Friday, February 17, 2012

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!!

Sunday, February 5, 2012

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!!