presented songs in the morning session. A Bible quiz was also conducted, in which eight teams from different churches participated.

“We thank God that He has helped us thus far. We believe that in the coming days He will help us extend our ministry to more needy people,” Pastor Umanand Gaire said.