‘I Prayed to God and Obeyed’

Rev. H. Isaac on fear, obedience, and what he found at RTMC

Rev. H. Isaac • Assistant Pastor, RTMC • 1980–1982

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.”
Psalm 103:2

I served at Kannada Central Methodist Church, Raichur from 1976 to 1980. When the then District Superintendent, Rev. E. Hanock, told me I had been transferred to Richmond Town Methodist Church in Bangalore, my first response was to ask him, please, to reconsider.

RTMC was an English church. My ministry had been entirely in Kannada. I felt I was not up to it.

He encouraged me to go, saying it would be good for my future. I accepted that Bishop Elia Peter and Rev. Hanock had taken this decision for my good. I prayed to God, trusted His leading, and obeyed the transfer order.

I arrived at RTMC in June 1980.

Senior Pastor Rev. Vinay Kumar Moses and the congregation welcomed me warmly. RTMC was, at that time, the most prominent English worship service in Bangalore — served by highly qualified and deeply spiritual pastors.

Standing among them, I felt keenly my own sense of inadequacy.

“In my unworthiness, God graciously helped me see the humble and spiritual fellowship and harmony in this church that encouraged my ministry.”
— Rev. H. Isaac

And then I began to see what I had been given.

A choir and musicians who led inspired worship. Bible studies led by Rev. Dr. Theodore Williams, attended by many. The midweek Wednesday service with a full congregation. Prayer meetings well attended. MYF and YAF overflowing. Methodist Men taking up church extension projects. Doctors and nurses in medical outreach.

Every member was involved in the ministry of the church according to their capacity.

That atmosphere inspired me to learn and to commit my life more fully to God. I came to understand His love, His calling, and His faithfulness in a new way.

I was a bachelor when I arrived, seeking a life partner with whom to serve.

By God’s grace, Mary Blessing came into my life.

On 16th August 1982, our marriage was solemnised at RTMC by Rev. Dr. Ravi Joseph, Rev. Dr. Theodore Williams, and Bishop Elia Peter. The entire congregation prayed for us and helped with the arrangements as one family.

That was a great blessing, and I remain grateful to God for His faithfulness.

Shortly afterwards, we were transferred to Emmanuel Methodist Church, Chennai.

But RTMC had already given us more than we could have anticipated when I arrived, afraid and uncertain, in the month of June, 1980.

It is our prayer that the Lord’s faithfulness continues to bless and grow the ministry of RTMC — its pastors, its worshippers, and all those who pass through its doors.

May it continue to be known as a church of fellowship and service.

Rev. H. Isaac
Assistant Pastor, Richmond Town Methodist Church • 1980–1982