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!!