Michael & Destiny Bell along with Destiny’s sister Bethany are from the USA and have been coming to TLC during their stay in Mumbai for Mike’s MBA from Welingkar University. While they were with us they regularly helped with Karuna (TLC’s work among the leprosy) and Jyoti (a children’s home). In a short time they really fellowshipped with This is a short letter written by them about their experience:

Dear Tree of Life Church,

We have learned so much from you in our short time here. Thank you for being a faithful people who are committed to prayer! We were not here a week and Franco and his family came to pray for Destiny while she was sick! And we have watched you care for one another – and even unbelievers – in this way. Your prayer lives have challenged us and helped to increase our faith.

Thank you for making relationships a top priority. Your hospitality has been such a means of grace for us. Thank you, thank you, thank you for having us over for meals and for helping us to get to know the area!

Your church has invested so much in us though you knew we would only be here a short time. You have helped to equip us for the next season of our lives. We have learned so much from your knowledge and the way you live your lives.

When people in America ask us what our favorite part of India is, we always say – without hesitation – Tree of Life Church! We are forever grateful to you.

We have grown to love and care for you and look forward to hearing the ways God uses this church for His glory. May the gospel go forth!

Much Love,

Michael & Destiny Bell,
Bethany Babb

P.S. – Destiny and Bethany have GREATLY enjoying helping with the Karuna work and the children’s center in Chembur. Thank you for this opportunity!

Michael, Destiny & Bethany with TLC while in India

Senior Pastor & Elder of TLC

(This is a foreword to the December edition church newsletter published every month)

Life is not like a battle, it IS a battle. We have to constantly battle for the promises of God, battle to preach a gospel of grace, battle to keep our minds fixed on things above, battle for our children, battle to believe God for our healing, etc. We have an enemy who has come to rob, kill and destroy but Praise God we have a God who has come to give us life and life in abundance. And the truth is that on the cross Jesus won the victory. And so we can rejoice Hallelujah and know that our hope is not in vain.

With this in mind let us be eager to share our faith with others and impart this hope to many who are perishing. Even as Christmas is nearing and we remember the birth of our Lord Jesus,  let us remind ourselves that today we are alive because the Father gave His one and only Son that all who believe in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Even as we belong to a God who is so giving let us be a people who will give. Freely we have received, let’s freely give. It’s a wonderful time to remember the poor and bless them with the love of Jesus. Even as you wait on the Lord he will lead you to share His love with many.

Let’s also take this opportunity to bless our Hindi church brothers and sisters who have never known what it is to celebrate Christmas.

We will be trying to prepare a list so that each one will be able to choose and individual or family whom they can bless. May each one of you have a joyful time with family and friends enjoying the greatest gift of life Jesus as we enter into the Christmas season.