02/06/2021
“When ten people are against you, remember ninety people are with you.” Bishop Ernest Komanapalli.
No one can serve long and serve Christ fruitfully without opposition. This he knew very well and also experienced miraculous protection and provision. So, his advice to young leaders and pastors was “When ten people are against you, remember ninety people are with you.”
To provide food, clothing, shelter, education and care to more than 17,000 children who could not provide for themselves, in the Miriam Children’s Homes is a feat in itself. These children either came from poor families or were orphans. Add to that- raising leaders and overseeing 1600 churches across the country and abroad; community projects of building more than 3000 houses and providing safe drinking water to help people earn their own livelihood…and so much more. None of this happened without opposition. Bishop Ernest experienced hostility not just from those who opposed the Gospel but also from those envious of the ministry and sometimes from within the fold. He once said something like this- when God asks you to do something not only will people laugh at you but also at times you will laugh at yourself but remember when ten people are against you, ninety people are with you.
Under his guidance, Manna Ministries became one of the first ministries in India who ordained Pastors born blind and acknowledged their ministry. Long before KFC India (Kentucky Fried Chicken) began hiring the hearing-impaired (deaf), Bishop appointed staff in his office who were hearing impaired. Some of these small acts get ignored when surrounded by a large number of co-workers. But should it be? Doesn’t it reveal something about a man who wants to recognize the life of those who are ‘differently abled’ (handicapped).
Another beautiful thing I have witnessed him do was to lift those people who have failed morally or spiritually and give them another opportunity. When other leaders shunned those who failed, Bishop Ernest reached out to them. There are many in ministry today who would have quit as they once wanted to, if it was not for his encouragement. Perhaps this was a way to better himself when facing his own challenges and opposition. A way to say ‘I want to be among those ninety people who want to stand for you.’
In an age which believes in commitments without obligations and gratification without delays, the life of Bishop Ernest challenges us to be persistent in the face of opposition. Or as he once said, ‘After all it’s only a tree that is fruitful that people will throw stone at.’
By Ps Joyson Cherien
