Gifts for Children

This afternoon we handed out gifts to the children living in the orphanage.  They were so happy!  We had some friends donate gift bags for girls and boys.  The girls received a notebook with the words "Jesus Loves You" written across the front in Telugu (their native language) as well as a notebook, pencils, and jewelry.  The boys received paracord bracelets, hot wheels cars, pencils and pads.  All the gift bags included a hand written card from the people who put together the bags.  What a blessing!  The children were so excited to not only get gifts, but a not e as well.  That made each one special.  Love God!

Pastor Conference Day 1

We started the pastor conferences today.  I forgot about how it changes things when speaking to a translator.  It took a little while to get used to it again.  Still, it was a great first day.

The focus of the conference was discipleship.  As wee taught, we were able to begin breaking some walls down.  The biggest step was getting pastors to actually discuss with each other the material from each section.  Normally, conferences are not ran like that.  It was neat to see pastors sharing their thoughts on what discipleship meant, how do you define "gospel" and seeing the truths of our views of church.

Part of the time of lunch was spent sharing testimonies of our coming to know Jesus.  It is amazing that God is so big and touches each of us.  Pursuing constantly and not giving up.  And when we finally submit, oh the beauty!

We closed with the parable of the sower as an illustration of discipleship.  It is found in Matthew 13:1-23.  I led them through thinking about 2 questions:

1) Who is the sower in the parable?
2) Where does the seed come from?

Think about it.  Later on I'll post up what I taught.

Washing Feet

Every time I witness a foot washing it blows me away.  It is so full of humility on both the washer and the wash-ee.  Think about it.  Would you let someone wash your feet?  Would you wash someone else's?  One of the speakers in church today reminded us that it was Jesus Himself who offered to wash all our feet when He came to be a servant and sacrifice (John 13:1-7)

So would you let the King of Kings wash your feet?

The Least of These

We went and visited some of the poorest children in Hyderabad today.  Simple gifts of backpacks, toys and school supplies brought smiles and joy.  The other team with taught the story of Joseph

 and how he was the favorite.  Then, they reminded each of the children they were God's favorite.  What a powerful testimony to see the Gospel in the eyes of a child.  Especially when there situation is so rough.  The ministry we are with provides tutoring, Bible study and a meal 5 days a week.  For most of the 55 kids in the program, its the only real food they get in the day.  Please pray for the children and the hearts of the workers God has raised up.




And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.  Matthew 18:3-6

Made It Here!

After 27 hrs of travel I made it to Hyderabad. The trip is always interesting.

People next to me did not seem very talkative this time.  I did have many opportunities to pray for people as grumpiness seems to show up after 12+ hours on a plane  :)  When I arrived in India I was greeted by my friends Moses and Glory.

Caught a few hours of sleep.  Off to church!

Leaving Tomorrow!

I'll be heading out.  Honestly, I'm a little nervous.  Last time I had no idea what I was doing or what to expect.  This time I have something to work from.  Stories and feelings from last time.  These things are playing in my mind.

What will God do?  Did I hear correctly on what to teach?  Is the delivery right?  Am I the right one.....

I shared these feelings with a good friend that fights for the harvest.  He said that he was in the middle of listening to a sermon on the exact same thing.  It was a teaching on Gideon and his situation.  The story is in Judges 6.   Can you relate?

What if you really are part of this big story?  What if the Creator picked you for a job?  Could you, would you, do it?  Truth be told, He already has chosen you.  He already has a job.  We just have to listen.

Put out your fleece my friends!

On the road again....

Your welcome for getting that song stuck in your head :)

I am off to India again this Friday.  Amazing!  The things God has put in place to make this trip happen are awesome.  I am fully funded, many people have stepped up to support my family while I am gone, and our hosts have been praying and fasting for our arrival.

While there we will be leading two different pastor conferences.  We will be focusing on discipleship and reproducing disciples.  In addition, we'll be leading Bible studies for the pastors and participating in revival meetings.

God has made it clear that He is to get the glory for this trip.  So, the adventure begins!