“Jehovah Shammah!” @ 12 July 1941

One of the towering personalities of the Indian Church is, brother Bakht Singh [1904-2000.] He was born into a Sikh family, and was raised accordingly, in a part of Punjab, which is now in Pakistan. The LORD Jesus touched and transformed his heart in 1929. Since then, till his death in 2000, a good 71 years, God used him mightily for His glory.

Once a Jesus hater, Bakht Singh became the exact opposite; serving the LORD with deep devotion and commitment. I had the privilege of hearing him a few times. Once my father asked him to pray for us as a family, which he gladly did. He truly was a gentle and saintly “Servant of God.”

On 12 July 1941, after a night of prayer, Bakht Singh and those with him were prompted to start indigenous churches. The first church, which was established in the city of Madras on this day, was called “Jehovah Shammah.” The LORD soon multiplied this effort, and more churches were started across India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Australia, and elsewhere.

Sadly, almost immediately after the death of this wonderful servant of God, the leadership of Hebron Church broke up, and ended up fighting among themselves, primarily because of the property, and also the desire to hold positions and power. 

This is a tragedy because, Bakth Singh was truly a servant spirited leader, and sought to serve and glorify God, at all times, and in all things. The others, sadly, were not so, is the inference from the incidents that followed. It is a true reflection of the fallenness of the human heart, and our need for the Saviour’s forgiveness, and His grace to continue to walk His way…the Narrow Way.

May the LORD help us to be faithful to Him and His kingdom all the days of our lives.