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India 2009
The team has returned! From the 5th of May – 15th, the thirteen member team experienced the wonderful works that the Lord is performing in Trivandrum, India. Here is a sample of the events that took place from the perspective of one team member:
"The ten days we spent in India will not soon be forgotten. We who had the privilege of ministering in Trivandrum could not escape the initial awareness that we had nothing to offer the people, unless God would equip us. And He did. What took place over the course of the trip we will joyfully carry with us for the rest of our lives.
During the mornings we ran a Vacation Bible School for children at a retreat center owned by a local pastor and wonderful man of God called John Panicker (who also graciously organised and coordinated our meals, accommodations and outreaches). Throughout the VBS programme we ministered the Gospel to these precious children by playing games, making arts and crafts, feeding them and sending them away with books and stationary for the upcoming school year. After three days, we had the privilege of ministering to hundreds of children and their families. The Christians were greatly encouraged, and Muslim and Hindu families were moved that we would come to a place that most westerners wouldn't think twice about. We told them that it's Christ who is thinking about them, and that we were privileged to know them and to play a small part in God's plan for their lives.
During the afternoons, we visited slum areas and local housing estates. Everywhere we went, the people were asking for prayer and for company. Despite their need, they showed tremendous faith. It was incredible to see such light in people that live in such dark circumstances. I suppose those who have nothing need God more than those who have no need. We went from house to house and hut to hut, praying, fellowshipping and singing songs with every family. What a beautiful time. We'd go out to bless people, but come back feeling as though we received far more than we could ever give.
Simultaneous to our outreach, Pastor Nick held Conferences for 88 pastors who had travelled from all over India to receive the wonderful revelation of the New Covenant. Through the teaching of God’s covenant with Christ, many rejoiced at the realisation that the “works-based gospel” they had so long been burdened by was not what God intended for them. Instead they could rest in Christ’s perfect working of His Father’s plan on our behalf. After two days, each pastor went home with enough physical food to feed his family for a month, and enough spiritual food to feed his flock for a lifetime. Praise God!
During the evenings we held gospel meetings in a 400 seat auditorium. Local Christians came and brought many of their Hindu and Muslim friends and family members to hear what all the fuss was about. We performed short dramas and gave testimonies of how religion had failed us but how Christ Himself had found us and restored us to a relationship with Him. Many people came to the altar and received salvation. Others asked for prayer for physical healing. Nobody could deny the power of God as they saw people touched and set free coming away from the meetings. What a priviledge it was to witness it all!We could not have expected or hoped for the Lord to move beyond the way He did during this missions trip. As we allowed ourselves to be poured out on a daily basis, we were amazed to find ourselves continually filled afresh for another day’s work. And, while we had rarely worked so hard, we had rarely been so satisfied with a day’s labours. The next thought occurs that we have the very same opportunity here at home to work in the strength and the anointing of God, even as we remember and pray for our dear brothers and sisters back in India."
-John
Please continue to stand with us in prayer for the Christians who continue to stand for Christ in India. Thank you for your steadfast prayers and support!
| Video: Ministry in Trivandrum | |
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