Now in Vizak

So once again I have voyaged up north into the ‘small’ city of Vizak, Andhra Pradesh.  There are a mere 1 million people living here and is located between some beautiful mountains and the sea.  I got here on Wednesday and am staying here with a friend Carin and her family.  They are passionate believers with a really great hearts toward Christ and the things that are important to Him.  Let me tell you… it has been a BLESSING to be with them! 

Today we went out to a slum and prayed for a girl who has epileptic fits and during one she fell into a ditch (just trust me when I say you don’t want to fall into a ditch here in India… they don’t have an underground sewage system… so…. ).  Her mother tried to help her out and she also fell in.  For the last couple of days they were bed ridden because of pain.  Today when we prayed they were able to move around but still experienced much pain.  They were being cared for by the other sister who is deformed from polio.  So when we went to pray we were asked into their place.  Now… their ‘place’ was about the size of a standard to slightly large bathroom in the USA.  They had a single bed, room for 2 plastic chairs beside, and pots and pans…. And everything else one ‘needs’ for life.  It was much smaller than a ship cabin.  In addition to the 3 women, a husband and daughter also lived here… you work that out…

Anyway, it was a blessing to be there because we prayed and spoke the truth about Jesus Christ.  Both mom and daughter felt much better.  Since the living quarters are so tight, many neighbors heard us praying and came to see.  We ended up praying for probably 50 people this afternoon.  Some of the people were believers, some not.  We prayed and shared with them all!  It was beautiful to see God at work!

Here in Vizak I’m also working in another orphanage with 90 kids.  Several of them are deformed from polio.  I’ve already gotten to spend time with those precious ones three times and plan on seeing them several times a week.  Another friend is flying in from Mumbai on Monday and we will get to go minister together…. And enjoy a mutual ‘iron sharpening’ I am excited!

Just a few highlights from my past time in Kakinada… I got to teach in 7 villages.  I visited a leprosy center, did a pastors conference, and attended a sewing graduation to reach unskilled women in small villages.  It was wonderful!  I guess you can tell by my explanation… I’m really enjoying India.  Serving in these ways is what I am built for.  I thank Jesus for the hope He’s put in me (and that same hope in you… believers!!), and the ability to walk by faith into dark places.  Please continue to pray for me… I value that so much!!  Much love in Christ!!

First Week Stats...

Well, I am in the state of Andhra Pradesh now.  I haven’t had a chance to give an update since leaving Chennai.  I'm staying with Jessie and Emmanuel from WMOF.  They are awesome.  They run a Bible college, a sewing center outreach for women in the community, a leprosy outreach, and they have 49 orphans... yes... they have 49 orphans…    The girls and boys are separated into two houses.  The girls’ home is right across the street from Emmanuel’s.  Its so beautiful to see the girls just over here all the time!  They are learning great discipline here and Christ-likeness.  The boys are about a 15 minute bike ride away.  The Bible school students stay with the orphans and get a chance to apply all they’re learning practically.  Its beautiful to see this entire ministry at work amongst so many in the community.

So… since I didn’t get time to share about the conclusion of my time in Chennai… I’ll share just a bit.  My entire ministry time was spent with Metro Missions.  Here’s some quick statistics so far regarding my trip in Chennai:

spoke at 7 schools

1 girls boarding school, or ‘hostel’

1 slum center

in total well over 2000 kids I got to share Jesus with.  Most of them were not believers... but some were and I had some opportunities to share more appropriate messages for them!

I also got to meet another American girl name Margaret.  We got to spend some time together.  It was so nice to be amongst someone from the same culture… it reminded me of how different it truly is here.  I also got so share my understanding of spiritual truth and encourage her in her own spiritual journey.  I thank Jesus for our time together!

In Andhra Pradesh so far:

shared in 2 churches

last night I gave an evangelistic meeting to a small village

led a vbs like camp day for 49 kids for 6 hours

lots of work with the orphans... all day long... I love them!!!

So its interesting to think that 2 weeks ago at this time I was flying over England... not even in India yet.  So much has happened in this short time.  My outlook so far is this... God WILL USE YOU!!!  If you step out in faith... He will guide you with all the appropriate steps... He will give abundant opportunity to share His word.  I am seeing WAY MORE CLEARLY how the harvest is ripe... but the laborers are few.  Be bold for Christ where you are today!  Step out in FAITH!!  Love Him and all men! 

Thanks for keeping in touch and joining me in prayer!  I love you all in Christ!  Great is His faithfulness! 

Ohhh, I also just got a new Indian cell number.  If you’d like to get that number and call me, just email me at sanctified777@gmail.com and I’ll send it to you. J

Much Love!! 

Pictures!!

Here are some pictures!!  I haven't taken too many, and have forgotten my camera too many times... but here's a few anyway! 

My first days of ministry!

My first days of ministry have been awesome!  I arrived at 11:30PM Monday.  Tuesday was a rest day.  Wednesday morning I got to speak at a Christian school here in Chennai.  During this short time while I’m in this city, I am volunteering with Metro Missions.  It is a children’s ministry.   They do a lot of work with slum children and also with Christian schools.  As of now, Anand and his wife Pamela, and staff have open doors to get into all 40 Christian schools in the city.  These schools are Christian because of their staff and curriculum.  They do however have open enrollment and allow children of all religions to attend trusting God will lead many to salvation. 

So on Wednesday morning I had the opportunity to speak to 500 children.  Most of them are Hindu.  Anand guessed around 100 are Muslim and about 50 are believers.   I spoke to them about Jesus being the light of the world.  I even taught them that song. J  I asked them about darkness and if they had ever felt afraid.  I couldn’t believe how many raised their hands, even the high school kids around 17 years old; almost every hand shot up.  I spoke about how Jesus’ perfect love casts out fear.  I don’t know what sorts of situations these children experience, but I am sure of our Father’s perfect love for them.  The time was all together wonderful and as I left my heart was also burning with love for them.  God himself is giving me a love for His people here! 

Today I spent time with Anand’s wife Pamela and their children.  It was amazing.  I am so overjoyed to know these wonderful servants.  They have started off with small things and been found faithful.  Now God is growing their scope of influence.  I was also pleased to learn they live totally by faith.  They had no income to pay for their apartment, food, and 5 and 9 year old daughters.  They trust Jesus for all and ask for nothing.  Just last month they got their first car.  Someone just gave it to them.  Before this they would transport the whole family of four on a motor bike.  Please pray for this godly family and their mission to the children of Chennai.  They have lovingly reached out to me, driven me all over the city, helped me get set up with traditional Indian clothing and cell phone, helped my with cultural norms, given me ministry opportunities, and overall simply loved me because we are family in Christ!  What a blessing they are to me. 

Tomorrow I will speak again in another school.  Afterwards we will go into a slum and spend time with the kids there.  I don’t know all that entails… but I imagine it’s like a VBS… only it takes place way more frequently.  Once again… I really appreciate your prayers!  God is working!! 

The man outside the gate.

What joy fills my heart when I know that I am moving just as the Lord leads.  So here’s a short testimony.  So today I had the honor of spending time with Pamela.  She is Anand’s wife from Metro Missions.  They are a wonderful God fearing couple with two beautiful girls.  We spent the day praising God, being silly with the girls, eating some very delicious food, and sharing testimonies.

On the way home I took a rickshaw.  As I got out I saw an old man begging at the gate.  I reached into my purse and gave him 20 cents.  I then went back to my room and had a time of worship.  Around  six I left to come here and write about some of my experiences so far… but I was stopped by the same man.  He had come into the campus and was waiting for me.  He came up to me nearly in tears.  He started speaking to me in what I believe was English… but it was very difficult to decipher.  What I could catch was that he has some sort of serious stomach problem and is in a lot of pain.  He was praying and God told him to have me pray for him.  As he was sharing my hands began to tingle and get warm.  I know that this is not needed or anything, but it happened, so I want to share.  So I asked the man if I could put my hand on his shoulder and pray for him.  I prayed in faith because I know that the Lord paid for this mans sickness.  After, I asked him if he was still in pain.  He said he felt better but it was still a little painful.  I prayed again.  What really struck me about this man was how he was in no rush.  He wanted all the prayer he could get.  He also joined in with me at different points.   At the end of the prayer he said all the pain was gone.  He was in tears and shaking with joy.  I got to ask him about his life and he shared how he has been sleeping out in this part of the city because he can’t get home.  I had the honor of giving this man $2.40 so he could take a train to his city.  And another blessing was how I had that exact amount for the train ticket in my purse.  It was my ‘alms’ money and also for a bottle of water.  Our Father gives us living water… and with Him we will never thirst again!  Ohh how I love my dear Father!  His heart is filled with such kindness towards all people! 

In India

Well I’ve arrived here in Chennai safely.  God provided for me in awesome ways during the flight.  One praise is it went by very quickly.  Another is I had divine appointments on each flight.  I had people to share God with and another person who was also going to India for mission work and he got to encourage me.  God orders all our steps and richly provides for His people. 

So now I am taking 1 day to get over the jet lag.  The USA is 10 ½ hours different than India.  I had a most delicious lunch today, but it was very spicy.  Tomorrow I go to start my work with Metro Missions.  I’ll be speaking in schools all week at special assemblies.  Keep myself and those special children in prayer.

Packing and Leaving!!

So in 17 hours I leave for the airport.  Wow!  That seems short when put in hours… not in days, weeks, or even months!  Before I write anything else, I want to share a really cool praise.  Last week I remembered that I really wanted this book on giving wisely.  Basically it investigates how believers can give in a way to build up a community to depend on the Lord, rather than on wealthy nations.  So I bought it on Amazon and found out the expected shipping dates were between 1-20-12 and 2-2-12.  I thought to myself, that’s cutting it a little close, but I know it’s a simple thing for God to do.  So I prayed, and just had full faith and assurance that God would bring me this book before I flew out.  So today, Saturday, when the mail truck pulled in, I just was praising His name and thanking Him before I even visited the mail box.  Sure enough, my book was present… and His faithfulness was shown in even this small thing!  What a great assurance I have that His faithfulness will be ever present each of my days while in India!  And all my days!

Perhaps some of you are wondering what one would pack for a six month mission trip to India.  So I’ve gone ahead and shown you… to satisfy your deep curiosity! 

The first pictures are of me and my bag.  Next I show some candy.  The first picture is of Slim Jims and other candy I will give out to the children there.  The next picture is a smaller stash… and that’s for me… but I’m still open to sharing!  I think the Nutella is the best way to do chocolate in the coming heat!  Another picture shows my blanket, pillow, towel and clothing.  I’m not bringing too many things, and I plan to wear mostly native clothing that I’ll get there.  Besides that, you’ll see my toiletries, electronics, and lots of toilet paper.  If you’re not sure why I packed toilet paper for my trip to India… perhaps you should Google it.  Yikes!! 

Please pray for me.  I am stepping out into a different land to spread the true gospel.  Not everyone can go… but some can pray, and some can send.  What is your part?  I love you in Christ Jesus!  May the grace of God be understood by us all!

***ohh and a side note... you didn't see my Bible there to be packed.  It's not that I decided its better not to bring one... but rather... better to use it to today and keep it handy tomorrow in my purse! ;)

My flight info

Here's my flight... Its a long one... :)

	Tampa - Chennai | Sun, 22 January 12, 12:30 hrs
	Departure Arrival Non-Stop Flight Tampa(TPA) Chicago(ORD) Non-Refundable Fare Major US Carrier Sun, 22 Jan 12, 12:30 hrs Sun, 22 Jan 12, 14:25 hrs Duration:2h 55m AA-2043 Cabin:Economy
	CHANGE PLANE LAYOVER 1hr 15m
	Departure Arrival Non-Stop Flight Chicago(ORD) New Delhi(DEL) Non-Refundable Fare Major US Carrier Sun, 22 Jan 12, 15:40 hrs Mon, 23 Jan 12, 17:45 hrs Duration:14h 35m AA-292 Cabin:Economy
	CHANGE PLANE LAYOVER 2hr 20m
	Departure Arrival Non-Stop Flight New Delhi(DEL) Chennai(MAA) Non-Refundable Fare Major US Carrier Mon, 23 Jan 12, 20:05 hrs Mon, 23 Jan 12, 22:45 hrs Duration:2h 40m AA-7842 Cabin:Economy Operated by Jet Airways