Blog@GraceJunction

Rise Up has a new ID, a new logo.

The  Kite is a culturally significant symbol of rising up. In the whole of India, Gujarat is the place where kite flying is done with most fanfare. Kite is very dear to a Gujarat resident. We thought it apt to include that as a part of the logo. The colors represent the vibrancy of the event and diversity of population that it is relevant for.

The text font is modern and coveys a sense of urgency. The red in the text “rise” denotes urgency and the blue in “up” denotes heights. The tilt in the text reinforces the urgency in the call to ‘Rise Up’.

With all these elements working together to convey the message, “Rise Up”, the logo on the whole though flat and silent, is still a loud and clear proclamation of its intent.

The rectangle defines the shape for recall and the golden yellow sets a backdrop of a sunrise! The rounded edges make it more casual and youth-ish. (more…)

How often have you gone to a public meeting to find a 7 year old boy being asked (sarcastically) to preach in proxy of an absent speaker? And to find that the boy preaching fire, leading only to conversion of many at the meeting? To me, never. But that’s precisely what happened during early ’90s to an audience of one such meeting in South India when Shyju Mathew took up the challenge which went on to be a humble beginning of his powerful ministry.

Born on January 17, 1986, in a small town called Pathnamthitta, Kerala, Shyju Mathew developed an intense hunger to know God at a very early age. Encouraged by his mother Mrs. Kunjumol Achankunju’s prayers and support of his mentors, the young boy began to spend much time in prayer (at least an hour everyday). (more…)

He suffers from rheumatoid arthritis and 60% lung damage. He is an inventor who has come up with his own versions of guitars (world’s first bongo guitar and a 54 string guitar).Led by rejection, bad health and rejection, he attempted suicide at the age of 16.

On November 25, 2010 (at age of 35 years), he became the fastest person to have traveled every country in the world.

That’s Dr. Benny Prasad from Bangalore. Born on August 6, 1975, Benny Prasad had - what could be called - a non-promising start. Suffering from Asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, 60% lung damage and an immune system regularly failing him, his life during childhood was always threatened. Add to that, in spite of a highly regarded scientist at the National Aerospace Laboratories as his father, Benny Prasad went on to master a fiery and quick temper, forgery and “expertise in the art of lying”. As if that wasn’t much of a disappointment for his family, he tried to attempt suicide at the age of 16 out of depression. (more…)

“If you want to go fast run alone, if you want to go far run together.”

For once the statement is not out of any so-called self-help books.  These are words of a 36 years old leader who has been ministering mightily to thousands of people.  As the Pastor in-charge of Bethel AG Church - International Worship Centre today in Bangalore, Rev. Johnson Varghese has been instrumental in inspiring people in Bangalore and beyond to follow the Lord Jesus unitedly.

Born on April 11, 1975, Rev. Johnson is the younger of the two sons of Rev. M.A. Varghese, the Senior Pastor at Bethel AG Church, a place where there is comfort for the hurting, encouragement for the depressed, love for the lonely, and sick are healed and Jesus is glorified!

And who has been an inspiration in his life? His father, Rev. M.A. Varghese, a former Air Force Trainer and Scientist who forsook all to serve the Lord. Inspired by his father, Rev. Johnson Varghese dedicated his life to prayer and study of the Holy Bible since a very young age and made it part of his everyday life. Constant relation with God helped him build a solid relationship with his Maker, Jesus Christ.

Currently Rev. Johnson, with wife Cynthia and their two young sons, are ministering mightily in the city of Bangalore and he is one of the most sought after speakers within India and abroad. It’s been more than 10 years now and God has been faithful to the humble ministry and the fruits are really evident. More than 4000 (four thousand) people gather every Sunday for the English services of the Bethel AG Church, led by him.

Rev.Johnson will be the main speaker of the “Rise Up” event on its last two days, October 5th and 6th, 2011. With his ability to relate with young people and the anointing with which he ministers and “Yeshua Band” to lead the worship before he ministers, we know that the “Rise Up” event is set for a grande finale.

For those who have just two days to spare, maybe these two days are what they should chose to be there!

Rise Up!

“RISE UP”, a ten day jubilation of power and praise is being organized in the city of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. This ten day jubilation begins on September 27, 2011 till October 7, 2011. GFAG, the organizers of this event, are also the patrons of the GraceJunction website.

Some of the renowned musicians and bands from around the nation have agreed to be in Ahmedabad during this days for “RISE UP”. The list includes Rev.Johnson Varghese (Bangalore), Yeshua Band (Mumbai), Shyju Mathew (Bangalore), Sounds of the Nations (Hyderabad), Dr.Benny Prasad (Bangalore), Kirti Sagathia (Mumbai), Burning Bush (Bangalore), VJ Traven (Kochi), Rev.Thomas George (NCR). Confirmations are awaited from others like Br.Ram Babu (Bangalore) and Br. Anil Kant (Mumbai).

The theme “RISE UP” heralds the purpose behind organising an event of such scale. GFAG hopes that the youth who participate in the event would “RISE UP” to the need of this city, the needs of its people, “RISE UP” to see and grab greater possibilities and opportunities that are so much within their grasp, “RISE UP” to the challenges put forward by the stalwarts who will deck up the different days of this gala event. The event will also create greater awareness about the presence and potential of GFAG thus paving the way for more opportunities for it to fulfill its mission and purpose.

This blog will continuously feature updates about “RISE UP”. Keep coming back for more.

RISE UP now has a new identity.

‘Grey Divorce’, as it is increasingly being called, is on the rise. Couples who remain married for decades together are seeking divorce! This trend has been around for a while now but it has once again come under focus with Al Gore announcing a separation from his wife of forty years, Mary “Tipper” Gore!

The Gore divorce annoucement came as a shock to the Americans especially because just about two weeks earlier they had celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary and 40 years is a really long time! As a couple they have survived emotional upheavals, the likes of which few could imagine. During their stint for the White House, and earlier even as ‘Monicagate’ loomed large over Al Gore’s political future too, they created the public image of a couple deeply in love. (more…)

What’s happening to our planes suddenly! What’s happening to the Indian flights! There have been at least four incidents in the last fortnight in which one of the incidents resulted in the loss of 158 lives, including the crew! Again another flight almost landed into an already parked aircraft on the runway! Be it an overstressed flight crew or the ground-staff (ATC) that maybe the reason for all these, but there surely is too much appearing to be at stake in the skies for now!

I never forget to say a small prayer of thanks to God whenever my flight is about to take off and immediately before and after it lands safely too. After reading about these close shaves, I should say that every take off and landing has been a favor granted! Some of you may shirk at the thought of thanking God for everything! Why to ascribe all favours to Him! If so, then let me tell you, I am sure there maybe times in your life when you really want to thank someone for something or for some situation in your life and then suddenly you realize that you don’t know whom to thank! (more…)